Peekskill Hollow Rd.- Another political sell-out in the making

[PVill...@aol.com]

Putnam Valley- While I was glad to see the message from the PV Residents Coalition about the latest debacle regarding PHR, I had to wonder why it appears that we are now back to Square One with this ill conceived waste of the taxpayers' money involving yet another unholy alliance between Putnam politicians, developers and Big Business.  I attended a couple of the PHR meetings as did many other residents and we were loud and clear that we did not want anything much done to this beautiful country road that runs through Put.Valley between Cortlandt and Kent.  Supposedly the politicians that were there heard us, or at least claimed they did.  Everyone from Bondi, to Oliverio to Davis seemed to agree that they would turn down the bulk of the money that was being given for the project, and  see to it that the changes made would be minimal and restricted to Oregon Corners and the two bridges. 

So now it seems that it's "business as usual" and we're right on track to go back to the original plan of "improving"  the road such that it could be the final nail in Putnam Valley's coffin- especially if they do even half of what they'd proposed.  You see, as it is now,  PHR is a wonderful secret shortcut if you need to get over to the Rte. 301 corridor including Kent and Carmel.  Since January, when I started my Carmel store, I've been driving that route every day and can tell you for a fact that I've been in fear for my life every time one of those monster 8 wheeler trucks comes at me doing 50 or more mph on a road that can barely sustain 35 in most places.   And the truckers do l love that road because it's such a great way to avoid the traffic and lights on Route 6.  Which is exactly what PHR will become if this plan is allowed to go through.

 

Forget about Santucci and the other developers.  If Peekskill Hollow Rd. becomes the main thoroughfare that has been promised to the aforesaid Big Business & Development Interests, Putnam Valley will become another Mahopac or Mohegan in no time flat.  That seems to be exactly what's happening and if we trust in the politicos to help us- well there's an old joke that refers to the  "3 Biggest Lies", one of which is "I'm from the Government and I want to help you."   You know where that's going.  I recently queried Sam Davis about his efforts and asked to see correspondence about PHR, specifically if he had been communicating with John Hall.  Although he stated "I tried", he could produce no written documentation and said that his efforts had been "verbal".  (I have the e-mails).  I am putting it out there now- does anyone out there have a written correspondence file on Peekskill Hollow Rd.?  Where are the documents?  Please let me know if anyone has good, solid information that proves what's been done or not done so far.  If need be, I will start filing FOIL requests from all concerned so I'd appreciate seeing what's out there so far.

 

I would encourage the Friends of PHR, the PVRC and all other interested parties to get back on track with this issue IMMEDIATELY!  It may already be too late, judging by what the MTA has pulled in trying to throw it back in Harold Gary's lap.  Although I have no doubt that Mr. Gary "failed to inform both the MTC and Putnam County Planninng that there had been any changes from the original proposal."  (see PVRC email of 4/17/07).  Whether through laziness or deceit, this project is being allowed to proceed by all the politicians who are on the mailing list of the sample letter.  We need to re-organize our community and stand up for our right to just say "NO"- to tell the Feds "we don't want your stinking money."

 

Let's just hope it's not too late.

 

Patty Villanova  

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[Joni Mercado]

I, too, believe that there should only be minimal changes restricted to Oregon Corners and the two bridges. Peekskill Hollow Rd. is long and winding. To widen it would only make people feel it would then be safer to drive faster which, to the contrary, would only make this country road more dangerous. THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE HAVE SAID: "DON'T WIDEN PEEKSKILL HOLLOW RD.! It's the people that pay the salaries of our elected officials. Therefore, they should do the will of the people who are their employers.

Joni