White Plains CitizeNetReporter - <i>White Plains Speaks</i>: Plea to Common Council on Hospital Vote

Open Letter to Tom Roach of the Common Council from a Bryant Avenue Resident: A White Plains resident pens a pledge of support to four members of the Common Council and requests they turn down the New York Presbyterian Hospital biomedical/cancer treatment center now in Public Hearing before the Common Council. The hearing is tentatively scheduled to be closed at the Monday, March 4 meeting of the Common Council

To: Tom Roach.
CC: Ben Boykin, Bill King, Rita Malmud,
Subject: NYH proposal
Dear Tom:

I am a resident of a neighborhood situated along Bryant Avenue between Mamaroneck Avenue and North Street and I am very upset over the application submitted by NY Hospital for their proposed plans. I am writing to you because I recall specifically the day that you came to my house to campaign for your election to the common council. At that time I was vaguely aware of the hospital's plans and I asked you where you stood on the issue. Naturally you assured me that, if elected, you would do your best to help us keep our neighborhood.

Well, I voted for you, and now I am asking: do you intend to let this application pass when the vote is held?

Since last year, I have educated myself on the situation and I am now well aware of the many legal, environmental, practical, and emotional arguments surrounding this controversy. I am also well aware that there are some members of the council who feel that this development would actually be a benefit to the city, in spite of the devastating effects on the thousands of people in my area who pay hefty taxes to live here and would have to contend with the noise, pollution, road congestion and pedestrian danger after the many years of construction finally end.

As you know, it is the residents, (and not the patients or many of the employees of NY Hospital) who pay city taxes and vote to elect representatives in this city. It is we who send our children to the White Plains schools and participate in the community. If you vote to allow this application to be granted, then you will be just another politician who cannot be trusted to keep his word and represent the interests of his constituents.

I am aware of the extreme arguments being put forth on either side of this matter, as well as the very real threat of further lawsuits against the city. However, there seems to be ample legitimate reason to deny this application and defend your decision in any court. I also know of many people who would gladly support the city in defense of its decision should the hospital take legal action after the vote. So, please, don't cave in!

There is so much to be proud of in this city and so much that is already being done to enhance the economic climate here, don't make the terrible mistake of ruining the area with this awful plan.

Yours truly,
Amy Barest


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