Birch Close to Open at Last

Sleepy Hollow Mayor Ken Wray announced at Tuesday’s board meeting that Kendal on Hudson assisted living complex will now support a trail connection from Sleepy Hollow Manor to Kendal via Birch Close.

This follows a long, tireless effort from the community -- especially Philipse Manor and Sleepy Hollow Manor associations -- petitioning Kendal to open this southern access to Rockwood Hall park after a 10-year closure once called temporary.

It seems the timing was ripe. In order for access to happen, Kendal, by condition of the special permit they had when they were built, would have to initiate any amendment to it. "Apparently, they have a project they want to do," said Village Administrator Anthony Giaccio, "so they will amend this at the same time."

"Basically, we waited long enough for Kendal to want something (a permit) from the village and trail access was part of the deal," West said.

In an email, West announced the news to fellow Sleepy Hollow Manor Association board members, saying, “We have worked tirelessly on this effort and appreciate what this means. Looking forward to working together with all the stakeholders involved to finish the trail so that our community’s park access, at long last, can now be restored."