from the....... President's Desk

The Mayor is coming! As noted on the front page of this newsletter, Mayor Anthony A. Williams is coming to speak at the Palisades Citizens Association’s next membership meeting on Tuesday, November 2. Please come — not only to hear what he has to say but to ask questions and to hear the concerns of your neighbors. This is a real opportunity for our community to personally engage the Mayor in a dialogue about his vision for the city and its neighborhoods. In fact, we have asked him to speak on the topic of “Neighborhoods: How to Integrate Their Needs and Concerns with those of the Larger City.” You will hear me talk about the concept of “neighborhood” a lot in the coming year, because this is what the Palisades is all about. For many people the attraction of the Palisades is that it has the feeling of a small town and yet is part of a larger and vibrant city. We in the Palisades Citizens Association are looking to preserve those small town qualities while still being open to big city opportunities. Meeting with the Mayor is just one of the ways that we intend to look at how to do that. I might add that the Mayor’s willingness to speak to the PCA in November is simply another indication of how well the PCA is thought of in the city— thanks to the leadership of people like Penny Pagano, our immediate past president, and other PCA members. Being able to accomplish the task of preserving our sense of “neighborhood” while still growing also means having members who are willing to work on local issues that interest them. You will be receiving in the mail an appeal to renew your membership in the PCA. Please take the time not only to write the check but to consider joining a PCA committee. We need people to be involved in issues ranging from limiting aircraft noise to improving recreational opportunities for our children. If you do wish to be more involved, call me and I will work to find a fit between your interests and the PCA’s needs. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Nov. 2 meeting with Mayor Williams. —Cary Ridder