January, 2004

Legislature’s Cities Committee Announces “Liberty Greens”

In January, Legislator Lou Mosiello (R, C, I, WF – Yonkers) expressed his desire to implement such a program at the first meeting of the Cities Committee which he chairs. The concept was praised by colleagues and open space advocates.

“It has been the policy of County government to provide open green spaces for the enjoyment of all residents,” Mosiello said. “The only problem is that we always seem to concentrate our efforts in parts of the County that already have a great amount of open space. It is time to put some green back in our cities!”

Legislator Mosiello also announced the creation of a Sub-Committee on Open Space Protection in Urban Areas that would advance this concept by reviewing potential sites, researching available resources, and bringing a coordinated focus to obtain the goal. Legislator Mosiello appointed Rick Magder as Chair and Paul Gallay as Vice-Chair.

Mr. Madger is the Executive Director of Groundwork Yonkers, a community-based organization dedicated to transforming urban wasteland into playgrounds and community gardens. “Urban open space in the County is available and greatly needed. Through this effort, the County can take a leadership role in rebuilding sustainable and livable urban centers. As Executive Director of Groundwork Yonkers, I am excited about this opportunity and appreciate County Legislator Mosiello’s vision for this Committee. We will work closely with the County Planning Department, the Westchester Land Trust and each urban town to identify urban open space restoration opportunities,” Magder stated.

Mr. Gallay has been the Executive Director of Westchester Land Trust since February 2000. Under his leadership, the number of towns in which WLT works has expanded, and total land and easement donations to the organization have increased four-fold. Mr. Gallay commented, “Westchester County's commitment to land preservation is already unmatched. This new initiative can help identify more potential preservation projects in urban areas, which should help make the county's program even stronger.”

Mosiello further stated, “Research has shown that open space is critical to maintaining the quality of life and the vitality of cities. I am excited about this program and hope to improve the ‘health’ of Westchester County.”

If anyone is interested in serving on the Sub-Committee, please call Andrea Ettere at 914-995-2804.