News Analysis: Clash of Cultures at Playland
01 Sep, 2011
By Polly Kreisman
Loop Photo: Heidi Silverstein
It was the kind of ‘perfect storm’ of hot-button issues that makes a City Desk editor’s pulse race: Ethnic and religious freedom of expression meets textbook safety standards. A police force accused of “excessive force” at America’s first Amusement Park. A bucolic late summer day goes riot gear.
Was Playland over-cautious? Were police over-zealous? Was the Muslim tour group celebrating the end of Ramadan over-reacting? These are all issues worth contemplating without prejudice. And just some of the reasons you won’t hear the end of this Summer in the Suburbs tale for some time.
Here is the latest from the New York Times.
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anonymous says:
I obviously respect her opinion but I am in totally different camp. It's like celebrities can't win. AJ made a decision based on her personal circumstances and decided to share it. She could have kept it a secret and helped no one. Instead, she has probably made many women feel better about having to go through something pretty life-altering. (She did minimize the pain/recovery aspect which is unfortunate but if that is her experience then what else could she say.) It seems that nothing is ever enough for some people. Any time someone does a good deed, people will say they need to do more. I don't think she glamorized her circumstances in any way and I respect her for coming forward and sharing as much as she did. Also, I would be willing to bet she will begin (if she hasn't already) to devote much of her considerable resources to BC research and to making testing and treatment available to low income women. But even if she doesn't and chooses to give all her money to help children in third world nations, don't you think that's her choice?observer says:
Excellent commentary. The sad fact is most people can't imagine the impact of a large development like this - especially as there is no comparable structure in Mamaroneck or Larchmont. It is convenient to accept the developers glossy brochure and think these condos fit into our community. I have heard it said that the only people impacted will be nearby residents. This monstrosity will impact every resident of Larchmont and Mamaroneck - especially those with school-age children. Perhaps the closing of the Weaver Street bridge will heighten awareness of the terrible traffic conditions already existing in this town and get more people to question the wisdom of shoving 120+ condo units on top of our schools and into the middle of a densely populated residential area. Or maybe the opening of the Wahlgreens at the front door to the Hommocks will create a enough of a nightmare at dropoff and pickup that this community will remember that if you want to raise children in a safe and nice place, you need to protect the community before it is too late!observer says:
This large reduction in assessment reflects the most recent reassessment data. Their assessment was reduced by over 30% (not factoring in the "millions of dollars spent on improvements.) Quite frankly, if this project is going to take years and years to come to fruition, the residents of this community deserve better than this. This property's assessment should reflect current market value - and be taxed at that rate.Kim Larsen says:
As chair of the Larchmont/Mamaroneck Safe Routes to School committee, I am concerned about the prospect of a large condominium complex being built on the site of Hampshire Country Club. Were condos to be built, the already significant traffic volumes in and around Central School, Hommocks Middle School, and Mamaroneck High School would increase substantially, jeopardizing the safety of our students. The Boston Post Road from Weaver Street to Rockland Avenue is already a treacherous stretch of road for pedestrians. Yet with three district schools and many apartment buildings nearby, hundreds of students and residents walk this area daily. Not surprisingly, several accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles have occurred in this corridor over the past few years. The potential increase in traffic should a 120+ unit condominium complex be built on Cove Road would make the Post Road even more dangerous for pedestrians. Traffic volumes exiting onto the Post Road at Hommocks Road and at Old Post Road/Richbell Road would increase significantly, precisely where the number of students walking to and from school is heaviest. Additional traffic exiting Orienta Avenue at the Post Road is also worrisome as students walk to Harbor Island for after school sports activities.jjinla says:
If they are anything like the rest of us, their assessments just skyrocketed during the reassessment!observer says:
12.9 million in 2010 and put in 'millions of dollars of improvements" according to owner Dan Pfeffer in a public meeting. The market has rebounded nicely, however, the owners grieved their taxes and are currently assessed at a value of around $9 million. Can anyone explain that?loopeditrix says:
Some history: The Club was sold in 2010 for $12.9 million to New World. The Village of Mamaroneck and Town of Mamaroneck jointly bid on the property and had plans to open the club to the public, but were unsuccessful.