Letter to the Editor
When in 1977 a group founded 10964, it was envisioned as a newsletter that would unite this incredibly diverse community. It was never intended to be a place for divisive, unsubstantiated personal attacks such as what was recently published in the May issue by Susan Nemesdy. To characterize Prominent Properties Sotheby's International Realty as a company that "represents the glitzy luxury lifestyle most of us moved here to get away from" without a scintilla of evidence to support the claim is virtually slanderous. At a minimum, it violates the intended spirit of 10964.
Richard Benizio and I have lived in Palisades since 1968. We too moved here for many of the same reasons you cited - the peace and tranquility of the hamlet, the inclusive atmosphere, the visual charm and the quality of life. Through the years, those who truly know us know that we have supported every attempt to keep the town that way, and we will continue to do so. Clearly, we share your desire to keep Palisades the magical place it has always been. Which brings me to the question of Yonderhill, an iconic building if there ever was one. Steven Lonsdale, Richard and I purchased this building in 2000 because the owners felt we were the best choice to preserve the building. We obviously agreed with that. Since 1935 when Tippie O'Neil bought the run-down de sanctified building, it has been used for commercial purposes. The letters I asked neighbors and friends to write were to affirm that Yonderhill has historically been used for commercial purposes. We offered the first floor of the building for rental as office/retail and Sotheby's said yes. What many people don't realize, or care to ask, is that Prominent Properties was approved by Sotheby's corporate in New York City. Clearly they know that Ellis Realty operates in Nyack yet Prominent Properties was approved to open in Palisades. Mrs. Nemesdy asserts that "almost all of their agents live in New Jersey and have no interest in our community." Had she done her homework, she would have realized that 8 out of the 10 agents hired to work in Palisades are from Rockland County (many actually are lifelong residents of Palisades), including Molly Samett. The other two, Victor Polce and Jeanne Shields (two of the nicest people you would ever want to meet and people we are honored to say they are our friends) have been looking for property in Palisades. Their intent is simple and straightforward: to sell existing homes for the highest price possible, and they are not contractors who will put up McMansions and ruin the character of our community. Finally, they have expressed a strong desire to participate in community events, while hosting events at Yonderhill. We all hope that facts and not the fiction that Mrs. Nemesdy wrote will help readers of 10964 understand that we have the best intentions for the use of Yonderhill and our fervent commitment is to retain the unique quality of our extraordinary hamlet. Thank you for listening.