Letter to the Editor - October 11 2012

Disagrees with supervisor’s statement

To Amenia town Supervisor  Bill Flood, I take issue with your statement at the last Amenia Town Board Meeting, that “There is no way to enforce it and it is what it is,” in regard to parking regulations/violations on Mechanic Street in Amenia. Do my husband and I live in a town which has no way of enforcing its own rules and laws? Why can’t the Amenia/Dover constable provide surveillance of parking violations and report violations of town rules and laws?

If it is not in his jurisdiction or in his scope of responsibilities as  constable, what is his function — crowd control?   

Are you telling me that even if a pedestrian safety crossing sign is replaced at the intersection of Route 44  and Mechanic Street in Amenia, there is no enforcement to prevent that woman driver with a Connecticut license plate from deliberately aiming her vehicle at me and another couple as we were attempting to cross the intersection with my dog, which happened to me one day?  

How about a state trooper occasionally sitting at that intersection, which they do to watch for speeding violations by positioning their vehicles at the exit of the Town Hall’s circular driveway? If the town needs someone to function as a meter maid, search for a grant or public safety stipend that could provide one to Amenia, perhaps to share with Dover and/or Millerton.

Does Mike Hagerty have any ideas? And let’s give thanks to this talented individual who has and is doing so much to save money for the town and its taxpayers!

If the answers to all of my inquiries are no, then we are living in a lawless Amenia. Three cheers to Councilwoman Victoria Perotti, together with Amenia resident Cheryl Morse, and Councilwoman Vicki Doyle, who obviously do their homework and have no hesitation expressing their concerns — always in the town of Amenia’s best interest!

And to Highway Superintendent Stan Whitehead, thanks for your much appreciated clarification regarding the Department of Transportation’s recommendations for parking on Mechanic Street, and particularly for sharing with town residents your follow-up conversation with Judge Manning.   

Town Board members Darlene Riemer and CJ Hoss, your calm professional input is appreciated. I look forward to your reply to this letter, as do other Town Board members and Amenia residents.

Marilyn Bristol Noe
Amenia