Thursday, July 31, 2008

ABANDONED HOUSE ON JOYCE ROAD BEING DEMOLISHED

During the past five years residents of Joyce Road have been complaining about an unfinished house that has been a community eyesore. The house was boarded up, neglected. The Town Attorney's office prosecuted the violations and a Judge ordered the house down. This week the house came down! Good work, Town Attorney's office!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

EDGEMONT BURGLARY SUSPECT IN JAIL...INTERIOR OF LIBRARY YOU TUBE TOUR POSTED...

Police Chief John Kapica met with the Greenburgh Town Board during our work session on Tuesday afternoon and reported that a suspect in the Edgemont burglaries has been in jail for about 2 months. There has been no burglaries since his arrest. The suspect had some ties to the Edgemont community. The police chiefs comments are streamed on the internet: www.greenburghny.com (look under archives: July 29th work session).
The library construction is nearing completion. The library is scheduled to be completed in October, 2008. The library will be open before the end of the year. Andy Laub, a student intern, took some video of the interior of the construction of the new library. If you're curious how the inside of the building looks - take a YOU TUBE tour. Visit www.youtube.com and search for greenburghny. The video's of the library interior were posted on July 29th.
PAUL FEINER

Monday, July 28, 2008

FORDHAM DEER TICK RISK--CHECK OUT www.fordham.edu/tick

Fordham University has an interesting tick index—advising people of their risk of being bitten by deer ticks. The web site is www.fordham.edu/tick. Thomas Daniels – who resides in our town- developed the tick index.

Friday, July 25, 2008

KATHWOOD HOMES UPDATE...WORK SESSION AGENDA

I received the following from the Town Atty re: abandoned Kathwood properties that has been the subject of litigation. Thought you would be interested in the memo from the Town Atty.
The developers of the Kathwood properties received final subdivision approval from the Town Planning Board to build homes on 5 of the 6 lots about a month ago. At this point, the only delay is the filing of the subdivision map with the County of Westchester Division of Land Record. The map requires several Town, County and other signatures before it can be filed. Once proof that the map is filed is provided to the Building Inspector, a building permit will be issued and construction will proceed.
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – July 29, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
2:00p.m. Special Meeting of the Town Board

2:30p.m. Greenburgh Nature Center

2:45p.m. Greenburgh Health Center

3:00p.m. Budget Review and Mayfair-Knowllwood Issues: Police Department

3:30p.m. Budget Review: Town Attorney

4:00p.m. Leaf Blower Ban Law

4:15:p.m. TDYCC (Re: ATS Building)

4:30p.m. Youth Programs: Guest Speakers: Executive Directors of the Nepperhan

Community Center/Yonkers and the White Plains Youth Bureau

5:00p.m. Executive Session

5:30p.m. Adjourn



East Hartsdale Farmers Market Live Outdoor Music Series – Performances to Date



July 26th – Charles Montgomery: 12:00noon to 2:00pm

and Wednesday, August 27, 2008 from 6:45pm to 7:30pm

August 2nd – Julie Corbalis

also Al Frankel and The Blues Dogs

September 6th – Westchester Harp Ensemble: 10:00am – 11:00am

October 11th – Ceasar Cantori



We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 993-1500



Upcoming Work Sessions

August 5, 2008 – Work Session – Tentative

· Budget Review – TDYCC.

· Budget Review – Town Comptroller



House calls / Community Outreach Meetings:



· Monday, July 28th – 7:15p.m.: Greenville School, Edgemont

(followed by house calls)

· Monday, August 4th – 7:15pm: Valimar

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

THE GOLF RANGE STAYS AS A GOLF RANGE

Great News---Westchester Golf Range to Stay in Business!

In 2002 the town of Greenburgh considered the possibility of acquiring the Westchester Golf Range as our new Town Hall/Library. Thousands of residents objected—they loved the golf range. The town backed down, we did not acquire the golf range for municipal purposes. Shortly thereafter, the golf range owners decided to sell the property to a developer. About a year ago the proposed housing development was withdrawn.

Some good news for golf lovers! The golf range WILL STAY AS A GOLF RANGE! There will be a big celebration this Saturday, July 26. I’m very excited that the golf range is going to continue to provide excellent service to residents of the town. The range is an important recreational asset in our town. The range contributes greatly to an enhanced quality of life for many residents. The new owners plan many exciting initiatives that will enable the golf range to serve the Greenburgh community for many years to come.

Hope to see you at the range on Saturday!

PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor





A CELEBRATION OF THE SWING


A celebration of the Golf Swing will happen this Saturday (7/26/08) at the Westchester Golf Range where the traditional and modern merge.



The modern GolfTEC is having a grand opening celebration at its newest location at The Westchester Golf Range. The Westchester Golf Range is celebrating its 60th year as Westchester’s premier green grass Golf Range.



Golfers, and those who wish to learn the game are invited to this Special Event which begins at 11AM.



There will be free GolfTEC demonstrations allowing the golfer to see and measure their swing to discover what’s standing between them and better scores. The GolfTEC Method uses patented technology includes digital video, motion/bio-feedback analysis and PGA Instruction.



The celebration will include refreshments, contests and prizes including long drive, chipping and putting contests.



GolfTEC, Westchester Golf Range, and GolfSmith gift certificates will be raffled off.



The public is invited to the Swing Celebration this Saturday. Festivities begin at 11AM to celebrate the Grand Opening of GolfTEC at the Westchester Golf Range. Westchester Golf Range is located at 701 Dobbs Ferry Road, White Plains, just off the Route 100B exit of the Sprain Parkway. For information call (914) 407-0134 or go to GolfTEC.com/Westchester.



FIND OUT WHY MONEY MAGAZINE NAMED GREENBURGH AS THE 80TH BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN AMERICA…

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2008/snapshots/CS3630367.html

WATCH VIDEO’S ABOUT ASPECTS OF OUR TOWN:

WWW.YOUTUBE/GREENBURGHNY.COM

Comment about Our Town: www.PFeiner.blogspot.com

Monday, July 21, 2008

USE SPRAIN LAKE FOR BOATING...

I am planning to request a meeting with the county to discuss the possibility of using Sprain Lake as a site for a boathouse for Greenburgh and Yonkers. Sprain Lake is a beautiful lake – not used by the community. Part of the lake is located within the town of Greenburgh. I am suggesting that the county open the lake up to rowing, kayaking and canoeing on a trial basis this fall on selected dates. Manhattan College is interested in this initiative and might be interested in either purchasing or renting space. This could generate revenue for Westchester County, reduce our taxes and provide enhanced recreation for students and adults. Yonkers City Council President Chuck Lesnick has been pushing for recreation boating on the Sprain for years. I believe that the concept deserves support and follow up. It’s unfortunate that this lake is not being taken advantage of.

PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor



Dear Mr. Feiner.



Thank you for meeting with me the other day regarding the use of the Sprain Lake as a site for a boathouse for the Greenburgh and Yonkers communities. Rowing is expanding exponentially across the country and additional facilities are desperately needed.



When I started rowing at Manhattan College in the late 1970's, college programs and the New York Athletic Club were the only two options for someone looking to row. I was fortunate enough to earn a spot at the NYAC and was able to continue after college but when I stopped competing, there was no place to row for recreation.



Recently, two new programs have been started, one on the Harlem River and the other on Glenn Island and I have been able to return to the sport. These programs are open to both high school students and masters level rowers and are having a positive impact for

many children. Both of these programs are open to all comers and also provide community outreach programs for children with limited means. However, these programs are also almost full to capacity in the number of rowers they can accommodate.



The Sprain Lake has the potential to be a world class course. It is long and wide enough and is not tidal. I think that the entrance to the lake at Jackson Ave would be ideal since there is ample land available for parking and a boathouse without encroaching on private residents. Traffic would also not be a big issue especially since most programs are run early in the morning and immediately after school thereby avoiding rush hour traffic.



I have spoken to several rowing clubs and they are all excited about the possibility of another place to row and race. I would like to enlist your help in organizing a mini regatta in the fall to assess the suitability of the course. The teams invited would provide their own equipment, launches and the officials to create a safe environment for the rowers. We would also try to get the race certified by the US Rowing Association for insurance purposes.



I know that you will do all you can to help this happen and I look forward to working with you to make this dream come true.



Sincerely,



Vinny Houston

Sunday, July 20, 2008

26 GREENBURGH VIDEO'S ON YOU TUBE--greenburghny

27 video's have been posted on You Tube-greenburghny highlighting different aspects of Greenburgh life. We will continue to post new video's this coming week and encourage Greenburgh residents to add video's to the You TUbe initiative. THis is another forum that will enable you to communicate to residents and to people interested in moving to the town (or learning more about the town.
Summer Concert Series @ TDYCC
Summer Concert Series @ TDYCC
Summer Concert Series @ TDYCC's Yosimite Park, Thursday Nights
Added: 31 minutes ago


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Rodney Abrams 3on3 basketball to...
Rodney Abrams 3on3 basketball tournament
Rodney Abrams 3on3 basketball tournamen
Added: 2 days ago


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TYYCC African drumming class
TYYCC African drumming class
African drumming class @ TYYCC
Added: 3 days ago



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Feiner interviews community cent...
Feiner interviews community center's camera man
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner interviews the young man who is responsible for the Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner interviews the young man who is responsible for the great footage of the Theodore A. Young Community Center and its daily activities (more) (less)
Added: 3 days ago



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Greenburgh's Youngest Dancers
Greenburgh's Youngest Dancers
A clip of Greenburgh Community Center's best up and coming dancers.
Added: 3 days ago



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Greenburgh's Vibrant Senior Comm...
Greenburgh's Vibrant Senior Community
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner visited Theodore Young community center, Wednesday Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner visited Theodore Young community center, Wednesday where he introduces residents to one of the town's most vibrant community its senior citizens. (more) (less)



Paul Feiner talks members of the...
Paul Feiner talks members of the Another Step Program
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner caught up with one of Greenburgh's finest programs. Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner caught up with one of Greenburgh's finest programs. Another Step is a program that puts many disabled young adults to work that helps make the town run as smoothly as it does, stuffing envelopes and working at different locations within the town makes the town's smile brighter. (more) (less)
Added: 3 days ago

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Greenburgh's Town Clerk Judith A...
Greenburgh's Town Clerk Judith A. Beville
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner talked with Greenburgh Town Clerk Judith Beville Th Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner talked with Greenburgh Town Clerk Judith Beville Thursday, to give Greenburgh residents a clear depiction of what she does for the town and how much her work means to every single one of us. (more) (less)
Added: 3 days ago

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Senior Cultural Dance
Senior Cultural Dance
Senior cultural dance at TDYCC
Added: 3 days ago



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Greenburgh's Finest Parks: Part 2
Greenburgh's Finest Parks: Part 2
A continuation of Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner's exploration of the Greenburgh C A continuation of Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner's exploration of the Greenburgh Community Centers own Park. (more) (less)
Added: 4 days ago

Greenburgh's Finest Parks
Greenburgh's Finest Parks
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner paid a visit to the Greenburgh Community Center's v Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner paid a visit to the Greenburgh Community Center's very own park where many of the campers and counselors spend a lot time enjoying the nice weather, playing basketball or engaging in other great activities like arts and crafts Paul caught up with those leading the operation to get a closer look (more) (less)
Added: 4 days ago


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Greenburgh Community Center's Pool
Greenburgh Community Center's Pool
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner paid a visit to the Greenburgh Community Center's P Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner paid a visit to the Greenburgh Community Center's Pool where he talked with one of the head life guards to get a better idea of the summer life and how the kids were enjoying themselves. (more) (less)
Added: 4 days ago

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Greenburgh Community Center's Ac...
Greenburgh Community Center's Academic Wing
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner visited the School within Greenburgh's own communit Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner visited the School within Greenburgh's own community Center that takes Elementary School Students learning above and beyond where he talked with the people who were behind this terrific establishment (more) (less)
Added: 4 days ag

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Sarah Bracey White and Greenburg...
Sarah Bracey White and Greenburgh's Finest art
Sarah Bracey White who is in charge of the art exhibits at Greenburgh town hall explains s Sarah Bracey White who is in charge of the art exhibits at Greenburgh town hall explains some of Greenbugh town hall's most significant features and takes us on a tour to show some of the most fascinating pieces of art home to the town of Greenburgh (more) (less)
Added: 5 days ago

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Greenburgh's Buildings Department
Greenburgh's Buildings Department
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner talks with members of the buildings department abou Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner talks with members of the buildings department about their important responsibilities relating to the town, what life is regularly like in their office and how they handle problems. (more) (less)
Added: 5 days ago

Paul Feiner explores Trans Map
Paul Feiner explores Trans Map
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner explored a new technological system called trans ma Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner explored a new technological system called trans map, a roadway inventory that's more advanced then the latest technology that can do a lot more then produce directions (more) (less)
Added: 5 days ago



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David Dwinell-- Greenburgh Tax R...
David Dwinell-- Greenburgh Tax Receiver
Greenburgh Town supervisor Paul Feiner talks with David C. Dwinell the tax receiver for th Greenburgh Town supervisor Paul Feiner talks with David C. Dwinell the tax receiver for the town of Greenburgh about what his job is like on the other side of the fence when it comes to taxes (more) (less)
Added: 6 days ago


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Leona Auerbach Star Coordinator
Leona Auerbach Star Coordinator
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner interviews Greenburgh's star program coordinator an Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner interviews Greenburgh's star program coordinator and long time worker for the town of Greenburgh Leona Auerbach about her experience and fullfilling job coordinating one of Greenburgh's most important program's (more) (less)
Added: 6 days ago


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Money Magazine: "Greenburgh one ...
Money Magazine: "Greenburgh one of the best places to live"
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner delivers some good news to his constituents regardi Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner delivers some good news to his constituents regarding the great town of Greenburgh, in money magazine's latest issue it listed the top 100 pleaces to live and Greenburgh came in at number 80 a great thing for the town and huge step in the right direction (more) (less)
Added: 6 days ago


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Paul Feiner catches up with a ve...
Paul Feiner catches up with a very happy regular Lap Swimmer
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner catches up with a local towns person who swims at G Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner catches up with a local towns person who swims at Greenburgh's town pool every day, giving very positive feedback about his experience and said he no complaints what so ever. (more) (less)
Added: 6 days ago

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Friday, July 18, 2008

WORK SESSION AGENDA FOR TUESDAY..SUMMARY OF OUR LAST WORK SESSION

Town of Greenburgh

Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board

Tuesday – July 22, 2008



(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)



2:00p.m. Interview: Library Board Candidates (pending)

2:15p.m. Money Magazine (Greenburgh was named among the Best Places to Live in the United States (number 80) – We want to mention on stationary (Board, TA,)

2:30p.m. Steps in Hiring a Commissioner (Process & Questions – TDYCC)

3:00p.m. Budget Review: Parks and Recreation

3:30p.m. Budget Review: TDYCC

4:00p.m. Special Town Board Meeting—Appointment of Library Board members, NYS grant to library

5:00p.m. Meeting with Aquatics Director, TDYCC

5:30p.m. Adjourn



East Hartsdale Farmers Market Live Outdoor Music Series – Performances to Date





July 19th and September 6th – Westchester Harp Ensemble: 10:00am – 11:00am

July 26th – Charles Montgomery: 12:00noon to 2:00pm

And Wednesday, August 27, 2008 from 6:45pm to 7:30pm

August 2nd – Julie Corbalis

also Al Frankel and The Blues Dogs

October 11th – Ceasar Cantori



We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 993-1500



Upcoming Work Sessions



July 29, 2008 – Work Session – Tentative

· Budget Review – Police Dept.

· Greenburgh Nature Center

· Leaf Blower Ban Law

· Budget Reviews – Town Attorney and Town Comptroller



House calls / Community Outreach Meetings:



· Monday, July 21st – East Irvington – 7:15pm at the Taxter Road Parklet

· Monday, July 28th – Valimar (time/place to be determined)









Work Session Summary – July 15, 2008



Interview: Library Board Candidate

Diane T. Creston, resident of Hartsdale, was interviewed to fill a position (effective January 1, 2009) on the Library Board that will expire on December 31, 2008.



FAST Swim Team

Town of Greenburgh resident, FAST team mom and FAST Board Member, Bridgett Brown, requested that the Board consider a resolution to increase the USA (Swim) Association fee to $54.00 in order for FAST team members (children) to be considered in competitive ranks.



TDYCC Pool Coverage

Elmsford resident, Sheryl Joseph spoke to the Board regarding her concerns that the TDYCC pool has “inadequate” lifeguard coverage on the weekends. Town Board members agreed to review an alleged pool related incident that reportedly occurred over the July 12th /13th weekend. Questions were raised with respect to the Aquatics Advisory Board.



Cablevision Agreement Between the Town of Greenburgh and Cablevision of Southern Westchester, Inc.

The Cablevision Franchise Agreement between the Town and Cablevision was presented to the Board for review and discussion. Representatives from both Cablevision and Verizon were present. The date for a Public Hearing will be set at the July 22, 2008 Special Meeting.



Library Construction – DPW and Triton

As a result of a claim that has been filed, the Board will investigate the claim and the Department of Public Works’ Commissioner Al Regula stated that he will immediately inform the Board of any change orders pending. .



SHORE

SHORE and the Town, represented by Deputy Town Attorney Ed Lieberman, discussed the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions regarding the purchase of property from the Town located at 770 Saw Mill River Road for the purpose of constructing “affordable housing.” The Town expressed concern regarding what could happen to the deed restrictions”…if there should be a foreclosure…” It was agreed that the Town will have the right of approval regarding any refinance, sale, exchange, assign, lease or otherwise transfer of property…”



Part Time Workers and Consultants

The comptroller informed the Board that 17.5 hours in a work week would constitute part time as defined by the County of Westchester. The Comptroller also asked the Board to decide on a definition for the position of consultant as it applies to the needs of the town.



Sewer District- The Town Board is going to review recommendations and will respond to State comptroller within 90 days.



Budget Reviews will be rescheduled for July 29th, 2008.



Executive Session



End of Work Session

FIND OUT WHY MONEY MAGAZINE NAMED GREENBURGH AS THE 80TH BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN AMERICA…

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2008/snapshots/CS3630367.html

WATCH VIDEO’S ABOUT ASPECTS OF OUR TOWN:

WWW.YOUTUBE/GREENBURGHNY.COM

Comment about Our Town: www.PFeiner.blogspot.com

Monday, July 14, 2008

MONEY MAGAZINE NAMES GREENBURGH 80TH BEST PLACE TO LIVE--BIG HONOR FOR OUR TOWN! GREAT FOR PROPERTY VALUES TOO!

The Town of Greenburgh just received some great news. MONEY MAGAZINE has named our town number 80 in their list of top 100 best places to live in the United States. This is a great honor for the town. This success follows the recent Standard & Poors bond rating upgrade to AAA, a distinction shared by about 3% of the municipalities in the nation.

We’re very excited to have received this honor. But, won’t be satisfied until we make number 1. We want to be the best, not among the best.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

THIS IS WHAT MONEY MAGAZINE POSTED ON THEIR WEB SITE ABOUT GREENBURGH:

Best Places to Live

Money's list of America's best small cities

2008200720062005

80 of 100

80. Greenburgh, NY

Spooktoberfest in Greenburgh

WINNERTop 100 rank: 80
Population: 89,000
Compare Greenburgh to Top 10 Best Places

If you want to know what makes Greenburgh special, look no further than town hall. The city's remarkably open government (the town supervisor makes house calls to settle grievances) mirrors a community light-years away from the parts of New York state that appear on primetime crime dramas.

Winters are tough, but when the snow melts, 600 acres of parkland and the popular Veteran Town water park are a big draw.

Greenburgh's diverse population, once including jazz legend Cab Calloway and photography icon Gordon Parks, enjoys a compelling arts community with galleries housed at, where else, town hall.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GREENBURGH YOU TUBE INITIATIVE

THE GREENBURGH YOU TUBE INITIATIVE--HUNDREDS OF SHORT VIDEOS ABOUT OUR TOWN
INITIATIVE WILL HELP CONVINCE PEOPLE INTERESTED IN MOVING TO GREENBURGH THAT GREENBURGH IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE.
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner announced a new initiative --being headed up by student intern Andy Laub. The project will be called the Greenburgh You Tube initiative.

Andy, a resident of Ardsley (recent grad of the Soundview PreparatorySchool in Yorktown, founder of the Politics Club and a soon to be freshman at Dickinson College) will produce many short video's highlighting different aspects of life in Greenburgh. Each of these short video's will be posted on You Tube. Last week, for example, Andy, posted the following on You Tube:
* The Town Board ceremony honoring John Evans of Greenburgh - a blind Empire State Physically Challenged Gold Medal Award Winner;

* A brief interview with a town employee who drives an electric powered vehicle around Anthony Veteran town park;

*An interview with pool lifeguards;

*Video's of the town lap pool (interview with a swimmer) and of the interactive kiddy pool.

* Highlights of this pasts Saturday's concert at the E Hartsdale farmer's market will be posted this coming week. Short video's of other town programs will also be shown on You Tube.

During the summer Andy will interview civic leaders, department heads, elected officials, employees. He will produce video's featuring the work our employees do. We will visit parks, the various business districts, different neighborhoods, municipal buildings and we will interview senior citizens who might want to record some of their memories about Greenburgh's past.

Feiner said that after the summer internship program ends - the YOU TUBE INITIATIVE will continue. We're looking for volunteers who might be interested in helping us produce other GREENBURGH YOU TUBE video's. We expect hundreds of very short video's to be posted during the coming year. The goal: people who are considering moving into the town will be able to see what living in Greenburgh is like. We think that Greenburgh is a great community --we want people to be able to learn as much about the town by watching short video's of Greenburgh on You Tube. Those interested in watching the video's should visit. www.youtube.com and search Greenburgh.

Residents who are interested in helping with the Greenburgh You Tube Initiative (and those who would like to be interviewed) should e mail pfeiner@greenburghny.com. If you would like us to feature your neighborhood on a video - please advise. Please also help us by suggesting programs, employees, services, individuals that should be profiled. If you have a camera - you can help us by posting your video's about Greenburgh on You Tube. Take video's of your neighborhood, the best playgrounds in town, your favorite restaurants and stores, interview your neighbors. Post the video's yourself or send your video to Supervisor Paul Feiner at Greenburgh Town Hall.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

Friday, July 11, 2008

TOWN BOARD WORK SESSION AGENDA AND SUMMARY OF LAST WORK SESSION

Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – July 15, 2008

(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)


2:00p.m. Special Meeting
2:30p.m. Interview: Library Board Candidate
2:45p.m. Interview: Conservation Advisory Council Candidate
3:00p.m. Cablevision Agreement with Town of Greenburgh
3:30p.m. Budget Review: Office of the Town Attorney
3:45p.m. Implementing Sewer District Audit Recommendations
4:15p.m. Part Time Workers and Consultants
4:40p.m. Budget Review: Town Comptroller
3:45p.m. Executive Session – Legal
5:30p.m. Adjourn

East Hartsdale Farmers Market Live Outdoor Music Series – Performances to Date

July 12th – Jonathan Flaks – One Dog, Man (Solo Performer)
“A little bite of Classic Rock” : 10:00am – 2:00pm
July 19th and September 6th – Westchester Harp Ensemble: 10:00am – 11:00am
July 26th – Charles Montgomery: 12:00noon to 2:00pm
August 2nd – Julie Corbalis
also Al Frankel and The Blues Dogs
October 11th – Ceasar Cantori

We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 993-1500

Upcoming Work Sessions

July 22, 2008 – Work Session – Tentative
• Budget Reviews –Parks & Recreation, Theodore D. Young Community Center
July 29, 2008 – Work Session – Tentative
• Budget Review – Police Dept.





House calls / Community Outreach Meetings:

• Monday, July 21st – Irvington (time/place to be determined)
• Monday, July 28th – Valimar (time/place to be determined)


Work Session Summary – July 8, 2008

Third Floor & Basement Apts. For Rentals
Rev. Dr. Edgerton, Assistant Pastor, Union Baptist Church and longtime community activist, has made several requests to the Town Board to allow residents of the Fairview Community to rent third floor apartments and basement apartments as a means of augmenting their income, particularly in light of the recent tax increases. He presented a letter from the office of State Assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky regarding a response from the Department of State’s Division of Code Enforcement and Administration addressing the question of sprinkler requirements. Supervisor Feiner and the Town Council members agreed that, for them, safety is the number one issue. Supervisor Feiner will write a letter to the fire chiefs to comment on the request and the Board agreed to review code requirements for basement apartments after receiving the recommendations from the fire chiefs.

Budget Review: Dept. of Planning/Zoning
As Commissioners continue to support the Board’s request for continued budget cuts, the Commissioner of Planning, Community Development and Conservation Thomas Madden reported that this year (to date), Planning has saved 508 hours in overtime. Further, he will not be replacing the Deputy Commissioner position and he is working on a revised fee schedule for applications to the Zoning Board of Appeals as well as to the Planning Board.

Budget Review: Assessor’s Office
The Town Assessor reported that the department will receive a $45,000 grant for data collection and scanning. Other initiatives are in progress.

Budget Review: Building Department
In projecting new revenue, the Building Inspector John Lucido reported that fire alarm and sprinkler fees will generate additional revenue for next year; the Building Department does not offer programs so none can be cut; and the Code Enforcement Officer hired last year provided additional enforcement and the fines generated exceed his salary/benefits so his position should be maintained.

Town Board Meeting Rules and Procedures
The Board conducted another review of the proposed Meeting Rules and Procedures (Resolution TB 1).

Library Board Interview
Mr. Frank Musantry was interviewed for a vacant position on the Library Board.

Executive Session

End of Work Session

GREENBURGH'S ENERGY CONSERVATION EFFORTS HIGHLIGHTED IN NY HOUSE MAGAZINE

NY HOUSE, a regional publication, published a very favorable article about Greenburgh's leadership in energy conservation and discussed some of our successful GREEN initiatives.
http://www.nyhouse-digital.com/nyhouse/200807/?pg=50

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

DANCING IN THE STREETS OF E HARTSDALE AVE

A special thank you…to Town Clerk Judith Beville for organizing an all volunteer E Hartsdale Ave outdoor music series this summer. The following is a partial lineup. If you are a musician or know of bands willing to donate their time on a Saturday weekend between now and the end of October please e mail jbeville@greenburghny.com. We will be promoting each band in literature, flyers, news releases, public access TV. We may share excerpts on You Tube.
Dancing in the streets of E Hartsdale Ave—it’s going to be lots of fun!

PAUL FEINER



East Hartsdale Farmers

Market Live Outdoor

Music Series

Live Music and Entertainment at the East Hartsdale

Train Station Stage

Saturdays in July, August, September and October

Performances (as of July 8, 2008)…



“Kick-Off” July 9th – Town Hall – 7:00pm

Featuring Solar Punch



July 12th – Jonathan Flaks: One Dog, Man (Solo Performer)

“A little bite of Classic Rock” – 10:00am to Noon



July 19th – Lois Colin and the Westchester Harp Ensemble – 10:00am to 11:00am



July 26th – Charles Montgomery – 12 noon to 2:00pm



August 2nd – Julie Corbalis: Rock & Pop 1950’s to present – 10:00am to 11:30am

Also; - Al Frankel, The Blues Dogs – 12:30pm to 2:00pm



August 9th – Solar Punch – Solar Powered Environmentally

Inspired Music with a Rock Flair



September 6th – Lois Colin (Time to be announced)



September 13th – Jonathan Flaks (Time to be announced)



October 11th – Ceasar Cantori – Emerging Jazz Artist (Time to be announced)



We are looking for more jazz artists!

Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at 993-1500

PHIL REISMAN'S COLUM ON COUNTY LEGISLATURE..ABOLISHING COUNTY GOV

Andy To Ardsley: Drop Dead
July
9 Well, they got their way.
Last night, the Westchester County Board of Legislators voted the way Andy Spano & Co. wished. They approved the $13 million-plus purchase of 450 Saw Mill River Road, a vacant office building in Ardsley that happens to be owned by one of the county executive’s favored campaign contributors, Jon Halpern.

The approval was not a surprise. Spano had the votes line up going in. Indeed, they were so confident that work on the building’s air conditioning was already going before the board meeting, according to my sources.

The deal screws Ardsley taxpayers because they”ll have to make up more than $192.000 in lost school tax revenue. Plus, Halpern is suing for a tax reduction going back four years., which will likely cost taxpayers many, many thousands of dollars.

Evidently, Spano and the legislators have been taking a great deal of heat for all this—and I’ve written more than a few columns on the subject. The public anger is so intense that Andy was moved to send out an e-mail, defending the purchase, repeating the rather dubious claim that the Ardsley building was the best deal out there and that anyone who disagrees (i.e. County Legislator Tom Abinanti and Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner) are “fiscally irresponsible.”

Received today, here’s the Spano e-mail in full, with my title added.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON A CROOKED DEAL

Thank you for contacting me about the purchase of 450 Saw Mill River Road. It is our understanding that your email is based on information you have received from Supervisor Paul Feiner. It is unfortunate that the information he is circulating is false and irresponsible. Here are the facts:

First of all, we do not want to buy any building, but are mandated by the federal government to purchase and store new voting machines. Without a place to store 1500 new voting machines and warehouse the old machines for two years, we’d be in violation of federal law.

Contrary to what you have heard, we have no county facility big enough to house these machines. The county building at 375 Executive Blvd. is full; it would cost $30 million to build a second story extension to increase it to a size necessary to house and maintain the machines.

We did not single out this property owner for special treatment. In fact the county sent out at three different times, requests for proposals to get the lowest price possible on a rental or a purchase. Repeatedly, the building at 450 Saw Mill River Road was by far the least expensive alternative.

Far from rushing this through without public notice, this proposal has been discussed publicly at Board of Legislature meetings and in the press for more than one year, as we attempted to get the best deal for our taxpayers.

Recognizing that taking the property off the tax rolls would be a hardship for the Ardsley School District, we offered to give the District $1 million in capital improvements to make up for the loss of tax revenue. Last year, the Ardsley school board approved the purchase in return for the $1 million. Yet Legislator Abinanti who represents this area, voted against it.

Paul Feiner sent a letter to us in January – not to oppose this purchase, but to ask for $50,000 for the town. The County Executive agreed.

The bottom line: Mr. Feiner (as well as Legislator Abinanti) is being fiscally irresponsible in opposing this purchase. The terms for the purchase of 450 Saw Mill River Road are the most advantageous to county taxpayers. We will get 85,000 square feet of space to use for the storage of the voting machines, needed administrative offices for the Department of Public Safety and storage of records. Plans were already being discussed to build a new Public Safety facility which our police department has greatly outgrown. So 450, besides being the best deal for the storage of the machines, is even more cost effective now that it eliminates a new public safety building which would have cost taxpayers almost $10 million to construct.

I am pleased to have this opportunity to set the record straight. It is of utmost importance to me to run a cost-effective, fiscally responsible government. I pride myself on this, and I assure you that I will continue to do so. I am well aware of the difficulties our residents are experiencing in this economy. That is precisely why I have worked so hard to get the most cost effective and best long term facility for the County.
Posted by Phil Reisman on Wednesday, July 9th, 2008 at 11:11 am |
| | 3 Comments »

A How-to Book on Abolishing County Government
July
8 For all of you who embrace the idea of abolishing Westchester County government, here’s a book for your summer reading list. The title is “County Government in Connecticut. It’s History and Demise” by Rosaline Levenson (1966).

You frequently hear people say if Connecticut can get by without county government, then why can’t Westchester. Well, this book goes into how Connecticut did away with the county system.

Here are some excerpts:

“On the day that the counties ended their near 300 year existence, it is doubtful if many persons other than public officials and political figures were aware of the occasion. For the most part, the passing of Connecticut’s county governments occurred quietly and unnoticed by most people.” (pg 2-3)

“…criticisms of conduct ranging from secretiveness with which county operations are sometimes carried out to actual acts of malfeasance.” (pg 10)

James Bryce in the American Commonwealth in 1888: “Counties are the dark continent of American politics.”

There was strong resistance from some politicians because it “provided a lucrative source of patronage to whichever political party controlled the General Assembly.”

Abraham Rubicoff, the Democratic nominee for Governor in 1954, described the
counties as a “governmental fifth wheel that is neither efficient nor representative…” and existed “for purely political purposes of power, prestige and patronage.” (pg 118)
Posted by Phil Reisman on Tuesday, July 8th, 2008 at 2:13 pm |
| | Post a Comment »

ABINANTI VOTES NO, BRONZ VOTES YES- COUNTY PURCHASES BUILDING ON SAW MILL RIVER ROAD

The County Board of Legislators voted to spend $13 million to acquire a building on Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley. This is a bad deal for Greenburgh. The property comes off the tax rolls. The county overpaid for the purchase. The space is not needed. There were less expensive alternatives.
Legislator Tom Abinanti of Greenburgh voted against the acquisition. THANK YOU.
Legislator Lois Bronz, also of Greenburgh voted for the purchase.

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.

Monday, July 07, 2008

FROM PHIL REISMANS BLOG -COUNTY BUILDING ACQUISITION BAD FOR GREENBURGH

More from columnist Phil ReismanBlood is Boiling in Greenburgh
July
7 Westchester County’s pending purchase and renovation of 450 Saw Mill River Road in the town of Greenburgh has given new life to the anti-county government movement.

Tomorrow’s meeting of the Board of Legislators is expected to attract a contingent of protesters led by Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, who opposes the purchase of the vacant office building because it will take the property off the tax rolls. The impact would be especially felt by the Ardsley school district which currently reaps more than $192,000 a year in taxes from the building.

County Executive Andy Spano wants to buy and renovate the building in order to store 1,600 new voting machines. As I noted in my Sunday column, the total cost of the deal is pegged at $13.6 millon, which will certainly help the building’s owner, John Halpern, a generous contributor to Spano’s election campaigns.

One thing I didn’t know, but found out today: It turns out that Halpern’s firm, Ardsley Partners III, is also in the process of suing Greenburgh for a tax reduction. So, not only would the building no longer pay taxes, the town may end up paying Halpern untold thousands in rebates!

FROM PHIL REISMANS BLOG -COUNTY BUILDING ACQUISITION BAD FOR GREENBURGH

More from columnist Phil ReismanBlood is Boiling in Greenburgh
July
7 Westchester County’s pending purchase and renovation of 450 Saw Mill River Road in the town of Greenburgh has given new life to the anti-county government movement.

Tomorrow’s meeting of the Board of Legislators is expected to attract a contingent of protesters led by Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, who opposes the purchase of the vacant office building because it will take the property off the tax rolls. The impact would be especially felt by the Ardsley school district which currently reaps more than $192,000 a year in taxes from the building.

County Executive Andy Spano wants to buy and renovate the building in order to store 1,600 new voting machines. As I noted in my Sunday column, the total cost of the deal is pegged at $13.6 millon, which will certainly help the building’s owner, John Halpern, a generous contributor to Spano’s election campaigns.

One thing I didn’t know, but found out today: It turns out that Halpern’s firm, Ardsley Partners III, is also in the process of suing Greenburgh for a tax reduction. So, not only would the building no longer pay taxes, the town may end up paying Halpern untold thousands in rebates!

ATTEND BOARD OF LEGISLATORS MEETING ON TUESDAY AT 7 PM AND SPEAK OUT AGAINST 13 MILLION DOLLAR WASTEFUL ACQUISITION THAT WILL RAISE TAXES...CALL!

The Westchester County Board of Legislators will be meeting tomorrow at 7 PM at the Westchester County Office Building, 8th Floor, 148 Martine Ave, White Plains. It is possible that the Legislature might try to vote to spend $13 million to buy a dilapidated office building in Greenburgh. The matter is currently not on the agenda –but there is speculation that a vote could take place tomorrow evening –when few people are paying attention.

This is bad for Greenburgh –this is bad for Ardsley--- this is bad for the county. If the county purchases the building the property will be taken off the tax rolls –which means your taxes will go up unnecessarily.

Between 7 PM and 7:30 PM you can speak at the Legislature meeting to express your concerns. Try to show up a half hour before the meeting so you will be called.

If you cannot attend the meeting please call your Legislators. County Legislator Tom Abinanti of Greenburgh is leading the fight against the acquisition. Phone numbers are posted below.

We are in the middle of a recession.

People are having a difficult time selling their homes.

Property values are falling. There are other, less expensive alternatives. This is not a good time for the county to buy a building.



The following is posted below:

1) Phone numbers of County Legislators. Please call them and urge them to vote no.

2) E mail I sent out last week opposing this outrageous taxpayer waste of money.

3) Column by Phil Reisman, Journal News (Sunday, July 6).


Thanks. Hope to see you tomorrow night before 7 PM at the County Office Building.

PAUL FEINER



Legislators

Name
District
Phone (914) 995-

William J. Ryan (Board Chair)
5
2827

George Oros (Minority Leader)
1
2828

Peter Harckham
2
2810

John Nonna
3
2847

Michael B. Kaplowitz (Vice Chair)
4
2848

Martin Rogowsky (Majority Leader)
6
2834

Judith A. Myers (Majority Whip)
7
2802

Lois T. Bronz
8
2833

William Burton
9
2812

Vito J. Pinto
10
2817

James Maisano (Minority Whip)
11
2826

Thomas J. Abinanti
12
2821

Lyndon Williams
13
2837

Bernice Spreckman
14
2815

Gordon A. Burrows
15
2830

Kenneth W. Jenkins
16
2829

José I. Alvarado
17
2846








No wonder people mistrust and want to abolish County government.

The Board of Legislators, with little public notice, is about to appropriate $13 million to buy and renovate a dilapidated office building/warehouse at 450 Saw Mill River Road in Greenburgh. 450 has been vacant for a long long time -- except for a brief time when the county rented it. The stated purpose for purchasing this 85,000 square foot building is to house the new voting machines the county will purchase to comply with federal and state mandates. $13 million dollars to house machines!

Newspapers have reported that the building is owned by a large contributor to the County Executive.

Most outrageous is that the county is doing what it always protests about the state and federal government. It is placing an unfunded mandate on Greenburgh and the small Donald Park fire district that must protect this building with no taxes, as the county’s purchase takes it off the tax rolls. Taking it off the tax rolls also takes another $200,000 a year out of the pockets of the residents of the small Ardsley school district. So some Greenburgh taxpayers will see a property tax increase to subsidize a questionable deal.

Since the voting machines will need no more than 55,000 sq. ft, no more than 2/3 of the building, the county is now scurrying around trying to find a use for the other 1/3. The county executive first proposed moving the Department of Environmental Facilities from New Rochelle, but backed off when the mayor protested. Now, he suggests moving the police brass out of the Hawthorne headquarters to take up some of the extra space. He still hasn't yet figured out how to use the remainder.

With everyone else hurting and cutting back, is now the time for the county to spend $13 million to take on the obligations of a new building? How about using the office/warehouse building the county already owns at 375 Executive Boulevard in Elmsford?

Right now it houses some files and new equipment but also abandoned motor vehicles and used computer equipment waiting to be sold. With almost 4 million square feet of county-controlled office, warehouse and garage space, can’t they juggle things around to make room.

And at least you can get to 375. It is in used by so many companies as a distribution center (near Fed Ex, UPS, etc). 450 is located on a remote stretch of 9A between two congested intersections Ardsley Road and Jackson Avenue. It has no easy access to major commercial highways - even though all of the county's voting machines will have to be distribtued from there by commercial vehicles.


If this makes no sense to you, tell your county legislator: 995-2800 or westchesterlegislators.com. E mail the County Executive at CEO@westchestergov.com

PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor



COLUMN BY PHIL REISMAN—WWW.LOHUD.COM, JULY 6, 2008

The Westchester County Board of Legislators is about to make one of Andy Spano's buddies happy - and anything that makes a generous campaign contributor happy makes Andy happy, too.

It appears that there are enough votes on the board to approve the county executive's feverish quest to spend $13.6 million for the purchase and renovation of a vacant office building in Ardsley that no one else seems to want.




As I've reported in this column, the building at 450 Saw Mill River Road happens to be owned by Ardsley Partners III, a firm controlled by Jon Halpern, who has given much in the way of money to help Spano get elected over and over again.

You may connect the obvious dots, but only at the peril of ticking off Spano's right-hand man, Larry Schwartz, who will tell you the deal is a "financial no-brainer" that has nothing at all to do with a political payoff - and if you think otherwise, you're an uninformed, stupid scum bucket. (By the way, is there such a thing as a "yes-brainer"?)

But it's weird how Spano-Schwartz will make up any number of creative excuses to buy Halpern's albatross, er, building. The message is clear: They must have it.

As all issues do, it started with a legitimate problem - where to store 1,600 new voting machines the county must buy to comply with state and federal election reforms. Since the Board of Elections digs in White Plains aren't big enough to hold the new equipment, it made sense to keep the BOE operation intact and move lock, stock and barrel to one site.

Spano-Schwartz chose 450 Saw Mill River Road.

The idea raised all kinds of concerns, many of them articulated by Tom Abinanti, a Greenburgh Democrat whose legislative district includes the village of Ardsley. One argument was that county ownership meant the property would be removed from the tax rolls, which would cost the Ardsley school district $192,171 a year.

Another argument was that the building was off the beaten path, up a hill, hard to find and just an altogether lousy place to put the BOE.

When it turned out that Spano-Schwartz couldn't move the BOE away from the county seat without putting it to a referendum, they were stymied. But only temporarily.

They never for a minute considered the referendum idea, knowing full well that the county's voters would shoot down the expenditure of $13.6 million. So they briefly fooled around with a goofy idea to pretend that the BOE was actually staying in White Plains by, in effect, keeping a light on in the building and having someone sit at a desk with a phone.

Then they tried another idea. They'd still buy 450 Saw Mill River Road for the voting machines and for the Department of Environmental Facilities, which leased space in New Rochelle.

That didn't fly in the Queen City, which gets a piece of the county sales tax and didn't want to lose workers in its downtown.

Now Spano-Schwartz want to put the county's Department of Public Safety in Halpern's building, which presumably would save the county from spending $14.2 million to build the cops another headquarters in Valhalla. See what I mean about Spano-Schwartz? They really want it.

Their morphing of purpose for the Ardsley building may not end there. Who knows? If the public safety excuse should somehow fall apart, they'll probably come up with a scheme to warehouse all the discarded rides at Playland.

"It's so obvious, you're trying to make it look good," Abinanti said last week on my WVOX radio show. "You know the old line, the more lipstick you put on a pig, it's still a pig? That's what you're dealing with here."

Abinanti said Halpern's a "good guy but he's stuck with a problem here." Advancing the pig metaphor to describe Spano's willing assistance, Abinanti quipped. "It's pork, not ham."

The 17-member Board of Legislators could vote on the matter Tuesday. As it now stands, Abinanti looks to be in the minority, which includes three Republicans - George Oros, Gordon Burrows and Jim Maisano. It's such a big deal that even Board Chairman Bill Ryan, who is recovering from heart surgery, is reportedly anxious to show up for the vote.

Abinanti said some of his Democratic colleagues are leaning toward a yes vote because they are simply resigned to the fact that there are no other solid alternatives to 450 Saw Mill River Road and time is running out to meet the voting machine mandate. The reason for the lack of choices, Abinanti suggested, was that developers and commercial property owners didn't want to cross the powerful Spano-Schwartz by coming forth with better ideas.

But there's yet another way to torpedo the scheme, according to Abinanti. The purchase price of 450 Saw Mill River Road, he said, exceeds the $10 million state-imposed limit and must go to a referendum. The purchase price of the building is well under that amount.

The legislator explained, however, that in cases where the property isn't usable in its current condition, the cost of the renovations must be lumped in with the purchase price.

If that's so, then Spano-Schwartz will have to figure out another way to thwart the public. It's a good bet they'd be up to the task.

But it's ironic when you think about it.

After all, the whole thing started with voting machines, the most important instruments of democracy. And democracy can be a messy obstacle when you're trying to help out a pal.

Phil Reisman

Reach Phil Reisman at preisman@lohud.com or 914-694-5008. Read more stuff at lohud.com/reisman.

Saturday, July 05, 2008

COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS TO VOTE --POSSIBLY ON TUESDAY--ON 13 MILLION PURCHASE OF DILAPIDATED OFFICE BUILDING...A WASTE OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS...

THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS MAY VOTE ON TUESDAY NIGHT TO SPEND 13 MILLION TO RENOVATE A DILAPIDATED OFFICE BUILDING AT 450 SAW MILL RIVER ROAD IN GREENBURGH. THIS BUILDING HAS BEEN VACANT FOR MANY YEARS. THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE HAS RECEIVED CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE OWNER. THE TOWN, FIRE DISTRICT AND ARDSLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL LOSE SUBSTANTIAL DOLLARS IF THIS ACQUISITION GOES THROUGH. IF THE COUNTY ACQUIRES THE BUILDING THE PROPERTY WILL COME OFF THE TAX ROLLS.
COUNTY LEGISLATOR TOM ABINANTI IS AGAINST THIS PROPOSAL. COUNTY LEGISLATOR LOIS BRONZ HAS NOT COME OUT AGAINST THE ACQUISITION YET-- PLEASE CALL HER. SHE REPRESENTS GREENBURGH.
THIS IS BAD FOR GREENBURGH.
THIS IS BAD FOR THE COUNTY.
THERE ARE OTHER LESS EXPENSIVE ALTERNATIVES.
THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR THE COUNTY TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL BUILDINGS.
I WILL ADVISE OF THE DATE/TIME OF THE MEETING AS SOON AS IT IS CONFIRMED.

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

TOWN BD REQUESTS DEPTS TO CREATE VEHICLE USE LOGS TO BETTER MONITOR GAS EXPENSES...BD TO REVIEW OVERTIME, PART TIME & CONSULTANTS

The Town Board will be stepping up efforts to cut costs. On Tuesday Commissioner Al Regula advised the Board that if the town required all residents to place garbage at the curbs the town could save over $250,000. When one factors in gas and employee benefits - the savings could exceed $300,000 a year. The Commissioner recommended that this cost savings measure be implemented in January, 2009--after the sanitation schedules are released.
The Town Board also asked that departments create vehicle use logs and require all employees to provide the town with a vehicle use report.
A week from Tuesday the Board will meet with Comptroller Mike Kolesar to discuss overtime of all employees. We are requesting an accounting of all part time and consultant positions (not including summer help) --how much are we paying each part timer/consultant, the total costs. I am suggesting that the Town Board approve or reject each of the hires. Currently, department heads do not have to receive permission to hire part timer's/consultants from the Town Bd.