EDGEMONT, New York (AllPolitics, August 15) -- Not everyone is ready to welcome the first couple, President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton to the neighborhood.
Mrs. Clinton, who is considering relocating to New York State for a possible campaign for the seat being vacated by Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, received the following letter from a woman who describes herself as Edgemont Historian, Louise K. Clark:
Dear Mrs. Clinton:
To me Edgemont is a fine community, one in which I have chosen to live
since 1959 and where all of my children have attended school.
It is my prediction, however, that the selection by you of the home at 74 Ardsley Road would, if finalized, create problems every day both for you and the present residents of Edgemont.
The geology of Western Westchester County consists of a series of north-south ridges with north-south streams in the valleys. Historically, east-west traffic has been difficult, with the minimal through roads probably
following old Indian trails.
Ardsley Road is the main such artery in this area, one of the few routes possible for people traveling to and from Scarsdale Village and points east.
You were here on a Wednesday morning in summertime and were probably not made aware of how the traffic backs up each way during
busy hours.
The house at 74 Ardsley Road is near the top of the hill known
since the 19th century as "Break Neck Hill."
The road dividers in evidence are an attempt to improve safety but, as a result of them, it is not unusual for large trucks to become stuck going around the curb at the bottom. Then all traffic halts until the authorities can arrange for everyone to back up.
In winter the hill is treacherous, although the road crews are good.
The addition of your entourage of press and secret service personnel,
political staff, and curious public would undoubtedly create the kind of chaos with which you would not want to be associated.
Anywhere else in Edgemont would be a better choice than Ardsley Road.
Respectfully Yours,
Louise K. Clark
