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WPCNR SOUTHEND TIMES. News Release from the Gedney Association. June 21, 2014:
Eight Neighborhood Associations in the vicinity of the proposed French American School of New York’s (FASNY) regional school complex have sent an urgent letter to Mayor Thomas Roach and members of the White Plains Common Council requesting postponement of the initial Public Hearing tentatively scheduled for July 7, 2014.
Speaking of the July 7th date John Sheehan, Vice President of the Gedney Association said “We were shocked that the Mayor and Common Council would even consider a summer date for these important hearings. July 7th is the first day after the three July 4th weekend.
“Could the City have scheduled a worse date for public participation? This first Public Hearing is very important. It’s when the City plans to articulate its argument for closure of a portion of Hathaway Lane as well as FASNY will discuss their application for a Special Permit for the project.
“It also seems strange that the City is putting forth a de-mapping and closure of a public street before the Council has even considered the granting of a Special Permit. Why is the Mayor rushing the process concerning an enormous school complex in the summer when so many residents are away?”
In the letter to the Mayor and Common Council the eight neighborhood associations have also requested that another venue be selected for these important hearings.
Mr. Sheehan stated “The FASNY application has generated substantial opposition by residents and in the interest of open government everyone should have a right to be in the same room. During the last hearings residents were turned away from the Common Council meeting room to the City Hall lobby to watch the proceedings on TV. In the past, major projects that have generated this type of interest were relocated to the White Plains High School.”