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April 22, 2009
To the Editor:
I was dismayed at the bitter tone of Mr. Dennis Wood's recent letter about the proposed stone marker to pay tribute to those who struggled to protect and preserve the environment in and around their town.
I was a resident of Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson from 1963-1974 and can very clearly recall the proposed and quite controversial Con Edison project. My family had to move out of our rented Bayview Avenue home because the property was bought by Con Edison. No one I knew was in favor of the project and most were opposed to it for environmental reasons.
My mother, Judith Bennett, was then a reporter for The Cornwall Local. She wrote a series of articles about the proposed project, for which she received an award. She was not, nor was anyone else I knew from that period, a "rich mountain citizen".
Mr. Wood appears to be upset over his property taxes, making the assumption that they would be significantly lower if the project had been completed. That is debatable. What is not debatable is what would have been lost. The ecology of a large part of Black Rock Forest would have been drastically altered, repeatedly flooded and drained to provide some extra electricity during times of peak demand. Storm King Mountain's side was to be scarred by the installation of huge pipes to carry water from the Hudson to the forest above.
While I no longer make my home in Cornwall, I still have family and friends there; my visits usually include a hike up Storm King Mountain where my father's ashes were scattered. What is enduring about the area is its natural beauty. The park which bears former Mayor Donahue's name does not belong to the Donahue family but to the people of Cornwall-on-Hudson. The symbolic act of putting these two markers side by side shows no dishonor to Mr. Donahue, rather it is a chance for reconciliation and moving forward. I urge Mr. Wood and others to consider this.
James P. Bennett
Richmond, Va.
Comments:
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Anonymous post deleted.
posted by on 04/21/09 at 7:56 PM |
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Nobody claimed it was the Donahue's park. Only that it was a slap in the face to them to place this memorial right there. They are trying to symbolize a coming together of two sides that are clearly still strongly divided.
Much as I dislike Nortrud's anonymous posting behavior I agree with the points made. It's more about the process that was used to "decide" this than the result - for me at least.
Come on Editor - please do something to scan for and remove "anonymous" posts. As long as they can post and have them remain - they will. And Nortrud - what are you so afraid of? Are you a town employee afraid to critize the Mayor and board openly?
posted by Chuck Trella on 04/25/09 at 7:40 AM |
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By the way - I just want to point out that I voted for both the Mayor and Rick. But that doean't mean that I agree with every decision. Guys - this was done the wrong way. I am open to hearing from you why it needed to be done this way if you feel I am wrong.
posted by Chuck Trella on 04/25/09 at 7:42 AM |
Comments:
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Chuck,
Thank you for supporting my comments. I am a public employee, but not with the Town or Village of Cornwall. I will be writing a letter to the editor as Nortrud Spero.
By the way. Editor, Prior to revealing myself - how did you determine that Nortrud Spero was an Alias? You could have e-mailed me to ask prior to removing my post. After-all I did not use profanity, I did not defame anyone and actually used my talents to guide good policy.
Anonymously, Nortrud Spero
posted by j h on 04/25/09 at 9:59 PM
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"talents" - hee hee hee. There actually *is* a Nortrud Spero, so if you are using his name as an alias that is even more reprehensible than just posting anonymously. Kate Benson - in da houz
posted by Kate Benson on 04/29/09 at 9:47 PM
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