Monday, October 29, 2012

the power outages have begun

The power outages from the hurricane have begun... Con Ed officials advise that the most effective thing you could do if you are out of power is to call their 800 number -1-800 Con Ed.

As of 3:00 P.M., the following power outages are reported throughout the unincorporated Town of Greenburgh:
· Edgemont Section;
1. Fort Hill Rd. / Paradise Dr., transformer outage, (582) customers affected.
2. Edgemont Rd. / White Oak Ln., tree down on wires, (513) customers affected.
3. Lynwood Rd. / Sherwood Pl., tree down on wires, (42) customers affected.
· Mayfair Acres Section: Chelsea Rd; tree down on wires, (82) customers affected.
Con Ed has been notified with respect to the above power outages. Con Ed customers are urged to report power outages utilizing the following contact number: 1-800-Con-Ed.
As of 3:00 P.M., Greenburgh Police report the following road closures:
1. Old Kensico Road: from Old Tarrytown Rd to Woodland Hills.
2. Ft. Hill Road: Paradise Dr. to Central Park Ave.
3. Pat Capone Road; from Pinewood to Central 7 Campus.

The Theodore Young Community Center has been designated as a short term (no lodging) shelter for people to go to. Programming and the indoor pool swimming has been suspended. We have set up at the Multi-Purpose Center for a longer period of shelter. We will activate this center as soon as someone needs to be evacuated from their home usually because of flooding or a tree into a house that makes the structure unsafe. A shelter is usually not needed because someone losses power since it usually is safer and more comfortable to remain in your home and it does not appear that cold will be a factor
From the Hartsdale Parking District..
Metered parking on the street will be suspended tomorrow (Tuesday). Metered parking in Site A and Site C is not suspended so that we can control and maintain parking for our paying permit holders. ONLY SITE A PERMIT HOLDERS can park overnight in Site A - we already have at least a dozen 24-hour permit holders who have been displaced by non-permit holders. This is creating quite a problem for us as we now have to inconvenience our paying permit holders to park in Site F rather than where they paid to park in Site A.
Please be clear when providing information to the public - EMERGENCY PARKING IS AVAILABLE TO NON-PERMIT HOLDERS IN THE SITE F GARAGE ONLY, SITE F IS LOCATED BEHIND INDIGO CHIC BOUTIQUE AT 221 EHA. IT IS BEHIND THE METRO NORTH STATION. There are still spaces available on the upper levels of Site F and it is perfectly safe to park up there.
My cell phone is 438-1343. My home phone is 478-1219. My office is 993-1545. I will try to respond to every complaint quickly..
PAUL FEINER

Saturday, October 27, 2012

preparing for storm memo 3

Town officials are busy preparing for the anticipated hurricane/storm. Highway crews will be working on Saturday, cleaning drains and preparing for the storm. One of the problems we're facing -- it's leaf season. Leaves are falling. We could clear a drain and it could get re-clogged up hours later as leaves fall. Thankfully, there are many fewer leaf piles around town this year than in years past. We appreciate your cooperation re: bagging or mulching leaves.

The following information may be useful to you to have.

Residents reporting damage, downed electric wires, roadway obstructions or any other dangerous situation should be directed to call 682-5300. Please do not rely on email.


Any town facility can give people shelter but the town’s designated shelter for a place to sleep and eat for a prolonged time will be the Multi Purpose Center at AF Veteran Park.


Folks need to get their sump pumps ready, have non perishable food, water, medicines, pet food, flashlights and gas up your generators.

If you should lose power, please call Con Ed 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633) or www.conEd.com.
My phone is 438 1343 (cell). Home: 478-1219. Office: 993-1545. E mail: pfeiner@greenburghny.com. I will try to respond to all concerns or questions quickly.
PAUL FEINER

Thursday, October 25, 2012

planning for storm

Our public works crews are trying to be proactive -anticipating Hurricane Sandy. Our crews are checking drains--cleaning out clogged drains. Our new local law requiring leaves to be bagged or mulched is helpful because there are many fewer leaf piles on the streets this year than any previous year. We have been able to use our employees more efficiently.

I am authorizing overtime for Saturday (anticipated cost to town- under $10,000) so we can continue inspecting drains around town. Yesterday, I sent out an e mail to residents who have had flood problems in the past asking for their help in advising us of drains that need to be checked out. Received many responses--and we're following up on your requests. Have also forwarded other requests (re: branches near Con Ed wires) to Con Ed and they have been responsive.

I also spent some time this afternoon knocking on doors of local businesses and homeowners (including those in Elmsford) that have experienced major flood problems advising them of the towns efforts -trying to be proactive. Will continue to do some more outreach before the storm.

In the event of flooding (if Hurricane Sandy does happen), please feel free to e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. My cell phone is 438 1343. My home phone is 478-1219. My office is 993-1540.

PAUL FEINER

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

storm preparations

We have been advised that there is a potential for a severe storm early next week. I have asked the Public Works department to check drains and to take proactive measures to reduce the possibility of flooding. If there is a drain on your street that you think needs to be cleaned out before the storm hits us – please e mail me and I will contact the Public Works Department and ask that they send a crew out before the storm. My e mail is pfeiner@greenburghny.com.


If you have any other suggestions as to proactive measures the town should take before the storm hits our area – please advise. PAUL FEINER





WEATHER STATEMENT

SIGNIFICANT STORM POTENTIAL EARLY NEXT WEEK… OVER THE PAST COUPLE

DAYS, WE HAVE BEEN CLOSELY MONITORING A POTENTIAL STORM FOR THE DAYS LEADING UP TO

HALLOWEEN. CURRENTLY, TROPICAL STORM SANDY IS LOCATED OVER THE CARIBBEAN AND WILL BE

TRACKING NORTH THE NEXT FEW DAYS, LIKELY IMPACTING JAMAICA AS A MINIMAL HURRICANE. SANDY

IS THEN EXPECTED TO HEAD NORTHWARD INTO THE BAHAMAS AND THEN BE POSISTIONED OFF THE

CAROLINA COAST THIS WEEKEND. MEANWHILE, A STRONG UPPER LEVEL TROUGH WILL BE DIGGING

THROUGH THE MID-SECTION OF THE COUNTRY. HOW THE UPPER LEVEL TROUGH AND SANDY INTERACT

WILL ULTIMATELY DETERMINE THE IMPACTS ACROSS THE NORTHEAST.

TWO SCENARIOS EXIST FOR THE STORM INTO MONDAY AND TUESDAY: ONE TRACKS SANDY TOO FAR EAST

AND OUT TO SEA, LEAVING THE NORTHEAST WITH ONLY RAIN SHOWERS AS A COLD FRONT PASSES

THROUGH. THE SECOND SCENARIO INVOLVES THE TROUGH WRAPPING SANDY WEST-NORTHWESTWARD,

THUS CREATING A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE DELMARVA AND CAPE COD. THE

SECOND SCENARIO WOULD BRING HEAVY, FLOODING RAINFALL, DAMAGING WINDS AND SUBSTANTIAL

COASTAL FLOODING/BEACH EROSION TO THE NORTHEAST.

WHILE THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS ARE HIGH, THERE CONTINUES TO BE MUCH UNCERTAINTY IN THE TRACK

AND STRENGTH OF THIS STORM. WE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR SANDY CAREFULLY OVER THE COMING

DAYS AND ALSO PROVIDE DAILY UPDATES WITH REGARDS TO THE STORM.

• As of 2 pm yesterday, Tropical Storm Sandy contains winds of 50 mph and is moving NNE at 5 mph

• Sandy will continue to move northward and strengthen, likely striking Jamaica as a hurricane Wednesday

• Sandy is projected to continue northward thru the Bahamas Fri, moving east of the Carolinas this weekend

• Monday into Tuesday will be critical as the storm may be pulled westward into the Northeast or pass

eastward out to sea, uncertainty remains high during this time frame.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

big belly solar containers coming to greenburgh!

The Greenburgh Town Board met with representatives of BIG BELLY, a company that manufactures solar waste and recycling containers placed in streets around the world. We will test the containers on E Hartsdale Ave and will also consider placing the containers at some town parks. The discussion took place at the Town Board work session -October 23rd. The discussion took place at the beginning of the meeting (which is archived on our website: www.greenburghny.com).

PAUL FEINER

  • TIME Magazine: Trash Talk - June 25, 2012 The future of garbage is greener, cleaner, smarter and cheaper to pick up. And it’s here… There are 15,000 BigBelly Solar waste & recycling stations deployed around the world, and they’ve already started to transform the industry, keeping gas guzzling trucks off the street while cutting costs for cash-starved communities. So what’s the catch? Really, there isn’t one. The BigBelly system helps reduce our carbon emissions — and our vulnerability to price shocks — and also helps keep cities cleaner, eliminating overflows that attract rats and pigeons.

  • Dirty to Digital: Changing the Way We Think About Waste - April 19, 2012 As part of a just-launched pilot at University of Washington, a number of the existing outdoor garbage and recycling cans on Red Square have been replaced with high-tech, automated kiosks that collect more types of materials.
    “It’s changing the way we think about waste,” said UW Recycling & Solid Waste Manager Emily Newcomer. “We expect the increased capacity and the as-needed servicing to dramatically reduce our fuel use and disposal costs while using a sustainable energy source to create these efficiencies.”

  • Eliminating the Waste in Waste Collection - February 27, 2012 To provide vital public solid waste collection services in the face of rising costs, rising waste volumes and increasing budget pressures, a growing number of communities around the globe are taking an innovative, practical step to reduce the demand for waste collection trips, reaping both immediate and ongoing benefits of dramatic operating cost savings and substantial reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.


  • BigBelly Solar Unveils “Smart Grid for Waste & Recycling” - September 26, 2011 BigBelly Solar launched its next-generation intelligent waste & recycling collection system, the “Smart Grid for Waste & Recycling,” which features new and expanded capabilities at each layer, delivering dramatic cost savings while improving service levels.


  • C40 Cities: Global Best Practice for Waste – Philadelphia, USA - May 13, 2011 The BigBelly system in Philadelphia has been highlighted by the Climate Leadership Group as a global best practice in the category of managing waste. The citywide use of BigBelly Solar waste & recycling stations has resulted in annual CO2 reduction, financial savings and increased residential recycling rates.


  • The ChronicleHerald: Recycling bins getting noticed on Halifax waterfront - February 5, 2011 Halifax’s waterfront has achieved an impressive 95% recycling rate for containers. Last September, Halifax replaced 51 regular garbage containers on the waterfront with 15 four-stream BigBelly Solar kiosks to handle discarded drink containers, paper, organics and garbage.

  • BigBelly Solar Selected as a GoingGreen Global 200 Winner - September 22, 2011 “We are honored to have been selected by AlwaysOn as one of the game-changing companies driving the global greentech revolution,” said Barry Fougere, CEO of BigBelly Solar. “The innovative application of information technology and renewable energy to solve the world’s energy, environmental and financial problems is an exciting mission for our firm and the other winners.”

  • College Planning & Management: Solar-Powered…Waste Collection? - April 22, 2011 Washington, DC – Georgetown University’s Solid Waste and Recycling manager has several important goals: to bring sustainability leadership to the management of waste and recycling, to do so in a highly efficient and cost-effective way, and keep to the historic campus looking constantly clean and green. An innovative solar-powered waste collection system is a unique solution.

  • El Paso Inc.: City rolls out solar-powered bins Downtown - June 2, 2011 The City of El Paso began installing 73 BigBelly solar-powered trash compactors in Downtown last week, replacing 40 percent of the green rod-iron trash bins in the area. The city expects to save money by cutting collection trips, reducing fuel costs and allowing the city to reallocate staffing resources to other programs. A recent pilot program showed the collection frequency using the solar powered trash compactors was reduced to twice a week, compared to 14 times a week for a conventional bin.


Recent News
  • ThisIsBath.com: Solar bins launched to flatten waste - September 10, 2012 Bath, United Kingdom – New solar powered bins have arrived in Bath to help keep more litter off the streets. The 26 bins, which have been installed around the city centre, have eight times the capacity than the average street bin.


  • Dirty to Digital: Changing the Way We Think About Waste - April 19, 2012 As part of a just-launched pilot at University of Washington, a number of the existing outdoor garbage and recycling cans on Red Square have been replaced with high-tech, automated kiosks that collect more types of materials.
    “It’s changing the way we think about waste,” said UW Recycling & Solid Waste Manager Emily Newcomer. “We expect the increased capacity and the as-needed servicing to dramatically reduce our fuel use and disposal costs while using a sustainable energy source to create these efficiencies.”

  • Bryce Canyon National Park’s Solar Compactors - March 13, 2012 On a recent trip to Bryce Canyon National Park, I noticed that all the trash cans weren’t simply regular garbage cans, but solar powered trash compactor cans. It’s such a simple idea that makes a whole lot of sense. I hope that I end up seeing more of these, and other similar simple concepts that make sense, in other National Parks I visit.

  • NewsWorks.org: Philly worker saluted for service beyond call of duty - March 11, 2012 Mayor Michael Nutter presents Carlton Williams, Deputy Commissioner of the Philadelphia Streets Department, an award for going above and beyond daily requirements. “He works with our block captains to keep our streets clean, he implemented weekly recycling and installed those fantastic BigBelly solar-powered trash cans all over the city,” Mayor Nutter said. “You know I love those BigBellies.”

  • Newport Life Magazine: Crunch Time - February 29, 2012 A system that combines solar-powered remote monitoring and on-site compaction is responsible for cleaner streets, less trash truck traffic and reduced emissions downtown, allowing Waste Management to collect the 25 BigBelly Solar waste stations about twice weekly instead of twice daily as before with the 50 trashcans they replaced. “If it’s a busy summer weekend…they’ll be emptied,” says Kristin Littlefield, City of Newport, RI’s Clean City Program Coordinator. “But on a Monday, they’ll be monitored instead of sending a truck right away.”

  • Virgin Islands: High-tech trash cans tell workers when they are full - February 22, 2012 BigBelly waste & recycling stations are helping make the US Virgin Islands cleaner and more efficient. Remote monitoring and on-site compaction allow the stations to be collected less frequently, freeing up manpower and resources. The stations have been approved by the appropriate Historic Preservation Commissions.

  • Creative Fundraising for NKU Green to purchase BigBelly Solar Waste & Recycling System - February 15, 2012 Northern Kentucky University Dining Services is hosting a charity event on April 9 in which participants will attempt to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Proceeds will be going to NKU Green and will support sustainable initiatives on campus: “Specifically, to purchase BigBelly solar-powered waste and recycling stations for the campus,” said NKU Dining Services Marketing Director Janelle Craft.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

NYS PSC HOLDING HEARINGS ON ESCOs

Earlier this month I sent out an e mail encouraging residents to advise me of their their concerns about ESCO's--companies that compete with Con Ed and sell electricity and natural gas. I frequently receive calls from constituents who are looking to save money on their energy bills. The questions people ask me: will they save money? Are the savings temporary? What do they do if there are service outages? Are ESCO ad's deceptive? Are savings temporary?
There are about 19 ESCOs in the Westchester area. 35 supply natural gas.

I contacted the NYS Attorney General's office and received the following e mail on Sunday. I am very pleaseed that the NYS Public Service Commission is seeking input on price transparencies and some other issues. If you have experiences dealing with ESCOs please participate in the hearings. I am also very pleased that the Attorney General's office is giving this their priority attention. It's an important consumer issue.

PAUL FEINER


Dear Supervisor Feiner,
The Attorney General’s Office shares your concerns about some
New York
energy service company marketers (ESCOs) that engage in deceptive
practices that harm consumers. Our office has investigated and
prosecuted several dishonest ESCOs over the last decade and is currently
investigating several more of these companies.
The Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates ESCOs, has
just
begun a review of ESCO dealings with residential and small business
customers at the urging of consumer advocates like the Attorney General.
The PSC is seeking public comment on a number of important issues
including proposals for improved price transparency, disclosures,
protections for low income consumers, and more. I believe this new
proceeding is an opportunity to obtain major reforms and urge you and
your constituents who are concerned with ESCO practices to provide your
input to the PSC in this docket. Anyone can submit written comments to
the PSC Secretary in this proceeding identified as Case 12-M-0476.
Comments are due December 27, 2012 and the Notice inviting comments can
be found here:

http://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/Common/ViewDoc.aspx?DocRefId={FA17B3C8-C205-443B-ADDF-1AD5AE7309FF}
For more background on the PSC’s new inquiry, you can read the
Commission’s October 19 Order here:

http://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/Common/ViewDoc.aspx?DocRefId={C99C5CC1-EC6F-431A-87E2-3195E88CA98D}
Thank you for contacting Attorney General Schneiderman with
your
concerns and suggestions for reforms to help protect New York consumers.
Sincerely,
Keith H. Gordon, AAG

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

leaf angels wanted

LEAF ANGELS WANTED

Over 20 years ago we started a snow angel program. Volunteers help seniors and disabled residents by clearing snow from their walkways/driveways.



Last year some residents contacted me about our policy re: TV pick ups. - we do not use town staff to pick up television sets and dump them at the highway garage. We started a TV angels program --that has helped a number of seniors. Volunteers pick up TVs from the homes of the elderly and drop off the TVs at the highway garage.



Greenburgh is joining the river villages and some other communities around the county -requiring all leaves to be bagged or mulched. Some senior citizens and disabled residents can't afford to pay landscapers. I would like to set up a new program: LEAF ANGELS. If you are interested in helping seniors on fixed incomes or disabled residents on fixed incomes with their leaf mulching or bagging -please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.



If you know of any senior who could benefit from this service please advise. It's nice living in a community --neighbors helping each other. That's why Greenburgh is such a great place to live.



If you are interested in joining our snow angels program or TV angels program - please let me know. We can always use more volunteers.



PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor

Monday, October 15, 2012

blinking light at ft hill road and ardsley road

The town is installing a blinking light at the four directional intersection on Fort Hill Road and Ardsley Road. The light is being installed at the recommendation of the Greenburgh Police Department Traffic Unit with the assistance of the Department of Public Works. The goal: the blinking light will be an added control devise to warn motorists of this stop sign. This will not change the right of way and all vehicles in each direction will still need to make a full stop. We have considered placing a traffic light at this location but opted for the blinking light. A traditional traffic light would probably cause traffic back ups.


This intersection has experienced the most accidents in the town. Between July, 2009 and October 2012 there have been 63 accidents a the intersection. The light has been installed and should be operational within the next few weeks.

PAUL FEINER





Friday, October 12, 2012

book sale...RFP for WESTHELP...job opportunity program


ANNUAL BOOK SALE SPONSORED BY THE FRIENDS OF THE GREENBURGH LIBRARY:



FRIDAY, October 12th - Members ONLY Preview from 6 PM to 8 PM

SATURDAY, October 13th - 10 AM to 5 PM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14th - 12 Noon to 4:30 PM

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15th - 10 AM to 5 PM



Save the date: Thursday, November 8 10:30 AM to noon, Greenburgh library—new job opportunities in Westchester program—designed to help you find employment. Speaker: Larry Gottlieb, director of Economic Development for the county. Larry will present a snapshot of new business development in the county, where the jobs are, where they will be, what the present and future growth industries are, how your skills can fit and how the county is retaining existing business.



The following RFP for the WESTHELP property is posted on the town website. We are actively looking for proposals to manage the property. Please share with friends, colleagues. If you are in the business of managing affordable housing – we invite you to submit a bid!

PAUL FEINER







TOWN of GREENBURGH

Office of the Town Attorney

177 Hillside Avenue

Greenburgh, New York 10607

Telephone (914) 993-1546









TOWN OF GREENBURGH

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS



FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF EXISTING APARTMENTS OR FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE 108 UNIT FACILITY ON THE SIX-ACRE FORMER WESTHELP PROPERTY, WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE KNOLLWOOD GATE ENTRANCE TO WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST 20 YEARS. THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER IS THE OWNER OF THE SIX-ACRE PARCEL AND WOULD PREFER THAT THE EXISTING APARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION/SCHOOL BUILDING BE MAINTAINED. THE TOWN WILL ENTERTAIN PROPOSALS THAT COULD INCLUDE REHABILITATION OR REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES IF SUCH REDEVELOPMENT PROPERTY WOULD ENHANCE THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING INITIATIVE.









TOWN OF GREENBURGH

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS



FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF EXISTING APARTMENTS OR FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE 108 UNIT FACILITY ON THE SIX-ACRE FORMER WESTHELP PROPERTY, WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE KNOLLWOOD GATE ENTRANCE TO WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST 20 YEARS. THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER IS THE OWNER OF THE SIX-ACRE PARCEL AND WOULD PREFER THAT THE EXISTING APARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION/SCHOOL BUILDING BE MAINTAINED. THE TOWN WILL ENTERTAIN PROPOSALS THAT COULD INCLUDE REHABILITATION OR REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES IF SUCH REDEVELOPMENT PROPERTY WOULD ENHANCE THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING INITIATIVE.



The Town of Greenburgh will be considering proposals for the management of existing apartments or for the redevelopment of the 108 unit facility on the six-acre former WestHELP complex, which is located at the Knollwood Gate entrance to Westchester Community College, for a period of at least 20 years. The County of Westchester is the owner of the six-acre parcel and would prefer that the existing apartments and administration/school building be maintained. The Town will entertain proposals that could include rehabilitation or redevelopment of existing buildings and structures if such redevelopment property would enhance the County of Westchester’s affordable housing initiative. Redevelopment (including demolishment or significant alterations of the existing buildings) will be considered if the redevelopment proposals would generate more revenue to the Town than usage of existing buildings and provide better affordable housing options for tenants.



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 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.



INTENT



The Town is seeking qualified management and/or development proposals for the vacant facility located on an approximately six acre property which has a property address of One WestHELP Drive in the Town. The subject property was formerly subleased by the Town to a homeless housing nonprofit organization known as “WestHELP” which provided emergency homeless housing and related services to families with young children. WestHELP previously operated the 108 unit facility comprising of a portion of Sheet 18, Parcel 128 of the Assessment Map of the Town, formerly known as “Hartford Estate”, pursuant to a ten year Sublease Agreement with the Town which expired on September 30, 2011.



The County of Westchester is the owner of the six acre parcel, which is located adjacent to the Westchester Community College campus in the Town and more particularly described in Exhibit A annexed hereto. By a lease dated April 26, 1990, (the “Town Master Lease”), the County of Westchester leased the Premises to the Town for a period of thirty (30) years, commencing upon the expiration of a separate lease, dated April 24, 1990, (the “WestHELP Lease”) between the County and WestHELP, a New York not-for-profit corporation .



By a three-party agreement among the County, the Town and WestHELP, dated September 18, 2001, (1) the WestHELP Lease was deemed to have expired on September 17, 2001, (2) the Town Master Lease was acknowledged as having commenced as of September 18, 2001, and (3) the Town agreed to sublease the Premises to WestHELP (the “WestHELP Sublease”) for the period commencing on September 18, 2001 and continuing through September 30, 2011. The WestHELP Sublease has now expired and the subject property and facility are controlled by the Town until at least September 30, 2031.



The Town Master Lease Agreement with the County of Westchester contemplated a use of the property for low to moderate income rental housing at the end of the WestHELP lease term. The Town is now seeking to have the property managed, developed or redeveloped in a manner that complies with Westchester County’s requirement that the property be used for low to moderate income housing. While the Town will entertain all offers to manage, develop or re-develop the property, the County will be a party to any sublease agreement and has expressed a desire that existing property improvements and infrastructure be preserved to the greatest extent possible.



The County of Westchester has also indicated that it would consider entering into a long term lease with an approved manager or developer, at the expiration of the Town’s Master Lease on September 20, 2031 and that such developer would have the right and option to renew the Lease for five (5) additional periods of ten (10) years each, subject to and on all of the terms and conditions contained in any Agreement.







PROPERTY DESCRIPTION



The subject property is located between Knollwood Road to the west, Hillside Avenue (Route 100B) to the east, Hartford Lane and Payne Road to the north, and Old Tarrytown Road to the south. A portion of the site is currently developed and is zoned as Residential (R-30), although the Town would consider proposals that include applications to rezone the property which would also be subject to County approval.



The former facility operated at the Site was designed and built to make the same suitable for use as permanent housing and includes off-site improvements reasonably necessary for the operation of the facility (i.e. roads, utilities etc.).











RFP SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS



The Town Board invites proposed property developers and/or operators, or representatives on their behalf, to provide information as to the firm’s qualifications and experience in developing properties and/or operating facilities related to municipal owned properties. Listed below are areas of specific importance that should be addressed; however, responders are encouraged to provide any additional information that would assist the Board in making their selection:



- The years of experience your company or firm has in developing properties.

- The years of experience in providing services to local New York municipal governments.

- The size of the firm’s practice, the names, education and experience of the partner(s) or principals and primary staff that would be developing the property or operating the facility.

- A brief narrative of the services that have been provided to private or municipal clients over the last five years.

- A list of at least three municipalities that your firm is currently developing properties in, operating facilities at, or providing services to, including the name of the municipality, number of years operating and the name of a contact person and their telephone number.

- The rate structure or fees charged for services provided if any.



Please provide the above information by December 1, 2012. The Town Board will select a principal from firms that respond to this request.







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”) may, in its sole discretion, reject any submission filed after the deadline.



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 “ʺPROPOSAL FOR ONE WESTHELP DRIVE SITEʺ.”



d) All submittals must include a minimum of the elements as described 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 sublease for property with the selected developer.



ii) Development Team, Relationships and References



The Town seeks sufficient information about the redevelopment team to make an informed 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 development 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 organizational 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, telephone 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 relationships with the Town of Greenburgh, Town of 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 regarding 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 suburban 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, permitting, 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 Unincorporated Greenburgh by including in its proposal, among other things, a detailed plan schedule for meetings and dealing with all relevant constituencies and organizations.



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 Management/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, 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 the proposed development 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 formas 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 respondent relies upon 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 its development concept.











SELECTION PROCESS OVERVIEW AND SELECTION CRITERIA



a) Process Overview

On or before the time specified in this RFP, each Respondent will submit a proposal in response to this RFP. The Town will evaluate the proposals based upon responsiveness to items listed in Part 4 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 upon their first and best 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 one or more of the selected teams 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 teams, the Town at its sole option may terminate negotiations. The Town may, at this time, choose to entertain proposals from other teams that may be on a short list.



The Town will evaluate all proposals based upon 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.



In the event that the applicant seeks to demolish existing buildings or come up with a proposal that differs from the terms of the lease the Town has with the County, the proposal may have to be submitted to the Westchester County Executive and Board of Legislators for approval.



The criteria described below will 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, as well as, 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 for development; and (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 and operating cost: including: (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 financial institutions; and (iii) overall financial track record.



ii) Experience and Qualifications of Respondent’s Quality of Proposal



• Quality of developer's 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.

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



PROPOSAL PACKAGE



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



DELIVERY



Proposals should be marked ʺPROPOSAL FOR SIX-ACRE PARCEL

OF LAND LOCATED AT THE KNOLLWOOD GATE ENTRANCE TO WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE” and delivered:



(1) By hand, courier, USPS, FEDEX, UPS or recognized overnight courier to the Town of Greenburgh, Town Attorney’s Office, 177 Hillside Avenue, Greenburgh, NY, 10607.



DEADLINE 5:00 P.M. LOCAL TIME DATE



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



SCHEDULE



(1) Issue/advertise Request for Proposal ………….………………….........………..October 15

(2) Last day for questions………………………….……………………………...... October 30

(3) Proposals due by 5:00 P.M…………………………………………………….. December 1

(4) Selection of Developer…...……………………………….…………………...December 20

(5) Finalized development agreement ...................................................not later than January 15



SELECTION



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







DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT



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



INQUIRIES AND QUESTIONS



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



TOWN CONTACT



Timothy W. Lewis, Town Attorney, Town of Greenburgh at (914) 993-1546 or by FAX (914) 993-1656, or by email to tlewis@greenburghny.com.



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



TOWN RESERVATIONS



The Town reserves the right to:

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

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

c) Waive irregularities in the proposals.

d) Reject or refuse any or all proposals.

e) Cancel and withdraw this RFP at any time.

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

g) Accept the proposal which, in its sole and absolute discretion, best serves the interest of the Town.



DISCLOSURE



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

b) 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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Thursday, October 11, 2012

OPPOSING SIDES OF REFERENDUM OFFERED FREE AIR TIME


TOWN OFFERS OPPOSING SIDES FREE AIR TIME ON LOCAL PUBLIC ACCESS TV TO EXPLAIN WHY THEY SUPPORT OR OPPOSE NOVEMBER REFERENDUM BALLOT QUESTION---SHOULD TOWN LEASE OLD FRANK'S NURSERY TO A SPORTS FACILITY FOR 15 YEARS? (ballot question will be on the back side of the ballot)
BOTH SIDES CAN PROVIDE TOWN WITH 10 MINUTE TAPE WHICH WILL AIR NON STOP ON GREENBURGH LOCAL ACCESS TV CABLEVISION CHANNEL 76 AND VERIZON CHANNEL 35 FRIDAY NIGHT NOVEMBER 2ND TO TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6
The Greenburgh Town Board has scheduled a referendum for November 6 (election day) on whether the town should be able to lease the Old Frank's nursery to Game on, a sports facility, for 15 years. To help residents cast an informed vote we will provide both sides (Game On and opponents of the referendum) the opportunity to tape a 10 minute video explaining the reasons why they support or oppose the lease. The two ten minute segments will air continuously on Greenburgh local access tv cablevision channel 76 and verizon channel 35 Friday night November 2nd thu election day November 6th.
This is an important referendum for the town and we want residents to cast an informed vote. We think both sides should have the opportunity to highlight the reasons they support or oppose the proposal . The tape can be submitted to the town or produced at the Greenburgh public access TV studio.
The town has had a policy of providing competing candidates for town office with the opportunity to air similar info-mercials on public access TV the weekend before town elections for a number of years.
I will reach out to supporters and critics of the referendum and advise them of this policy.
Paul Feiner
THIS IS THE REFERENDUM QUESTION WORDING...
-Shall Town Board resolution TB-1, unanimously approved by the Greenburgh Town Board on August 13, 2012, authorizing the town to enter into a lease with Game On 365, LLC for the construction of a sports bubble and accessories to operate a private multi-purpose, year round sports facility with access for children, adults and seniors; working closely with both town Departments of Parks & Recreation and Community Resources at the Theodore D. Young Community Center, when needed as space and schedules allow; to be located at 715 Dobbs Ferry Road, Town of Greenburgh; generating over a fifteen year period, a minimum of five million dollars in property taxes and revenue; providing for a one-time payment of up to one hundred twenty five thousand dollars for an environmental study and cleanup, be approved?

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

one arm bandit could save town money on sanitation



The Greenburgh Town Board is considering the possibility of purchasing a ONE ARMED BANDIT -- a new, more efficient garbage truck that uses one employee instead of three to pick up garbage. As employees in the sanitation department retire the workforce would shrink. Communities that have purhased the truck report faster service and fewer workers compensation claims by injured public works employees. The City of White Plains has been using these vehicles. The Town of Harrison is also interested in the truck.
The “One-Armed Bandit” is an automated refuse collection truck that has the capacity of auto-loading refuse containers three to four times the size of a regular garbage can. It also is capable of making 700 to 1,200 stops per route with a single operator, “all while increasing efficiency for the residents and safety for the operators,” said a report on the system.
When we purchase the truck the town will provide residents with a free, special large container that can be secured by the remote arm on the garbage truck. On collection days, residents will place the container in the street and with a space of four feet between the container and parked vehicles, mailbox, trees or other obstacles. The trash truck driver can then safely pick-up and place back the container in the same location. The automated trash collection program has proven to work well in all types of weather including snow and rain and containers can withstand winds of up to 45 miles per hours.
The program is expected to be less costly than the current system where employees manually place the refuse in the rear loading packer trucks. Funding for the first one arm bandit will be included in the proposed 2013 capital budget, which will be released at the end of October. If the Town Board approves the request, the truck could be operating in the town towards the end of 2013 or early in 2014. We will test the truck on some streets initially - and if we like the truck will purchase additional trucks in future years.


Three time Grammy-award winning bassist John Patitucci leads an stellar band on October 13th, 2012 at 4:00 pm in a jazz concert to benefit THE YONKERS SHARING COMMUNITY and HASTINGS HELPS THE HUNGRY, two local organizations which provide meals to the homeless. Other musicians include pianist Gerald Clayton, saxophonist John Ellis, drummer Paolo Orlandi, percussionist Rogerio Boccato and gospel vocalist Ruth Naomi Floyd. There will also be a silent auction and Meet the Musicians reception. All proceeds benefit the two charities. Tickets are $20 and available at the door or in advance at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/268927
Paul Feiner

Sunday, October 07, 2012

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH ESCO'S

Have you had a positive experience with ESCO's? ...or negative experiences. Please advise. I frequently receive calls from constituents who are looking to save money on their energy bills. ESCOs compete with Con Ed and can sell electricity and natural gas.
The questions people ask me: will they save money? Are the savings temporary? What do they do if there's service outages?

There are about 19 ESCOs in the Westchester area. 35 supply natural gas. Are ESCO ad's deceptive? Are savings real?
Would you be interested in volunteering your time helping us provide neighbors with helpful consumer tips? And, comparisons?

Please read the letter below (after the short explanation about ESCOs) from a resident of Edgemont who discusses his personal experiences and makes some good recommendations.

My e mail is pfeiner@greenburghny.com. Would love to hear from you.

PAUL FEINER

.

What Am I Buying From an ESCO?
A consumer can choose to buy electricity or natural gas from an ESCO instead of from their local utility (in Westchester, Con Edison or NYSEG). However, the energy itself is still delivered by the local utility. So any savings achieved by switching to an ESCO are limited to the supply (not delivery) portion of the bill. Energy supply comprises about 50% of an electricity bill, and 60% of a gas bill.

How Do I Find an ESCO?
The state Public Service Commission (“PSC”) licenses ESCOs in New York and maintains a searchable online database, called “Power to Choose,” of ESCOs that are authorized to do business here. You may also call 1-888-Ask-PSC1 for additional information.

The PSC also has a guide called “Use Your Power to Choose.”

Con Edison customers can explore alternate energy suppliers through its PowerYourWay Web site. However, PowerYourWay does not include ESCO price information.

NYSEG customers can explore alternate energy suppliers through its Web site.

What Should I Look For?
The Power to Choose Web site allows you to see the current rate charged by your utility and by the ESCOs that are authorized to do business where you live. Note, however, that Power to Choose only offers one month of rates, making it difficult to compare prices over the long term. Prices can vary significantly from month to month due to market conditions and weather.

Many ESCOs offer value added services, such as fixed prices (the rate per kwh, ccf, or therm is the same each month), green power (electricity generated from renewable resources such as wind, solar, or hydro), furnace repair service, or telephone service bundled with your energy bill. When considering an ESCO, check for information on these value added services.

What Are the Pricing Options?
ESCOs offer a number of pricing options including fixed pricing, which can shield you from big price fluctuations; variable pricing, which is tied to the market price for energy and may fluctuate depending on supply and demand; and indexed or capped pricing mechanisms.

How Will I Be Billed?
In most cases you will receive a single bill covering both your supply and delivery costs.

Who Do I Call If There’s An Interruption in Service?
You will continue to call your local utility, as it will continue to deliver energy to your home even if you switch to an ESCO.

Can I Switch Back From an ESCO to the Local Utility?Yes. However, some ESCOs require a one- or two-year contract, and charge a termination fee if you cancel the contract early. Be sure to check for this before you sign a contract with an ESCO.

Are There Misleading Marketing Practices?
Yes. There are persistent complaints that some ESCO representatives make false statements, misrepresent themselves as agents of the local utility and engage in misleading marketing practices such as promising savings that don’t materialize.

To address these concerns, the PSC has adopted new marketing standards for ESCOs. Among the expanded consumer protections is a required “Consumer Disclosure Statement” on the first page of every sales agreement, setting forth the most important terms of the ESCO agreement, such as the contract’s term and any termination fees. In addition, agents who go door-to-door must wear a picture ID with the name of their company on it. The new measures also include measures to protect non-English speaking customers.

What Is “Slamming”?
Many consumers reported being “slammed” by an ESCO, that is, being switched to an ESCO without their authorization. ESCO representatives - - including telemarketers and door-to-door salerpersons - - sometimes claim to be working for the local utility. They offer special deals, and ask to verify the customer’s account number. Armed with the account number, the ESCO then notifies the local utility that the customer has authorized the switch.

If you’ve been slammed, contact your local utility. You’ll be switched back from the ESCO, unless the company can show proof that you authorized the initial switch. You can also file a complaint with the PSC.

Is There Tax Relief If I Switch to an ESCO?
Yes. If you switch to an ESCO through Con Edison’s PowerYourWay program, Con Edison delivery charges on electricity are not subject to sales tax, and the sales tax on delivery charges for natural gas will be lowered significantly.

What is PowerMove?Con Edison customers who switch to an ESCO through the PowerYourWay program may be eligible for a one-time offer called PowerMove. For more information, call 1-877-MOVE-234.

PowerMove is a program offered by Con Edison to encourage customers to switch to an ESCO. With this program you get a 7% discount off the Con Edison supply rate for the first two months. After that, you are then charged the supply rate of the ESCO of your choosing. Therefore, you’re guaranteed savings for the first two months compared to what you would have paid if you stayed with Con Edison. After the two months, savings are not guaranteed.

Will I Save Money If I Switch to an ESCO?
Not necessarily. Some consumers complain that they don’t actually save money over the course of a year, while others complain that the savings are minimal. Some ESCO customers wind up paying even more than they did with the local utility. Ultimately, conserving power is the best way to get your bill down.

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EMAIL I RECEIVED ABOUT AN ESCO FROM A CONSTITUENT.>
> My neighbors contacted us in response to a recent mailing from Plymouth Rock Energy, an ESCO and its seems there is a serious fleecing of the public taking place with Electricity and Gas Bills. It is quite likely that people - like us - are paying out thousands of dollars a year for nothing.....

>

> I compared bills with two neighbors and I am seeing significant differences in price - a variable of as much 3x (9.7c. per kilowatt hour vs. 19.8c) and biils that vary as much $400 vs $200 for the SAME AMOUNT of electricity.

>

> I have seen NO guidance anywhere in terms of actual pricing and in some case people have been slammed - i.e. pushed into new suppliers other than Con Ed without realizing it and thereby paying more.

>

> Example: we got a $500 bill for electricity even though we were out for a good part of the month while my neighbor paid $300 for more usage.

>

> The ESCOs claim they can't guarantee costs because they say energy pricing is variable etc.

>

> SOLUTION

>

> If we ask people to send in one summer bill and one winter bill in the same months we can put this into a spreadsheet and show true lowest cost.

>

> You can actually post a monthly rate for Kws and BTUs so people will know and switch accordingly.

>

> We need a few accounting type volunteers to keep track.

>

> In fact, I can guarantee you that if you put out a press release asking for this data - or held a town hall meeting - there would be an avalanche of concern.

>

> Once people realize how much they are being fleeced.......and how.......they will be pretty fired up

>

> PS Con Ed claims they are legally bound to avoid giving guidance so no one knows who to trust.

>

>Paul Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

Friday, October 05, 2012

waterwheel back on track...assisted living proposal in discussion

PROPOSED ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY REPRESENTATIVES WANT TO CONTINUE INFORMAL DIALOGUE WITH RESIDENTS


THEY HAVE SCHEDULED A COMMUNITY DISCUSSION ON OCTOBER 18 AT THE MARRIOTT AT 6 PM

HEARING RESCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 14, 2012

I received the following e mail from representatives of Brightview, an assisted living facility. We’re most appreciative that the neighbors and applicant are having a dialogue.

Dear Greenburgh Town Board Members,

On behalf of Brightview Senior Living, I would like to thank you for taking the time last Saturday afternoon to better understand our vision for Brightview in Greenburgh.

While we are eager to bring our investment and service to Greenburgh, I am writing to get your approval for delaying the start of our Public Hearing until November 7th.

We have been working hard to understand the articulated concerns of the neighbors for much of 2012. Our most recent site plan reflects our understanding of and attempt to satisfactorily address the issues that have been raised by our neighbors. Specifically, we have responded with greater detail on stormwater management, rock removal, visibility, and how our $15 million investment through a sustainable and attractive design would benefit the value of the neighborhood.

However, at the site walk on September 29th, we realized there were a few remaining concerns with the neighbors that we can more effectively address. Brightview is seeking a higher level of understanding and trust with our neighbors. Therefore we are taking the opportunity to advance the dialogue on the remaining issues: further detail on rock removal, further detail on stormwater management, and the possibility of a four-story building with a smaller footprint.

The platform for advancing the dialogue is twofold:

• We are inviting neighbors and the Town Board to join us for a discussion on Thursday, October 18th at the Westchester Marriott at 6:00 PM.

• We are offering to meet with neighbors individually or in small groups to address more specific or personal concerns.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or representatives of our development team if you have any questions or comments on how to best serve the Town of Greenburgh and our potential future neighbors. We hope some of you will join us on the 18th.

Sincerely,



Michael Glynn, CFA, LEED AP, MUP

Development Director

Brightview Senior Living



WATERWHEEL AFFORDABLE HOUSING BACK ON TRACK! TOWN/ARDSLEY TO RECEIVE $1.2 MILLION

Earlier this week some members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators expressed concern about the $1.2 million dollar sale price the town was receiving for the foreclosed waterwheel property in Ardsley. We were worried that the affordable housing initiative was in jeopardy (22 units of affordable housing across from Macy Park). The Ardsley Volunteer Fire department, Ardsley Mayors & Village Board had worked long and hard for this initiative. GOOD NEWS! Members of the Legislature will be working with the developer. The town and Ardsley will receive the $1.2 million dollars. A special thank you to our Legislators for moving this forward.

PAUL FEINER

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

More misrepresentations on Edgemont Community Councils facebook page...

there is more misrepresentations on the Edgemont Community Council's facebook page. Most of the page, usually written by former ECC Robert Bernstein, contains commentary against me  - not pro Edgemont.  Does this page discourage people from wanting to move to Edgemont?  The ECC should be promoting Edgemont.

for example todays story says this...
In 2008, then county executive Andy Spano twice tried to get Mr. Feiner to enter into negotiations to renew the WestHELP lease, but Mr. Feiner opposed any renewal of the lease

This is not true. I have copies of letters to the county expressing interest in commencing with negotiations -- I  would be happy to forward the letters to readers who ask for them. My e mail is pfeiner@greenburghny.com

I hope that the ECC will stop making things up. And, will be more accurate when they criticize.

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

edgemont environmental club to come up with solutions to crane's pond algae problem

The Environmental Club at Edgemont High School (middle school and high school students) voted to become partners with their town government and help us solve an important community problem ---algae at Crane's Pond. I met with over 20 students this afternoon and am grateful that they will help us come up with possible solutions.

This summer the pond looked like pea soup--the water had a covering of green algae for many weeks. The students will be working with Edgemont High School Science Department chair Maria DeCandia. They also met wtih Margaret Goldberg of the Greenburgh Nature Center. The nature center will work with the students. The students will study a problem that many communities are experiencing (algae in ponds) and come up with recommendations. The National Parks Service wa...
s in the news recently. They are trying to remove a thick layer of green algae from the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial less than a month after a $34 million overhaul was completed. Who knows...if the National Parks Servivce doesn't solve the algae problem at the Lincoln Memorial, maybe they can benefit from the recommendations of the Edgemont HS Environmental Club!

This could be a win-win for everyone. The town and Edgemont school district are working cooperatively to address an important quality of life concern. Students benefit: they will learn about algae in ponds, study possible solutions, come up with recommendations and interact with town officials. They will learn about the budget process since the Town Board will have to fund their recommendations. The students will be given an opportunity to make a presentation at a televised Town Board meeting. We will benefit because adults and students will work together trying to come up with a solution to a problem. And--hopefully, we will solve a problem and implement the student suggestions.

Monday, October 01, 2012

draft RFP for westhelp affordable housing

During the past year the members of the Greenburgh Town Board have been negotiating a lease with Ferncliff, an organization that provides services (and housing) to the developmentally disabled population. Ferncliff offered the town $500,000 a year in revenue. Most of their clients are referred by the Department of Social Services –meaning they are low income.




The County Executive recently submitted the Ferncliff proposal to the Board of Legislators for consideration. The majority of the members of the Board of Legislators rejected the Ferncliff application (County Legislator Michael Smith, one of Greenburgh’s representatives on the Board of Legislators supports the town’s efforts. Thank you, Legislator Smith for being responsive and helpful).



During the past year and a half I have been in communication with some developers of affordable housing asking how much revenue the town will receive if the complex is converted into affordable housing. The answer: MUCH LESS THAN FERNCLIFF would give the town. Unfortunately, the majority of the members of the Legislature are not helping the town generate the maximum revenue from this property –for a good cause (helping the developmentally disabled population).



We won’t leave the property vacant –are willing to convert the units into affordable housing. This is a draft request for proposals that we will be sending to developers, affordable housing advocates. I am posting the RFP tonight so residents can comment on the RFP and provide us with suggestions as to ways we could improve the RFP. Please submit any suggested changes to townboard@greenburghny.com.



If you know of any affordable housing developer or affordable housing advocate that might be interested in receiving the RFP, once it is posted on the website) please e mail the Town Board and town attorney Tim Lewis at tlewis@greenburghny.com.

PAUL FEINER





TOWN of GREENBURGH—DRAFT (YOUR COMMENTS ARE APPRECIATED BEFORE FINAL RFP IS POSTED)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS





FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SIX-ACRE PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED AT THE KNOLLWOOD GATE ENTRANCE TO WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

















































TOWN OF GREENBURGH

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SIX-ACRE PARCEL

OF LAND LOCATED AT THE KNOLLWOOD GATE ENTRANCE TO WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE



The Town of Greenburgh will be considering applications for the development or re-development of a six-acre parcel of land within the Town, including the construction and/or operation of facilities thereon, located on the east side of Knollwood Road (Route 100A) at the Knollwood Gate entrance to Westchester Community College, for a period of approximately 20 years.



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 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.





INTENT



The Town is seeking qualified developer proposals for the vacant Town-owned property located at One WestHELP Drive. The subject property was formerly subleased by the Town to a homeless housing nonprofit organization known as “WestHELP” which provided emergency homeless housing and related services to families with young children. WestHELP previously operated a 108 unit facility comprising a portion of Sheet 18, Parcel 128 of the Assessment Map of the Town, formerly known as “Hartford Estate”, pursuant to a ten year Sublease Agreement with the Town which expired on September 30, 2011. The subject property is owned by the County of Westchester but controlled by the Town until approximately September 30, 2031,



pursuant to Masterlease Agreement with the County. The Masterlease Agreement between the Town and the County of Westchester contemplated a use of the property for low to moderate income rental housing at the end of the WestHELP lease term. The Town is seeking to have the property developed in a manner that complies with Westchester County’s requirement that the property be used for low to moderate income housing.



PROPERTY DESCRIPTION





The subject property is located between Knollwood Road to the west, Hillside Avenue (Route 100B) to the east, Hartford Lane and Payne Road to the north, and Old Tarrytown Road to the south. A portion of the site is currently developed and is zoned as Residential (R-30), although the Town would consider proposals that include applications to rezone the property.



The former facility operated at the Site was designed and built to make the same suitable for use as permanent housing and includes off-site improvements reasonably necessary for the operation of the facility (i.e. roads, utilities etc.).



The Town Board invites proposed property developers and/or operators, or representatives on their behalf, to provide information as to the firm’s qualifications and experience in developing properties and/or operating facilities related to municipal owned properties. Listed below are areas of specific importance that should be addressed; however, responders are encouraged to provide any additional information that would assist the Board in making their selection:



- The years of experience your company or firm has in developing properties.

- The years of experience in providing services to local New York municipal governments.

- The size of the firm’s practice, the names, education and experience of the partner(s) or principals and primary staff that would be developing the property or operating the facility.

- A brief narrative of the services that have been provided to private or municipal clients over the last five years.

- A list of at least three municipalities that your firm is currently developing properties in, operating facilities at, or providing services to, including the name of the municipality, number of years operating and the name of a contact person and their telephone number.

- The rate structure or fees charged for services provided if any.



Please provide the above information by December 1, 2012. The Town Board will select a principal from firms that respond to this request.



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”) may, in its sole discretion, reject any submission filed after the deadline.



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 “ʺPROPOSAL FOR ONE WESTHELP DRIVE SITEʺ.”



d) All submittals must include a minimum of the elements as described 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 sublease for property with the selected developer.



ii) Development Team, Relationships and References

The Town seeks sufficient information about the redevelopment team to make an informed 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 development 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 organizational 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, telephone 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 relationships with the Town of Greenburgh, Town of 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 regarding 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 suburban 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, permitting, 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 Unincorporated Greenburgh by including in its proposal, among other things, a detailed plan schedule for meetings and dealing with all relevant constituencies and organizations.



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, 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 the proposed development 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 formas 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 respondent relies upon 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 its development concept.



5) SELECTION PROCESS OVERVIEW AND SELECTION CRITERIA



a) Process Overview

On or before the time specified in this RFP, each Respondent will submit a proposal in response to this RFP. The Town will evaluate the proposals based upon responsiveness to items listed in Part 4 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 upon their first and best final proposals until the Town has made a final selection. I n 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 one or more of the selected teams 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 teams, the Town at its sole option may terminate negotiations. The Town may, at this time, choose to entertain proposals from other teams that may be on a short list.



The Town will evaluate all proposals based upon 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 below will 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, as well as, 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 for development; and (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 and operating cost: including: (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 financial institutions; and (iii) overall financial track record.



ii) Experience and Qualifications of Respondent’s Quality of Proposal



• Quality of developer's 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.

• The extent by which the proposal contains environmental performance, energy efficiency, and quality living spaces, if applicable, 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 or flash drive in .PDF format.



7) DELIVERY



Proposals should be marked ʺPROPOSAL FOR SIX-ACRE PARCEL

OF LAND LOCATED AT THE KNOLLWOOD GATE ENTRANCE TO WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE” and delivered:



(1) By hand, courier, USPS, FEDEX, UPS or recognized overnight courier to the Town of Greenburgh, Town Attorney’s Office, 177 Hillside Avenue, Greenburgh, NY, 10607.



8) DEADLINE 5:00 P.M. LOCAL TIME DATE



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



9) SCHEDULE



(1) Issue/advertise Request for Proposal ………….………………….........………..October 15

(2) Last day for questions………………………….……………………………...... October 30

(3) Proposals due by 5:00 P.M…………………………………………………….. December 1

(4) Selection of Developer…...……………………………….…………………...December 20

(5) Finalized development agreement ...................................................not later than January 15



10) SELECTION



The Town shall review all qualified proposals and the proposal selected, 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 the Respondent 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 be submitted in writing, either by e‐mail or by facsimile and shall arrive not later than 5:00 PM, DATE.