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Hunts Place: STILL a Poor Choice for Affordable Housing Here

March 6, 2016 by The Inside Press

The Hunts Point Location
The Hunts Point Location

By Eileen Gallagher

In February of 2014, I wrote an editorial about affordable housing in New Castle, specifically the Conifer proposal for 54 Hunts Place, which had first been brought to the public’s attention in 2012. Four years later, this project is still under vehement discussion.

It is fair to ask why this project has been taking so long to get the required variances and permits. After all, in the span of about 16 months, two affordable housing units are already underway at 300 King Street in town, and 28 units are set to go at Chappaqua Crossing. Why has it taken more than four years for Conifer to get the go ahead?

The answer can be found in one word–safety. There are a myriad of safety issues, stemming from a plan to shoehorn 28 units into a tiny plot of contaminated land literally hemmed in by a bridge, highway, and railroad tracks, and at a current cost of $17.2 million and rising.

The numbers are staggering, as are the issues. Equally distressing is the fact that this location defies just about every stipulation of the 2009 affordable housing settlement, which called for seamless integration into the neighborhood and the avoidance of isolation or stigmatizing the units as affordable housing. Clever interpretations of wording can help to steer this project forward, but cannot overcome the known safety issues.

Conifer’s visual rendering of the proposed a ordable housing
Conifer’s visual rendering of the proposed a ordable housing

At Conifer’s most recent appearance before the town board on February 9, several residents, myself included, appealed to the town board to carefully consider the latest decision by the NYS Department of Transportation to not allow the construction of a fence along both sides of the bridge, which the board of 2013 had required as part of the special permit. The DOT cited dangers of such a fence in case of a car accident, for example, which would pin a car to the fence and not allow for removal of an occupant of the vehicle. With the fence out of the question, there is nothing currently in the proposal to ensure the safety of the residents of the building who would be tempted to cross in the middle of the bridge to get into town, especially children on their way to the park, to school, to the library, etc.

Nor is there a plan for an emergency generator for the building. One reason might be the lack of space (other than on the already-crowded roof) due to the plan to build lot-line to lot-line. When asked about the lack of a generator and what the contingency is during a power outage for the 14 apartments steps from the tracks that will be built with inoperable windows, an architect hired by Conifer replied, “As far as I am aware, emergency generator operation is not required for the mechanical ventilation of those units.” Their attorney’s comment during that same Board of Architectural Review meeting, “I hate to deal with hypotheticals,” speaks volumes.

Unfortunately, this has been a pattern throughout the years Conifer has come before the town board. Minimum requirements take precedence over safety and comfort. Loopholes in the wording of permits and variances give rise to victories for them, but not for our community.

Both our police and fire chiefs have conveyed to the board that this project continues to be dangerously located with major safety flaws. Fire Chief Russell Maitland characterized his department as having been “waving the flag,” describing his writing letters, appearing before the state Board of Review, meeting with the developer and the town board, and asserting that “not a lot has changed from our perspective.” At the town board meeting on Feb 9, he reminded the board, and all who were watching, that the fire department has no political agenda. “We’re not elected. We’re not paid.” Maitland ended with a plea to the board to do the right thing to ensure the safety of all.

The sad truth is that this misguided, misplaced project with its skyrocketing costs and ever-mounting obstacles will cost us way more than the monetary price tag. Fortunately, we are in the process of building two lovely, safe, and welcoming affordable homes at 300 King Street with Habitat for Humanity of Westchester.

Additionally, 28 affordable housing units will be built in the cupola building at Chappaqua Crossing. Both of these projects are being designed with the comfort and safety of all involved. They speak to the warmth, care, and generosity of time and talent within our community. But 54 Hunts Place would tell a different story.

Conifer continues to pursue 54 Hunts Place for their building, despite being offered an alternative site with the potential for even more units. Their claim is that they have already spent too much money on plans at the current site.

A commenter on Facebook said she feared if we put the brakes on Conifer, a potential lawsuit would cost our town too much money. My question to Conifer, and to everyone, is this: how much money is a life worth? The lives of families, of volunteer emergency responders, of the community?

When you take a step back, clear away the social media frenzy, and consider the lives that are at stake, can you truly believe that 54 Hunts Place should be the home for 28 families?

Eileen Gallagher is a 13-year resident of Chappaqua with her husband and two sons. A member of CFRAH, Chappaqua for Responsible Affordable Housing, she has been working diligently for the safety of future residents of our town. Her latest volunteer efforts include working with her husband at 300 King Street–the site of two Habitat for Humanity affordable housing condominiums.

Save the Date

Conifer promises to return to town on March 29, when they will continue their efforts to obtain the necessary permits. Please consider attending the meeting that evening and/or writing to the town board at the addresses below to add your voice to this important issue.

townboard@mynewcastle.org

Rob Greenstein

RGreenstein@MyNewCastle.org

Adam Brodsky

ABrodsky@MyNewCastle.org

Lisa Katz

LKatz@MyNewCastle.org

Hala Makowska

HMakowska@MyNewCastle.org

Jeremy M. Saland

JSaland@MyNewCastle.org

Filed Under: Inside Thoughts Tagged With: affordable housing, Chappaqua, Housing, Inside Press, safety, theinsidepress.com

Congresswoman Nita Lowey and her Decades Long Fight for Gun Violence Prevention

November 21, 2015 by The Inside Press

Congresswoman Nita Lowey
Congresswoman Nita Lowey

By Grace Bennett
Photo by Carolyn Simpson

Editor’s Note: We were immediately struck by the modest building on Mamaroneck Avenue housing our Congresswoman and her staff serving the 17th district. But that the offices were alive and buzzing with busy staff and interns came as no surprise at all. While we waited for Congresswoman Lowey–who has been serving our country since 1989– to meet with us in her office, it was fun to take note of various framed photos, the ones of her together with Hillary Clinton, in particular, as I’ve personally observed the warm relationship between the two at different local events over the years.

I also noted her graduation certificate from the Bronx High School of Science, which I attended as well. It was the first thing I mentioned, since us “Scienceites” do have a special bond. And indeed, she seemed tickled to learn that I attended Science too; a brief personal chat followed and also with photographer Carolyn Simpson about her own background and about her daughter’s photography pursuits, too! And then we dove right into a photo shoot, after which I sat down with Rep. Lowey for a 30-minute discussion about a range of issues she holds most dear…from her initiatives for improved rail crossing safety to an in depth discussion about her tireless efforts to prevent gun violence.

Community Day 2015: Rep. Lowey with our State Assemblyman David Buchwald
Community Day 2015: Rep. Lowey with our
State Assemblyman David Buchwald

Grace: Please comment about the specific upgrades and safety improvements for railroad crossings…What are the chances of that all happening and of money being appropriated for that, and what are some of the solutions that would make a difference?

Rep. Lowey: I think it’s essential that we really look at every rail crossing and that we do a careful analysis of every crossing. And, this is what I discussed with Sara Feinberg, who is the acting commissioner in charge of this effort. I brought her up to Chappaqua because of the loss of life (following the Metro North tragedy). And, we have to be sure that the crossings are safe. If they are not in an appropriate place, we have to look at closing some down, opening others. But we can make them safe and therefore we need an accurate evaluation of every crossing…because we cannot lose another life. (*1)

Grace: Regarding your work with the Social Security Caregiver Credit Act; as a caregiver, many people would be affected by loss of income. Please explain why this issue so important to you.

Rep. Lowey: As I travel around the district, the caregiver initiative is one of the most important bills I have introduced. If you have an Alzheimer’s patient, and the daughter or son becomes the chief caregiver, and they have to leave their own job, they are making a huge sacrifice–not only their job, but to their future benefits from Social Security.

So what this would do, is create a credit that would be added to earnings to calculate future Social Security benefits. The credit is progressive and varies on an income-based sliding scale. (*2)

Now there are technicalities and that it won’t be more than a national average. What is most important, if you are taking care of a loved one and in most cases, with a lot of love and care and concern, you don’t have to sacrifice the money that you would get after you retire.

Many families have decided that a child, a grown adult, is the best caregiver, rather than hiring someone from the outside, and hiring someone from the outside would cost even more. And that’s why this is so important, whether it’s a patient with Alzheimer’s or other illnesses, I am very proud that this, I hope, will be able to help so many Westchester families.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey was awarded the Million Mom March "Apple Pie Award" at an event held to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Million Mom March. The award was given in appreciation of Rep. Lowey as an outstanding elected official committed to promoting sensible gun laws to keep families and communities safe. She was also honored, along with organizers Donna Dees-Thomases, Jill Brooke and Elise Richman, as a participant in the original Million Mom March. 750,000 people attended the march in D.C on Mother's Day of 2000, with over 150,000 people joining in events across the country. Pictured: Alex Dubroff (New Yorkers Against Gun Violence), Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Jessica Meller (Million Mom March Northern Westchester Chapter).
Congresswoman Nita Lowey was awarded the Million Mom March “Apple Pie Award” at an event held to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Million Mom March. The award was given in appreciation of Rep. Lowey as an outstanding elected official committed to promoting sensible gun laws to keep families and communities safe. She was also honored, along with organizers Donna Dees-Thomases, Jill Brooke and Elise Richman, as a participant in the original Million Mom March. 750,000 people attended the march in D.C on Mother’s Day of 2000, with over 150,000 people joining in events across the country. Pictured: Alex Dubroff (New Yorkers Against Gun Violence), Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Jessica Meller (Million Mom March Northern Westchester Chapter).

Grace: During the first Democrat debate, gun violence prevention came up as a key issue; as someone who is such a strong voice on this issue…how did this make you feel?

Rep. Lowey: I feel so proud not only to support Hillary as the next President, but her strong language on preventing gun violence is absolutely essential. We need real leadership. The fact that the NRA has such influence in Congress is an embarrassment to me.

With Newtown, and all those lives were lost, and now in Oregon, it’s unconscionable that Congress hasn’t taken action. There are thousands of lives that are lost every year as a result of guns. [33,000 gun deaths in 2013–the most recent available number and we lose 90 people per day to firearms.] And what’s amazing is on the Appropriations Committee, I introduced language to do research, so we can really determine why these lives were lost. (*3)

Was the person mentally ill, were they addicted? We have a lot to learn. The language I introduced would take the place of language that was offered 20 years ago in my same Committee and I wanted to reverse it, and the Republicans wouldn’t support me. It shows you the power of the NRA. We’ve got to do this research, it is essential.

Grace: How or why did you develop a passion to prevent gun violence?

Rep. Lowey: As a mother and a grandmother, and I would even say as a woman, it is astonishing to me that the NRA has such influence on so many colleagues of mine, men and women. It just doesn’t make any sense.

Grace: How does the NRA do that? Have they tried with you?

Rep. Lowey: The NRA would not even approach my office because I have been such a strong supporter of gun prevention violence my entire career. How can we not do accurate background checks? How can we not determine whether a person is mentally ill, or whether they are responsible enough to have a gun in the home. I don’t want a gun in my home. I don’t have a gun in my home. I don’t even want to lift a gun…You don’t need assault weapons, and you don’t need to be able to have repetition in the magazines that could just slaughter dozens of people at the same time.

I will continue to fight those who are trying to prevent us from doing even a simple amendment like allowing research to determine what we need to do to prevent this violence and what kind of laws we should have in place.

Grace: What’s the problem with holding a gun show in the County?

Rep. Lowey: I don’t like these gun shows where anybody can come up and exhibit their guns. I don’t think we need a gun show in Westchester County. And, it was disappointing to me to see the County Executive approve future gun shows. Is there an accurate check on those who are purchasing a gun? If you are selling a gun in just a few minutes or in an hour, you should be able to do an adequate background check so you know who is buying the gun. And again, I want to see background checks on the dealers and the sellers. Are they responsible people and will they comply with all the laws that are in place?

Grace: Can you please explain the ‘terror gap?’

Rep. Lowey: It is shocking to me that you can be on a terrorist watch list and prevented from getting on a plane, but you are allowed to go and buy a gun. This is totally inconsistent.

Grace: Can you address the rural to urban trafficking of guns?

Rep. Lowey: This is the problem. We have tough laws in New York State. However, you can have someone from a neighboring state without the tough laws come in to New York, come in to our crowded city and destroy a family’s future, by killing the mother, the father or a child. So you need Federal gun laws so you can’t travel with guns from a state with loose laws to one with tough laws.

Grace: Taxing ammunition – what is your view about that?

Rep. Lowey: I don’t think it should be easy for you to buy ammunition over the internet. I think there has to be a lot more work. If it were up to me, I would not allow the sale of ammunition over the internet. I want to see who is buying it. I want to know how much they bought. Certainly taxing may have some impact but I do not know what the studies are on that.
I think if someone wants to buy ammunition, they are going to buy it even if it is a little bit more. That is why I don’t like sales over the internet. I think you should be able to go to the store, use your identification, do an adequate background check; the dealer should have an adequate background check, and the purchaser.

Grace: Where do these differentiations come from; when does it become ever so more dangerous?

Rep. Lowey: I would ban the importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, possession of magazines that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition because sometimes someone may have accuracy and shoot their targets with one round, but if you have repeated rounds, you could really destroy a group of people in a classroom.

Grace: What’s the chance of these bills coming up for a vote before the next election?

Rep. Lowey: I feel very confident that our task force in the House, which is composed primarily of Democrats, will present these bills to the Congress, but because of the power of the NRA, especially on the Republican side of the aisle, I don’t think they’ll get passed. But I know that we are going to work very, very hard, and we are introducing a package of bills that I think can make a difference.

We have been talking about preventing gun violence for so many years, and again after Newtown and Oregon, it’s hard for me to believe that even somebody who leans toward the position of the NRA would vote against simple background checks.

Grace: How do you reconcile the 2nd Amendment with gun advocate claims that all these initiatives violate it?

Rep. Lowey: Well, we just disagree. I don’t think these initiatives are in violation of the 2nd Amendment. And, we have a responsibility to protect the public good.

Grace: What is your biggest wish regarding gun violence prevention?

Rep. Lowey: It seems the most basic legislation is adequate background checks. It should go from three days to 14 days, but I would even compromise; we just have to make it stronger. The burden should not just be on the purchaser, but on the dealer too. We need to be sure there are responsible dealers selling those guns. And make sure that the purchaser has a background consistent with the law.

Grace: Tell me about your initiatives for youth and family. I’ve noted some wonderful work!

Rep. Lowey: In communities like Chappaqua and Armonk, most families provide so much enrichment to their children in the early years that you can compare the outcomes. Other communities are not so fortunate…but everyone should have the opportunity to have dreams, and to fulfill their dreams…Every youngster should be able to gain a head start in a Headstart program; every youngster should have preK and full day kindergarten because many studies have shown that that is the beginning of a person’s education. So I have pushed to increase dollars for Headstart and preK and most of the money for education does come from state and local.

Grace: Let’s talk about Planned Parenthood. Why did you take such a lead on that and please talk about the shutdown threat.

Rep. Lowey: It is hard to believe that 151 Republicans voted to shut down the government and we kept it open because of the combination of the Republican and Democratic votes. Planned Parenthood (PP) provides a whole range of essential health care services to a whole range of people across the country; it’s not about abortion. It’s about birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It’s about screening for STDs.

PP has become an absolutely essential factor in almost every district across the country and to try and shut down PP when in fact the bill that the Republicans said they wanted to attach closing off all funds to PP didn’t even have funds for PP in it because the competitive funds come later in the process. I was very pleased that we were able to keep the government open but it seems that the Republicans still want to have hearings on PP…

Grace: Please talk about the Algonquin pipeline which so many people are worried about and protesting. What is your view about its safety?

Rep. Lowey: I’ve been concerned that this pipeline runs too close to Indian Point. And, I’ve taken a strong position that Indian Point should be closed. We are working together with activists in the community to interact with the federal agencies that control this decision and I’m still hoping that we can get a consensus on what is safe, and the impact that that pipeline on the citizens.

Grace: Is it close enough to Northern Westchester to cause harm?

Rep. Lowey: If God forbid there was an accident at IP, it would affect everyone in a 50-mile radius that includes New York City.

Grace: What else do you wish to communicate to our readers as we come to the close now?

Rep. Lowey: It is such an honor and privilege for me to serve communities across Northern Westchester. The families care. They care about the environment; they care about the schools, they care about every factor that impacts their lives. For me, it’s a privilege to serve. I have many who come to my office, sometimes it’s a veteran who wants medals that he hasn’t been able to get, or needs assistance with health, education, or disability benefits. Sometimes it’s a senior who has not had adequate Medicare payments. Certainly the issue of rail crossings has been a major focus of my office since that tragic incident.

Grace: And a little personal information our readers would enjoy knowing about you?

Rep. Lowey: Well, I am married to Steve Lowey for 54 years. We have three children and eight grandchildren. It is such a joy for me to be involved with their lives. I feel very privileged that I have a warm, caring family, and that I can also help people in our community in need of service. Sometimes they are so desperate they don’t know where to go. We have an outstanding, very responsive staff and that makes my heart feel good. To wake up every day and know that you can just do good things and help people is a real honor and privilege.

For more info about Rep. Lowey, visit lowey.house.gov.

Grace Bennett is Publisher and Editor of The Inside Press, Inc. Special thanks to Kat McKee and to Debra Hand for, respectively, transcribing and editing assistance.

Footnotes (as supplied by Congresswoman Lowey’s office):
(1*): Congresswoman Lowey co-sponsored the Rail Crossings Safety Improvement Act (which passed the House on March 4 as part of the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act–PRRIA) that would invest in state and local governments’ efforts to build bridges, tunnels or otherwise relocate roads in order to improve the safety of grade crossings for passengers, motorists and pedestrians. (This is awaiting a vote in the Senate.)

Congresswoman Lowey successfully included a provision in a House transportation spending bill that would increase the federal funds for grade crossing improvements from $220 to $350 million.

Congresswoman Lowey fought successfully to set aside $6.5 million for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a House transportation bill to develop a national media campaign on grade crossing safety.

After bringing FRA Acting Administrator Sarah Feinberg to the Roaring Brook Road crossing in Chappaqua, to demonstrate the pressing need for action on improving safety at grade crossings throughout our region, the DOT announced a new partnership on grade crossing safety–integrating DOT’s grade crossing data with Google Maps to alert drivers about grade crossings.

(*2): As an example, someone who is a full-time unpaid caregiver would receive a Social Security credit worth around $22,000 a year, while a caregiver who works part-time and earns $33,000 would receive a credit worth around $5,500. The Social Security Caregiver Credit would phase out when the caregiver makes more than the average national earnings.

(*3): There is a standing 20-year prohibition on federal funding on research related to gun violence. The 2016 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill, reported on June 24th by the Appropriations Committee, continues a “general provision to prevent any funds from being spent on gun research,” including data collection, according to the Committee report.
Lowey offered an amendment during the Labor-HHS-Education markup to remove this mindless prohibition, which was defeated by a unanimous Republican majority.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Congresswoman Nita Lowey, gun violence, Gun Violence Prevention, Inside Press, safety, theinsidepress.com

Safety at Exit 33 Railroad Crossing in New Castle Continues to Receive Scrutiny

April 1, 2015 by Inside Press

By Eileen Gallagher

Speaking for a second time in recent months from near a railroad tracks crossing in New Castle–where new incidences continue to raise serious concern among residents and public officials–Congresswoman Nita Lowey said she would initiate a high profile public awareness campaign regarding safety at railroad crossings. Federal and Metro North officials also addressed the potential for a bridge over the crossing.
nita
“Just yesterday a van was on the tracks as a train approached.The train slowed as the van broke through the gate, avoiding a crash, but it is at least the second close call this month.” Lowey summed up the safety issue of on-grade railroad crossings, and, in particular, the crossing adjacent to Chappaqua Crossing and Horace Greeley High School.

“The safest grade crossing is one that doesn’t exist,” she continued. “But with more than 212,000 public and private crossings around the country, we must tackle this important safety challenge with a multi-faceted approach, including eliminating the most dangerous grade crossings.”

Per Lowey, aspects of the public awareness campaign include making sure drivers know what to do, and what not to do, when they approach the crossings, and ensuring cooperation among all levels of government.

Also present were Sarah Feinberg, Acting Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, and Joseph Giulietti, President of Metro-North Railroad.

Feinberg addressed the issue of the need for safer grade crossings. “Metro-North, New Jersey Transit, and the Long Island Railroad alone have almost 800 grade crossings…an enormous number of grade crossings for railroads to have to go through every day.” She continued, “The reality is that we are never going to be able to take care of every single grade crossing with a grade separation and so we have to do everything we can to keep people safe at grade crossings.” She spoke of the need for education, enforcement, and awareness.

Asked if the proximity to the high school and the planned residential and commercial development at Chappaqua Crossing would influence the decision as to whether the Roaring Brook crossing would be considered for changeover to a bridge as requested by Supervisor Rob Greenstein, Giulietti responded that there are ongoing meetings between the state, town, MTA and Metro-North. “How do you prioritize? We are aware and are looking at things that can be done now. Those meetings have been taking place and will continue to take place next week.”

Filed Under: New Castle News Tagged With: Inside Press, New Castle, public awareness, railroad crossing, safety, theinsidepress.com

Taking Worthwhile Risks

August 16, 2014 by The Inside Press

AerialistsHC1307_X_300_C_YBy Randi J. Brosterman

Safety rules–driving safely, behaving safely, and exercising appropriate caution are all necessary for our survival.   So here’s the question: Can risk taking be a good thing? Certainly, thoughtfulness and preparedness are needed, and a willingness to seize the 
moment when opportunity comes knocking.

In my first job out of college, I was miserable. Working until 11 p.m. daily, the window of time between my work clothes and my pajamas got smaller and smaller, until there was no time for my blue jeans in between. I quit my job without another job in hand, thinking that at age 24, I needed to have enough guts to go find another job on my own. I was gainfully and happily employed within three months.

Later, in the spring of 1987, I interviewed for a summer job between my two years of MBA education. Although I was well qualified, the interviewer told me she had no positions available. I said, “Well, you have my resume, I have your card…if you sell a big project this summer, call me.” As I was walking out of her office, I turned to her and said, “The risk you run in not hiring me is your competition will.” I’m not sure where I got the chutzpah at age 26 to say something so brash, but she called me back the next day; she had created a summer position for me.

At about the same time in my life, on the personal front, I learned to scuba dive, traveled alone to Southeast Asia and entered into long-term relationship. Each of these choices felt risky and scary, but pushing through my fear enabled me to establish some of the most satisfying aspects of my life.

Nine years later, I was presented with the opportunity to move to a start-up, mid-market business within my firm. I had only one requirement, which I was not shy about voicing. I wanted to know if I would have an opportunity to become a partner. It was the best career move I ever made

Leadership experts I’ve long admired often liken risk-taking to a trapeze act –you don’t have an act unless you are willing to let go of the bar! Over time, I’ve learned to live by these words.

We live in a town where safety is our overriding concern. As the 2014 HGHS class Salutatorian shared at this year’s commencement, “We are among the most privileged people on the planet…we live in a bubble.”

So how do we begin to think about moving out of our comfort zone, when safety is our overriding concern? What are healthy risks, that don’t compromise our safety, yet help to move us forward to new places?

As I learned from my statistics professor in college, there is a clear difference between a risk and a gamble. A risk is something you can assess, assign probabilities to outcomes, and calculate an expected result. A gamble has none of these attributes.

Taking risks can involve travelling to new places, changing professions, or walking away from an unhealthy relationship. Taking risks involves self-empowerment to try something new, to speak out, rather than be silent, to choose constructive action, instead of settling for passivity.

Self-empowerment to pursue one’s passion has the potential to result in true happiness. Optimism and constructive risk taking can be healthy and fun. So here are a few guiding principles that have worked for me and might resonate with you:

  1.  Desired outcome. Envision what you would like the outcome to be.
  2. Preparation. Do your homework, come to situations prepared.
  3. Stretch zone. Be willing to move out of your comfort zone.
  4. Self-empowerment. Move past the fear: be brave.
  5. Letting go. Be willing to let go of the bar.

I recently decided to retire from the firm where I was a partner for 15 of 26 years. At 55 years old, I have once again decided to let go of the bar. Risk taking at this time of life has a whole new resonance for me. There is still plenty of fear mixed with a world of excitement. While I’ve had a great career to date, I’m looking forward to the next chapter.

My experience taking risks in life and in the business world has consistently led to new and interesting opportunities. Looking back, I take great pride in these moments, which ultimately led to greater happiness for me, personally and professionally.

Randi Brosterman is a local resident who seeks to inspire leadership in women through self-empowerment.

Filed Under: Et Cetera Tagged With: safety, Taking risks

Swimming Pool Safety Advice: A Must Read

August 16, 2014 by The Inside Press

chris-poolsBy Christopher Carthy

The party line may be that parents must watch their children, but swimming pool safety is really about protecting young children when the unexpected happens. Nothing is better than a good fence around a pool with operable self-closing gates. After researching fatalities around the country, I almost always find fence protection was broken or nonexistent. I have built many pools where we fence the property line and not the pool so that there is no fence between the house and the pool. Homeowners sometimes request this for aesthetic reasons (preferring no gate to open from the back of the house), but honestly, it is not as safe as a fence that encompasses the pool area.

An automatic cover does provide a safe barrier when it is closed, but it is not the equivalent of a good fence because a cover can be left open. Automatic covers are expensive and require a fair amount of maintenance. However, they are wonderful for heat retention.

Pool alarms are rarely effective; I would not rely on them. Diving boards get a bad rap: I would argue a pool is safer with a diving board as it designates an area from which to dive. A correctly placed diving board on a correctly designed pool promotes safety. On the other hand, diving rocks are not safe. They typically protrude into the pool and present the risk of a swimmer hitting his head on the rock.

Anti-entrapment safety measures guard against the rare possibility of someone getting entrapped by the suction of a pump. To guard against entrapment, be sure all your suction ports have a good (if possible VGB compliant) cover.

Finally, kids should not stand on rafts in a pool or they may fall and hit the edge of the pool. Remember the lifeguard from your youth yelling “Don’t Run?” Well, it is true, running and pushing can be dangerous around a pool. Like many things, good common sense goes a long way toward a fun and safe pool.

Christopher Carthy is the principal of Pools Of Perfection in Armonk. He is a Certified Building Professional by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals. Pools of Perfection has rendered many thousands of service calls in the last 25 years and have built magnificent poolscapes in the Armonk and Chappaqua community. For more info, email: ccarthy@PoolsOfPerfection.com or call 914-273-SWIM (7946)

Filed Under: Words & Wisdoms From Our Sponsors Tagged With: safety, Simming pools

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