Solved: the Mystery of Those Empty Buildings

VOLUME XXXX NO. 1 PUBLISHED BY THE PIERMONT CIVIC ASSOCIATION SPRING 2010

Solved: The Mystery Of Those Empty Buildings

here are several handsome build- will be used for food preparation. ings in our area which look fin- The friendly, enthusiastic mother ished, but are curiously empty of three, Dianne is brimming over Tand mysteriously unused. with ideas for her new business. She has hired a chef and a baker who will Just over the Piermont border in be turning out fresh baguettes on the Sparkill, an impressive three story premises. There will be a deli section brick and stone building on Route 340, with soups, sandwiches and salads, a has been under construction for almost coffee stand and a veggie and fruit juice five years. A sign, saying “Coming bar. “I plan to serve simple, top quality, soon, Coppola’s Tuscan Grill” has been healthy food that is organic and locally hanging from the building for over a grown whenever possible,” she said. year. There will be a grilling area for ham- Salvatore Coppola, the owner said, burgers, pizzas and such and a case “It took us longer than we expected with preheated take-home food. And to get a liquor license and some per- there’ll be fresh flowers and penny mits from the Town, but we’re getting candy as well as a bulletin board for everything in there to open on April people to post notices. 1st.” The restaurant will have a wood burning oven and an elevator, a rare At the moment Dianne is allowed to feature in Sparkill. have 14 seats but she hopes additional seating on the outside terrace will be The menu will feature northern Ital- permitted. “I look forward to creating ian cooking. Mr. Coppola, who will be Fred Burrell a comfortable atmosphere that encour- the executive chef, learned his craft in The mystery is over. Dianne Fuhrmann ages great conversation,” she says. his native native Italy. He owns two and Bruce Tanner, partners in the new restaurants in Manhattan, Coppola’s Palisades Market, share some grapes Dianne recently bought an old Blau- East and Coppola’s West. Neither is before the opening. velt family house on Western Highway. in a building as handsome as the new She’ll live there after refurbishing it. one. time the old building had a sign on A handsome building on the west The Sparkill building, where Tony’s the roof that advertised Indian Motor- side of Route 9W, just north of the Pali- Lobster House used to be, shares space cycles. It was a charming set for many sades line was built to provide “Inter- with a magnificent white ash. The tree, movies, TV commercials and ads. The active Healthcare Sciences.” It oper- listed as a “Champion Tree” by the new Palisades Market has been built in ated for a few months back in 2007. DEC is the largest of its kind in New its form and will open this spring. But the 17,000 square foot building, 75 York State. James Castagna, who lives percent fitted out for medical offices, in Sparkill, said the tree was measured Dianne Walsh Fuhrmann of Demar- has been empty of doctors or medical by New York State Forester Lou Sebe- est, NJ, built the new structure on the care since then. Its current owner is, sta late last year and was found to footprint of the old. Her plan is for “an rather anonymously, 348 Realty Asso- be only a few inches smaller in girth old fashioned American store remi- ciates LLC in White Plains. Commer- than the largest white ash in the entire niscent of those from the 20s and 30s cial realtor Michael Rao has been list- United States. when life was simpler.” She said the ing it as a “vacant trophy property” for old building, built in the 1930s, was more than a year. The asking price, he Just north of Oak Tree Road is a beau- too decrepit to renovate. Rebuilding said, is $4.3 million. But that is “nego- tifully rebuilt replica of the old Route allowed her to put in a full basement tiable—very negotiable.” 9W Gas Station that was operated for with ovens and refrigeration, which ~Fred Burrell over 50 years by Henry Kennel. At one ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

people with walkie-talkies who would warn them that police are coming so they could throw the fish President’s Corner back.” Most violators, according to Piermont Detective ishing licenses were for elites with fly rods angling Brian Holihan, are unaware of that they’re doing anything for trout in mountain streams when I was a kid grow- wrong. The first time they’re caught they’re given a warn- ing up on the river in Grand View and Nyack. Now, ing. After that they get a summons. But if the police or the Fif you’re over 16 you need a license to fish in the Hudson. DEC agents see anyone trying to hide their illegal catch, they I don’t fish anymore so I hadn’t realized that last fall they immediately ticket them. changed the rules. The pier attracts a wide variety of fishermen year around. Apparently, there are fishermen in Piermont who haven’t There are retirees, many of them former cops and firemen. gotten the word either. Educating them is a job for the New There also are many Hispanics, African-Americans and York State Department of Environmental Conservation Asians, some fishing with their families. Most of the retirees (DEC) but since it has just three agents covering all of Rock- release what they catch but others keep them. Holihan says land and Orange Counties, the Piermont police take up the that he’s certain that some people are “fishing to eat.” I’m slack. sure he’s right. Most of the time people obey the rules after they learn I don’t know about you, but that bothers me much more them and the violations are minor but not always: “In years than someone fishing without a license. Because the river is past,” recounts Piermont Police Chief Michael O’Shea, “we loaded with PCBs and other nasty stuff, the New York State have had groups here from Queens with large commercial Health Department says that children under the age of 15 coolers. We had information that they were selling the fish and pregnant women should not eat any of its fish. Every- to restaurants back in the city.” Holy cow! one else should limit themselves to just one meal a month of In early March this year, before the opening of the striped most Hudson River fish. The advice on blue crabs is no more bass season, DEC agents arrested two people with 22 of the than six a week. desirable game fish. The limit is one per day per fishermen. “Someone had been watching them fishing in the Sparkill Fishing licenses are available at the Orangetown Town Hall Creek behind the ball field and reported them,” O’Shea (not the Piermont Village Hall) or online from the DEC http:// says. “They tried throwing them back in the water but it was www.dec.ny.gov/permits/28941.html. too late and they got summonses. The same group has had ~Bob Samuels

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The Newsletter is published three times a year by the Piermont Civic Association, Box 454, Piermont, NY 10968

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Dark Days For Tallman hese are difficult days for Tallman Mountain Park, its staff and those who use and support it. First, there was New York State’s fiscal crisis, which Talmost certainly will result in the closing of several of the state’s parks and the curtailment of hours and activities in almost all of the others. Fortunately, Tallman is not likely to be closed, nor its hours of operation cut back. But depending on the final budget adopted by the ever-more dysfunctional legislature in Albany, Tallman’s pool will be shut down, at least for this season. That means its 19,000 users, many of them youngsters from low-income families, will be out of luck. To compound the woes, a late February storm, with its heavy, wet snowfall, wreaked thousands of dollars in damage. A large tree fell on one of the historic, WPA buildings near the park’s main entrance, and numerous other trees and branches fell across the park’s various roads, paths and hik- ing trails. While the major ways were cleared within a couple of weeks, Clark Alexandre, the park’s manager and his A huge tree damaged the roof of the charming refreshment two workers, were assessing the damage well into March. stand near the track and playing field. All this cleanup costs money – at a time when less and less is available. Alexandre says he’ll probably have to hire a contractor to do some of the heaviest work. In years past, Alexandre hired 20 to 30 part-time work- the spring, summer and fall to maintain paths and trails, ers during the summer season, but he says he doesn’t know pick up litter, patrol the grounds and assist park users. He’ll how many he can afford to take on this year. Of course, he need that help more than ever this year. If you’re interested, won’t need lifeguards and the other pool part-timers if that call him at 845-359-0544. Managers in the other interstate facility is closed. But a pool shutdown will impose costs of parks also use volunteers. Call the park’s headquarters at its own as maintenance is deferred and improvements put Bear Mountain, 845- 786- 2701. off. Consider how your car would operate if it sat aban- And then there’s the possibility of financial contributions. doned for more than 20 months. The Palisades Interstate Park Conservancy supports various Tallman, which averages almost 300,000 visitors each aspects of the parks, and membership fees begin at $35. Con- year, is one of 28 New York and New Jersey parks in the tributions can be earmarked for specific parks and activities. Palisades Interstate Park system, stretching north from the See the website, www.palisadesparksconservancy.org/con- Edgewater-Fort Lee border in New Jersey to Lake Min- tact/ It’s always welcome when people volunteer to pitch in newaska near New Paltz and the historic Senate House in or contribute to the park,” Alexandre said. He added that at Kingston. Almost all of them have been adversely affected this time of financial need and heavy damage, “it’s helpful by the harsh winter and the even harsher fiscal crises. for them to fill in the gaps.” But you can help. Alexandre takes on volunteers during ~Richard Benfield

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New Optimism About Preserving The Onderdonk House “They’ve had contractors in there,” said Saaby, “and are investigating the situation to see if it works for them as an investment and also as a restoration project. I would be pleased, but also very surprised if it actually made sense for them. It just seems like a whole lot of extremely difficult and expensive work.” He guesses that it would cost between $500,000 and $700,000 to make the place livable. “That’s not necessar- ily a museum quality restoration,” he points out, “but it would take that to fix all the problems and get it finished off for comfortable living. The cottage, which is occupied, is also old, yet quite livable, but it has some peculiarities that could also stand some work down Sally Savage the road. It is certainly adequate now as a rental house.” t now seems more likely that the sure to be on its list. An earlier effort to The other possible buyer is a Brook- Onderdonk house, Piermont’s most make the entire village an historic dis- lyn man who restores old houses. “He historic building, will be saved. trict failed. is interested but is currently in hiding ITwo potential buyers have promised Preservationists have long feared somewhere,” Saaby said sarcastically. to restore the sandstone home and not that a buyer would rip down Onder- “There have been some serious discus- demolish it, a real estate agent told the donk house (despite its listing on the sions with him but I haven’t heard from Newsletter. National Register of Historic Places) him in weeks. There have been offers “The current owners,” added Lynn and its rental cottage and replace them and counteroffers with him.” W. Saaby, the broker, “would never sell with one or two new houses. The .67- The owner of the Onderdonk house it to anyone who would tear it down. acre lot is on Piermont Avenue at Ritie is Hester Haring, who spent part of her They would continue to suffer the taxes Street and has a river view. childhood there, according to the bro- instead.” Saaby owns the Jan Conner One potential buyer is the children ker. She is in a nursing home. Her hus- real estate agency in New City. of a longtime Piermont couple. Their band, James Cason, is managing the What’s more, the Village Board, at its mother asked that we not reveal the property. He is sympathetic to the fact March 16 meeting, voted to stop issuing family’s name. “Yes,” she said, “our that the property has been in her fam- demolition permits for six-months. It’s kids are interested and they are talking ily for a long, long time and has sig- asking the Piermont Historical Society about it. They haven’t made a decision nificant historic value but he’s made it to recommend which parts of the vil- yet.” Both her children have architec- clear that he is not willing to give the lage it thinks should be declared his- tural backgrounds but now make their place away. toric districts. The Onderdonk house is living in real estate. “He would never sell it to anyone

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who wants to it tear down,” said the a son of one of the Tappan patentees, donk House, he wrote, “as presently broker, “but they have been under the in 1711. constituted, incorporates at least three burden of what amounts to almost An article in the Journal News of distinct periods of construction within punitive real estate taxes from the vil- April 15, 1975, says “Little did Arie its physical fabric, c. 1737, c. 1810, and lage.” Smith know when he built the house c. 1867.” If anything remains of a 1712 The first Piermont reassessment val- for his bride Jannetje back in the sum- house, he didn’t find it, so the house ued the property, which is listed for mer of 1712 that had he laid his corner- is generally dated from 1737, the year sale at $1.2 million, at $2 million. “The stone a little closer to the water, history after the sale to the Onderdonks. total real estate taxes are some $26,000. might tell a different story today.” Krattinger believes it is “an outstand- The owners are steaming under the This refers to a Revolutionary War ing example of lower Hudson Val- burden of paying those taxes,” Saaby attack on the property by a British ship ley vernacular domestic architecture” remarked, but he admitted that they which didn’t damage the building. The which is “illustrative of larger cultural haven’t challenge the assessment at a point here is that a house was appar- and architectural trends on both the grievance night. ently built on this property in 1712. On regional and national level.” The house He wishes he could wrap up the sale March 26, 1736, Arie and Jannetje sold was passed along in the family for gen- soon. “The real estate business is a lot the property to Garret and Abraham erations. One owner, Catherine Onder- about waiting,” he sighed. Onderdonk. Cole’s history of Rockland donk, married a Haring in 1820, and in County and the property described it the twentieth century the property was The Onderdonk as a farm on the North River, consist- often referred to as the “Haring House.” House History ing of 320 acres with houses, barns and The current owner is a Haring. The Onderdonk House is one of the other amenities. However, the Onderdonk house’s oldest, if not the oldest, buildings in the Garret Onderdonk married and had greatest claim to fame is its property’s village. Its history can be traced back to nine children, and the farm eventually association with George Washington DiplomatTheunisB&W AdRoelofse2/09:Diplomat Van Houten Flyer who 2/18/09 set- “passed 3:27 PM to hisPage sons,” 1 according Wil- and the Revolutionary War. Toward tled on a large tract of land along the liam Krattinger of the New York State the end of the war, Washington and the Hudson between Nyack and the Slote Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic British commander Sir Guy Carleton (Sparkill Creek) in about 1686. His Preservation in nominating the house held a meeting at Washington’s Head- daughter Jannetje married Arie Smith, to the National Register.”The Onder- continued on page 13

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Diplomat Health & Swim Club Diplomat Health & Swim Club 1101 Overlook Circle, Piermont, New York 10968 • DiplomatHealth.com 1101 Overlook Circle, Piermont, New York 10968 • DiplomatHealth.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tom Temple: Piermont’s New DPW Boss ur new Department of to having wanted his job for Public Works Supervisor, a long time although the idea Tom Temple, is a native of following Al was intimidat- OPiermonter. He heads the team ing. But the job opened up ear- that keeps the village infrastruc- lier than he expected when Lou ture intact—maintaining build- Hurban, who had long been Al ings, roads and sidewalks—and Bartley’s second in command, clears the village of trash and decided he did not want it. To snow. Indeed, Piermont’s DPW prepare, Tom took classes with is regionally famous for plow- Al and added classes about ing its streets with astonishing local roads at Cornell Univer- speed. So, nature threw Tom a sity’s Extension in Stony Point special snowy challenge in his and. Since he took over he has first year. He passed easily, set- had to deal with many absences ting what might be a record in in his crew from illnesses or getting rid of the white stuff injuries, but he has managed through a snowy February. to do it without too much over- Born in an apartment over Fred Burrell time. Day-to-day maintenance the Community Market, Tom activities. On Gate night and Halloween isn’t the problem, he says. “It’s is a Tappan Zee High School gradu- the whole village was there for playing the big projects that get put off when ate. He now lives on Tate Avenue, not pranks. “Lots of toilet paper,” Tom said. you’re trying to keep overtime down,” too far from where he started. He is a “Now I don’t want them to do that!” he explains. This winter’s snowstorms twin, (he arrived first, he says, beating Tom also recalls the Fire Department’s have surely tested his budget—espe- his identical brother Tim by three min- late lamented Fourth of July weekend cially weekend snow storms when utes).Contradicting the popular belief carnivals. He helped out on them after overtime is most costly. that twins become less trouble as they he joined the Department in 1991. Those I had three final questions: grow up entertaining each other, Tom is evenings ended with fireworks displays What has found hardest about the convinced that he and Tim, made trou- over the river. The Carnival, which job? “Really nothing,” says Tom. “I kind ble from birth. They were adventurous lasted until 1997, were a summertime of anticipated everything because I had enough to encourage his mother to stop ritual for many Rocklanders. worked with Al. I have to take myself at two. (Girls are apparently easier. Tom Frances Tallman was the first high- out of the friendship line with the men and his wife followed their twin girls, way supervisor Tom remembers. Even during the day, but we’re still friends now five, with a younger daughter.) back then the village had the reputation outside work. That’s been fine.” When Tom talks about growing up of clearing its streets after a snow storm And what’s the hardest thing about in Piermont as one of the “River Rats,” faster than anyplace else. Tom began the job—which stuff do the guys least it’s clear that he thinks it was a great life his work life as a building maintenance like to do? That answer’s easy: “Pick- for boys. Was “River Rats” a negative man for Piermont Landing. When he ing up garbage in the rain.” title? Not really. They called themselves joined the DPW as a seasonal worker And finally, what could Piermonters that. There were lots of kids and they in 1996, Ray Holmes was in charge, but do to make his job easier? He couldn’t managed to find their way everywhere. the boss he served longest under was think of a thing. “They’re good about They were always outside, Tom says. “Big Al” Bartley. “He did such a great recycling,” he adds, “and I just want The pier was there for fishing and crab- job,” says Tom. “It has been a challenge them to know that I appreciate the bing, and the Community Center and to fill his footsteps.” opportunity to do the job.” Kane Park were there for all kinds of As for leading the DPW, Tom admits ~Joan Gussow

6 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reader’s Write The Newsletter welcomes your based its campaign for Indian Point’s two to four times more expensive than letters. Please send them to us at Box relicensing on the fact that the Hudson conventional water treatment and ten 454, Piermont, NY 10968, or e-mail River is not a source of drinking water times more expensive than implement- them to [email protected]. in this area. ing conservation methods. Environmental concerns are many Yet perhaps the largest concern with To the editor: and varied. Adverse impacts to the the proposed plant is that it is not nec- Would you drink Hudson fragile Haverstraw Bay ecosystem, a essary. United Water based its pro- River water? breeding ground for numerous aquatic posal on questionable calculations of Many Piermont residents are not species, would include fish and other Rockland’s need for additional water. aware that Suez Environnement/ wildlife mortality from water intake United Water’s figures for our reser- United Water wants to build a desali- apparatus and pollution from concen- voirs were distorted by the compa- nation/water treatment plant in Haver- trated brine solutions to be discharged ny’s releasing unpermitted amounts of straw to provide its Rockland custom- into the river. The plant would create water (millions of gallons a day) from ers (including all Piermont customers) toxic waste requiring disposal on land Rockland reservoirs to its customers with drinking water from the Hudson and would consume large amounts of in New Jersey. Since United Water has River. energy thus increasing air pollution been caught and fined for these vio- Yet this proposal raises numerous and greenhouse gas emissions. lations, our reservoirs have remained health, environmental, and economic With construction costs currently above 90 percent. Additionally, United concerns for Piermont residents. The estimated at $116 million and high Water used projected population plant would be located on a former operational costs due to salinity and increases that are not consistent with landfill in Haverstraw, across the river multiple contaminants in the river, the current County and Town comprehen- from Entergy’s Indian Point with its desalination plant would place a finan- sive plans and zoning laws. history of malfunctions and radioac- cial burden on residents (costs could Even if Rockland County is fac- tive leaks. The plant would not be able continue to increase significantly due ing future water shortages, there are to remove all radioactive substances to rising energy, waste disposal, and many more sustainable alternatives to from the water. Ironically, Entergy has carbon emission costs). Desalination is continued on page 11

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Blue Rock School - Where Every Child is an Honored Student 7 NEW ADS to size.indd 6 3/13/09 1:37:57 PM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Birds In The Piermont Marsh iermont’s marsh is one of sev- ter, the reeds are yellowish, but, with their witchity phrase three times from eral ornithological and ecologi- spring, green growth starts to emerge vegetation tangles. The trills of Swamp cal wonders we are fortunate to from the mud. And in early summer, the Sparrows will reveal the location of Phave. It is not only beautiful but also Piermont Marsh is a beautiful expanse the singers in the reeds. They look like a uniquely productive environment, of tall green stalks. To observe its birds Song Sparrows, but are more richly at the interface between fresh and salt at close range, two vantage points are colored, with a reddish crown. In May water, and between river and land. the rise near the swimming pool and an and June, listen for the rattle of Marsh Marshes (“areas of low-lying wet- opening in the woods at the end of the Wrens. Hearing them is easy, but see- land”) come in several kinds, freshwater, path that skirts the edge of the marsh ing them less so, as their territories are tidal, and salt marshes being just a few. and the bottom of the cliffs, southward scattered deep inside the Marsh. Piermont Marsh is a hybrid between from the pool. Once ready to watch The most abundant breeding bird freshwater and tidal. Bounded to the birds, the best strategy, in my opinion, in the Piermont Marsh is unquestion- north by the Piermont Pier and a grove ably the Red-winged Blackbird. Males of cottonwoods, to the east by the estua- perch near the top of reeds, open their rine waters of the Hudson River, and, to wings slightly, thus showing their red the west, by the basalt cliffs of the Pal- epaulets, and simultaneously throw isades, the Piermont Marsh is actually back their head, open their beak wide a small delta, formed by deposits from and tremble while emitting their the Sparkill Creek, that occupies about nasal trill. You may also hear soft and a thousand acres of mud out of which repeated koo ‘s from a Least Bittern, grow tall reeds (Phragmites, a grass). but to glimpse it you need luck. For Large river deltas like the Volga (flow- this discreet marsh bird, evenings are ing into the Caspian Sea) or the Danube is to sit still and scan the marsh, binocu- a good time, as it often manifests itself (into the Black Sea) have extensive reed lars at the ready. near dusk. And even if you don’t see marshes. These indeed, are spectacular, Winter visitors include an occasional it, you are bound to watch something but the Piermont Marsh, our own mini- Rough-legged Hawk from the Cana- of interest, for example a Great Blue delta, “an alluvial deposit at the mouth dian Arctic, distinguishable from the Heron, neck outstretched, stalking a of a tidal inlet,” deserves our attention resident Red-tailed Hawk by the black fish or a frog, or a flock of swallows because of its wildlife, and our respect band of its tail, hovering about 30 feet that zig and zag over the marsh, lower because it is an important source of above the reeds, then plunging down and lower, before finally settling down organic material that nourishes an to catch a mouse. A regular spring and in the reeds for the night. entire food chain. fall visitor is the Northern Harrier, usu- Piermont’s Marsh is just one of the Viewed from the Pier the Marsh looks ally in female plumage with a con- many unique natural features that like a thin line of low vegetation grow- spicuous white rump, flying back and makes living here so special. ing between river and wooded cliffs. forth over the marsh, ready to pounce ~François Vuilleumier This, however, is an illusion. To appre- on rodents. ciate the real dimensions of the Marsh, Beginning in April, migrants appear Dr. Vuilleumier, the Piermonter who drive up to Tallman Mountain Park, and sing to advertise a territory. Yellow wrote and illustrated this article knows settle on a comfortable rock ledge, and Warblers, detectable by their lisping, his birds. The American Museu of Natu- look down over the roughly triangular four- or five-syllable song, keep near ral History recently published his encyclo- expanse of reeds. Thus seen from above, the edge of the Marsh, between cot- pedic, 744-page, 6-pound, Birds of North you notice that the vegetation, far from tonwoods and reeds. Common Yellow- America. A Curator Emeritus, he is for- uniform, is interrupted by small pools, throats (the males sport a handsome, mer Chairman of the museum’s Depart- shrubbery, and open channels. In win- black face mask), another warbler, emit ment of Ornithology.

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8 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At The Library hen we opened our new building in the spring of ‘07 our collection totaled 11,487 items. That num- ber is now over 15,000. In addition, more and more Wpeople are using the library’s computers, attending movies, concerts, classes, art exhibits, lectures and presentations.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friends and Neighbors On Sunday, April 11, at 2 p.m., we’ll present a new program in our popular Friends and Neighbors series. Nick Platt of Paradise Avenue, a former “Asia hand, China spe- cialist, and intelligence analyst in the U.S. Foreign Service,” will share some of his experiences and insights into our relationship with China that he gained from a long and dis- tinguished career in the diplomatic service The program, entitled China Then and Now, will begin with An undated photo of Nicholas Platt and Zhou Enlai from a video of Platt’s own films of Nixon’s historic China visit. the cover of Platt’s new book. Following the video, he will “conduct an interactive discussion with the audience on current conditions in China and the state of our relationship now.” He will also introduce Two Concerts his new book. This year we were fortunate enough to receive funding once again for two special concerts. Both feature contempo- In the Gallery rary musicians whose work reflects the cultural traditions of In May we will host a Studio in Art Exhibition by stu- their ancestors. dents enrolled in Studio in Art at South Orangetown Middle We’ll welcome spring on Sunday April 18, at 2 p.m., when School. Forty-one of them will be exhibiting work completed Fode Sissoko and members of his group Fakoli - African in an advanced high school level course which is offered to Dance and Drum will perform their unique brand of World eighth graders. One of their teachers is Piermont resident Beat music. Sissoko was born in Senegal, West Africa, to a Beth Dougherty. An opening reception will be held Sunday, family of traditional musicians. “Fakoli” means “the ances- May 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. tor” in Mandinko, Fode’s native language. In June James Kimak will present an exhibition of his On Sunday, May 16, at 2 p.m., the second concert, featur- fine art and graphic works with a focus on his artistic pro- ing the Rudresh Mahanthappa Duo, brings a rising new star cess spanning the past 18 years of his career. It ranges from in the world of jazz to the library. Rudresh Mahanthappa his first one-person show at the Hopper House in Nyack, was born in the U.S. of Indian parents. He is a graduate of through his numerous shows at the Allen Sheppard Gallery the Berklee College of Music with a master’s in jazz compo- in New York City sition from DePaul University. He used his Guggenheim fel- Mr. Kimak, a former Piermonter, now lives in Orange- lowship to study its musical traditions in India. He is accom- burg. Samples of his work can be viewed at his website, panied by Carlo de Rosa, a Latin-American bassist who has www.kimakdesign.com. An opening reception will be held worked with many great artists in the Latin and Jazz world on Sunday, June 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. continued on next page

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At The Library continued from previous page This project is made possible, in part, by author and co-producer (and Nyack tem will be presented by Jean McA- with funds from the Community Arts resident) Daniel Wolff. A magnificent voy, Education Coordinator, NYS DEC, Grants program of the Arts Council of documentary about the life of Jean Hudson River Research Reserve, and Rockland, the Decentralization Pro- Dominique, a generous, charismatic Alene Onion, HROECOS coordinator, gram of the New York State Council on Haitian radio broadcaster (and, as the in the library’s Hudson River Room. the Arts. The Friends of the Piermont title suggests, agronomist) who was Library have also contributed signifi- a brave and tireless voice for democ- Some Notes cantly to the project. racy and human rights - until he was Please note that parking in the lot gunned down in 2000 outside his sta- behind the building and the strip along First Friday Film Series tion. Demme’s coproducer (and fellow the north side is reserved for library use FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 7:30 PM - NOTES Nyack resident), author Daniel Wolff and that no overnight parking is per- ON A SCANDAL (2006), directed by will appear in person to talk about the mitted. Parking tickets may be issued Richard Eyre. Dame Judi Dench and film, its subject, and, of course, Haiti. to those who violate this restriction. Cate Blanchett face off with searing performances in this riveting story of Special Program -- Monitoring the Older back issues of The Piermont obsession and desire, set in a London Hudson Estuary Newsletter from the Library’s collection public school. HR-ECOS, the Hudson River Envi- are now available online thanks to the FRIDAY, MAY 7, 7:30 PM - HAPPY- ronmental Conditions Observing Sys- efforts of Richie Stark. Check his web- GO-LUCKY (2008), directed by Mike tem, was established in 2008 by a site www.piermont-ny.com. Issues date Leith. Dubbed by one critic the British consortium of government and aca- back to the mid-1960s and cover the version of Amélie - come watch and demic/research groups, including local changes and developments, peo- you’ll know why. Lamont-Doherty, the New York State ple and events, that helped define Pier- FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 7:30 PM - SPE- DEC and the Hudson River Founda- mont in the second half of the twenti- CIAL! LIVE APPEARANCE! - THE tion. eth century. AGRONOMIST (2003), directed by Jon- On Sunday, June 6, at 2 p.m., a dem- ~Grace Mitchell athan Demme. LIVE APPEARANCE onstration and discussion of the sys-

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Letters To The Editor continued from page 7 a desalination plant such as improved To the editor: bridge. It would be three times the water management, water conserva- Tish DeBow, the Mayor of South width of the present span. tion, stormwater management, water Nyack, does not want a new bridge, and lAlthough the bridge will have infrastructure repairs, land use plan- has admitted that she is worn out by room for rail, officials could use this ning, and green infrastructure. It is the fight against it. This is, of course, all space for more vehicle lanes because important to know that the desalina- part of the New York State Department there is no money for new trains. tion plant is proposed to meet “peak of Transportation strategy. Who in their lA Thruway official recently testi- demand”- that hot summer day when right mind could possibly maintain the fied that the existing bridge is safe and everyone goes out to water their lawns. necessary obsessive focus for 10 years’ sound. Previously, to drum up support Rockland County has not addressed worth of endless public meetings about for a new bridge, the Thruway had its water resources in a comprehensive a bridge? That would be me. falsely claimed it had been weakened manner and it is time we did. For the past 10 years I have been the by marine borers and had been built to It is unwise to leave decisions on Tappan Zee Preservation Coalition’s last just 50 years. Rockland’s water resources to United Honorary Secretary and have attended lThe present structure is being Water. As a private corporation, United scores of bridge meetings, public and restored to last at least another 10 to 15 Water, a subsidiary of the French-based otherwise. After all that, I’ve come to years. The cost of more complete reha- multinational Suez Environnement, the conclusion that a new bridge is bilitation is $3 billion. This includes has a large financial motivation to unnecessary and that rehabilitating bringing it up to seismic standard and construct the desalination plant. New the current bridge is a much sounder adding express bus lanes and a bicy- York State guarantees the corporation choice. cle/pedestrian lane. Estimates for a an 8-10 percent annual return on cap- Here are some facts that you may not new bridge start at $6 billion, but many ital investment. While a $116 million know. observers believe that the real price is investment would be a boon for Suez lA wider TZ Bridge right-of-way closer to $20 billion. Environnement shareholders, it would would force the widening of the Thru- lOfficials are promoting Transit Ori- not be for Piermont residents. way from South Nyack to Suffern so it ented Development (TOD) to encourage Alexis L. Starke would “agree” with the replacement continued on page 15

Kennedy & Kennedy Real Estate Milton Katcher Associate Broker 845.641.9979 mobile [email protected] 845.365.2505 tel 845.365.6382 fax 540 Piermont Ave Piermont, NY 10968

NEW 11ADS to size.indd 5 7/16/09 10:59:04 AM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Piermont’s Dog Run Opening Soon fter a long, snowy winter, Pier- dogs. Landscape architect Dan Sher- mont dogs are aching to stretch man has donated his expertise and ser- their legs and break into a gal- vices to help create this canine space. Alop. They’ll soon have their chance. The run will be available to Pier- Because of the efforts of some Piermont mont residents and employees and residents and the Village Board, the their dogs. It will have a locked gate Piermont Community Dog Run (PCDR) and posted rules. The PCDR is over- is scheduled to open at the end of May. seen by a working group, headed by Volunteers have cleared a plot of vil- Linda Hacker. To become a member lage land on the south side of Ferry and be given a key to the run, residents Road, just beyond the village’s ball field must register at the Village Hall, sign and recycling area. Thanks to a gener- an indemnification form, provide proof ous start-up donation by Lynn Boone, of updated vaccination for each of their and a very successful fundraising event dogs, and pay a $25 yearly fee For more at the Happy Dog Gallery in February, information, e-mail: piermontdogrun@ Glaze bc all 1108.indd 1 they’ve raised enough money for sepa- gmail.com rate fenced-in runs for large and small ~Margaret Grace glaze Xf!pggfs!qbjou!zpvs!pxo qpuufsz-!nptbjdt-!qbsujft! '!tqfdjbm!fwfout/

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Onderdonck House continued from page 5 quarters at the DeWint House in Tappan to sort out the Elegant & Sophisticated terms of the evacuation of the British troops from New York and the restoration of property to the local inhab- Afternoon Tea with Helen itants. Washington traveled downriver on a barge from his headquarters at Newburgh and landed at Tappan Slote, and Carleton came up from New York aboard his ship the Perseverance. For The ship “dropped anchor in the Hudson between Monday Dobbs Ferry and Snedens Landing”, according to Isa- Reservations to belle Savell’s book Wine and Bitters. She reports that call: Saturday Washington invited Carleton “to land at Tappan Slote the next day, May 6, and dine with him at Tappan…. 1:00–5:00 pm In response, Carleton and his party went ashore in two 845-398-1943 barges on Tuesday, May 6, landing on the Onderdonk property on Tappan Bay near the Slote. Washington and his party welcomed them and, after the ceremonies were over, the two generals rode to Tappan in a four-horse carriage. Since the Onderdonk property was bordered by the creek (Slote), it seems clear that Washington and Carleton met for the first time on this property. “Protocol called for Carleton to return Washington’s hospitality, and on May 7, Captain Lutwyche of the Per- severance gave a shipboard dinner for Washington,” 5 Roundhouse Road Savell continues. As they left the ship after the meal, the Piermont, New York 10968 British gave Washington’s party a 17-gun salute. It rep- resented the first official recognition of our new nation. This event could have been witnessed from the Onder- donk property as well. Members of the Onderdonk family were Patriots, signers of the Orangetown Resolutions and part of Double Ad vertical.indd 4 7/15/09 1:00:04 PM the Shore Guard which kept a watch on the river for years. The house was the only one clearly visible along the river for several miles and was fired on by the Brit- ish. This caused no damage but cannonballs reportedly have been dug out of the yard within five yards of the foundation. Piermont resident George Turrell, owner of Achter- Col, a business that brings historic buildings back to life, is certain that the sadly neglected Onderdonk house can be restored. ~Grace Mitchell

Mimi's AD NEW.indd 1 2/27/09 12:37:27 PM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Piermont Historical Society Fundraiser

Are you curious about the extensive restoration of the spectacular white Greek Revival mansion on Ferdon Avenue at Rockland Road? You’ll have your chance to look over the house and grounds at the Piermont Historical Society spring cocktail party. It’s being held from 4 to 7 pm, Saturday, May 22. Tax deductible tickets are $125 each. For reservations and information call (845) 398-1737.

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Letters To The Editor continued from page 11 high-density development near rail or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations. They also are coaching local officials on how to get around local zoning and parking requirements to increase density and create more urbanized public spaces. lOne financing proposal is a public/ private partnership. We already have a French-owned water company. How would you like a corporate-owned bridge? Free Take-Home Whitening Kit - $190 lThe project must go through an Environmental Impact Review process (Regular Value of $499) but since Rockland County lacks air With New Patient Welcome Visit: quality measuring stations, how will Offer includes exam, cleaning and necessary x-rays. we know what impact the larger span will have on our levels of air pollution? Construction will bring 24-hour noise Welcome Children’s Exam and Cleaning $60. to every home within earshot and the (Regular Value of $91) new span promises to be even noisier than the current one. Offer includes exam, cleaning and fluoride treatment. lThere’s been no analysis on how a bigger bridge with rail/BRT/TOD Offers apply to new patients only. would impact local roads. Traffic clogs Not to be combined with any other discounts or insurance benefits. the streets around Westchester railroad stations during rush hours and parking near them is often a nightmare. Elyse Knight Piermont Dental.indd 1 3/4/10 4:30 PM

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New Ad to size.indd 2 3/3/09 1:55:50 PM THE PIERMONT Presorted NEWSLETTER Box 454 Standard US Postage Piermont, NY 10968 PAID Northvale, NJ Permit No. 19

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A Gallery of UnCommon Artifacts for the inside and out Local Fine Arts & Crafts Garden & Home Furnishings Handcrafted Gourmet Products 210 Ash Street Earth-Friendly Garden Supplies/Gear Piermont, NY 10968 845-398-2433 249 Ferdon Avenue Piermont · (845) 398-0706 The Ice Cream Store with So Much More! Parking in Rear

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