Monday, August 29, 2011

why it takes longer than we hope to get some power restored

There are still power outages in Greenburgh. But---I have to admit, I am pleasantly surprised. Many people who complained to me yesterday and this morning –telling me that they were out of power—have now called or e mailed me advising me that their power was recently restored! Con Ed is working closely with town staff. Hopefully, before we know it all power will be restored. The following information may be of interest –explaining the processes that could delay power restoration.
PAUL FEINER
Many people and businesses in the Town are without electric power. In some cases, it’s just a downed wire from trees or wind, in which case Con Ed is dispatching crews to replace the downed wires to restore power. In other cases where power lines have been submerged from water rising in flooded basements, Con Ed cuts the power until such time that certification is verified by an electrical inspection agency working under the imprimatur of the Town Government. If one’s power has been terminated by Con Ed, the following must be implemented:

A licensed electrician must be commissioned by the party without power to perform a mega test to ensure integrity of the power cables.

Such mega test must be witnessed by one of the electrical inspection agencies authorized to perform inspections within the Town who will then certify to the Town and Con Ed that the power lines are capable of carrying electric current safely.

Con Ed will then restore power

Sunday, August 28, 2011

summary of flood related problems in greenburgh

I spent a few hours with Captain Glenn Bryan of the Greenburgh Police Department inspecting storm related problems around town. The hurricane caused the temporary road closings of 31 streets around the town. Fortunately, there were fewer downed trees than we had during previous storms. Fewer power outages than we had in previous years: About 1,500 power outages. Flooding in Elmsford was much worst than it has been in decades.

Flooding on Babbitt Court was worst than it has ever been--water level very high. The police and fire departments were using their rescue boats to evacuate homeowners who reside on Babbitt Court. The street looks like a lake. Some of the residents took advantage of a federal grant and put their homes on stilts. Others are hoping that the federal government will offer residents of Babbitt Court the opportunity to apply for the grant again if their home is currently not on stilts. I hope the federal government will give these families the opportunity to do so. Some residents complained about the difficulty getting reimbursed promptly from insurance companies for their damages. I offered to help. Councilmembers Kevin Morgan and Francis Sheehan were also at the Babbitt Court flood site.

Next stop--9A in Elmsford, another lake. The road leading up to Sam's Club was closed (as usual after a storm). Saw an abandoned Con Ed truck in the middle of "lake 9A". Met with Brian Fee, the owner of Velocity Sports Performance and his neighbor--the manager of the Ice Skating Academy in Elmsford. Their parking lot was also a lake. I had my boots on and went into the water --but the currents were strong so I didn't go very deep! Brian, a new business owner is also experiencing difficulty with insurance reimbursement after floods.

The US Army Corp of Engineers has been studying, studying, studying, and studying the problems on Babbitt Court/Elmsford for fifty, sixty or seventy years. A few weeks ago the town issued a request for proposals for a consultant to help us come up with smaller flood relief initiatives that the town can take on its own---without depending on the fed's for assistance. Clearing up the debris from the river, removing obstructions, dredging could possibly help.

I stopped by at the Multipurpose Center, AF Veteran town park. The center was being used as a temporary shelter for families. About 14 families took advantage of the services we offered. A special thank you to CERT volunteers who donate their time and energy helping families in need.

Made a house call to a resident who experienced flooding on Calvin Court and visited with some residents on Old Kensico Road who suffered significant property damage. They reside off of the Bronx River. One very nice couple suffered two big losses today--his restaurant in Mamaroneck was flooded and his house also experienced major flooding. He and his wife were cleaning the mud from the driveway. Their back yard was flooded --and the inside of their house also was flooded. Visited with other neighbors. Some families lost valuable personal belongings - family photo's, furniture, etc.. Some of the residents complained that the town did not clear the drains of debris. When I got home Councilman Kevin Morgan told me that he was advised that over a week ago town public works crews cleared over 150 yards of silt, dirt and debri from drains in that area.

Stopped by at the Theodore Young Community Center --the ground floor had flooded. And the gym floor probably will need replacing because it is not even. This could be a big expense for the town. Crews were cleaning the floors. E Hartsdale Ave experienced some flooding --but the flooding will not result in closings of businesses --a number of years ago half the businesses on E Hartsdale Ave had to close for many months after a major storm/flooding problem.

When I got home I looked at my e mails and started answering complaints from residents about power outages. There are about 1500 people out of power. It's my hope that their power could be restored quickly. Con Ed is providing local governments with liaisons. We will all work together to get the power restored asap.
PAUL FEINER

new road closure list..i'm inspecting town roads...congress may cut local gov reimbursements

I will be inspecting flood related problem areas with the police within the hour. The following list contains the most recent road closures as of 10:30 AM.

Please be advised that it IS STILL UNSAFE TO DRIVE AROUND THE TOWN. The ground is soggy and the trees could be unstable. If you hit a downed wire you could be electrocuted. You are safer in your home.

I am in constant communication with Con Ed. I know that they are trying hard to restore power as soon as possible to the families who have experienced outages. I will be pleased to work with every household that has experienced power outages --trying to help you get your service restored quickly.

I have also been on the phone with United States Congresswoman Nita Lowey and County Executive Rob Astorino. They offered to be of help. The Congresswoman indicated that a number of the members of the House of Representatives want to cut reimbursements to local governments for emergency relief efforts. She believes that the funding is important and will lobby the Congress to continue the funding. A storm like this results in significant overtime expenses to all local governments.
PAUL FEINER
Current Road Closures



ROAD CLOSURES 8/28/11 AS OF 10:33 HOURS:

#
Road
Cross Street
Closure Cause
Status
Time Call In

1
Nepperhan Avenue Area

Flood

0715

2
Tarrytown Road
Knollwood Road
Flood

0715

3
Rt. 9A
Worthington to Whitehouse
Trees and wires

0715

4
Knollwood Road
Hevelyn Road
Tree on wires

0715

5
Dobbs Ferry Road
Park Avenue
Tree and wires

0715

6
South Central Park Avenue
Sentry Place
Tree across roadway

0715

7
Hillside Avenue
Lawrence Drive
Flood

0715

8
Virginia Road
Lawrence Drive
Flood

0715

9
Hillside Avenue
Lawrence Drive
Mudslide

0715

10
Stadium Road
Dobbs Ferry Road
Flood
Open
0905

11
West Hartsdale Avenue
North Washington
Flood

0715

12
Old Tarrytown
Warren
Flood

0715

13
Old Kensico
In area of Randolph Road
Flood

0715

14
Manhattan Avenue
I-287 Bridge
Flood

0715

15
South Central Avenue
West Hartsdale (4crnrs)
Flood

0845

16
Rt. 9A –
Worthington to Whitehouse
Trees and wires

0845

17
Knollwood Road
Hevelyn Road
Tree on wires

0845

19
580 West Hartsdale Avenue

Tree and wires

0845

20
410 Chelsea Road

Tree and wires

0845

21
21 Sprain Valley Road

Tree and wires

0845

22
Heatherdell Road (Ardsley)

Tree and wires

0845

23
Jackson Ave
Old Jackson
Flood

10:30

24
Forthill Road
Ardsley Road
Tree

10:30

25
420 Tarrytown Road
Flood
Flood

10:30

26
326 Fort hill Road

Tree on wires

10:30

27
Polk Place
North and South Road
Flood

10:30

28
Route 9A
Park Ave


10:30

29
166 E Hartsdale Ave

Oil Tank Float

10:30

30
10 Topland Road
Ridge Road
Tree

10:30

31
166 E Hartsdale Ave

Oil Tank

10:30



Saturday, August 27, 2011

HURRICANE ALERTS

Last night the town's server was down so I was unable to respond to e mails. Fortunately, the server is now working. During the storm I will be providing residents with updates: road closures, downed trees, power outages, anticipated timetables for restoration of power etc... In the event that the town computer system is not working, I will post advisories on my facebook page (PAUL FEINER), on my linked in page and on my twitter account. You can also call me on my cell: 914-438-1343 or at home: 478-1219. I will personally return every phone call I receive.

TRY NOT TO GET STRESSED OUT OVER THIS STORM. i believe that the town is well prepared. We have many dedicated employees in our public works department and police department (and in other departments) who always go the extra mile --trying to help out when there are emergencies. During the past few days we have tried to take action steps --anticipating possible problems, hoping to prevent them from taking place.

If there are heavy winds stay home. One of the big dangers in a hurricane is falling trees.

If we need to open up shelters we will. If seniors need transportation to emergency shelters around the town I will reach out to the police department to help provide transportation.

Before you know it - the hurricane will be a memory and you and your family will have survived it.

PAUL FEINER

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANE

Yesterday our town experienced the tremors of an earthquake. On Sunday we may experience a hurricane. I received this e mail from the Police Chief. In the event of a major storm - I will continue to send out e mail alerts about street closings, power outages, emergency shelters, Con Ed action plans. If your neighbor does not subscribe to the e list please advise them of this service. Updates are also posted on the town website: www.greenburghny.com

I am more than happy to accept phone calls. My home: 478-1219. My office: 993-1545. My cell: 438-1343.

Paul Feiner



The number people should call for non-emergencies is 682-5300. 911 should only be used for emergencies. We are making plans to adequately staff and equip both police and DPW personnel. Anyone requesting information on hurricane preparedness should be directed to the bottom of the Town of Greenburgh’s web site greenburghny.com and click on ready Greenburgh listed at the bottom of the page.







Joseph J. DeCarlo

Chief of Police

Town of Greenburgh

White Plains, N.Y. 10607


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

how to create one million jobs--

How to Create One Million Jobs Per Year and Fix the Housing Crisis
By Liz Ryan Murray

Look at the polls. Better yet, talk to a friend, neighbor, or family member and it’s crystal clear that Americans are worried about jobs, foreclosures and the ever-widening wealth and income gap. Instead of solutions, what we’re getting from D.C. are cuts to the earned benefits of seniors, firing our kids’ teachers and taking food off the tables of the hungry. That’s not a solution; it’s a recipe for disaster.

There are real solutions and one of them creates over 1 million new jobs, keeps families in their homes and begins to stabilize the housing market and economy as a whole. Best of all, this solution doesn’t ask those struggling the most to pay again. This solution tells those who caused the mess in the first place to begin to pay for the cleanup.

This solution is outlined in the report released last week by the New Bottom Line entitled, "The Win-Win Solution: How Fixing The Housing Crisis Will Create 1 Million Jobs."

The report shows how we can fix the housing crisis and revitalize our communities and economy by making banks lower the principal balance on all underwater mortgages to current market value and refinancing these loans to current market interest rates.

Right now, one in five Americans owe more on their mortgage than their home is actually worth. Collectively, underwater homeowners will have to pay down $709 billion in principal before they can start building equity in their homes. Every effort to reboot the housing market to date has failed because it has not done the most essential thing: reduce the massive debt load carried by underwater homeowners.

The report reveals that if the banks stepped up and provided principal reduction on all underwater mortgages to current market value, we could:

* Create 1 million jobs every year -- This includes over 300,000 jobs in California, the state hit hardest by the financial crisis.

* Pump over $70 billion per year back into communities -- This includes $12 billion dollars per year in Florida, the second of the two states hit hardest by the foreclosure crisis.

* Save the average family over $500 per month on mortgage payment.

* Solve the foreclosure crisis once and for all.

As the report states, homeowners across the nation are struggling to pay their boom-era mortgages with their recession-era salaries and the economy is suffering for it. Writing down principals and interest rates will effectively function as the second stimulus our nation has been desperate for and this stimulus will be paid for by those that caused the crisis. The $500 + per month injected into households will go for school supplies and groceries and other expenditures. This influx of spending will revitalize local business, spur hiring and begin to reverse our economy’s downward spiral.

"The Win/Win Solution" demonstrates banks can afford to execute this plan. Last year, the nation’s top six banks paid out more than twice the cost of the plan ($71 billion per year) in bonuses and compensation alone ($146 billion in 2010). "The Win/Win Solution" demonstrates banks can afford to execute this plan. Last year, the nation’s top six banks paid out more than twice the cost of the plan ($71 billion per year) in bonuses and compensation alone ($146 billion in 2010).

And this week Bloomberg is reporting that the banks received $1.2 trillion in taxpayer-funded loans from the Federal Reserve during the crisis. The Win/Win plan, which will benefit millions of Americans, would cost only a fraction of what we have already given them.

How Do We Get It Done?

Right now, Attorneys General from around the country are negotiating with the banks on a settlement to address the rampant fraudulent and abusive practices around robo-signing and servicing. The Attorneys General have the authority and the opportunity to require real and widespread principal reduction from the banks through this settlement.

Congress can and should modify the bankruptcy laws to allow primary residence mortgages to be eligible for restructuring including principal reduction – just like vacation homes and other debt are currently eligible.
Finally, many outstanding underwater mortgages are owned or guaranteed by us through the government run entities of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Federal Housing Administration. The Obama Administration should immediately direct them to start slashing principal balances and re-writing the mortgages we control. As the report states, it’s The Win/Win Solution.

Who We Are and What’s Our Plan

The New Bottom Line (NBL) is an alliance of some of the nations largest faith-based and community organizing networks and leading statewide organizing groups led by the Alliance for a Just Society, the PICO National Network and National People's Action. NBL came together as we watched our neighborhoods inundated with predatory lending, decimated by foreclosures and razed by unemployment. As we fought independently to bring justice home to our communities we realized that the game had changed; Wall Street and the big banks had a stranglehold on our economy and our government. Overcoming these forces was going to take a whole new calculus of grassroots power. Working apart we could not credibly win, but together we can. NBL represents over 1,000 community and faith based groups, all committed to fighting for a just economy that puts the needs and health of people over the convenience and profits of corporations.

To advance our goals of restructuring and re-regulating Wall Street, reclaiming our political institutions and advancing a vision of a just economy, NBL groups around the country have been moving to action. Forcing Mitt Romney to admit he thinks corporations are people, keeping pressure on state Attorneys General to come to a strong settlement with banks for their illegal activities in the foreclosure crisis, and the release of the “Win/Win Solution” are just the beginning of NBL’s strategic and offensive push coming this Fall and into next year.

We’ll soon be announcing a series of actions and events around the country that will allow everyday people to publicly express their anger about the economy and the immoral values that guide big corporations and gridlock our government. We’ll use this Fall to advance positive ideas and real solutions that to rebuild strong and vibrant communities and set the stage for the debate WE WANT in 2012.

Please join with us and hear more about what we’re doing by signing up at http://www.newbottomline.com/join.

Liz Ryan Murray is the Policy Director for National People’s Action.

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Monday, August 22, 2011

HOPE FOR THE UNEMPLOYED!

THERE IS HOPE FOR THE UNEMPLOYED!
From: Sandra Sent: Monday, August 22, 2011 6:27 PM
Hello Mr. Feiner,
I have found a job. Please remove my name from your list. Thank you for all your help

Thursday, August 11, 2011

WORLD TRADE CENTER ARTIFACT TO BE DONATED TO 911 WALL

The Port Authority advised me that they will donate an artifact from the World Trade Center to the 9-11 memorial wall on Central Ave. The 1711 tiles from artists around the county are in the process of being placed on the wall--and the work should be finished next week by E Irvington resident Frank Pescetti, the mason who has been working very hard on the restoration project. The World Trade Center artifact will make the wall much more meaningful .

JOIN US AT OUR SEPTEMBER 11TH CEREMONY…
The Town of Greenburgh, Rotary Clubs International, ArtsWestchester and Sam’s Clubs request the honor of your presence and participation in a special event, Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 10:00am at Presser Park, Hartsdale honoring the memory of Westchester / Town of Greenburgh residents whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001. The event will also celebrate a national as well as international initiative to save lives of children through Rotary International’s Gift of Life project.

Sunday, September 11, 2011 will mark the tenth year since the attack on the World Trade Towers causing the loss of 3,000 lives, many of whom resided in Westchester County and the Town of Greenburgh. The Town of Greenburgh, in partnership with Rotary International and ArtsWestchester, Inc. generated resources to erect the 9/11 Memorial Wall located on the grounds of Presser Park on Central Avenue, Hartsdale. Two years ago, the Memorial Wall, composed of tiles designed by local school children and residents from throughout the county, began to lose tiles resulting in the need for major repair. Due to a generous donation from Sam’s Club, and the committed, dedicated and tireless efforts of Sarah Bracey White, Arts & Culture Director, Town of Greenburgh, along with a team of volunteers that she coordinated to prepare the tiles for restoration, the 9/11 Memorial Wall is now undergoing reconstruction.

We invite your participation on Sunday, September 11, 2011 and hope that you will be able to join us. If you have questions about the program or thoughts how we can make the 10th anniversary a more meaningful experience, please advise town Clerk Judith Beville by calling her at 993 – 1504 or jbeville@greenburghny.com
PAUL FEINER

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

FISHER LANE BRIDGE TO BE REPLACED IN MID SEPTEMBER..DOG SWIM September 10


Last year we learned that the Fisher Lane bridge (which connects to the N White Plains train station) was structurally deficient. We had to order a new bridge. Here is the latest schedule for the bridge completion:

The steel for the bridge should be completed by the manufacturer by the first week in September, after which time it will be painted. Delivery of the bridge should be mid-September and installation will take one weekend. Sorry for the inconveniences commuters have had to experience.

Just a short note inviting you to our annual dog swim n Saturday, September 10th from 10 AM to 2 PM. We are requesting $5 per dog – funds that will be used to help us maintain our beautiful and well used dog park. The lower pool at AF Veteran park is open to dogs on this day only –after the pool is closed for the season to humans. AF Veteran park is located off of Heatherdell Road, Ardsley.
Without question – this is one of our most popular recreation events each year. Hundreds of dogs and their human family members have a great time. It’s a great opportunity for you to marvel at the athletic abilities of your dog and for you and your dog to meet new friends!

DO YOU USE OUR DOG PARK? What do you think?
A few years ago we opened up our dog park at Rumbrook Park off the Sprain and Dobbs Ferry Road. Do you use the park? What do you like about our dog park? What can we do to make it better? Please let me know. E mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RE: frank's nursery

The Town of Greenburgh plans to make a final decision what to do with Frank's nursery on Dobbs Ferry Road by the end of the year. Today, the Town Board voted to authorize an RFP to be distributed--seeking proposals from developers, realtors. The following RFP will be posted on the town website: www.greenburghny.com. Feel free to share with those who are interested in the property--businesses, developers, realtors.



The town, like every municipality in the nation, is experiencing budget problems and will be forced to make significant budget cuts in 2012. Additional revenue from Frank's nursery will help the town offer our residents important services.

PAUL FEINER.





(1) Issue/advertise Request for Proposal on……….…………………………..………August 9

(2) Last day for questions………………………….……………………………...September 27

(3) Proposals due by 5:00 P.M………………………………………………………October 28

(4) Selection of Developer…………………………………….…………………...December 6

(5) Finalized development agreement ...............................................not later than December 31





REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS For Town of Greenburgh

Westchester County, New York

FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A 6.89 ACRE PARCEL

OF LAND LOCATED AT 715 Dobbs Ferry Road



1) BACKGROUND



The Town of Greenburgh is located in the south central portion of Westchester County in New York State and includes 31 square miles of land between the Hudson River on the west and the Bronx River on the east. It contains five (5) major highways and parkways (I-87, I-287, the Bronx River, Sprain Brook and Saw Mill Parkways), and three major commercial corridors (Central Park Avenue, Route 119 and Route 9A).



The Town of Greenburgh is bounded on the north by the Town of Mount Pleasant and on the south by the City of Yonkers. East of the Bronx River are the Town of North Castle, the City of White Plains and the Village/Town of Scarsdale. There are six incorporated villages within the Town: Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Elmsford, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington and Tarrytown.



The unincorporated area of the Town of Greenburgh, hereinafter referred to as “Unincorporated Greenburgh,” is the subject of this Request for Proposal (RFP). Unincorporated Greenburgh is approximately 18 square miles and includes numerous neighborhoods. It is serviced by three fire districts, seven fire protection districts and nine separate school districts. Unincorporated Greenburgh’s population can be characterized as ethnically, racially and economically diverse. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010, the Unincorporated Greenburgh has a total population of 42,863. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2007, the median income in the Town of Greenburgh is $97,147 per household versus the Westchester County average of $77,856 per household.



The Town of Greenburgh Town Board will be considering applications for the development of a 6.89 acre parcel of land within the Town, including the construction and/or operation of facilities thereon, located on the south side of Dobbs Ferry Road (Route 100B).



2) INTENT



The Town of Greenburgh Town Board is seeking qualified developer proposals for a vacant town-owned property located at 715 Dobbs Ferry Road. The approximately 6.89 acres site, the former Frank’s Nursery, consists of one building containing a total of 50,000 square feet of floor area and is located on Dobbs Ferry Road approximately 1/3 of a mile west of the entrance to the Sprain Brook Parkway.



The Town of Greenburgh is seeking a developer to redevelop the site through either:



(1) the substantial rehabilitation of the existing buildings,

(2) total demolition and construction, or

(3) partial demolition of the structures and redeveloping the site, or

(4) construction of a new police station and courthouse with a lease to the town for the structure and a swapping of 188 Tarrytown Road property that has the existing police station and courthouse for new development.



The Town will entertain uses that are different from the permitted uses under current zoning and any viable development options, includingpublic-private partnership, phased and/or shared use development for the entire 715 Dobbs Ferry Road parcel through a 15 year ground lease and the possible transfer of 188 Tarrytown Road property.



3) PROPERTY DESCRIPTION



This vacant, pentagon shaped parcel is approximately 6.89 acres in size, located at 715 Dobbs Ferry Road (commonly referred to as the Frank’s Nursery Property), in the central portion of the Unincorporated Greenburgh (see attached location map).






The site is located within an established recreation corridor in the Unincorporated Greenburgh. Directly north of the property is the Elmwood Country Club, a private golf course. Also to the north is the Town’s RumbrookPark. On the east side of the property is the Con Edison Right of Way. To the westof the property is a golf drive range and to the south of the property is a commercial greenhouses and nursery.



The property has substantial frontage along Dobbs Ferry Road (NYS Route 100B), which is suitable for access, is extremely convenient from the Sprain Brook Parkway, Route 9A, and New York State Thruway. Part of the land is paved along Dobbs Ferry Road, which are the remains of the prior use’s parking area.



The property is level and close to the grade of Dobbs Ferry Road. The property is currently zoned R-30 Single-Family Residential District.



Site plan and environmental protection permit approvals from the Town of Greenburgh and the town’s applicable land use boards are required prior to any use or development of land.



All bidding developers should familiarize themselves with the physical attributes of the property and Town of Greenburgh Zoning Code.



The property has access to all typical utilities including but not limited to water, electric,telephone, sewer, and natural gas.



4) RFP SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS



Each proposal in response to this RFP must be formatted as a single bound volume and must be submitted at or before the time and date set forth in this RFP. The Town of Greenburgh Town Board (the “Town”), in its sole discretion, may extend the submission date and time.



a) Responses shall remain valid, active and firm for a period of 180 days from the due date.



b) Each Respondent must submit the information requested in standard letter size format for their proposal to be complete (fold out documents will be accepted).



c) The outside of the package containing a proposal should be clearly marked with “715 Dobbs Ferry Road RFP.”



d) All submittals must include a minimum of the elements as described below in i through vii below. Although the Town is not obligated to evaluate incomplete submittals or to accept additional and supplemental materials, it may choose to do so.



e) All submittals should be concise and address the Town’s goals and objectives as listed in this RFP and relevant support documents



i) Cover Letter and Executive Summary

The submittal must include a cover letter with a statement that the individual signing the letter is authorized to obligate the entity to proceed with negotiation of a “Development Agreement” should the entity be tentatively designated as the developer for the property.



The proposal must also include an executive summary of the principal elements of the submittal, including a project description and schedule, as well as the development team’s approach to the development, mix of uses, open space, financing, environmental processing, and terms.



PLEASE NOTE, the Town is will enter into a ground lease for property with the selected developer.







ii) Development Team, Relationships and References



The Town is seeking sufficient information on the development team to make a judgment as to how well the team could perform in the role of developer of the proposed plan and to compare the qualifications of the redevelopment teams associated with the proposals submitted. Respondents are free to present this information in a format and a degree of detail that in their judgment is adequate for these purposes.



The following is a suggested format for consideration:



• The redevelopment team description shall include the corporation, joint venture or other entity that would serve as the Designated Redeveloper of the proposed development and would be party to the Redevelopment Agreement with the Town. If the entity is a subsidiary of, or otherwise affiliated with another organization, the Respondent shall indicate such a relationship.



• Identify all participants in the Respondent’s development team including those members responsible for the building design, landscape and site design, land use planning, engineering, permitting, legal and financial analysis, and community relations, as well as investors and proposed lending institutions. This information should include, but not be limited to, company profiles of firms on the proposed team and individual resumes of key personnel who would be assigned to the project. Brochures detailing the individual team members’ qualifications may be included as an appendix.



• Submit an organization chart showing all team members, the responsibility of each team member, and the proposed interrelationships of the team with the Town during the design, development and operation of the project.



• For each company/individual involved in the development, construction or operation of the redevelopment, identify the company or individual involved, including the name, address, telephones and fax numbers and primary contact person for each listing. The list of companies and individuals shall include at least the following:

· Developer

· Architect(s) (site, buildings, landscape)

· Land Use/Environmental Planner (if known)

· Engineer(s) (geo-technical, traffic, structural, etc., if known)

· Attorney(s) (if known)

· Lender(s) (if known)

· General Contractor (if known)

· Other



• For each member of the Respondent’s team noted above, identify the names of all principals who will be responsible for the redevelopment, construction and operation of the proposed redevelopment and provide professional resumes for each such principal.



• The proposal shall identify the persons responsible for each activity related to the permitting, design, financing and construction of the project. The proposal shall identify one or more individuals who have full power and authority on behalf of the Respondent’s team to negotiate and execute the Agreement, if the Respondent is chosen for negotiation of the Agreement.



• Three (3) references are required that can specifically address the capability of the Respondent to undertake similar development projects. References should include name, title, addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, and email addresses and a brief description of the relationship to the development entity in regard to previous experience.



In addition, the proposal should identify any potential conflicts that the individual team members or firms may have because of current or prior relations with the Town of Greenburgh, Townof Greenburgh related boards and individuals, or its consultants. The Town reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to request additional information on potential conflicts of interest and to limit or prohibit the part the participation of any team member or firm due to any such conflict of interest. To the extent that public disclosure laws may be applicable, participants in the development team shall be responsible for complying with all applicable requirements.



iii) Project Experience

The Town is seeking sufficient information on the Respondent’s project experience to make a judgment as to how well the team could perform in the role of redeveloper of the project site, and to compare with the experience of other redevelopment teams. The following information is suggested to meet this requirement. Respondents are free to present this information in a degree of detail that in their judgment is adequate for these purposes:



All individuals listed as contacts on existing projects may be contacted and should be available to assess the Respondent’s record relating to the project(s). In addition, the Town may consult references familiar with the Respondent or members of the Respondent’s team regarding past experience, qualifications, performance, or other matters, regardless of whether the specific individuals are identified in the proposal. The proposal should demonstrate that all of the team members have experience in the redevelopment of similar size and scope projects in a comparable urban setting.



To the extent that a developer cannot demonstrate the proper strength in a particular area, the developer will be required to hire or joint venture with an entity that has strength in that particular area. The developer must provide the names of the persons on the development team and the corporate structure to be responsible for the planning and implementation of the project.



iv) Understanding of the Redevelopment Process

The proposal should clearly demonstrate an understanding of the scope and tasks required for the design, financing, construction and leasing/sale of the proposed redevelopment and the challenges to successful completion of such a project in accordance with the project schedule. The Respondent should demonstrate an understanding of the challenges of undertaking and completing the project in the Unincorporated Greenburgh by including in its proposal, among other things, a detailed plan schedule for meetings and dealing with all relevant constituencies.



With respect to project financing, each Respondent should demonstrate its approach to the financing, the risks and issues involved and how the Respondent will mitigate these financial risks and address the issues.





v) Project Schedule

The respondent shall describe the proposed project schedule including key steps in, permitting, financing, design, construction (including start and completion), and leasing/sale and occupancy.



vi) Proposed Redevelopment Program

Each proposal should include a program description reflecting the contemplated building design. Submissions of conceptual site plans with representative building elevations are encouraged. The program description should include, at a minimum, the following:



(1) The proposed development shall include a preliminary concept plan indicating the proposed use, parking, grading, drainage, circulation, parking, views, street tree planting along street frontages, fences and walls, if any, landscaping, screening, the exterior design of the building, structures and any signs.

(2) A rendering of the site and building (s).

(3) Identify views to and from the area of the proposed development from surrounding roads and properties, utilizing photographs, cross sections, sketches and photo simulations of the proposed development, and the visual impact it will create from all surrounding vantage points, as appropriate.

(4) A detailed account of proposed terms

(5) A statement that the Respondent’s will hold the Town harmless for any material or condition found on the property.

(6) An affirmative statement that the Respondent will not require any financial assistance from the Town.

(7) Time periods for commencing and completing construction, and opening for business.

(8) Estimated development cost, and verifiable evidence of financial capability.

(9) A primary contact name and numbers including phone, fax, and email.

(10) An affirmative statement that the Town will not be required to pay any closing costs,inspection fees or professional fees.

(11) An expeditious planning and construction schedule that would meet or beat the following time periods for each phase of development:

A. Submit application for site plan approval not later than 45 days after Town approval of development agreement.

B. Commence construction not later than 180 days after site plan approval.

C. Complete construction not later than 365 days after commencing construction.

D. Open for business and have a certificate of occupancy not later than 30 days after completing construction.





Each proposal should also provide information on employment generation (construction and permanent jobs), secondary spending on and off-site, as well as property taxes to be generated.



vii) Proposed Project Cost and Capital Structure; Financial Capacity



The proposal shall contain, with sufficient detail, the key financial components of the respondent’s proposal, including rental terms, price point projections, revenue projections, and the Respondent’s financing strategy. At a minimum, the Statement of Proposed Financial Terms and Assumptions should include the following (draft development pro fomas are encouraged):



(1) Respondents should describe their plans for funding all required improvements, including identifying sources of funds. Such description should include the proportion of equity to debt financing, and identify any special restrictions or conditions associated with the financing plan.



Respondents should also include evidence of financing resources and their concurrence with the proposed development program. A financial statement, at delivery of Proposal, or prior to short‐listing, supporting the Respondent’s capability of undertaking this project including company operating revenues and expenses, history of debt repayments, and letters of credit.



(2) Identify any local, state or federal financial assistance that will be required to implement the project. Although it is recognized that public monies may be needed to bring this project to completion, the greater the reliance on subsidies the less favorably the proposal will be evaluated. To the extent the Respondent intends to utilize grant or other public funds, describe the source of such funds and the status of any commitments from the granting agency, and the Respondent’s experience in obtaining such funds;



(3) Respondents are expected to conduct their own market research/study to identify potential demand, along with any other research necessary to justify any assumptions and projections that they may make.



viii) Other Factors

Although there is no obligation to do so, each Respondent should feel free to provide a description of other factors not accounted for in the RFP that the Respondent believes underscore the Respondent’s qualifications to undertake the project and what is “unique” about their development concept.



5) SELECTION PROCESS OVERVIEW AND SELECTION CRITERIA



a) Process Overview

On or before the time specified in this RFP, the Respondents will submit a proposal in response to this RFP. The Town will evaluate the proposals based upon responsiveness to items listed in Part D of this RFP. The Town may develop a short list from the RFP’s reviewed. If so, the Town will conduct interviews. Project teams selected to appear for an interview will be notified in writing, by mail, facsimile transmission, or otherwise, of the time and place of the interview.



Respondents may be asked to answer written questions based on their first and best and final proposals until the Town has made a final selection. In addition, further information and detail about proposals may be requested. Such information may include pre-schematic architectural drawings, a more comprehensive project financing package, a final list of team members and further explanation of the development program.



The Town may, in order to facilitate the selection or ranking of the Respondents, visit the offices of each Respondent, upon reasonable prior notice, to observe the office facilities and conduct further interviews, or conduct site visits to observe one or more of the developments identified by a Respondent.



Once a team is selected, the Town will begin negotiations with the selected team that will ultimately result in a developer’s designation by the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh and the execution of a redeveloper’s agreement. If the Town believes that an agreement cannot be reached with the selected team, the Town at its sole option may terminate negotiations. The Town may, at this time, choose to entertain proposals from other team that may be on a short list.



The Town will evaluate all proposals in accordance with the criteria and procedures identified in this RFP. The Town reserves the right in its discretion to make a selection based directly on the proposals submitted or to negotiate further with one or more of the respondents. The respondent selected under this RFP will be chosen on the basis of ability to best meet the overall objectives of the Town, as determined by the Town in its sole and absolute discretion.



The criteria described belowwill be employed in assessing the merits of each qualified proposal received by the Town:



i. Experience and Qualifications of Respondent



• Whether the Respondent has sufficient and proven experience and capabilities to perform all aspects of the project as outlined in this RFP, the developers demonstrated capabilities in executing projects of this type and magnitude;



• Experience and qualifications of Respondent and Key Personnel related to consistent quality management, maintenance, and operation of the type of project and uses proposed. Relevant factors will include experience and qualifications specifically related to (i) ability to implement complex development projects effectively, (ii) demonstrated success working cooperatively with public agencies, (iii) developer’s team operational approach, including the proposed timeline fordevelopment; (iv) other special qualifications that may be relevant to the successful implementation of the project;



• Financial capacity of the Respondent to cover initial capital expenditures andoperating cost: § (i) ability to raise capital for the project, either through equity capital and unsubordinated debt financing, and/ or private charitable funds and governmental grant funds; (ii) strength of current relationships with funding sources, including financialinstitutions; (iii) overall financial track record.



ii. Experience and Qualifications of Respondent Quality of Proposal



• Quality of Developers' approach to the project, the extent to which the project meets the Town’s objectives to create a high quality development;



• Potential social and economic contributions to the Town; and



• The extent to which the Plan demonstrates Respondent’s commitment to create or retain jobs for Greenburgh residents, especially economically disadvantaged persons, and to provide minority and women-owned business enterprises with an equal opportunity to compete for and participate in project development and operations.



iii. Cost and Time Effectiveness



• Feasibility of Respondent’s proposal, Proposals with definite funding sources will be rated more favorably than those with indefinite funding sources;



• Proposals that have no or minimal reliance on direct Town funding will be more favorably rated;



• Reasonableness of Respondent’s underlying assumptions, including proposed terms of rent;



• A project schedule that effectively and efficiently achieves a successful development in a relatively short timeframe; and



• Other factors as appropriate.



iv. Project Innovation – Sustainable Design



• The developer must provide a narrative, along with samples or a model outlining the use of innovative techniques that are significantly superior to what is typical in such development. Demonstrated capability in project design and sensitivity to environmental issues and adjacent land uses, including architectural design, landscape design, building massing, sustainable development strategies, creative design and construction.



• To the extent by which the proposal contains environmental performance, energy efficiency, and quality living spaces as well as innovative green design and building technologies.



6) PROPOSAL PACKAGE



Please submit ten (10) copies of the Proposal and one (1) electronic copy on CD in PDF format.



7) DELIVERY



Proposals should be marked ʺPROPOSAL FOR 715 DOBBS FERRY ROAD SITEʺ and delivered:

(1) By hand, courier, USPS, FEDEX, UPS or recognized overnight courier to the Town of Greenburgh, Department of Community Development and Conservation, 177 Hillside Avenue, Greenburgh, NY, 10607.



8) DEADLINE 5:00 P.M. LOCAL TIME October 28, 2011



Proposals received after the specified time and date will not be considered. The Town will not beresponsible for failure of the United States Postal Service, private courier, or any other deliverymeans to deliver a proposal to the appointed place at the specified time in order to beconsidered.



9) SCHEDULE



(1) Issue/advertise Request for Proposal on……….…………………………..………August 9

(2) Last day for questions………………………….……………………………...September 27

(3) Proposals due by 5:00 P.M………………………………………………………October 28

(4) Selection of Developer…………………………………….…………………...December 6

(5) Finalized development agreement ...............................................not later than December 31



10) SELECTION



The Town shall review all qualified proposals and the proposalselected, if any, that is determined to be in the public interest for uses, will be presented at a Town Board work session for consideration.





11) DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT



Subsequent to the award, a finalized development agreement between the Town and theRespondent must be approved by the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh.



12) INQUIRIES AND QUESTIONS.



All inquiries, questions, requests for interpretation, or clarification must besubmitted in writing, either by e‐mail or by facsimile and shall arrive not later than 5:00 PM, September 27, 2011.



13) TOWN CONTACT



Thomas Madden, AICP, Commissioner, Department of Community DevelopmentandConservation, Town of Greenburgh at (914) 993-1505 or by FAX (914) 993-1518, 1505 or by email to tmadden@greenburghny.com.



Additionalinformation and copies of this RFP may be downloaded at www.greenburghny.com



14) TOWN RESERVATIONS



The Town reserves the right to:

(1) Modify, waive, or otherwise vary the terms and conditions of this RFP at any time, includingbut not limited to, deadlines for submission and proposal requirements.

(2) Select one or more proposals to develop the entire site or a portion thereof; or award thedevelopments rights for the site to more than one developer.

(3) Waive irregularities in the proposals.

(4) Reject or refuse any or all proposals.

(5) Cancel and withdraw this RFP at any time.

(6) Negotiate with any or all Respondents in order to obtain terms most beneficial to the Town.

(7) Accept the proposal which, in its sole and absolute discretion, best serves the interest of theTown.



15) DISCLOSURE



(1) Information contained in this RFP regarding the site is believed to be reliable; however,interested parties should rely on their own experts for counsel.

(1) All proposals submitted to the Town are subject to public disclosure pursuant to Public Officers Law, Article 6 Freedom of Information Law. An exception may be made for submitted information by the Respondent, pursuant to FOIL.



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Monday, August 08, 2011

CANCER DRUGS BEING RATIONED..ANTUNS HOSTING BLOOD DRIVE

An article in yesterday’s NY TIMES highlighted the horrible fact that effective cancer drugs are being rationed. If you know anyone in Greenburgh who is experiencing this problem – please advise. Please provide me with their names, addresses, phone number and e mail address. I would like to try to help and will also forward their stories to our congressional representatives. When I read the following article I was disgusted. My e mail address is pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
Paul Feiner
A patient receiving cancer treatment in Boston in 2008. Care is being rationed because of a dearth of the most effective drugs. Of the 34 generic cancer drugs on the market, as of this month, 14 were in short supply.
RIGHT now cancer care is being rationed in the United States.
Probably to their great disappointment, President Obama’s critics cannot blame this rationing on death panels or health care reform. Rather, it is caused by a severe shortage of important cancer drugs.
Of the 34 generic cancer drugs on the market, as of this month, 14 were in short supply. They include drugs that are the mainstay of treatment regimens used to cure leukemia, lymphoma and testicular cancer. As Dr. Michael Link, the president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, recently told me, “If you are a pediatric oncologist, you know how to cure 70 to 80 percent of patients. But without these drugs you are out of business.”
This shortage is even inhibiting research studies that can lead to higher cure rates: enrollment of patients in many clinical trials has been delayed or stopped because the drugs that are in short supply make up the standard regimens to which new treatments are added or compared.
The sad fact is, there are plenty of newer brand-name cancer drugs that do not cure anyone, but just extend life for a few months, at costs of up to $90,000 per patient. Only the older but curative cancer drugs — drugs that can cost as little as $3 per dose — have become unavailable. Most of these drugs have no substitutes, but, crazy as it seems, in some cases these shortages are forcing doctors to use brand-name drugs at more than 100 times the cost.
Only about 10 percent of the shortages can be attributed to a lack of raw materials and essential ingredients to manufacture the drugs. Most shortages appear instead to be the consequence of corporate decisions to cease production, or interruptions in production caused by money or quality problems, which manufacturers do not appear to be in a rush to fix.
If the laws of supply and demand were working properly, a drug shortage would cause a price rise that would induce other manufacturers to fill the gap. But such laws do not really apply to cancer drugs.
The underlying reason for this is that cancer patients do not buy chemotherapy drugs from their local pharmacies the way they buy asthma inhalers or insulin. Instead, it is their oncologists who buy the drugs, administer them and then bill Medicare and insurance companies for the costs.
Historically, this “buy and bill” system was quite lucrative; drug companies charged Medicare and insurance companies inflated, essentially made-up “average wholesale prices.” The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, signed by President George W. Bush, put an end to this arrangement. It required Medicare to pay the physicians who prescribed the drugs based on a drug’s actual average selling price, plus 6 percent for handling. And indirectly — because of the time it takes drug companies to compile actual sales data and the government to revise the average selling price — it restricted the price from increasing by more than 6 percent every six months.
The act had an unintended consequence. In the first two or three years after a cancer drug goes generic, its price can drop by as much as 90 percent as manufacturers compete for market share. But if a shortage develops, the drug’s price should be able to increase again to attract more manufacturers. Because the 2003 act effectively limits drug price increases, it prevents this from happening. The low profit margins mean that manufacturers face a hard choice: lose money producing a lifesaving drug or switch limited production capacity to a more lucrative drug.
The result is clear: in 2004 there were 58 new drug shortages, but by 2010 the number had steadily increased to 211. (These numbers include noncancer drugs as well. )
Unfortunately, there is no quick fix, because all solutions require legislation. A bill introduced in February by Senator Amy Klobuchar, Democrat of Minnesota, and Senator Bob Casey, Democrat of Pennsylvania, would require generic manufacturers to notify the Food and Drug Administration if they expected a supply problem or planned to stop manufacturing a drug. But the F.D.A. isn’t able to force manufacturers to produce a drug, and learning about impending shortages with little authority to alleviate them is of limited benefit. Indeed, early warning could exacerbate the problem: the moment oncologists or cancer centers hear there is going to be a shortage of a critical drug, their response could well be to start hoarding.
You don’t have to be a cynical capitalist to see that the long-term solution is to make the production of generic cancer drugs more profitable. Most of Europe, where brand-name drugs are cheaper than in the United States, while generics are slightly more expensive, has no shortage of these cancer drugs.
One solution would be to amend the 2003 act to increase the amount Medicare pays for generic cancer drugs to the average selling price plus, say, 30 percent, after the drugs have been generic for three years. This would encourage the initial rapid price drop that makes generics affordable, but would allow for an increase in price and profits to attract more generic producers and the fixing of any manufacturing problems that subsequently arose.
Increasing the price for generic oncology drugs would have a negligible impact on overall health care costs. Total spending on generic injectable cancer drugs was $400 million last year — just 2 percent of cancer drug costs, and less than 0.5 percent of the total cost of cancer care. If we are worried about costs, we could follow Europe and pay for the higher prices by lowering what Medicare pays for the brand-name drugs that extend life by only a few months.
A more radical approach would be to take Medicare out of the generic cancer drug business entirely. Once a drug becomes generic, Medicare should stop paying, and it should be covered by a private pharmacy plan. That way prices can better reflect the market, and market incentives can work to prevent shortages.
Scare-mongering about death panels and health care reform has diverted attention from real issues in our health care system. Shortages in curative cancer treatments are completely unacceptable. We need to stop the political demagoguery and fix the real rationing problem.
A version of this op-ed appeared in print on August 7, 2011, on page SR1 of the New York edition with the headline: Cancer Drugs, Effective but Scarce.

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Saturday, August 06, 2011

MY THOUGHTS-HOW TO END THE GREAT RECESSION

In recent months the federal, state, county and local governments have been laying off employees, cutting back services. The NYS Legislature has approved a property tax cap which will result in even more layoffs in the coming years.



Every layoff has a ripple effect, creating more unemployment. One approach the federal government should take to address our unemployment problem is to provide assistance to local governments to fix our infrastructure. Century-old water mains at the local level are breaking, underground drainage pipes are collapsing all overthe nation and many of our bridges are structurally unsafe. Local, county and state governments are not allocating adequate resources to correct this national problem. In addition, state, county and local governments are not appropriating the necessary funds needed to repave our pothole and decaying roads, or to maintain older government buildings. When elected officials are given a choice: cutting a popular recreation program or delaying a repair job, what do you think will be cut from the budget? We can get by and delay infrastructure needs temporarily but sooner or later -- our crumbling infrastructure will become a major crisis. Structurally unsafe bridges that collapse and cause injuries or fatalities also result in expensive litigation and damages to governments responsible for the outcome.

I got my start in politics in the 1980s. The commuter trains from Westchester to NYC kept breaking down at the tunnel near Grand Central Station. Commuters were packed like sardines in trains (windows did not even open). Westchester residents could not rely on public transportation. I started a commuter bus system that provided commuters with a choice: bus or rail service. And, also filed numerous small claims actions against the railroad --which helped push our officials to provide funding for new equipment, new commuter trains and better infrastructure. Service dramatically improved and we have a dependable train system. I'm afraid that the budget problems everyone is now experiencing will result in our rail service going backwards-to the days when service was not reliable.



Our Congressional representatives could help create jobs, reduce the unemployment problem and address important infrastructure needs by setting aside significant dollars to local, county and state governments, school districts for our infrastructure. The ripple impact of a national infrastructure-maintenance program would be enormous on job creation. Architects, engineers, secretaries, lawyers, contractors would be hired. This is what is needed during this great recession.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

914 438 1343 or 914 993 1545

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

town pool to be repaired at cost of $140,000 (approximate)

During the past few years we have received some warning from Commissioner of Parks Gerry Byrne about the future of the town pool. The pool is aging. And, will need to be replaced sometime in the future. The county Board of Health has strict guidelines for pools. The problem for the town: a new pool will cost millions --could be six or seven million dollars. This is not what taxpayers want to read about during the great recession.
This year we noticed that the fiberglass liner in the main pool has started to crack. I will be proposing to the Town Board, at the recommendation of the Commissioner of Parks, Gerry Byrne, that we remove the existing pool liner and replacing it with a pvc liner. This will be done after the pool closes down in the fall. The estimated cost: about $140,000. We hope that we will get a number of extra years of life out of the pool.
PAUL FEINER

Monday, August 01, 2011

meet frank pescetti, mason who is restoring 911 wall

Frank Pescetti, a longtime resident of E Irvington, has been in the business of installing tiles, stone and marble for over 25 years. He is working very hard restoring the 9-11 wall – located at the Richard Presser park (Webb Field) on Central Ave. 1711 tiles have been salvaged, repaired, cleaned and reassembled tile by tile by Sarah Bracey White and 41 volunteers who spent hundreds of hours at the task so that the mural can be reinstalled and rededicated on the 10th anniversary of the 911 tragedy. The original curator of the project is artist Ron Mineo. The original tiles were removed –many fell down.

The restoration is very slow due to the heat. If the tiles are adhered to the wall in too high a temperature, they will not stay. Therefore, the slow and steady process will insure a beautiful and permanent job. Frank has been in the business of installing tile, stone and marble for over 25 years as well as kitchen and bath renovations. He is pleased to bring his expertise to the project.

If you are on Central Ave between 8AM and noon stop by and say thank you to Frank for his hard work. You can see the progress close. He’s at the wall almost every day, weather permitting.

JOIN US AT OUR SEPTEMBER 11TH CEREMONY…
The Town of Greenburgh, Rotary Clubs International, ArtsWestchester and Sam’s Clubs request the honor of your presence and participation in a special event, Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 10:00am at Presser Park, Hartsdale honoring the memory of Westchester / Town of Greenburgh residents whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001. The event will also celebrate a national as well as international initiative to save lives of children through Rotary International’s Gift of Life project.

Sunday, September 11, 2011 will mark the tenth year since the attack on the World Trade Towers causing the loss of 3,000 lives, many of whom resided in Westchester County and the Town of Greenburgh. The Town of Greenburgh, in partnership with Rotary International and ArtsWestchester, Inc. generated resources to erect the 9/11 Memorial Wall located on the grounds of Presser Park on Central Avenue, Hartsdale. Two years ago, the Memorial Wall, composed of tiles designed by local school children and residents from throughout the county, began to lose tiles resulting in the need for major repair. Due to a generous donation from Sam’s Club, and the committed, dedicated and tireless efforts of Sarah Bracey White, Arts & Culture Director, Town of Greenburgh, along with a team of volunteers that she coordinated to prepare the tiles for restoration, the 9/11 Memorial Wall is now undergoing reconstruction.

We invite your participation on Sunday, September 11, 2011 and hope that you will be able to join us. If you have questions about the program or thoughts how we can make the 10th anniversary a more meaningful experience, please advise town Clerk Judith Beville by calling her at 993 – 1504 or jbeville@greenburghny.com
PAUL FEINER