By Katie Bisaro
Stanley-Deming Park, in the Village of Warwick, will remain closed due to the on-going COVID-19 health situation, and the difficulty in enforcing mask-wearing and social distancing restrictions.
At the Village Board meeting held on Mon., Oct. 19, Mayor Michael Newhard reported that he and Trustee George McManus met with Lt. John Rader of the Warwick Police Department who advised that the park remained closed at this time.
Enforcement Difficulties
The Mayor reported that he discussed the issue with Ron Introini, Director of Village Parks and Recreation, and the possibility of having summer park staff at Stanley-Deming monitor the entrance. Introini told Newhard that most of the summer camp counselors are employed during the day or in school.
In his report to the Board of Trustees, Trustee Bill Lindberg commented that casual observance at the park, when it was still open, found that children and adults were not wearing masks and that social distancing was difficult to maintain due to the nature of activity at the playground. Without means to monitor the park, Lindberg concurred with the recommendation that the park remain closed at this time.
“If we can’t have monitors to take a look at the park then I recommend we do keep [it] closed. It’s too much of a chance, too many people in the park,” Lindberg stated.
The Trustees discussed various options under which the park could be re-opened including restricted hours, limiting the number of those in the park at one time, monitoring of safety protocols, etc.
It has been suggested that park attendance be restricted to Village, Town or possibly school district residents only. Village Attorney Stephen Gaba pointed out that if State or Federal funds were used for the park then such a restriction would not be allowed, the Village is obligated to open the park to the general public. Trustee Barry Cheney asked Gaba to look into the possibility that, under COVID-19, a resident restriction might be put into place.
With any of the proposed restrictions – time limits, residency, etc. – monitoring and enforcement are still an issue. For now, Stanley-Deming Park will remain closed.
Halloween Curfew Set
As in years past, the Village of Warwick has put a curfew in place for Halloween and the night before. When the curfew is in effect, all those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The curfew applies to all public areas and streets of the Village including parks.
The curfew is in effect beginning at 8 p.m. on Fri., Oct. 30 until 6 a.m. on Sat. Oct. 31. The curfew begins again 8 p.m. on Sat. Oct. 31 until 6 a.m. Sun., Nov. 1.
Main St. Outdoor Dining Extension Requested
An application to the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) will be submitted to extend the COVID-19 Recovery Temporary Use Permit allowing the closure of a portion of Main St. to permit outdoor dining.
Starting in the summer, a section of Main St. has been closed on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30 to 11 p.m. to allow restaurants to set up outdoor dining to increase their capacity in light of COVID-19 restrictions. Once DOT approval is obtained, outdoor dining will continue through Sat., Nov. 28.
Salvation Army Bell Ringing
The Warwick Lions Club has been granted permission to ring bells for the Salvation Army on Main St. in the Village of Warwick on weekends of Dec. 12 to Dec. 13 and Dec. 19 to Dec. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Public Hearing on Traffic Code Set
A public hearing will be held on Mon., Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. to consider a local law repealing and reenacting Village Code Chapter 135, “Vehicles and Traffic” to add traffic safety regulations and traffic control devices. A copy of the proposed local law will be published and posted by the Village Clerk and available for review.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will take place on Mon., Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom and may be viewed by the public on Facebook Live. For more information, visit the Village website at www.villageofwarwick.org.
Stanley-Deming Park, in the Village of Warwick, will remain closed due to the on-going COVID-19 health situation, & the difficulty in enforcing mask-wearing & social distancing restrictions.
