June 6: Purchase Town Hall, sponsored by PEPA

Purchase Town Hall Meeting Summary:

The panel discussion, moderated by Mike Tokarz, the chairman of PEPA, consisted of:

  • Marty Rogowsky – former County Legislator and PEPA Environmental Consultant
  • David Gelfarb – County Legislator (Dist.-6, Republican)
  • Jack Robinson – Rye Brook Airport Advisory Council, Former Chair
  • Jonathan Wang – General Aviation Pilot, Sierra Club Westchester Airport Committee

The meeting, sponsored by Purchase Environmental Protective Association (PEPA), was held at the Purchase Community House and attended by approximately 130 residents, with standing room only. Marty Rogowsky, Jack Robinson, and Jonathan Wang presented the risks posed to the entire community if a Westchester Airport privatization deal is passed. They also discussed the master plan, which calls for dramatic expansion of operations at the airport. David Gelfarb said he would oppose privatization of the airport. A transcript of prepared remarks will be posted on the PEPA Website.

A Q&A followed the panel presentation. Many voiced their concerns about how privatization and expansion would negatively impact the community. People asked why more legislators were not in opposition to privatization already. David Gelfarb told the group that he would try to speak with the other legislators to convince them to oppose airport privatization. He reiterated that he wanted his constituents to speak to the other legislators and push the issue as well.

We were able to move County Legislator David Gelfarb (Dist.-6) over the two public meetings, to saying on record that he will oppose privatization. We will continue working with him and hope that he remains committed to speaking with other legislators that this is a bad deal for all of Westchester County.

Purchase Environmental Protective Association (PEPA) is a “nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the environment and preserving the character of our community.”

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