No, for a change this is not about Trump et al, or even Whoopi's major boo-boo and consequent suspension - about which I have concerns. But that is all for another day. Though I truly wish we would take serious action and put that whole mess down. Indict, take to trial, imprison, fine, from top to bottom, whomever shares in the guilt.
No, this is about an issue closer to home and as more information is revealed, my anger grows apace. This is not a sudden whim of this group of people to improve their living conditions. Take a look at the changes asked for, even been granted over the years, ever since this group has intruded, yes, intruded, into the quality of life of our Village.
Heretofore this was a development welcoming to all but criminals and cheats, adjusting to demographics always in a state of flux, all, or most, leading a good life, as much as their finances allowed. Recreational facilities provided athletic, cultural, and even avocational interest. Friendships were made, some broken, but no one felt a mass movement to totally change the ongoing gestalt of the Village, its vibrancy and necessity for so many. People moved internally to larger condo units, spent a great deal of money modernizing to their desires, and many changed from renters to owners. Most changes were within the law, the demands of the County, with minor, even arguable violations. Not so with too many instances of this group.
A little back history. This group or similar groups have been alleged to have long term plans which emerged as the situations grew to crisis proportions. Zoning regulations were ignored until it was too late to change, facts on the ground. From density of population to structural issues. Quality of material, adherence to rules and regulations, importing various religious buildings not zoned for, and went merrily about their way. The locals were ignored, bought out, found themselves outgunned in every area, driven from their homes.
The same issues have arisen and are rising in intensity here in CV. The reasoning they provide for changes are false. Manifestly so. The religious accommodations they ask for, are leaky (sorry for the pun). Those of us who are Orthodox, though not Chasidim, know the fallacies of their arguments. Plan for years before, gather the funding, buddy up with politicos, take tiny, ever-growing steps, move in in larger amounts, begin disobeying and defying rule of the various Associations. Buy out owners at enormous amounts, a block busting technique. and step by step intrude on the living space of all.
Yes, the synagogue Aitz Chaim is crowded during the season. Yes, there is indeed a separate shul or building for this group as well as the mikve after violating several rules of decency and public exposure within the pools of the Village and even a separate water reservoir at Aitz Chaim. They held themselves apart, other than taking over many boards as their numbers increased. Free for all construction has increased, even to the level of dangerous life-threatening realms.
So, Lie 1: Dangerous Haverhill crossing. Yes, it can be dangerous as some drivers use it as practice for a speedway, but the County has granted us a change in timing, proven very open to changes for safety. Consequently, cross the street WITH the lights and one will be OK.
Lie 2: They walk to service. Yes. They walk on Saturdays in the morning and at the end of day, and Friday night. Maybe. Most Orthodox going to synagogue Friday night means leaving the cars in the lot overnight so no walk Friday nite to the synagogue. No walking home Saturday nite. The cars will fill the lot, preventing the supposed villagers entering the area in cars, adjure them to use other means of transportation, further intruding on the lives of residents, to come by other means and feel oh so welcome. As they walk in, in shorts, t shirts, women in clothing this group feels immodest. Surrounding them - a group of dark suited, fur hat wearing men, even as shuttle buses and cabs enter to drop them off. Believe that and do I have a bargain sale of bridges and tunnels for you!
Lie 3: Read above and affix to the lies that fit.
Lie 4: They have always known that Century would never permit separate swimming pools, not WPRF nor the associations, so why move here? Why not take newly developed or developing plots or a vacant one and build there to heart's content, without disturbing others. Why? Because.
Lie 4: Do not think it ends here. With dense housing allowed, with ownership of so many units, particularly in some areas. Can you just see the size, height of new buildings, or 'renovated' buildings? Who will remain here? Those who wish to bring the crowded areas of Brooklyn and Monsey and surrounding areas down to Florida.
And we lose.
Lie 5: No changes? A 6-foot fence in an area where there is an open view of waterways, can see safely into the parking lot of the Village, as more disagreements arise with limited parking area, and those of the Medical Building and across the street are jammed with the cars of the worshippers in the former actually resident serving building!!! Never mind Haverhill! Look within.
Lie 6: Heavy traffic will go on EVERY DAY, as there are prayers everyday with different times for these prayers. Forget open space, clear times of traffic, at an already dangerous internal intersection of the Village. Nope, that is a pipe dream.
Lie 7: Many of the aged who cannot walk already have 'synagogues' within residential units or units bought specifically for that purpose. Fire regulations of occupancy? Even as I shudder to think of emergency exits for how will that take place?
No, there are so many lies, misstatements, omitted statements, open view of the long-term planning that has gone on. We have a job ahead of us. All are welcome to this Village, but it is OUR home. If one cannot live within its regulations and rules for all, well, then one must look elsewhere. Where the rules might be different, or there are no rules as of yet. Fewer conflicts, perhaps in fancy new homes.
Until now there has been no division between Jews of any sect and other residents so the Village. There must be none introduced into it, particularly with clearly seen long term planning and future plans for more. Their lifestyle is deemed incompatible with that of the Village, as they claim they cannot live here without intruding on the infrastructure and flow of life and traffic, on its rules. For the benefit of the Village, they must cut bait or fish elsewhere.
This whole thing has nothing to do with anti-semitism. So no shouts of what is not. It is a question of quality of life, of peace of mind, an ability to live our 'golden years' as we dreamed and planned for. That is the be all and end all of the matter.
Show up for the Zoom meeting, right in your own home and show up in droves to the two Zoning Commission hearings. It is your quality of life in the balance and mine too. All of ours.
ReplyDeleteThank you Esther, you said it all.