914 area code Imagine dialing an area code in order to call a neighbor next door. Imagine installing a second phone line at your home and getting an area code that is different from the first. Imagine reprogramming your pager and cellular phone, as well as changing your letterhead for stationery. You have been assigned an area code.
Because 914, the only area code Westchester ever knew, has started to exhaust its assignable number numbers, one or more of these scenarios are likely to occur by next year.
914 Area code: The culprit is technology
Technology is the culprit The number of available numbers under each area code has been rapidly reduced by the skyrocketing demand to add phone lines for modems, fax machines and cellular phones.
The problem has been exacerbated by increased competition for local phone service, as many new companies are allocated large blocks of the remaining phone numbers.
The county faces the same problem as New York City, Long Island, and other parts of New Jersey, Connecticut, and is having to give up the familiarity of an area number that has been in place for decades. In Westchester’s instance, it was established since the 1950’s.
It is not the only owner of 914 area code. This is part of the problem and a large part of the current debate. The 914 region, in addition to Westchester, which was the first to have 914, also includes parts of Sullivan and Columbia, Delaware, Greene Counties, and some of Delaware. Neither one of these areas wants to see 914 go.
914 area code: The state’s Public Service Commission
The state’s Public Service Commission is currently deciding the Solomonic decision to divide the area in order to create a new code. Edward Collins, a spokesperson for the commission, stated that a decision will be made this fall. Implementation could take place by the middle next year.
The commission has dealt with the problem in one way or another over the years. The overlay would superimpose a new code area on the whole 914 region. Depending on availability, new customers would receive numbers either from the old or the updated area code.
Another method, called a geographical split, would allow the 914 area to be divided into two regions. One of these regions would receive a new area number.
914 area code: The commission stated that rates would not change regardless of which option was chosen.
Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of the overlay plan would be that no new area codes would be assigned to existing residential or business customers.
The overlay plan would save those with cellular phones or pagers from having them reprogrammed in order to accept the new code. An overlay is also easy to duplicate.
A third area code could be added after the current area code has been exhausted (which, according to the Public Service Commission, will happen in 2006).
However, the overlay plan can pose problems. Different area codes could be assigned to different people who live or work in the same building. It is possible for two numbers to be in the same house or office that have more than one line to have different area codes.
Half of all calls made to the 914 area code will require you to dial 10 or 11 digits depending on whether it is necessary for outside numbers.
914 area code: Geographic divisions have the benefit that people can
Geographic splits have the advantage that people living in the Hudson Valley can retain their identity. They only need one area code to access a particular location. It would also not require as much dialing to make local calls.
The split would be a disappointment to many, including those who receive the new area code and those pager and cellular users who have to change. Once the new-carved-out area has outgrown its area code, it will need to be broken into smaller and smaller parts.
There is also the delicate matter of how to create the geography. The State Department of Public Service staff, which reports directly to the commission in Westchester, considered two options.
The Route 287 corridor runs through central Westchester. Another alternative passes through the region. This plan would assign one area code to southern Westchester, while all other counties would get another.
914 area code: Westchester County and the other counties that utilise 914 are divided
Another option for a geographical split is to divide Westchester County and the other counties that use 914. The division would start roughly at the Westchester/Putnam border and continue along the Hudson River.
All of Peekskill and Purdys, Croton Fall and the North Salem areas would remain in the Westchester section of the split. The western portion would include all of Putnam Valley, Mahopac, and Croton Falls.
While both options are being considered, the Public Service staff recommends that, if a geographical split is used to split Westchester from other counties. Federal guidelines mandate that both areas receive similar relief.
However, cutting the 914 area in half would leave the Hudson region without numbers for at least two years. The Hudson area would be out of numbers by the time the nineteenth century is over. While the Hudson region would have its numbers for ten years, the code would not apply to the west side.
Collins stated that if the commission decides to keep Westchester in one area code, it will not necessarily be 914. He stated that the staff did not favor either one or the other area in its option paper for 914. “Part of that decision really hinges on how long the plan will be implemented.”
914 area code: Andrew J. Spano County Executive, who supports keeping Westchester together
With this in mind, Andrew J. Spano County Executive, who supports keeping Westchester together while retaining 914, testified last month at an Elmsford hearing. Mr. Spano stated that Westchester County is a mature country.
According to Census projections, Westchester’s population growth will be only 1.5 percent by 2020. The counties to the west will see a much faster rate. We believe that Westchester will not grow faster than the 914 area code, as it has the lowest growth rate in the region.
Mr. Spano also argued against the introduction of a second area code in the county to compromise the emergency response system. He stated that if the Public Service Commission decided to establish an overlay system for the 914 area, it could also lead to real errors and delay in emergency response.
“The ability of Bell Atlantic’s 911 Call Location Software to correctly handle a situation in which there are two Westchester areas codes is not tested and uncertain.
914 area code: A change to the area code, according to Mr. Spano,
Mr. Spano also stated that a change to the area code could negatively affect Westchester’s small businesses, posing a hardship for them.
He stated that Westchester has a large population of elderly residents and immigrants who speak English as a second language, so either an area code or overlay plan would be difficult. This would mean more dialing.
Residents have an emotional connection to their area codes, despite the fact that they are not being given official reasons. The Patent Trader, a newspaper that covers northern Westchester, published an editorial about the proposed change. Part of the editorial was titled “Those are OUR numbers.”
“People are outraged at the idea that 914 might be broken up and split among a handful of Johnny-comes-lately counties such as Rockland, Dutchess, and Sullivan. It’s more than chauvinism or we-had it-first.
Westchester can defend 914’s attachment on a variety of grounds. We-had-it first is one. Besides, Westchester is also the largest, the most populous, the most well-known, and the most interesting county (can you name five landmarks in Ulster, Orange, or both?). It’s hard to beat.
Collins stated that the commission held public hearings in each county last month and will make a recommendation in the fall. The new plan will likely go into effect in either the middle or later part of next year.
The deadline for comments on the proposed changes is Sept. 17. Residents can write to Debra Renner Acting Secretary, New York State Public Service Commission at 3 Empire State Plaza Albany, N.Y. 12233, call 800 335-2120, or visit www.dps.state.ny.us.
Numbers that No One Wants To Lose
JUST three numbers, 914, but what a difference it makes if you’re the one losing them. Residents’ reactions vary from mild dismay and downright disgust as Bell Atlantic considers a possible change in the area code for Westchester. Here’s a sample:
Nicole Klemens (42), a ”full time, stay-at home mom” from Rye
“I want my 914. It’s my home since childhood. It is my most treasured possession. It’s important to remember that certain numbers sound like area code. Area codes used to have a zero or one as their second digit.
An area code sounds almost like an exchange now that it has a second digit. Some area codes can be easily recognized. When someone told me an area code, I was able to identify the state from which they were coming. With all the new area codes, which don’t even sound like them, it’s hard to know the exact geography of the situation.
You can accept anything, I suppose. My Connecticut in-laws had theirs changed from number 203 to number 860. Although it was difficult at first, we have all come to terms with it.
Lee Bachmann (43), is a Port Chester-based child-care specialist
”It’s crazy. They should preserve 914 but add an additional area code to the counties around it. It would be foolish to have different area code in one county and different area codes for Westchester. There are more Westchester phones than Rockland or Putnam so 914 should be kept throughout.
This would be the best thing. Yes, they will change my area code. Are we really required to pay for these types of studies? Anyone can look at a map. It’s so easy. It’s so obvious.
Betsey, 55, is a school administrator living in Rye
“I’ll kill them” — No, I’m just kidding. They are doing this! To keep track of my home numbers, I will need a journal.
“I have a fax machine, a computer modem and a phone. It makes things more complicated. For 34 years, I lived with 914. I was born in Pennsylvania, and lived there for 34 years. I don’t really remember. However, I do know that I will always remember 914 even if it is changed.
Cindy Suma (38), is a public relations specialist at St. Vincent’s Center for Behavioral Health, Harrison
“I can see why there are additional area codes with the proliferation of technology in people’s homes. I am glad that I have my second phone line, so I can keep 914.
It would be too confusing to have 2 different area codes in my home, given the fact that I work full-time, have two children, and live a wired lifestyle.
*Lydia Paluzzi (55), from Valhalla is co-owner at Playland Market, Rye.
“Personally, it’s something I can get used to. You get used to it, just like everything else. People don’t like change. Change for its own sake makes us all uncomfortable. At my age, however, I would be grateful if this were all that I had to worry about.
Phyllis Trapanese (54), a Rye resident who owns a gift-basket company
“Who is being changed?” Us? If it doesn’t effect me, I don’t mind. It doesn’t matter if it bothers me. 914 is easy to get used too. I am not flexible. It will cause some confusion in my business. This is also a terrible idea. I will have to update all my business cards and invoices. This is not an easy change. It’s going to be expensive for me. LYNNE AMES
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