Wednesday, February 29, 2012

ADVISORY COMMITTEE WANTED TO PREPARE FOR TZ BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION--TO INCLUDE RESIDENTS CLOSEST TO BRIDGE

GREENBURGH SUPERVISOR CALLS FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS QUALITY OF LIFE CONCERNS OF RESIDENTS WHO RESIDE ALONG PATH OF TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE

NOISE, CONSTRUCTION ISSUES, INCONVENIENCES, EVENING WORK--ISSUES NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY STATE, LOCAL OFFICIALS AND RESIDENTS WHO LIVE CLOSEST TO THE BRIDGE

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE GOVERNOR FOR SUPPORTING PLANS TO TURN TZ BRIDGE INTO PARK...TOWN BOARD VOTES TO SUPPORT MASS TRANSIT ON BRIDGE

Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner will be asking NYS officials to create an advisory committee of local officials and residents who reside along the path of the Tappan Zee bridge at Thursday's public hearing to be held at the Marriott Hotel.

The state is focusing its attention on the impacts the bridge will have for the larger community -- commuters, visitors, people who use the bridge for business purposes -interstate commerce, etc... There is another community that deserves attention: people who reside closest to the bridge.

When construction starts there will be tremendous quality of life issues - impacting residents who live closest to the bridge and to neighborhoods along the path to the bridge. It would be great if we could start the dialogue and address ways to mitigate the quality of life disruptions caused by the long construction process. Noise issues, construction related problems, inconveniences, evening work --these are issues that need to be addressed.

Feiner is recommending that NYS officials involved in the bridge planning initiatives schedule a preliminary meeting as soon as possible. And-- that we start the dialogue so that a new bridge construction project could have the least negative impact on the quality of life of residents. There are strategies and recommendations that could be discussed by this advisory group. Representatives of neighborhood associations closest to the bridge, elected officials, public safety officials could participate and join the advisory committee.

Feiner will also thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for supporting the proposal to study the possibility of preserving the old Tappan Zee bridge and turning it into a park. "We can make the Tappan Zee bridge a world class destination point. The state should explore some public/private opportunities that could generate revenue for the state - revenue that could be used to help support the maintenance of the bridge."

Feiner is also a part of a coalition of elected officials and environmentalists pushing for mass transit on the bridge. The Greenburgh Town Board, at their February 28th Town Board meeting, unanimously approved a resolution urging the state to restore dedicated public transportation infrastructure to any and all plans for the replacement of the Tappan Zee bridge, connecting businesses in Rockland and Westchester Counties.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

advocating public transportation on new bridge

New York State is moving ahead with plans to build a new Tappan Zee bridge. A public hearing will be held this Thursday at the Marriott in Tarrytown and Tuesday (today) in West Nyack. Please attend one of the hearings (I'll be at the Marriott on Thursday).
The Greenburgh Town Board will be voting on a resolution encouraging the state to dedicate public transportation on the new bridge (see following resolution). Last week Governor Cuomo announced that he will explore the possibility of maintaining the old Tappan Zee bridge as a park when the new bridge is built. The Journal News endorsed the study (see following editorial).
We have started an on line petition effort for the tappanbridgepark.com concept. Please consider signing the petition at www.tappanbridgepark.com
PAUL FEINER

Rockland County
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Palisades Center
4th Floor Community Rooms
1000 Palisades Center Drive
West Nyack, New York 10994
4:00—9:00 p.m.
Westchester County
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Westchester Marriott
Grand Ballroom
670 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, New York 10591
4:00—9:00 p.m.


In addition to the information available for review at the hearings, there will be a project presentation at 5:00 and repeated again at 7:00 p.m.


Based on the findings of the DEIS and the written and oral comments received during the public hearings, as well as during the DEIS document public comment period (ending on March 15, 2012), FHWA, NYSDOT and NYSTA will prepare a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). Comments received during the public comment period, including those received at the public hearings, will be addressed in the FEIS.

FHWA, NYSDOT and NYSTA invite interested individuals, organizations, and Federal, State and local agencies to comment on the DEIS. During the public comment period, the DEIS document will be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the locations on the enclosed list. In addition, the document can be downloaded from the project website at www.tzbsite.com. Comments can be submitted at any time during the public comment period. Remember, the period for submitting comments ends on March 15, 2012. There are many ways to provide comments:

Verbally or in writing at the public hearings listed above.
Via email: tzbsite@dot.state.ny.us
Via fax: 845-454-7443
Via mail:
Michael P. Anderson
Project Director
New York State Dept. of Transportation
4 Burnett Boulevard
Poughkeepsie, New York 12603
Telephone: 877-892-3685

Resolution Greenburgh Town Board will be voting on promoting public transportation on the new bridge....
TB-2 – 02/28/12


RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH ECHOING THE SENTIMENT OF THE NORTHERN WESTCHESTER ENERGY ACTION CONSORTIUM, THE TRI-STATE TRANSPORTATION CAMPAIGN AND OVER 25 ENVIRONMENTAL, GOOD GOVERNMENT AND LABOR GROUPS CALLING ON GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO TO RESTORE DEDICATED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE TO ANY AND ALL PLANS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE, CONNECTING COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES IN ROCKLAND AND WESTCHESTER COUNTIES



WHEREAS, the inclusion of public transportation has been a central feature of the Tappan Zee Bridge Replacement Project (the “TZB Replacement”) since the launch of formal environmental review in 2002 and, after receiving detailed public input in 280 meetings and data generated over 10 years, all five alternatives, other than the “No Build” alternative, for the TZB Replacement included rapid transit; and



WHEREAS, New York State and the federal government, after years of public input and broad consensus on the inclusion of public transportation in the TZB Replacement, have abruptly decided to pursue a replacement without transit and have re-started the environmental review process based on an alternative lacking public transportation; and

WHEREAS, approximately 138,000 vehicles travel across the Tappan Zee Bridge every day, which is far more than the bridge was designed to handle when it was built in 1955 and this number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years and, without public transportation, the TZB Replacement would not result in increases in peak-direction capacity or long term operational changes to traffic patterns; and

WHEREAS, the development of public transportation as part of the TZB Replacement is central to relieving congestion in the corridor and local arterials, improving air quality, achieving sustainability goals, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, improving pedestrian safety, and improving motorist travel time in Westchester and New York State; and

WHEREAS, residents of the Town of Greenburgh and other communities in the TZB service area would be burdened by many years of unnecessarily increasing traffic if transit infrastructure is not included in the TZB Replacement; and

WHEREAS, Westchester County is planning its own Bus Rapid Transit (“BRT”) routes along Central Avenue which would benefit by and become more effective by eventually interconnecting to BRT or other public transportation on the TZB; and

WHEREAS, New York State and the Federal Highway Administration should not repeat the mistakes of the past by locking in automobile and truck-only infrastructure in this important Corridor for decades to come; and

WHEREAS, if not built as part of the current plans for the TZB Replacement, public transportation is very unlikely to be added in the future and the State, Federal government and local communities, as a practical matter, face a “now or never” decision; and

WHEREAS, failure to build public transportation now when billions of dollars are being dedicated to the TZB Replacement would be penny wise and pound foolish: the estimated cost of replacing the bridge for motor vehicles only is $5.2 billion; adding a BRT system is estimated to cost an additional $1 billion; and

WHEREAS including public transportation in the TZB Replacement is consistent with and advances the purposes of numerous State, County and Federal government policies aimed at reducing dependence on foreign oil, air pollution and the emission of greenhouse gases, including the New York State Climate Action Plan, the Westchester Action Plan for Climate Change and federal goals enshrined in the Clean Air Act, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, Executive Order 13514 and elsewhere;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh hereby (1) calls upon Governor Cuomo, the New York State Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Authority to restore dedicated public transportation infrastructure to its long-held place in any and all plans for the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge; (2) calls upon other affected communities and municipalities to let their opinion be known to Governor Cuomo and the relevant agencies and representatives of New York State and the federal government on this critical decision that will impact quality of life for decades to come and (3) pledges to join with other affected municipalities to participate fully in the TZP Replacement planning process to ensure that the TZB Replacement when built will be fully consistent with the important concerns and objectives clearly expressed by the citizenry over the many years of the TZB Replacement planning process.



JOURNAL NEWS EDITORIAL ABOUT TAPPANZEEPARK INITIATIVE



Editorial: Why not turn Tappan Zee Bridge into park?



10:37 PM, Feb. 23, 2012 |
Comments
Written by

A Journal News editorial

Filed Under
Opinion

There doubtless are quite a few Hudson Valley commuters still coming to terms with the notion there actually will be a new Tappan Zee Bridge, and quite possibly before they draw their last breath. Now comes word, from the Thruway Authority and governor no less, that another seemingly farfetched idea — turning the existing bridge into a crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists — is gaining real attention. They are tearing the nay right out of naysaying.

Facing the prospect of a $150 million bill for demolishing the three-mile span, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas Madison said Wednesday they are exploring the possibility of turning the Tappan Zee into a greenway for pedestrians and bicyclists. “Could you leave it up and what are the economics and the practicalities of that?” Cuomo said during a cabinet meeting in Albany. “It’s an exciting option.”

Well, we guess it is when he says so. When Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner suggested the same last fall, in a Community View on the Opinion page and also in a New York Times article, one could almost hear strains from “Man of La Mancha,” critics thought the endeavor so quixotic.

Wrote Feiner: “The proposal to turn the bridge into a park like the High Line (in Manhattan) would be a big boost to the local economy, promoting tourism and helping local businesses on both sides of the river.” He pledged to form a committee to press state officials on the matter. (Feiner and White Plains Councilwoman Milagros Lecuona co-chair the local effort; visit www.TappanBridgePark.com to learn more.)

If it sounds like Feiner was out on a limb, consider Tarrytown resident Jean Schneider. She started down the bridge-as-park route more than a decade ago, making her pitch to then-Gov. George Pataki. In a 2002 news article, Schneider called hers a “wild, wild dream.” In a letter to the editor just weeks ago, Schneider recalled the early effort. She wrote: “What inspired me was that I felt so deeply that we have lost the art of walking, communicating face to face enjoying nature at its finest, enjoying the seasons while savoring the ever-changing moods and rhythm of the river.”

Being spared that $150 million demolition bill would be nice as well — to go along with the satisfaction of making a smart, adaptive use out of something otherwise destined for the scrap heap. Communities are getting better at seeing the possibilities — consider waterfront makeovers up and down the East Coast; Bankside Power Station in London; Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco; Reading Terminal in Philadelphia; New York’s High Line and Meatpacking District; and the so-called “Low Line” park in Gotham, a virtually impossible (and amazing) plan for an abandoned trolley terminal.

Often it’s visionaries who move such projects along, until they gain official notice and favor — and private and public support; these individuals see opportunity where others cannot begin to imagine windmills.

Ours would be dull and wasteful places without them.

Now, if we could only get them to build this new bridge we have been hearing so much about ...

Monday, February 27, 2012

JOURNAL NEWS EDITORIAL ON TAPPANZEEPARK.COM

Editorial: Why not turn Tappan Zee Bridge into park?



10:37 PM, Feb. 23, 2012 |
Comments
Written by

A Journal News editorial

Filed Under
Opinion

There doubtless are quite a few Hudson Valley commuters still coming to terms with the notion there actually will be a new Tappan Zee Bridge, and quite possibly before they draw their last breath. Now comes word, from the Thruway Authority and governor no less, that another seemingly farfetched idea — turning the existing bridge into a crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists — is gaining real attention. They are tearing the nay right out of naysaying.

Facing the prospect of a $150 million bill for demolishing the three-mile span, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas Madison said Wednesday they are exploring the possibility of turning the Tappan Zee into a greenway for pedestrians and bicyclists. “Could you leave it up and what are the economics and the practicalities of that?” Cuomo said during a cabinet meeting in Albany. “It’s an exciting option.”

Well, we guess it is when he says so. When Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner suggested the same last fall, in a Community View on the Opinion page and also in a New York Times article, one could almost hear strains from “Man of La Mancha,” critics thought the endeavor so quixotic.

Wrote Feiner: “The proposal to turn the bridge into a park like the High Line (in Manhattan) would be a big boost to the local economy, promoting tourism and helping local businesses on both sides of the river.” He pledged to form a committee to press state officials on the matter. (Feiner and White Plains Councilwoman Milagros Lecuona co-chair the local effort; visit www.TappanBridgePark.com to learn more.)

If it sounds like Feiner was out on a limb, consider Tarrytown resident Jean Schneider. She started down the bridge-as-park route more than a decade ago, making her pitch to then-Gov. George Pataki. In a 2002 news article, Schneider called hers a “wild, wild dream.” In a letter to the editor just weeks ago, Schneider recalled the early effort. She wrote: “What inspired me was that I felt so deeply that we have lost the art of walking, communicating face to face enjoying nature at its finest, enjoying the seasons while savoring the ever-changing moods and rhythm of the river.”

Being spared that $150 million demolition bill would be nice as well — to go along with the satisfaction of making a smart, adaptive use out of something otherwise destined for the scrap heap. Communities are getting better at seeing the possibilities — consider waterfront makeovers up and down the East Coast; Bankside Power Station in London; Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco; Reading Terminal in Philadelphia; New York’s High Line and Meatpacking District; and the so-called “Low Line” park in Gotham, a virtually impossible (and amazing) plan for an abandoned trolley terminal.

Often it’s visionaries who move such projects along, until they gain official notice and favor — and private and public support; these individuals see opportunity where others cannot begin to imagine windmills.

Ours would be dull and wasteful places without them.

Now, if we could only get them to build this new bridge we have been hearing so much about ...

























View Commen

water rates

The Greenburgh Town Board will be holding a public hearing tomorrow evening (Tuesday) at 7:30 PM at Town Hall on the proposal to increase water rates. I asked the commissioner of public works, Victor Carosi, to prepare a memo detailing the reasons. The district is not supported by taxpayer dollars—is self sufficient (meaning that water ratepayers pay for the water they use). In recent years NYC increased rates and we made a mistake (in my opinion) by not passing along the rate increases to the consumers as our rates were going up. We are catching up. In the future we will pass along rate hikes when our rates go up so there will be less dramatic increases.
I am also asking the Citizens Budget Commission to review our past practices and to consider a proposal to create a Citizens Water District Advisory Commission to help review water district policies and infrastructure plans.
PAUL FEINER
GREENBURGH CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT
PROPOSED WATER RATES FOR 2012

DID YOU KNOW THAT SOME RESIDENTS OF GREENBURGH ARE PAYING $2.93 PER THOUSAND MORE THAN OTHER GREENBURGH RESIDENTS FOR WATER? IF THE PROPOSED RATE HIKE GOES INTO EFFECT THEIR RATES WILL STILL BE $2.20 LESS THAN THE UNITED WATER RATE.
Most residents are provided water from Greenburgh water (a town managed water department). In the southern section of town, some residents must purchase their water from United Water. Residents of Greenburgh who are in the United Water district pay $7.03 per thousand gallons for water with additional surcharges for high usage. The residents of unincorporated Greenburgh who purchase their water from Greenburgh water currently pay $4.10 for the same quantity of water. Unfortunately, due to a variety of reasons (see below) rates have to be increased. If the rate hike goes into effect you will still be paying $2.20 less than residents who get their water from United Water.
The Town of Greenburgh Consolidated Water District serves a population of approximately 45,500 people within the unincorporated Town of Greenburgh, and a small portion of the Village of Irvington, as well as some customers in Mt. Pleasant, Yonkers and White Plains. The District delivers approximately 7.9 million gallons of water per day, through our distribution network of nearly 130 miles of pipes. In 2010, over 2.4 billion gallons of water were treated and distributed. The District purchases all of its water from the City of New York, Department of Environmental Protection – Bureau of Water Supply. Currently, the District purchases water from NYC at the rate of $1,213.84 per million gallons, and at a rate of $4,237.97 per million gallons when the allowance quantity authorized per §24-360 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York is exceeded. The cost to the District to purchase water from New York City, treat the water and deliver the water through the distribution system is currently exceeding the annual revenue the District receives from the sale of this water to our customers. In 2011, total expenses to operate the District are expected to exceed revenue by $1,538,344 reducing the District fund balance to $5,484,621 according to current budget forecasts and estimates.
The District must increase the rates charged for water to provide satisfactory revenue to meet current expenses, to repay past deficit obligations, and to satisfactorily plan for necessary and important system improvements into the future. Projects under consideration include a modern automated meter reading system that will combine smart meter technology to transmit the meter reading to a centralized collection system, upgrades to the main pump station to improve motor and pump efficiency, and major repairs to all six water storage tanks.
Currently, the District charges our customers for water consumption through a combination of three rate blocks or consumption categories with an increasing rate as consumption increases. This rate structure is established to encourage conservation and to recover the rate surcharge imposed by NYC whenever the District consumption exceeds the allowance quantity. Water is billed either quarterly or monthly depending upon the average consumption. Customers with high average consumption are billed monthly. High consumption is considered usage greater than 3,333 gallons monthly. The base rate is $4.10 for each 1,000 gallons used up to 10,999 gallons within a three month period. This rate escalates to $4.47 for consumption up to 50,999

gallons to a top rate of $4.65 for consumption in excess of 51,000 gallons in the three month billing period.
To meet current costs and address the increasing maintenance needs of the system, rates must increase. It is proposed to increase water rates for 2012 as follows:
In District Rate
Price Usage in Gallons
$4.83 up to 10,999 for quarterly customers or 3,333 monthly
$6.05 from 11,000 to 50,999/ quarterly or 3,334 to 16,999/monthly
$7.20 greater than 51,000/ quarter or greater than 17,000/month
Out-of-District Rate
Price Usage in Gallons
$9.66 per 1,000 gal all usage, all customers out of district

The average quarterly customer using about 17 units will see their bill increase from $71.92 to $89.43, a 24% increase. For a larger customer with consumption of 60 units, the quarterly bill will increase about 35%, from $265.75 to $359.93.
It is projected that the proposed rates will provide sufficient revenue to meet projected costs and begin to repay the debt obligations, based upon conservative consumption demands. The 2012 District Budget includes and $18,000 interest payment on the outstanding debt. Any possible operating profits at the conclusion of the year could be credited to pay down debt obligations. Future District budgets can be prepared to include a specific debt repayment figure. Debt repayment is a concern. To understand how future debt repayment obligation could be structured into the water rates, a calculation was made to show what proportional additional increase to the rates could generate in excess revenue. Using the same budget projections and consumption figures used to create the current rate structure, the calculations show each additional 1% increase in rates could generate an additional $130,000 in revenue. Doing so would further increase the average bills previously referenced to $90.33 and $363.53 respectively.
Reinvestment to the infrastructure is important to maintain a sound water system and control future costs. The proposed rates will provide funding of $1 million for Capital projects. Currently, projects under consideration include a water meter upgrade program estimated at $4.25 million dollars and a long-term capital program to rehabilitate all six water tanks, with costs currently estimated of approximately $2 million dollars per year over the next 10 years, and continued long-term maintenance and upkeep costs of $400,000 annually. Using the current budget assumptions, 9% of each rate block reflects approximately $1 million. To fully fund the near term capital projects, rates would increase an additional 18%, providing approximately $3 million dollars in capital revenue in total each year.
Future costs are almost certain to increase. Prudent management must examine fixed and controllable costs. Modernization to the mechanical systems within the pump stations may enable reduction to future electrical operating costs perhaps as much as $100,000 annually and reduce unscheduled high cost maintenance repairs. Other operating costs, such as personnel must also be examined. An option with new meter technology could enable meters to be read automatically, drastically streamlining the meter reading process. Employing this new technology could conceivable lessen personnel costs by over $350,000 annually alone. Fully automating the billing process, including using automated payment or on-line electronic payment transfers could both provide ease to district customers while further reduce costs involved with bill payment processing.
Water is becoming a costly commodity. The NYC Board of Water Supply expects to continue upward action on the rates to force conservation and meet long-term capital needs. It is conceivable that rates charged to the District could be as high as $5,000 per MG in 2018, as they are projected up 18% in 2013. The District must continue aggressive proactive action to our rates and act on cost control measures to temper costs not within our direct control. Looking toward 2013, rates to the District customers are projected up 10% to meet future projected costs. While such rate increases are difficult for any property owner, reinvestment into infrastructure must occur and rates must also meet increases imposed by NYC.

Monday, February 13, 2012

good weather helps town clean up

Last week, while driving on Ridge Road in Hartsdale, I noticed members of the Highway department clearing debris on Ridge Road. I was impressed with the nice job they are doing and asked our commissioner of public works, Victor Carosi to share with the public how we're putting the good weather to good use for the town.
The warm and relatively dry winter season is providing opportunities for the Highway Department to use our resources to address roadside and right-of-way maintenance needs. For the past few years, most highway activities were limited to just reacting from storm events – record winter storms in 2009-2010, record wind and rain events, a hurricane, a tropical storm, winds events and still more snow as recently as this past October. However, the winter of 2011-2012 thus far, is providing an environment favorable to the department to address matters toward quality of life to the extent related to those matters within highway department control. For instance, instead of clearing snow from roads, salting to clear ice and reacting to falling trees and debris from storms, the Highway Department is trimming trees, clearing brush from roadsides, sweeping streets, uncovering storm channels, and clearing debris that has accumulated through the years from areas beyond the paved roadways.
Thus far, workers have removed considerable debris along Old Kensico Road. They have pulled fallen trees from the shoulder areas, restored old storm channels, trimmed trees that are overhanging the roadway and generally cleaned up the roadside. Similar maintenance work is now completed along portions of Ardsley Road and Sprain Road. Crews also tackled some roadside maintenance issues along portions of Ridge Road and are now focusing on Pipeline Road. Work planned along Pipeline Road will also include tree removals in addition to the removal of debris, leaves, branches, stumps, logs and trash from the right-of-way. The warm winter weather also is providing the opportunity to put the street sweepers out into neighborhoods to clear roads from past litter and debris.

Looking forward, we hope to continue work along the right-of-ways moving from the main roads to stream channels and storm water control structures. Of course, should the winds change bringing back the cold and snow, we are always ready to meet the challenges of winter weather. But for now, we are thankful for each day with no snow and eager to make small improvements to the Town.

PAUL FEINER

STUDENT NEWS NETWORK LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS..UPDATE STOP & SHOP

On Wednesday, March 7 at 4:15 PM the town will inaugurate the 2nd year of our student news network program for students. The age group of our student participants: middle school and high school. The location: Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Ave, White Plains.

We’re looking for volunteer instructors who have media experience. The volunteers would meet with the students and teach them about journalism, interview skills, research and help them produce a news program –which will be aired on public access TV and presented to the Town Board. The program will run 8 weeks. Volunteers can help for as little as two hours since the students will be meeting weekly for 8 weeks.

Graduates will receive certificates of appreciation from the Town Board at a Town Board meeting. Judith Beville, who is coordinating the program, has been in touch with the Jacobs Burn Film Center. They have offered a visit to their media arts lab and/or theater for students to participate in a workshop called the art of the interview.
If you are interested in volunteering please advise me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com or Town Clerk Judith Beville at jbeville@greenburghny.com. If you are a student and would like to participate in the SNN program please contact either Judith or me.

Last year we sponsored a wonderful program and benefitted from the extensive help of Alan Brody of Edgemont.

UPDATE: STOP & SHOP – The Stop & Shop supermarket on Tarrytown Road is in the process of receiving a temporary c/o for the purposes of stocking the store and training the store. We anticipate that the supermarket will be open sometime in March.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

Sunday, February 12, 2012

annual community meeting tomorrow evening--virginia road school

ANNUAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH MEETING--VIRGINIA ROAD SCHOOL--MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012 7:30 pm. You are invited to attend our annual community outreach meeting at the Viriginia Road School Monday Feb 13th. The purpose of this annual outreach with town officials is to exchange ideas about the town and to update you on issues that are coming up before the Board.

If you would like the Town Board to hold a community outreach in your neighorhood let me know. E mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. If you would like town officials to make housecalls and meet with you and some of your neighbors to discuss any town issue - we'll go to you and hold a meeting in your living room! We want to be responsive to your concerns.



SAVE THE DATE: TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE PUBLIC HEARING MARCH 1 4-9 PM, Westchester Marriott--The Tappan Zee Hudson River Crossing project is progressing. As part of the process a Draft Environmental Impact Statement has been produced. The DEIS is available at the project website: www.tzbsite.com.

The DEIS examines the potential environmental effects of proposed alternatives for the TZ bridge project and where adverse impacts are identified it discusses measures to mitigate them. A public hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, March 1, 2012 at the Westchester Marriott, Grand Ballroom, 670 White Plains Road, Tarrytown from 4 to 9 pm. If you can't get to the hearing in Westchester there will be a public hearing in Rockland on Tuesday, Feb 28 at the Palisades Center, 4th floor community rooms from 409 pm. Presentations will be made at 5 and 7 PM.



My thoughts about the bridge: I have suggested that NYS conduct a feasibility study to determine whether saving the bridge and turning it into a suburban version of the NYC highline (or Poughkeepsie Walkway over the Hudson) is economically feasible. Check out our website: www.tappanbridgepark.com for more information about this suggestion. Lots of people support this initiative --including White Plains Councilwoman Milagros Lecuona and Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (who sponsored a press conference last month in his office). The Bicycle alliance of Westchester/Putnam also is supportive.



I also have suggested that the new bridge, once built, include public transportation (rail or rapid bus). In my opinion, it makes little sense to replace an antiquated bridge with a new bridge that is outdated on day one!

Finally - I have contacted NYS officials and have asked them to make sure that there are no cost overruns on the bridge construction. Two of the companies that have expressed interest in bidding on the project have had a history of significant cost overruns (I-287 project). The bidding process should not be manipulated.

PAUL FEINER

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Tappan Zee bridge hearing on march 1

TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE PUBLIC HEARING MARCH 1 4-9 PM, Westchester Marriott--The Tappan Zee Hudson River Crossing project is progressing. As part of the process a Draft Environmental Impact Statement has been produced. The DEIS is available at the project website: www.tzbsite.com.
The DEIS examines the potential environmental effects of proposed alternatives for the TZ bridge project and where adverse impacts are identified it discusses measures to mitigate them. A public hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, March 1, 2012 at the Westchester Marriott, Grand Ballroom, 670 White Plains Road, Tarrytown from 4 to 9 pm. If you can't get to the hearing in Westchester there will be a public hearing in Rockland on Tuesday, Feb 28 at the Palisades Center, 4th floor community rooms from 409 pm. Presentations will be made at 5 and 7 PM.

My thoughts about the bridge: I have suggested that NYS conduct a feasibility study to determine whether saving the bridge and turning it into a suburban version of the NYC highline (or Poughkeepsie Walkway over the Hudson) is economically feasible. Check out our website: www.tappanbridgepark.com for more information about this suggestion. Lots of people support this initiative --including White Plains Councilwoman Milagros Lecuona and Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (who sponsored a press conference last month in his office). The Bicycle alliance of Westchester/Putnam also is supportive.

I also have suggested that the new bridge, once built, include public transportation (rail or rapid bus). In my opinion, it makes little sense to replace an antiquated bridge with a new bridge that is outdated on day one!
Finally - I have contacted NYS officials and have asked them to make sure that there are no cost overruns on the bridge construction. Two of the companies that have expressed interest in bidding on the project have had a history of significant cost overruns (I-287 project). The bidding process should not be manipulated.

nature center breakfast tomorrow...a thank you...library offers study tools

The Greenburgh Nature Center sponsors some marvelous programs. Learn about their programs and enjoy a delicious hot breakfast tomorrow from 11:30 to 1:30 PM at the center off of Central Ave. If you have small children between the ages of K-3rd grade and if you're staying home for the spring break, consider signing them up for the April 9-12 mini camp. It's being held from 9:30 to 1 PM. The February mini camp is sold out. Nature explorations, crafts, animal study, nature experiences, etc... Visit the nature center's website: www.greenburghnaturecenter.org to learn about some of their great programs.

Do you like to eat? Stop by at the Greenburgh library on Friday February 24th.

Friday,February 24,11:00 a.m.On Food & Cooking:
Conversations with
Executive Chef
Tomás Saez

Executive Chef Jacques Larsen, of the Burning Tree Country Club, joins Chef Tomás Saez to discuss French Winter cooking. With over 30 years of experience in some of the world's finest restaurants, Chef Larsen is a classicly trained chef who will both educate and inspire you to create delicious soups and stews to keep you warm this winter.

Check out the Greenburgh library website: www.greenburghlibrary.org. They sponsor some amazing programs==and offer Greenburgh students excellent study tools--learning express test preparations, SAT preparations, much more. Save money by taking advantage of this excellent service and help your child get into a great college.


> ___A THANK YOU TO THE PARKS DEPARTMENT FOR A GREAT PROGRAM LAST NIGHT..._____________________________________
> From: Chris Cantory > Sent: Friday, February 10, 2012 10:02 PM
> >
> Hello Town Council, Supervisor, Commissioner Byrne & Deputy
> Commissioner Lucasey,
>
> I just returned from an evening of entertainment provided by the
> outstanding Parks & Recreation staff at the Multi-purpose center.
> This
> is the fourth year I attended this event.
> Tonight there were well over 120 parents & children...dressed in their
> best outfits...equipped with their dancing shoes and affixed with
> smiles that lit up the beautifully decorated room.
> The staff worked tirelessly to provide refreshments,cupcakes,cookies,
> soda, hot chocolate, etc. Parents and children were
> photographed...they will receive an e-mail with the photo attached.
> Red and white carnations were pinned to each mother and daughter.
> What a way to end the week. The D.J. was excellent. He provided
> non-stop dance music. Many of the songs were line dance songs that
> promoted great collaboration of parents teaching their kids the moves,
> vice-versa.
> At a time when difficult economic times force Parks & Recreation to
> scale back programs that have made the town of Greenburgh first choice
> to live, this Department took the energy to make an outstanding
> program tonight. Families went home with the memory of this evening
> that they will share with friends, family and co-workers.
> Diligence, persistence and creativity in this Department continues to
> astound me. Non-stop effort, dedication and positive energy has
> spread as usual providing another great night of fun for all.
> I want to extend a tremendous thank you to the Department of Parks and
> Recreation employees that made this night extra special.
>
> Gerry, it is my hope that you will forward this e-mail to the staff
> that participated in this event. I am proud to know them. I am
> thankful to each and everyone of them for their efforts.
>
> All the best for a great weekend.
> I look forward to a fabulous summer at the most magnificent pool in
> all of Westchester County.
> Lorraine Cantori

PAUL FEINER

Thursday, February 09, 2012

NO COST OVERRUNS SHOULD BE ALLOWED ON NEW TZ BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Greenburgh Town Supervisor calls on NYS to commit to no cost overruns on new Tappan Zee construction.
Writes to Governor, Tappan Zee Bridge project coordinator and State Legislators requesting that bid documents require winning bid to absorb all extra costs on design build project--Don't manipulate bidding process
Some companies that are planning to bid have history of millions of dollars of cost overruns

Copy of letter Feiner is sending to Michael Anderson, Tappan Zee Bridge/I-287 Corridor Project Director, Governor Andrew Cuomo, NYS Legislators, members of Congress follows...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An article in the Feb 9th issue of the Journal News indicated that there are 13 companies in four consortiums interested in building the new Tappan Zee bridge. Some of the companies that are planning to bid on the Tappan Zee project have histories of millions of dollars in cost overruns and months of construction delays on high profile projects. Two of the companies that are bidding have reported $42 million in cost overruns on the I-287 reconstruction project.
SUGGESTION: Before qualified companies submit bids - why can't NYS advise potential bidders that no cost overruns will be allowed on this bridge construction project? If there are unanticipated additional costs - the company that is given the privilege of building the new bridge should absorb the costs of the additional work. In addition, there should be penalties if there are delays in the construction.
Companies that win the contract on a high profile bridge must not be allowed to manipulate the bidding process by coming in with a low price and ultimately getting paid much more. When they submit bids they should be realistic.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh, NY Town Supervisor
914 438 1343

Westchester to spend $ to address flooding in Greenburgh

Westchester County will be allocating $8 million for seven capital projects to address chronic flooding along the Bronx River and Sound Shore.
The Bronx River projects include:
• Greenburgh: Fisher Lane/Bronx River Parkway storm water wetland restoration and stream bank stabilization. Cost estimate $700,000, and
Recently, the west bank restoration of the Bronx River, near the County Center, was completed. The project, which is designed to mitigate flooding by reinforcing the embankments, cost $1 million including a county cash share of $87,000 ($514,000 in-kind services credit) and was conducted and funded in coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers. Restoration of the east bank is now under way. Slated for completion by the end of the summer in 2012, the second phase is being financed with a $350,000 grant through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation matched with $350,000 from the county.
To build on the earlier success of River Rescue, a public-private project launched last year to help prevent future flooding by cleaning the banks of the Bronx River, the county has deployed ongoing dedicated crews charged with debris removal. The project has been divided into six sectors that span across the length of the river and crews will target completion by June, weather permitting. The county is continuing its partnership with the Turf and Landscape Association, which has volunteered services from its commercial landscapers to assist in the removal of debris. Assistance from local municipalities and residents is also being provided in some areas.
Special thanks to County Executive Rob Astorino, County Legislators Mary Jane Shimsky, Alfreda Williams and Michael Smith for recognizing the importance of addressing the flood related concerns of Greenburgh residents who live near the Bronx River. The Fulton Park neighborhood was among the communities seriously impacted by the recent storms. It’s my hope that the actions by the county will help reduce flooding in the future.
Last year the town of Greenburgh, working with the village of Elmsford, initiated a major initiative – clearing debris from the Saw Mill River. Our effort, which United States Senator Charles Schumer applauded at a press conference in Greenburgh, hopefully motivated other government entities to take proactive steps to remove debris from both the Bronx River and Saw Mill River. If all governments along the river and different levels of government work together we can make a positive difference. Greenburgh recently hired a consultant to help the town apply for grants to buy out properties or elevate homes that have had significant flooding problems.
PAUL FEINER, Greenburgh Town Supervisor

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

TOWN TO ACQUIRE NEW LAND FOR OPEN SPACE...FOR ONE DOLLAR!

The Greenburgh Town Board approved the acquisition of property on Old Sprain Road for $1 to be used in perpetuity for park and recreation purposes. We have been discussing this acquisition for many years with the county. This is surplus county land. Special thanks to Frank Jazzo, Town Historian for leading the effort to acquire this new open space addition.
PAUL FEINER


RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE A DEED CONVEYING TO THE TOWN A PORTION OF “PARCEL Q,” WHICH IS SURPLUS WESTCHESTER COUNTY PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE TERMINUS OF OLD SPRAIN ROAD IN THE TOWN, FOR $1.00, TO BE USED IN PERPETUITY FOR PARK AND RECREATIONAL PURPOSES



WHEREAS, the County of Westchester owns a surplus parcel of land known as “Parcel Q,” partially located in the Town of Greenburgh at the terminus of Old Sprain Road; and

WHEREAS, the County of Westchester has offered to sell to the Town that portion of Parcel Q situated in Town of Greenburgh, for $1.00, to be preserved as open space in perpetuity; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh is desirous of obtaining the surplus land for historical and recreational purposes as well as for the planning and development of Greenway-designed trailways between the southernmost point of McDowell Park and the terminus of Old Sprain Road;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute a deed acquiring 45,877 sq. ft. of surplus Parcel Q located in Unincorporated Greenburgh, at the terminus of Old Sprain Road, shown as Parcel B on the attached Map of Lands dated 11/8/2010, from the County of Westchester, for $1.00, to be used in perpetuity for park and recreational purposes.

THE FOLLOWING MEMO WAS WRITTEN BY ARDSLEY VILLAGE MANAGER GEORGE CALVI TWO YEARS AGO...

From: George Calvi
Subject: [Ardsley-Village] Parcel Q Acquisition Approved
To: "Ardsley-Village@yahoogroups. com"
Date: Monday, February 1, 2010, 11:35 PM

This evening the Village Board was asked to approve a resolution for the
acquisition of Parcel Q-A. Parcel Q is an odd shaped plot of land at the
terminus of Old Spain Road, a dead end off Underhill Road. It is owned by
the County of Westchester and was declared surplus several years ago.
Partially because it straddles the border between the Village of Ardsley and
the Town of Greenburgh, and partially because it was difficult at times to
determine its exact boundaries negotiations have dragged on for a few years.
Tonight I am happy to say that all differences have been resolved with the
partition of the property into three lots: Parcel Q-A being offered to the
Village, Parcel Q-B being offered to the Town of Greenburgh, and Parcel Q-C
being sold to an adjacent homeowner. The sales price to the Village is
$1.00. Long-term plans for the government-owned portions is for the
development of an historic trail-way for when monies becomes available again
for such things in better economic times which would be a joint effort
between the Town of Greenburgh and the Village of Ardsley. I personally
wish to thank Mayor Leon, Trustee Nardecchia, Trustee Levine, and Town
Historian Frank Jazzo who never lost faith in this project.
George Calvi
Ardsley Village Manager

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

TOWN POOL TO BE REPAIRED

A few years ago the town was considering the possibility of having to build a new pool to replace the aging pool at AF Veteran park. The cost: over 5 million dollars - perhaps six or seven.

Commissioner of Parks Gerry Byrne and his staff came up with a much less expensive alternative: repairing the pool shell and installing a complete watertight PVC pool liner. At the Town Board meeting on February 7th the Town Board awarded Ray Palmer Associates a contract for $110,850 to do the work. They were the lowest bidder. Hopefully, these repairs will buy us some time and we will be able to extend the life of the pool. These are the dollar amounts the bids came in at...

CONTRACTOR
BID BOND
BID AMOUNT

Ray Palmer Associates
5%
$ 110,850.00

Aquatic Dynamics Inc.
5%
124,974.00

Norberto Construction Inc.
5%
129,000.00




The Town Board also adjourned the NextG hearing to Tuesday, February 28th at 7:30 PM.

PAUL FEINER

Monday, February 06, 2012

NextG hearing tomorrow at 8 PM-discussion at 7:15 PM

The Greenburgh Town Board will be holding a public hearing on Tuesday evening, February 7th at 8 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall on an application by NextG Networks to place antennas around town. This proposal has generated some controversy in recent months.



Prior to the hearing the town's consultant HDR Architecture and Engineering, P.C., will be available for an informal public discussion at Town Hall beginning at 7:15 PM. They will discuss its analysis and findings related to the application of NextG Networks of New York (NextG) to site a distributed antenna system (DAS) and associated equipment along public rights-of-way in the Town using existing wooden utility poles owned either by Con Edison or Verizon.



Currently, NextG provides the DAS technology for wireless carrier MetroPCS in the City of White Plains, the City of Rye and the City of New Rochelle. HDR will discuss its review, which included a general assessment of NextG’s application, focusing on facility operation, coverage issues, and safety concerns related to conformance with electromagnetic radiation hazard criteria and radio frequency emission levels.



The DAS technology proposed by NextG for Greenburgh would be similar to the existing systems in Rye, White Plains and New Rochelle. Essentially, small antennas would be installed on top of existing wooden utility poles in the proposed areas and cables would connect the devices to a pole mounted on a metal or fiberglass utility box. It is understood for this project that NextG’s primary customer is the wireless carrier MetroPCS.



You are invited to attend tomorrow evenings hearing at 8 PM. You are also welcome to participate in the informal analysis at 7:15 PM to 8 PM with our consultant. Your questions are welcome. The Town Board usually does not vote on applications on the same day public hearings are held. So, no vote is anticipated tomorrow.



PAUL FEINER

Thursday, February 02, 2012

grand opening captain lawrence brewery this saturday--you're invited

Captain Lawrence Brewery Company is holding their grand opening celebration this Saturday, February 4, 2012 beginning at 11:15 AM at their new Greenburgh headquarters:—444 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford. You are invited to celebrate the opening of one of Greenburgh's most exciting new businesses! The brewery company moved from Pleasantville where they developed a tremendous following of loyal customers. The new site occupies 18,250 sf with an additional 5000 sf available for expansion and has been designed to accommodate the companies growing needs as a brewery and as a destination for people wanting to taste fresh beer at its source. The new facility houses a 5 vessel, 40 bbl automated brew house which has 5 times the capacity of the previous location and will allow the company to begin packaging beers in 12 ounce bottles.

We're very pleased to have Captain Lawrence Brewery in our town and wish them many successes. In these difficult economic times please give our small and large local businesses your business! And--tell them how thrilled you are that they chose Greenburgh as their new home.
PAUL FEINER