Group Letter to the Editor
We are Byram District 4 families. We are families who live in Byram, rely on our public schools, and care deeply about thoughtful, long-term investment in the public infrastructure that serves this community.
We strongly support the project before you and ask that you reaffirm MI status and approve the full budget without moving the goalposts with additional conditions.
Last year, the Town was asked to go back and get this right. It did. A diverse Task Force studied the issue, listened to the community, and produced a thoughtful, balanced plan. That plan has now been overwhelmingly approved at every level—Task Force (8–1), Board of Selectmen (3–0), Planning & Zoning (5–0), and BET (12–0).
Throughout this process, a small but vocal group of individuals has claimed to speak for Byram in opposing this project. Let us say this as plainly as possible: They do not. They are a handful of individuals, not the community.
We formed Byram Families for Hamill Rink to make that clear. The families who actually live here and use these facilities support keeping the rink in Byram, where it belongs.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byramfamiliesforhamillrink
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588224161305
At every stage, Byram residents have shown up in strong numbers to support this project, far exceeding the opposition. The narrative that Byram does not want this is simply false.
This project delivers real improvements to Morlot Park: a regulation baseball field, better traffic flow, and protection and enhancement of the Memorial Grove. It is a clear benefit to the families who actually use this park.
It has also been supported by key Byram organizations, including the New Lebanon and Hamilton Avenue PTAs and the Byram Archibald Neighborhood Center.
The path forward for the RTM is clear:
1. Approve the budget, which was approved by the BET in a unanimous 12-0 vote.
2. Do not condition budget approval on private fundraising. Public infrastructure should not depend on private wealth, especially in a neighborhood like Byram.
3. Do not cut construction funding. That would delay the project, increase costs, and restart a process that has already been done the right way.
4. Reaffirm the Municipal Improvement status granted by P&Z in a unanimous vote.
The process was sound. The plan is supported. The community – especially Byram families – has spoken clearly.
Do not let a small minority override that.
Our Byram families ask that you approve the budget, preserve MI status and move this project forward.
Delaying or altering this now will only increase costs, extend disruption, and risk losing the momentum of a process that has already been completed the right way.
Byram Families for Hamill Rink:
Brett Fagan and Quentin Ball
Nicole & Peter Blechner
Veronica & Paul Bizarro
Erin and Rick Capozza
Michelle Castellanos
Eunice Defranco
Francesca Dudley
Jill & Lars Ernst
Alice Gleason
Bennett Hiles
Johna and Constantine Kalandranis
Alyssa & Justin Kemp
Ariana Kuehne & Mike Kuenhe Jr.
Johan Lang
Eric LaRosee
Ashley Longo
Florence & Kevin Nalepka
Elizabeth Pierson
Amber Pietrafeso
Ed Rizzo
Dan and Tina Romanello
Liz and Mike Rutledge
Lenny Quezada
Melissa & Adam Truelove
Colleen & Donald Wood-Smith