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Mount Kisco residents urge stronger police presence after incidents near elementary school
Summary
Multiple residents told the Village Board on April 20 that weekly downtown protests and other quality-of-life incidents have escalated, citing recent confrontations near Mount Kisco Elementary School and asking for consistent police presence at dismissal and a restored Community Resource Officer.
A string of public commenters at the April 20 Mount Kisco Village Board meeting pressed trustees for immediate, visible action after a series of quality-of-life incidents that residents say are escalating near Mount Kisco Elementary School (MKES).
Multiple residents — including Valerie Stout, Jennifer Vallejos and Pamela Ciprian — said recent episodes of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, panhandling and aggressive approaches to children have left parents alarmed and called for steady police presence during dismissal. "The incidents are now approaching attacks and unpredictable in nature," Valerie Stout said, urging "consistent police presence at dismissal every day." Several speakers said the problem has persisted for months despite prior reports to police.
Other commenters disagreed on the protests themselves. Robin Buco, a downtown business owner, described weekly protests as peaceful and said they bring foot traffic to local businesses. In contrast, residents including Louis Terlizzi and others urged sharper enforcement and criticized what they described as inconsistent policing. Tony Giardina and Maryann Delaney also spoke on free-speech issues and whether out-of-town demonstrators may participate.
The board heard calls to restore a Community Resource Officer position and for the Westchester County Police (WCPD) to provide more consistent, long-term patrols rather than episodic responses. Mayor J. Michael Cindrich said the board had requested increased patrols during recent meetings with law enforcement, and Trustee Heather Bryant said the Village should be willing to fund an additional officer or resource officer at MKES if needed.
Next steps: Residents asked the board to work with the police department and the school district to ensure daily safety during dismissal. Trustees and staff noted ongoing communications with WCPD and said they would continue to pursue options for more consistent enforcement and school-safety protocols.
