Dear Residents -
The end of 2021 is only a few weeks away and, in what feels like a blink, the completion of my first term as Town Supervisor. It was certainly not what I anticipated with many unexpected twists and turns along the way. And this past week proved no different when, on Sunday morning, I received a call about a fire in a Pearl River shopping center. What started out as a small, contained fire, took a life of its own as it entered walls and ceilings. It took over six hours for firefighters to get it under control and caused several of them to be treated for smoke inhalation.
On Monday morning, almost 24 hours after the fire started, I walked the premises with Orangetown Chief Fire Inspector, Dave Majewski, and Director of the Building Department, Jane Slavin, as well as Orangetown Emergency Coordinator, Michael A. Yannazzone, Jr. While the fire was under control, it was still not completely out, and I watched as our dedicated, tired volunteer firefighters continued to battle with it.
It is at times like this that we are reminded to be ever so thankful for our first responders. In addition to the Orangetown Police and Ambulance, multiple fire companies, including ones from Westchester and New Jersey, provided cooperation to the Pearl River Fire Department. Thank you to all who were on the scene that day and night, and into the days that followed.
Unfortunately, a large portion of the building could not be saved and had to be taken down. While we are fortunate that there was no loss of life, employees of the now closed businesses are out of work. The Pearl River Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the community, has setup a collection to help these employees and business owners. Donations can be made Online via Chedderup or you can mail a check to the PR Chamber of Commerce at: PO Box 829 Pearl River, NY 10965. Checks can also be dropped to Crown Trophy at 36 E. Central Avenue (corner of Central and William), Dance Central at 25 S. William Street (corner of William and Franklin), or The Saloon at 45-49 W. Central Avenue (right before Route 304).
May you all stay safe and hug your loved ones a little tighter.
Respectfully,