I did indeed talk about SNAD

To the editor:

(re: “Why don’t we just ask Dinowitz?” July 11)

A recent letter by Bernard Stein was definitely not worthy of a Pulitzer Prize.

The former publisher of The Riverdale Press claimed I had not weighed in on the proposed changed by city planning to the Special Natural Area District regulations. Not true. I spoke at the June 27 meeting of Community Board 8. While Mr. Stein was not in attendance, he could have taken a few minutes to call me. I’m listed. And he has my cell phone number.

Instead, he wrote a letter to The Press.

In fairness to Mr. Stein, he couldn’t have known that I addressed the issue since The Press story on the meeting did not mention my statement. At that meeting, I was very critical of city planning, both in terms of their process and lack of public input, and in terms of what I see as its lack of concern regarding the impact of their proposal on the environment.

I stated in strong and unambiguous terms the importance of protecting SNAD regulations. I also talked about my strong belief that we should all be concerned about not only protecting the areas inside the SNAD, but all of the Community Board 8 area against runaway development. I cited developments or proposed developments on Palisade Avenue, Henry Hudson Parkway, Blackstone Avenue, Johnson Avenue, Dash Place, West 232nd Street, Fort Independence Street, University Avenue and Claflin Avenue — a partial list.

I am extremely accessible. I would also ask anyone who has a question about my position on an issue to extend me the courtesy of reaching out to me before sending off a letter to the newspaper without having all the facts.

Jeffrey Dinowitz

The author is the Assemblyman representing the 81st district, which includes Riverdale, Kingsbridge, Van Cortlandt Village, Kingsbridge Heights and Marble Hill.

Have an opinion? Share your thoughts as a letter to the editor. Make your submission to letters@riverdalepress.com. Please include your full name, phone number (for verification purposes only), and home address (which will not be published).