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The Chapel in the Park
Dear Editor:
There are two fields in the Putnam County Park on Gipsy Trail Road. In the lower field … where the lake is located … there has been, for many years, a somber monument reminding us of the consequences of war. Recently there has been added an army tank on the right and a helicopter gun ship on the left. Also, off to the side is the statue of a grieving mother … she had just been told that her son or daughter has been killed at war. Benches have been provided nearby with the name of local politicians prominently displayed.
The upper field is called Nimham Field and that is where we have the 4-H fair and many other events. There are extensive plans for the upper field and they are already in progress. Just past the gate to this field, look to your left and you will see a concrete slab. This is the foundation for a reconstruction of the old Red Mills Baptist Church. The slab was installed in spite of a stop work order issued by the Town of Kent. We are also told that the County has no intention of following the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act.
In taking this position the County is ignoring any independent assessment of: the septic field requirements, the special reinforcements that might be needed where the slab supports the very tall steeple, and the need for steel beams to support the roof … assuming there is a plan to use the heavy wooden beams of the original church.
However this is not our central concern. By avoiding the Town of Kent and the SEQRA as well, the County also avoids public input.
Now whatever the reasons for all of the wars that we have fought; I do not remember fighting one for the purpose of stifling our public's input. Most of us veterans believed it was quite the reverse …
I understand that the park has been renamed "Veterans Memorial Park". I understand that a veteran's committee has made all the above recommendations, I also understand that they are considering the addition of a fighter jet.
Regardless of the name change, a public park should involve the public. I am a veteran of WWII. I love the open spaces of our park. I love to hear the fife and drum kids going at the drums till 2am. If I could, I would dance with the emerald society kids and run with the dog agility ladies. This is what I fought for: people having pure fun. There are too many places on this earth where the tools of war are surrounding people. I invite you to join me in what is most likely the very futile task of contacting our county legislators and asking them to keep Nimham Fields green. Try 40 Gleneida Avenue.
Jim Baker Kent Lakes
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