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There was a strong turnout of 30+ neighbors/friends at the Holmes-Whaley Lake Civic Center for a Holmes-Pawling Neighborhood Watch (HPNW) Community Meeting on March 31st at 7:00 PM.
On behalf of the HPNW Steering Committee, I want to express our appreciation to all in attendance and to Ed Munning for hosting our use of the Holmes-Whaley Lake Civic Center. I want to personally thank Susan Macura from Pawling Press for her continued coverage and interest in helping us communicate to the Holmes & Pawling Communities. Also a thank you to Bruce Cunningham the Publisher of the Pawling Press for his ongoing support.
We were also gratified to have County Legislator David Kelly and Town Councilman Michael Mayer in attendance. Thank you both for your attendance and obvious concern for the safety of the Holmes & Pawling Communities.
Highlights of the meeting follow:
> Bob Eichinger reviewed the role of HPNW which is to report all suspicious and criminal activities to Dutchess County Sheriff Office #845-486-3800 or NYS Police Troop K HQ #845-677-7300. For all Emergencies call 911 immediately.
Please refer to HPNW General Flyer for more details on purpose of HPNW.
> Discussion of calling 911 for Emergencies instead of Dutchess County Sheriff Office (DCSO) #845-486-3800. There was a quick agreement on calling 911 for ALL EMERGENCIESand for calling DCSO #845-486-3800 to report suspicious activities and possible criminal activities. Please call 911 for any Emergencies. TJ Hanlon also told us that on July 1, 2009 911 will be upgraded to include pictures. Thanks to Legislator David Kelly and DCSO Deputy TJ Hanlon for helping to clarify the use of 911 versus calling DCSO.
> There was a question on closing time for Town-owned basketball courts next to playground in Holmes. Response from TJ was he will ask Pawling Rec. Department to post signs for hours of use.
> There was a question on ATVs being operated late at night on Bundy Hill Road. Same Resident expressed concern about mailboxes being destroyed. Bob Eichinger added his and neighbors mailboxes on Akindale Road (Quaker Hill area) have been knocked down many times in the past 2 years. Another Resident also expressed concern about ATVs on railroad tracks along Route 292. Response from TJ was it is hard to catch person(s) in the act of destroying mailboxes but they will investigate and make arrests whenever crime is reported or helpful leads are provided. A comment was made by another Resident that the District Attorney has been too lenient on mailbox smashing in the past.
TJ responded on ATVs that the Sheriff will make arrests when they can catch an ATV driver breaking the law. He said it is hard to catch them but they will try. The ATV can be confiscated if it is being operated illegally and held for pickup by an adult age owner. TJ explained that ATVs do not need to be registered or licensed if operating on their owners private property. However, if the ATV is being operated on public property they must be registered and insured. TJ will ask DCSO to look for opportunities to patrol these areas more whenever their manpower allows for it. He emphasized the need for parents to supervise their kids on ATVs as the best possible solution. TJ also highlighted that ATVs are dangerous and that a police recruit in red Hook died driving an ATV. Parents please be careful and supervise your kids.
TJ went on to explain the law when dealing with kids breaking the law. Anyone under the age of 16 can not be charged with anything that is not a crime such as a violation or traffic infraction. A child under 16 can be referred to the PINS (person in need of supervision) program or to Probation Department or to Family Court.
TJ also explained that all felonies are the jurisdiction of the County Court and misdemeanors can be handled by the local Town or Village Courts.
> There was a statement by a Resident that garbage is being illegally dumped on Bundy Hill Road. Response from TJ was to call DCSO 845-486-3800 and report it so they can investigate and issue tickets to offenders. TJ said they will look at garbage contents to try and determine source and possible offender(s).
> There was a statement by a Resident about kids using the rope swing along the railroad tracks and burning railroad ties. Response from TJ was that he will advise MTA who owns the railroad property that there are kids burning railroad ties and possibly having parties with underage drinking etc. TJ said DCSO will also keep an eye on this especially during the Summer.
> Tony Polidore a HPNW Steering Committee member pointed out that there were two burglaries in Holmes earlier this year (January 2009). There was no detail available but all Holmes Residents need to be aware of this and to take necessary precautions. See the Categories Section of this website and download the Security Checklist to help ensure your home is as safe as possible.
> There was a question about the legal speed limit for boats on Whaley Lake. Response from Legislator David Kelly that there is an Ordinance governing speeds on the lake. Councilman Mike Mayer will investigate the Town Ordinance and advise HPNW of the law.
> A Resident commented about the way DCSO handled a large party by teens last Fall off of Dodge Road. Response from TJ covered the law when dealing with kids under age of 16 as previously covered in this posting. TJ also pointed out that DCSO will make every effort to contact parents or when necessary to make arrests when they find underage drinking, drugs etc. TJ has also emphasized in the past when asked this question that law enforcement is no substitution for good parenting.
> A Resident asked about whether leaving “night lights – porch. yard etc” is advised for deterring crime. There was no definitive answer provided. Bob Eichinger will investigate and advise.
> Councilman Mayer stated that the Pawling Teen Center has been under-utilized. Several Residents commented on the need for more positive & constructive programs for our teens. Bob Eichinger recommended that Dolores Ragsdale meet with Councilman Mayer to discuss developing more events and programs for teens at the Pawling Teen Center. Dolores is a leader in the Progress for Pawling Group that started out as Stone Soup Committee. This group is focused on developing positive programs for the youth of Pawling.
> A brief discussion on the recent heroin arrests in Pawling was held. TJ highlighted the recent arrests and the commitment of DCSO to get drugs out of the hands of our children and out of our communities.
As the meeting was wrapping up, TJ emphasized that Neighborhood Watch serves as a deterrent to criminal behavior. Bob Eichinger encouraged all Residents to fill out a HPNW Volunteer form and to get involved with HPNW.
Each of the six HPNW District Captains will contact all new volunteers within the next 1-2 weeks. HPNW is organized by Town of Pawling Voting Districts.
Please email us at hpneighborhoodwatch@gmail.com with any questions, comments or suggestions.
Thank you to all for your participation and help.
Together, we can make a positive difference for Holmes and Pawling!
Bob Eichinger
Great meeting notes, thank you Bob for your commitment to this.