Tuesday, July 08, 2008

GREENBURGH ENERGY CONSERVATION INITIATIVES--TASK FORCE BEING FORMED

The Greenburgh Town Board will approve the following resolution at our July 9th Town Board meeting creating a Greenburgh Climate Action Task Force. This is the latest in a series of action steps that the Town Board has taken to address energy conservation initiatives. According to the July, 2008 issue of NEW YORK HOUSE “in 2002 Greenburgh became the first town in New York State to pass a law stating that all new residential houses and townhouses built in the municipality must meet federal and state energy star guidelines for energy efficiency. Since the law went into effect, 62 new homes have been built in Greenburgh with features and systems that make them, on average, 20 to 30% more energy efficient than a home built to prior codes.”

The new task force will assist our new energy conservation coordinator, Allegra Dengler & energy conservation outreach coordinator Deann Cartwright with their efforts promoting new green/energy conservation initiatives. Allegra & Deann are currently reviewing initiatives to extend Greenburgh’s energy star code to commercial properties. They also are planning energy conservation outreach efforts around the town.

Residents interested in serving as members of the Greenburgh Climate Action Task Force are invited to submit resumes to the townboard@greenburghny.com. We hope that Greenburgh will continue to be a leader in the energy conservation/green movement.

A copy of the resolution that the Town Board is expected to approve and a summary of some of the accomplishments of the energy conservation office (which was headed by Nikki Coddington from 2002-2008) is posted below.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF A

TOWN OF GREENBURGH CLIMATE ACTION TASK FORCE CHARGED WITH CREATING AN ACTION PLAN

WHEREAS, the Town of Greenburgh has a long history of leadership on the environment and energy conservation; and

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to reduce the use of greenhouse gases due to the impact on the climate and global warming; and

WHEREAS, spiraling costs of fossil-fuel based energy supplies are impacting all sectors of the economy of the Town of Greenburgh, highlighting the need for energy independence from foreign sources of fossil fuel energy; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to mitigate the increased risks associated with the increased intensity and severity of local weather events; and

WHEREAS, a transition to clean energy will create new, sustainable jobs in Greenburgh; and

WHEREAS, a Climate Action Task Force would address the issues raised above;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh hereby creates a Climate Action Task Force charged with developing an action plan to reduce green house gas emissions in the unincorporated area of the Town of Greenburgh and that can serve as a model for other municipalities to follow; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Task Force shall be made up of representatives from government, business, educational institutions, faith communities and the environmental community so that each sector can help identify and address both short-term and long-term actions specific to their sector as well as to the larger community; and



BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the action plan shall:

1. inventory total greenhouse gas emissions produced in the unincorporated area of the Town of Greenburgh;

2. recommend a greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal and a strategy to achieve the goal;

3. identify possible actions to achieve the goals specific to each sector as well as actions individual households can take;

4. recommend a sustainability program to reduce energy consumption through conservation and efficiency, increase the use of renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar, reduce solid waste and increase recycling, and promote land use and transportation alternatives compatible with these priorities; and

5. include a means to monitor progress in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and



BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Task Force shall assist all sectors with their changes.

PREVIOUS ENERGY CONSERVATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Obtained $36,400 grant for solar PV system at Town Hall

Coordinated energy efficiency retrofit of Town Hall for estimated annual savings of $26,000

Obtained donation of 3 electric GEM cars from NY Power Authority

Created and organized annual Green Living Fair (and many other events)

Created and produced “The Energy Show” on Greenburgh cable TV

Created “Green Your Miles” campaign to reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled

Initiated Woodlands HS art project on energy & global warming displayed in Town Hall meeting room

Created and maintained Web page of resources

Facilitated Town participation in “Operation Save NY” energy curtailment program

Organized recognition event for Energy Star® Homes completed in Greenburgh

First Town in New York State to pass a law stating that all new residential houses and townhouses built in Greenburgh must meet federal and state energy star guidelines.




The Greenburgh Town Board will approve the following resolution at our July 9th Town Board meeting creating a Greenburgh Climate Action Task Force. This is the latest in a series of action steps that the Town Board has taken to address energy conservation initiatives. According to the July, 2008 issue of NEW YORK HOUSE “in 2002 Greenburgh became the first town in New York State to pass a law stating that all new residential houses and townhouses built in the municipality must meet federal and state energy star guidelines for energy efficiency. Since the law went into effect, 62 new homes have been built in Greenburgh with features and systems that make them, on average, 20 to 30% more energy efficient than a home built to prior codes.”

The new task force will assist our new energy conservation coordinator, Allegra Dengler & energy conservation outreach coordinator Deann Cartwright with their efforts promoting new green/energy conservation initiatives. Allegra & Deann are currently reviewing initiatives to extend Greenburgh’s energy star code to commercial properties. They also are planning energy conservation outreach efforts around the town.

Residents interested in serving as members of the Greenburgh Climate Action Task Force are invited to submit resumes to the townboard@greenburghny.com. We hope that Greenburgh will continue to be a leader in the energy conservation/green movement.

A copy of the resolution that the Town Board is expected to approve and a summary of some of the accomplishments of the energy conservation office (which was headed by Nikki Coddington from 2002-2008) is posted below.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor





RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF A

TOWN OF GREENBURGH CLIMATE ACTION TASK FORCE CHARGED WITH CREATING AN ACTION PLAN



WHEREAS, the Town of Greenburgh has a long history of leadership on the environment and energy conservation; and



WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to reduce the use of greenhouse gases due to the impact on the climate and global warming; and



WHEREAS, spiraling costs of fossil-fuel based energy supplies are impacting all sectors of the economy of the Town of Greenburgh, highlighting the need for energy independence from foreign sources of fossil fuel energy; and



WHEREAS, there is a need to mitigate the increased risks associated with the increased intensity and severity of local weather events; and



WHEREAS, a transition to clean energy will create new, sustainable jobs in Greenburgh; and



WHEREAS, a Climate Action Task Force would address the issues raised above;



NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh hereby creates a Climate Action Task Force charged with developing an action plan to reduce green house gas emissions in the unincorporated area of the Town of Greenburgh and that can serve as a model for other municipalities to follow; and



BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Task Force shall be made up of representatives from government, business, educational institutions, faith communities and the environmental community so that each sector can help identify and address both short-term and long-term actions specific to their sector as well as to the larger community; and



BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the action plan shall:

1. inventory total greenhouse gas emissions produced in the unincorporated area of the Town of Greenburgh;

2. recommend a greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal and a strategy to achieve the goal;

3. identify possible actions to achieve the goals specific to each sector as well as actions individual households can take;

4. recommend a sustainability program to reduce energy consumption through conservation and efficiency, increase the use of renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar, reduce solid waste and increase recycling, and promote land use and transportation alternatives compatible with these priorities; and

5. include a means to monitor progress in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and



BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Task Force shall assist all sectors with their changes.

PREVIOUS ENERGY CONSERVATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Obtained $36,400 grant for solar PV system at Town Hall

Coordinated energy efficiency retrofit of Town Hall for estimated annual savings of $26,000

Obtained donation of 3 electric GEM cars from NY Power Authority

Created and organized annual Green Living Fair (and many other events)

Created and produced “The Energy Show” on Greenburgh cable TV

Created “Green Your Miles” campaign to reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled

Initiated Woodlands HS art project on energy & global warming displayed in Town Hall meeting room

Created and maintained Web page of resources

Facilitated Town participation in “Operation Save NY” energy curtailment program

Organized recognition event for Energy Star® Homes completed in Greenburgh

First Town in New York State to pass a law stating that all new residential houses and townhouses built in Greenburgh must meet federal and state energy star guidelines.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

task force ???? HA

How bout this quote from the TDYCC web site regarding the pool.....


......Notes: One of our readers sent a note advising visitors to "bring a lock, and do not bring valuables into the building."

thats just great!!!

clost the center !!!!!

Anonymous said...

We do not need to waste money on a political hack as energy czar.

Anonymous said...

How about putting up windmills on the Taxter Road property.
We need more energy to service the residents this would be a great start.

Anonymous said...

Gee is the Westhab property green?

Anonymous said...

A resolution to get the highway department to clean clogged sewer grates and do street sweeping might be helpful:

WHEREAS the town's roadways look like crap;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the supervisor needs to actually supervise; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a simple schedule for basic street sweeping needs to be created, published, implemented, and supervised.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no additional staff will be hired to implement this resolution due to current overstaffing in the highway department.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if the supervisor continues to demonstrate that he will not supervise even the most elementary municipal responsibilities such as this that he be mandated to drive the street sweeper and rake the clogged sewer grates himself.

Anonymous said...

Regula must go.

If he goes you will see a different and cleaner Greenburgh.
He doesn't give a dam for the town anymore he made his money and now since we have to pitch pennies he cannot spend like before.
His method of supervising his men has diminished.
He is no longer respected therefore you must replace him asap.

Anonymous said...

whats next for town government - a resolution urging if its yellow let it mellow, if its brown, flush it down?

lets spend our energy on getting an up to date general ledger system so we can track overtime abuse.

Anonymous said...

Paul,
Why did you remove the part of the blog concerning Regula.
Why not listen to the public and get rid of the one whom you think is the best to oversee this town.
You try to stay on top of everything but you know dam well that it is impossible .
He has had enough time here in Greenburgh and has gotten plenty from his dealings.
Someday when it's too late you will realize that those who spoke out against this man were 100% right.
The services tht he extends to the residents are paid for over and over again.
He doesn't do anything other than what we pay for.
Now he wants to cut services.
Let him cut services where he gets garbage pickups that should be be picked up by private haulers.
Who is he kidding.
Get rid of him before he pulls you down.You have put too much trust in this man for too long,and believe me the crap will hit the fan .
He was involved with the rnovation of the town garage now that place has to be redone.
He is in charge of the library where he constantly stated that everything was ok. the project will be ready in a couple of months and by the way the money was enough for the entire project.
Now we fing out there's no furniture and shelves.
How can you allow this person to oversee important projects that cost the residents double the amount of money.
Paul, wake up it's getting later than you think.

Anonymous said...

Is there any other town with an energy czar? We cant afford this.

Anonymous said...

Windmills and more windmills at Taxter park. Put this land to good use.
I'm sure if this plan is placed in the states hands they will assist with grants to build this farm to aid the residents of Westchester.
I wanted to put a windmill on my property but the expense was too much for one person for the installation.
The property on Taxter is a dump until someone decides to do something to make it some what useful.
Just think about it.

Anonymous said...

How can Sheehan say that Regula is very compitent.

Let's face it whatever he was in charge of cost the taxpayers more money than was expected.
He was in charge of enlarging the town garage guess what they have to do it over again.
He is in charge of the library where has the money gone to.
He is in charge of the roadways they are a mess.
Whatever he has done for the so called benefit of the residents has cost us mega bucks HOW COME.
This has happened thru the years because everyone on the board thought that he was the chosen one to accomplish where others have failed.
How wrong was the board of yesterday and now this board.
The young lady had her facts straight when she commented on his ability to oversee different projects.
She has made plenty of sense tonight and all the other times when she spoke at town meeting.
Good job young lady you know your apples from oranges.
Sorry I can't remember your name .

Anonymous said...

Mr. Regula is a good person and well intentioned. However, he doesn't have the managerial skills appropriate for such a large operation.

Anonymous said...

I don't know which Regula you are talking about.
How can someone be as efficient as you say when all the DEPW hates him.
They do their job because the residents are great.
Ask anyone of them and they will tell you the same story.
Regula has been and will be only for himself .
The way he does't give a dam about the residents he is worse with his workers.
Paul what are you waiting for to replace him.
There is so much disention amongst the men that it is a crime.
All these men need their jobs so they continue the job that they were hired for.
To say that they are happy with regula no way.
He never pays for his mistakes the workers do.
He always finds a way to wiggle out of things and the others are the bad guys.
Paul sit down with a few of these men and see what stories they can tell.
He failed his men and now he is failing the residents big time.

Anonymous said...

"Paul sit down with a few of these men and see what stories they can tell."

Wow, are you suggesting that the Supervisor actually supervise?!

Anonymous said...

Check the headline in todays Daily News stating that Con Edison is asking for a 22% RAISE HIKE.
This is the time to consider using a so called parkland Taxter Road .
This could be the best place to put up a windmill farm to service those that use this utility company.
We need help now.
We need windmills since most of the homes in Greenburgh are all electric.
Do we have to contact the state for assistance or will it be handled in house?

Anonymous said...

Why isnt our Energy Czar looking into this? Why are we paying her salary?

Anonymous said...

I'm sure that this will be checked out real soon.
We must be aware of one thing----
there's a gentleman who lives along side of a good spot for windmills that has a lot of control over some politicians.
This is how this property was purchased.
We should bypass Greenburgh and go straight to the state.
After reading the newspaper today this is a must to save the taxpayers money.
In Greenburgh we have to use Con Edison so we are screwed.
There are some sub companies but there is no savings if we use them.
We cannot go back to candles, oil lamps and coal to heat the homes.
Please look into the windmill farms as soon as possible.

Anonymous said...

Hey Al Regula have you driven through the streets lately to see how many more residents have placed boulders on town property along the roads.
Why the hell can't you stop this from happening.
Talk about safety you don't seem to give a hoot.
Should someone ever loose control of a vehicle you can bet the town will be sued big time.
Smarten up a little and check this out instead of trying to take away our garbage service that we have enjoyed for upton years.

Anonymous said...

Paul if you want to do good for the town look into windmill farms.
The air would be cleaner and electricity would be cheaper.
For one in your life do something to help the residents.
The homes in the town that you represent are almost all run by electricity.
We all need help now.

Anonymous said...

What we need windmills and more windmills so we can kiss Con Edison goodbye.
Has Con Edison ever replaced the trees where they haphazardley cut down whatever they wanted.
Going thru some of the roadways it doesn't look like they did.
Was this shoved under the rug also.

Here in New York we are at Con Edisons mercy.
We really have no way to go other than windmills.
How about asking the state if it is at all possible to put up windmills to service all the residents.We have parklands throughout the county and state that could and should be used for this purpose.
HELP!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

How many have received their Con Edison Bill this week. Well do you now think that we do need an alternative way of getting electricity.
Paul we need you to do something asap.
Between my mortgage and con edison bill my whole pay check is almost gone.
Many of us need your help so please check into windmills .

Anonymous said...

To those of you who want to get rid of Con Ed -
Even if you build the best windmill farm in the world at Taxter Ridge, you will still have to use Con Edison's transmission lines to move the electricity from Taxter Ridge to your home. Con Ed can and will charge you the legal maximum - and unless the electricity generated at Taxter is free, you'll hardly notice a change in your electric bill.
Thanks to economically ignorant politicians who made foolish deals, Con Ed will still be making money, long after your wallet is empty.

Anonymous said...

Greenburgh, by virtue of becoming the first town in NY to mandate compliance with EnergyStar standards also became the first town to strip its taxpayers of their advantages for VOLUNTARILY complying with EnergyStar regulations. The advantages for VOLUNTARY compliance included rebates and tax deductions - which may not be claimed if one is REQUIRED to comply with EnergyStar regulations. A little more effort by the local laws supporters and a little less hurry to be "first" would have protected local taxpayers...

Anonymous said...

Oh so Paul has screwed us out of tax credits. Where was the Energy Czar during this? Did she know, did she care??