Thursday, March 29, 2012

abandoned building has tenant...westhab demolishing building for workforce housing...westhelp could be used for developmental disabled

I am pleased to report that a large vacant building on Central Ave will no longer be vacant! The former Office Depot on Central Avenue will be replaced with a large tile store named “The Tile Shop. They have filed a permit for alterations.

WESTHAB will start demolishing the old King's Inn very soon. Workforce housing will replace the former homeless shelter and hotel.

And...the town has asked the county to approve a lease agreement to convert the WESTHELP homeless transitional facility off of Knollwood Road (which the county shut down last year) into housing/services for the developmentally disabled. The town would like to enter into a contractual agreement with Ferncliff, an outstanding non profit organization that has a great track record dealing with the developmentally disabled population. The town would receive close to a million a year in rent. If the county rejects the request the town has entered into an agreement with the Greenburgh Housing Authority to use the property for affordable housing purposes. The Town Board approved a resolution last night authorizing an extension of an affordable housing facilities agreement with the Greenburgh Housing Authority. If the property is used for affordable housing the town would not receive the same revenue as we would if the property is leased to Ferncliff.
PAUL FEINER

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

town discussion on allowing private company to put tennis bubble on tennis court at park--big revenue for town

TOWN CAN GENERATE SIGNIFICANT REVENUE IF NEW YORK STATE AMENDS FINNERAN LAW....
SPORTTIME IS AGAIN INTERESTED IN PUTTING TENNIS BUBBLE AT TOWN TENNIS COURTS.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON AMENDMENT TO FINNERAN LAW--WEDNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 11TH AT 7:30 PM GREENBURGH TOWN HALL


In 2005 Sporttime proposed to lease the tennis courts at AF Veteran park during the off season months when the park is not used by the public. The town would have received significant revenue from Sporttime. A minimum of $125,000 the first year. By the 15th year the revenue to the town would have exceeded $271,645 dollars. In addition, Sporttime offered to pay for the reconstruction and resurfacing of five existing hard tennis courts…construct 2 har tru tennis courts to replace the existing hard tennis courts…install outdoor lighting for the two newly constructed tennis courts, new drainage around the tennis courts and a sidewalk form the parking area to the clubhouse with connecting paths to the tennis courts. They also had offered, at their expense, to resurface one outdoor basketball court and two handball courts and re-tile the existing tennis court restrooms.
They offered to construct a clubhouse building at their expense of about 3600 square feet on two levels, to provide an indoor viewing patio, a lounge, locker rooms, a pro shop and reception and office facilities.

Sportime offered free programs for junior and adult residents---a pre scheduled tennis camp for junior residents featuring free introductory tennis instructions during December and winter breaks…free racquets for junior residents- a minimum of 500 free tennis racquets valued at $15,000 to be given away per year…one free introductory group tennis lesson to interested junior and adult residents (based on availability). And---membership in Sportime at $0 per month with a valid unicard. Residents of Greenburgh will have access to Sportime tennis facilities in Mamaroneck, Westchesterand in Manhattan.



Why DID THIS LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN NEVER HAPPEN?

A resident complained that the agreement would have violated the Finneran law, a law adopted decades ago by the NYS Legislature that made it difficult for the town to allow non residents to use the AF Veteran park.



WHAT COULD BE DONE IN 2012?

The Town Board will have a public discussion on amending the Finneran Law at our Wednesday evening, April 11th Town Board meeting -at 7:30 PM. We think our best chance of getting the legislation approved is to propose a narrow amendment that would only apply to the tennis courts. The wording of the proposed legislation follows...

Proposed Finneran Law amendment addressing only the proposed use of tennis facilities at Anthony Veteran Park. The proposed legislation will have to be approved by the Greenburgh Town Board, New York State Senate, New York State Senate and signed into law by the Governor. The Board has had some preliminary discussions with our State Legislators about the proposal.

PROPOSED WORDING

§ 2. Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, but subject to the provisions of section three hereof, all costs of acquisition by the Town of Greenburgh, Westchester County, of any public park, playground or recreational facility heretofore or hereafter made, all costs of construction or acquisition of any improvement at any such town public park, playground or recreational facility heretofore or hereafter made, and all costs of operation and maintenance of any such facility, shall be raised by the levy of a tax upon the lots and parcels of land within said town located in the area outside of incorporated villages and such public park, playground and recreational facilities of said town shall, subject to any agreements contained in any grant contract between said Town and the United States government, New York State or Westchester County and, except as may be otherwise determined by the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh after a public hearing with respect to tennis facilities at Anthony F. Veteran Park located in the area outside of incorporated villages, be restricted in use to residents of said town residing in the area of said town outside of incorporated villages. Taxes heretofore raised through the levy upon the lots and parcels of land within said town located in the area of said town outside of incorporated villages to pay said costs are hereby legalized, ratified, validated and confirmed.

Paul Feiner

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

CHEAPER GAS PRICES COULD BE COMING TO EDGEMONT...LET'S GET RID OF ABANDONED EYESORES

The following article appears in www.thedailygreenburgh.com. I was very surprised at some people last night. Robert Bernstein, former head of the Edgemont Community Council, and Madelon O'Shea (who is also involved in Edgemont civic activities) objected to the proposal to allow a former gas station to reopen as a gas station/convenience store. Among their objections: THEY DON'T LIKE THE FACT THAT A CUMBERLAND FARMS WILL HAVE CHEAP GAS! They think it will be unfair for existing gas stations.
I like competition. And, I think most Edgemont residents would prefer paying CHEAPER rates at the gas pumps. If this application is not approved the abandoned eyesore will continue to be an eyesore...boarded up...no additional ratables...I do not understand the logic of the opposition.
PAUL FEINER
the article about the meeting can be found below
Greenburgh Gas Station Zoning Ignites Debate
by Matt Bultman (email)
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The boarded-up lot at Old Army Road and Central Park Avenue is at the center of a zoning debate in Greenburgh.
Photo credit: Matt Bultman GREENBURGH, N.Y. – A proposed Edgemont gas station has sparked a debate of business competition versus local loyalty.

Several residents are speaking out against the town’s attempts to update its zoning code, a move that, if approved, would clear the way for a Cumberland Farms convenience store and gas station to be rebuilt at Old Amry Road and Central Park Avenue.

Opponents to the plan argue the out-of-state retailer will undersell local businesses and run small gas station owners into the ground.

“Is this board going to accept responsibility for the closing of a gas station or convenience store because the large corporation froze out the small Greenburgh operator?” Madelon O'Shea asked the council during its meeting Tuesday. “Doesn't loyalty to Greenburgh mean anything?”

Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, however, is touting the move as a plus for cash-strapped Greenburg motorists.

“Competition is good,” Feiner said. “I want to see gas prices going down and the average person likes to have choices.”

The debate stems from a zoning law prohibiting gas stations on Central Park Avenue. The code was created as part of an effort to rid the street of pumps years ago.

That means the several existing gas stations along the avenue don’t comply with town code, Council member Francis Sheehan said.

In what he says is an effort to get these stations up to code and allow the development of other stations, the town is working to change town law and allow gas stations along Central Avenue with a special use permit.

While existing stations won't be required to apply for the permit in order to remain open, they must do so if they want to expand or improve their building in the future. They will have 180 days to do so. Otherwise they will be left stuck, potentially unable to make building expansions or improvements.

That deadline has left several Edgemont residents, including Gerard O’Shea, questioning the town’s commitment to local business owners.

“You’ve gone out to change the zoning code of the town for a special interest, for one person selling gas,” he said. “What have you done for the people that have been helping you for 30, 40 years?”

But according to Feiner, the vocal group opposing the plan is in the minority.

An overwhelming number of Edgemont residents have expressed their support for the plan, through emails and conversations, he said.

The boarded up, abandoned gas station currently sitting along Central Park Avenue is creating an eyesore, Feiner said.

“This is not the south Bronx,” he said. “This is Edgemont.”

The Greenburgh Town Council is expected to vote on the resolution in the upcoming weeks.

water district board proposed

I will be introducing a resolution before the Town Board creating a Water District Board at our next Town Board meeting—next Wednesday, March 28th. I have had discussions with the Commissioner of Public Works. He feels that the Board could be helpful to his department. Coca Cola, Greenburgh’s largest water user, has agreed to designate a qualified member who will serve as a member of the Board.
In recent weeks I have had discussions with the Governor’s office and with high level state officials. They have expressed an interest in also identifying programs that the town might be eligible for –to assist with our capital infrastructure program.
If you are interested in being considered for membership on the Water District Board, once it is created, please e mail your resume to townboard@greenburghny.com.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
GREENBURGH CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMISSION REPORT FOR THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FORMATION OF A TOWN OF GREENBURGH WATER DISTRICT BOARD
MARCH 20, 2012
Introduction
The Town of Greenburgh through the Town Board has requested that the Greenburgh Citizens’ Advisory Commission (GCAC) investigate the need for a Town of Greenburgh Water District Board. The Town Board has recognized the urgency of the Town of Greenburgh Water District’s current position in that it faces continued pressures both internal and external in setting repeated annual increases in existing water usage rates for both its residential and non-residential ratepayers. The existing infrastructure, which includes approximately 130 miles of water mains, several pump stations, and 6 water tanks, is currently functioning but in need of both immediate and longer term repairs in order to sustain the continued delivery of drinking water to the nearly 40,000 Town residents that rely on the District for its water supply- approximately 7 million gallon per day (mgd). Additionally, the District provides the primary water source for the Village of Irvington (approximately 1.2 mgd with a capacity of 3 mgd), as well as being the emergency water source for several neighboring Villages and entities.
Realities Pertaining to the District’s Existing Conditions
Currently, the Town and the District are facing much public scrutiny as they contend with:
• higher water rate costs as passed through New York City, the source of the District’s water supply through 2 separate New York City Aqueduct connections-the Delaware and the Catskill water systems
• the need to replace the aging District water conveyance and distribution systems, some of which go back to the 1950’s, and have certainly surpassed their intended and designed useful life
• the need to replace the existing water meters town-wide, which are over 25 years old and well beyond the useful life expectancy. New meters will provide greater accuracy, automated reading, and real-time consumption information. The automation of meter reading and processing will reduce future personnel costs
• the need to install critical infrastructure in order to comply with several upcoming changes upstream of the Town’s water supply:
o In Fall 2012, New York City is scheduled to put into service a new water supply disinfection facility, the CAT/DEL UV Plant. This facility will be upstream of the District’s water sources. How this will affect the Town is not totally known at this time. One potential impact may be that a higher chlorination dosage be implemented by the District, since New York City will not be adding chlorine to the raw water before it comes to the District’s aqueduct taps. The current District chlorination system needs to be evaluated to determine if it is sufficient to meet the Fall 2012 demand. This evaluation and potential infrastructure implementation is critical and should be addressed as soon as possible.
o As early as 2020, New York City will be shutting down the Delaware Aqueduct, which is the primary water source for the District. The shutdown is necessary in
2 3/20/12


order for the City to implement necessary repairs to its over 100 year old aqueduct and to install the necessary by-pass tunnel. The Delaware system may be shut down for several years. Currently, the District does not have the necessary infrastructure to provide the entire District’s ratepayers water demands from the secondary source, the Catskill Aqueduct. While there is time to implement the necessary infrastructure for the District to reliably supply the entire demand, the evaluation and studies need to begin in the short term.
• the need for a short and a long–term Capital Plan for the District’s assets and infrastructure. There is currently no 2, 5, or 10 year plan to replace infrastructure or even to assess the current state of good repair.

These are some of the realities that the Town and the District must address in the very near future in order to continue to provide and sustain its public water system.
GCAC Recommendations for the Greenburgh Water District Board Formation
Pursuant to our findings as outlined above, the GCAC strongly recommends the formation of a Greenburgh Water District Board in order to help steer the Town and the District in addressing the existing and future issues and concerns facing the Town’s water supply needs, help educate the ratepayers of the necessary and vital infrastructure requirements, set water rates, and help to provide for a safe and sustainable water supply and delivery infrastructure for the future.
The recommendations that follow are grouped under these three sections:
• Mission Statement
• Performance Goals and Measurements
• Membership Requirements and Make-up

Town of Greenburgh Water Board Mission Statement
Reporting to the Town Board, the Town of Greenburgh Water Board’s (GWB) Mission is to recommend water rates for the Town of Greenburgh.
In the process of determining the water rates, GWB should proactively consider the optimal rate level to achieve efficient financing of the Greenburgh Water District’s (District) infrastructure and sustainable provision of high-quality service at a fair price to the Town ratepayers. In fulfilling its mission, the GWB will actively take into account drivers affecting the financial condition of the District, such as the operating and capital needs of the infrastructure, protection of the water supply source(s), compliance with regulatory requirements, and other relevant factors.
The GWB will continue to benchmark the Town of Greenburgh water rate with other neighboring and County-wide water Districts within New York State. The GWB will regularly advise the Town Board on the capital needs of the District, considering the sustainability, modernization and efficiency of the District water system infrastructure with the ultimate goal to promote health and safety of the water system to the ratepayers. 3 3/20/12

Town of Greenburgh Water Board Performance Goals and Measurements
The following is a list of recommended GWB’s performance goals and metrics on how the achievement of the goals is to be measured over the course of an annual performance period.
1. Performance Goal – Recommend the setting of rates at a level for which revenue collections will satisfy revenue requirements of the District.
o Measurement – Were the fiscal year’s revenue requirements met?
o Measurement – Were the previously set rates more than 10 percent too high or low in meeting the District’s fiscal requirements? If, yes, why?
2. Performance Goal – Effectively seek input on District water rates.
o Measurement – Did the GWB conduct effective rate evaluations and include broad public participation though Public Hearings?
3. Performance Goal – Recommend rates that are fair and affordable.
o Measurement – How do water rate increases compare to other consumer cost increases?
o Measurement - How do water charges track as a percentage of household income?
o Measurement - How do water charges track as a percentage of a building’s total operating costs?
4. Performance Goal – Recommend rates at a level that provides for sustainable, high-quality delivery of water services.
o Measurement – Have rates resulted in sufficient, stable and predictable revenue streams that have enabled favorable financing terms and allowed for operations and maintenance of the District at a level that will ensure the District’s long-term sustainability?
5. Performance Goal – Educate the Town residents and businesses about what goes into determining a Town water rate, what the water fees collected provide, and how to promote water conservation.
o Measurement – Through regular public hearings aimed at educating the Public as to how each fiscal year’s water rates are determined. Preparing the information on easy-to-read pamphlets and placing the information on the Greenburgh website.

Town of Greenburgh Water Board Membership
The Town of Greenburgh Water Board should consist of a minimum of seven members, who once having been nominated and qualified by the Town Board, are appointed by the Town Board for terms of two years. The Chairman is appointed by the Supervisor from among the appointees. The GWB members should be representative of the Town residents and businesses and include the following professions and areas of expertise:
• The Town Commissioner of Public Works,
• A Licensed New York State Professional Engineer qualified in public water systems and infrastructure needs,
• A Certified Public Accountant,
• A Public Health Professional,
• A Business Process Professional,
• At least one member representative of the Town’s Commercial / Industrial Businesses

All members should continue to hold office until their successors are qualified and appointed.
Conclusions
Water is the most vital resource that the Town provides. Without a reliable, sustainable water system, public welfare and health would be jeopardized. This is the stark reality. The Town of Greenburgh water infrastructure, like most municipal systems in the U.S., is aging rapidly and silently, buried below and not plainly visible. These systems that treat, distribute, collect, and clean water, some built close to a century ago, have provided the Town the very foundation for economic prosperity and quality of life that we as residents have all come to enjoy. Water infrastructure suffering from age, exponential population growth threatening our watersheds, and near future changing conditions to our water supply, demands our immediate attention. Without careful planning and re-investment, we are headed for a crisis.
The Town of Greenburgh will best serve its residents and uphold its public contract by investing wisely in this most critical, irreplaceable infrastructure. The formation of a Water District Board, as outlined above, is a necessary step that the Town should take to help ensure that the Town water supply is safe, sustainable, and be capable of meeting the future demands of the ratepayers both reliably and as efficiently as possible.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

STOP & SHOP TO OPEN THIS WEEK

The super Stop & Shop supermarket behind the Tarrytown Sheraton will open towards the end of this coming week. This is exciting news--the 67,500 foot supermarket will provide residents of the Tarrytowns, Irvington, unincorporated Greenburgh and our region with new shopping options.


Unlike many development application projects that experience significant opposition from the community - this supermarket had an enthusiastic group of immediate residents behind it from day one. I received many calls and e mails from residents expressing a desire for a quality new supermarket.



The existing Stop & Shop store in the Bridge Plaza Shopping Center will soon be replaced by a CVS/pharmacy store with an expanded convenience food department. The CVS pharmacy on Broadway in Tarrytown will stay open.



H MART WILL OPEN SOON-- H Mart is also close to opening. The supermarket will replace the vacant Pathmark on Central Ave.



...and the Town Board has started to review plans for an assisted living facility near the new super Stop & Shop.

PAUL FEINER

Friday, March 16, 2012

auditorium style chairs wanted for town court (donations!)

TOWN COURT NEEDS AUDITORIUM/THEATER STYLE CHAIRS FOR COURT ROOM---anyone know of a business that wants to get rid of auditorium chairs and make donation to town?....

A few weeks ago I shared info with community residents: a conference room, used by the Town Board, Zoning and Planning Boards desperately needed new conference room chairs. Linda Garfunkel heard our request. Her business didn't need some excess conference room chairs (in good condition). We saved thousands of dollars when she donated the chairs to the town.

I visited the Town Court today. The Town Court needs auditorium/theater style chairs for their court room. If you know of any business that wants to get rid of excess chairs in good condition that we could use in the court room--please advise by e mailing me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.

ANOTHER REQUEST---VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR TV ANGEL PROGRAM
The town highway department does not pick up old TVs or electronics. At times senior citizens and disabled residents need help. I'm compiling a list of volunteers who would be willing to transport old TVs to the highway garage for recycling. We don't receive many requests for help. When I do receive requests for help - it would be nice if I could reach out to a list of volunteers. E mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.

Out of work? I have helped over 80 people find work during the past three and a half years. I share job openings with residents who subscribe to a job club list. Have organized another website with job openings on www.linkedin.com (greenburgh jobs club). And- meet individually with constituents out of work trying to be of help with contact info. Let me know if you'd like to receive job e mail alerts.
PAUL FEINER

artifact from world trade center placed on 911 wall

The Greenburgh Parks department, thanks to Michael Nestler and his excellent staff, installed an artifact from the World Trade Center on the 911 memorial wall --which is located on Central Ave near the Hartsdale/White Plains border. The wall is special---over 1700 individual painted tiles from artists around the county (including artists from Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, Irvington & Tarrytown)--are displayed on the wall. The artwork was part of a project organized by the Arts Council of Westchester. The large wall was built - thanks to financial donations of the Rotary Clubs.The Port Authority had donated the artifact from the World Trade Center. A few weeks ago I received a letter from the authority asking for a photo showing the artifact. They have donated similar artifacts from the World Trade Center to communities around the country. Nick Scazafave, park foreman who is also a photographer donated his time and personal equipment to take a numberof photos of the artifact.PAUL FEINER

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

NYS WASTING TAXPAYER DOLLARS--3 PRIMARY ELECTION DATES...ONE NEW ADDED LAWMAKER

To the Editor
Last year the NYS Legislature cut back many important programs. And they made it difficult for counties, school districts and local governments to maintain services by imposing a tax cap on everyone. The reason: NYS was running out of money. And, our property taxes are too high.
This year they are misusing taxpayer dollars in the following ways...
The Republican controlled State Senate has decided to increase the number of State Senators from 62 members to 63. New York State doesn't need another State Senator. In fact, we would be better off with a one house Legislature - like Nebraska. My guess is that every State Senator costs taxpayers (salaries, staff, rent for district offices, other expenses) a million dollars or more. How does the average New Yorker benefit with another lawmaker added to the payroll?
Another major waste of taxpayer dollars: having three primary election dates: April for President, June for members of Congress and September for members of the NYS Legislature. Every time there is a primary election there is a big election day cost: election inspectors, rent. State-wide, we're not talking about thousands of dollars in duplicative costs. We're not talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars in unnecessary spending. We're going to be wasting millions of dollars --just to oversee three primary elections. And, having three separate primary election dates won't increase voter turnout --it's confusing and probably will result in fewer voters participating in the election process.
In 2009 the NYS Legislature passed legislation encouraging municipalities to consolidate governments-- to merge localities, fire districts, special districts. Shouldn't NYS lawmakers lead by example: merge primary election dates as a starting point?
The millions of dollars that is being spent on adding a new State Senator to the payroll and on having three separate primary election dates --could have been spent much better. Would you prefer 3 primaries or funding for your local schools?
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
914 438 1343

Monday, March 12, 2012

SUPPORT TARRYTOWNS INITIATIVE--NEW BUS/RAIL TRANSFER STATION ON THE NEW TZ BRIDGE

Tarrytown Mayor Drew Fixell has proposed a very innovative idea for the Tappan Zee bridge-- a concept that could help make the TZ bridge construction initiative a world class accomplishment. The Mayor and Village Board has suggested that when the new bridge is built that a a new bus/rail transfer station be added into the new bridge’s toll plaza.

Such a facility (the “TZB Station”) would allow bus passengers headed to Grand Central to quickly transfer to a new platform below. And aside from offering a quick congestion-free link, the TZB Station would also enable busses to seamlessly continue on, without delay, to other locations throughout Westchester.

This proposal would reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, and save time by providing pedestrian and more convenient automobile drop-off access to Metro-North for the many commuters living nearby who now crowd the already congested streets leading to the Tarrytown train station. Second, by providing residents in the immediate vicinity of the new bridge with walking distance access to the Metro-North trains, the facility would add enormous value to properties next to the bridge.



Third, the TZB Station would provide both broad environmental and financial added value by enabling reverse commuters, i.e., those taking the Hudson Line to Tarrytown, to walk and/or to significantly shorten their post-train commutes to the many nearby employment destinations, such as the office buildings and hotels along Routes 119 and Broadway. Similarly, the TZB station, unlike the ramp, comes with no need to condemn valuable properties in the vicinity of the existing train station, and would, by removing busses, improve traffic flow in that heavily congested area.



I support this initiative and will be writing to the Governor, our State Legislators, Tappan Zee bridge construction team members and our federal representatives to give this great idea serious consideration. It is important that the bridge is built right. It would be sad if we look back years from now and wonder why we did not take advantage of opportunities to construct a great bridge --not an outdated bridge. Mass transportation on the bridge, having a Tappanbridge park (saving the existing bridge and not spending over 150 million dollars to demolish the bridge) can contribute to a great construction initiative. If we do this right - the bridge construction project can become a national model. If we don't act now, we won't be able to make the corrections later on. If you agree with this suggestion, e mail:

tzbsite@dot.state.ny.us. I'd like to know what you think...

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

Saturday, March 10, 2012

BUFFALO RESIDENTS EXPLORING--DO WE NEED COUNTY GOVERNMENT?

BUFFALO LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOLDING FORUM ON WHETHER COUNTY GOVERNMENT IS NEEDED
NY SHOULD AMEND 2009 LAW THAT ENABLES VOTERS TO PETITION FOR CONSOLIDATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS--LET THE VOTERS PETITION TO ELIMINATE OR CONSOLIDATE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS TOO...
I received this e mail from a resident of Buffalo advising that the LWV in Buffalo is holding a forum on whether county government is needed. I'm pleased that the topic of whether county government should be eliminated is being debated. NY has more layers of government than any state in the nation. I have always believed that county government (the most invisible form of government) would be the easiest layer of government to eliminate or consolidate with other regional governments.
In 2009 the NYS Legislature approved a law that authorized voters to petition for a public vote on government consolidation. So far the law has not been a big success. There have been a few consolidation petitions filed. I have been advised that only one consolidation took place in the entire state as a result of the new law.
I would like to see the law amended to provide voters with the opportunity to petition for the abolishment or consolidation of county government. NYS may have more success with their consolidation petition laws if they included county governments in the law.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Paul Wolf [paulwolf2@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2012 9:51 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Eliminating County Government


Mr. Feiner:


I have followed your advocacy for eliminating county government and agree with your sentiment. On March 22nd a discussion is taking place in the Buffalo area about whether county government is needed. I plan to attend and express my thoughts on the issue.


Just wanted to make you aware of this forum. See link below.


http://www.lwvbn.org/#lwv1


Paul Wolf, Esq.
www.paulwolfideas.com

students invited to produce their own public service announcements to air on tv

This Wednesday, March 14th students from Greenburgh are invited to produce and tape their own one minute public service announcement that will air on public access TV during the spring. The taping will take place from 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Ave, White Plains.

The Public Service Announcements are part of an 8 week program (Student News Network) being organized by Town Clerk Judith Beville and me. The goal of the program: to encourage young people to learn about the media and government and to get involved in community service.

We decided to provide students with the opportunity to produce their own shows and short public service announcements. At our first session some students expressed interest in producing a PSA on recycling. Other students may choose different topics.

We are inviting reporters, editors, former journalists to share their experiences with the students each week.

If you know of any student who would like to produce a one minute public service announcement that will air on cable TV this spring - please invite them to attend our next Student News Network meeting: WEDNESDAY, March 14th from 4:15 to 5:15 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall. Since the PSAs will be aired on TV, parents MUST consent to their airing. Written permission letters signed by a parent will be required.

For more info e mail jbeville@greenburghny.com or pfeiner@greenburghny.com. Town Clerk Beville's phone is 993-1504. My cell is 438 1343 and my office: 993 1545.
PAUL FEINER

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

MEETING THURSDAY NIGHT NEXTg...WE CLEANED UP E IRVINGTON NATURE PRESERVE

The Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh will hold a Special Work Session at Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Avenue, Greenburgh, New York 10607 on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 9:15 PM. The purpose of the Special Work Session is to consider possible next steps with respect to the application of NextG Networks for a Special Permit from the Town Board pursuant to section 285-37 of the Town Code We will be meeting with members of the Conservation Advisory Council to discuss.



WE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE GREAT WEATHER AND CLEARED DEBRIS FROM THE E IRVINGTON NATURE PRESERVE. This is a memo I received from Victor Carosi, Commissioner of Public Works.




Supervisor Feiner and Town Council Members,


Please note the Town Parks and Recreation Department in cooperation with the Highway Department, under the guidance of Rich Fon completed another great and long overdue task of clearing debris from the East Irvington Nature Preserve. The warm winter weather continues to enable the Highway Department and Parks Department to focus on outdoor maintenance tasks that otherwise would not be possible.



Over the past two weeks, crews from both Parks and Highway worked cooperatively and cleared many yards of debris from pathways and access ways within the preserve. Treading carefully to respect the environment, tree debris from our past years of storms was removed, the trails were tended to and the tree canopy trimmed following our on-staff Arborists’ recommendations in selected areas.



We encourage you to stop by the Park and see first-hand the great work both Highway and Parks were able to do to enhance the experience for our residents that visit this park.



Victor G. Carosi, P.E.

Commissioner of Public Works

Town of Greenburgh

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

chair angel...book sale...student news network

CHAIR ANGEL-- Conference room chairs at Town Hall were in horrible shape. Replacing the chairs would have cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. Linda Garfunkel, a resident of the town and office manager at Charlesbank Capital Partners learned of our needs and contacted me offering to donate the chairs to the town. Thanks to Linda's help and generous donation our conference room now has 12 new beautiful chairs. And--taxpayers saved thousands of dollars. We didn't spend a penny on the chairs.
We're trying to think out of the box when it comes to saving dollars. And-we're grateful to Linda for helping us.

Big Two-Day Book Sale, Mar. 9-10

Greenburgh Library Friends Book Store





WHAT: Massive Two-Day Only Half-Price Book Clearance SALE at Greenburgh Library Friends’ Book Store



WHEN: Friday and Saturday only, March 9 and 10 during library hours (10 am - 4:30 pm)



DETAILS: Thousands of books $2 for $1; children’s books, 4 for $1



WHERE: The Greenburgh Public Library Lobby

Friends of the Greenburgh Library Book Store, 300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford, NY 10523



Further information: www.greenburghlibrary.org



The Sale is Presented by the Friends of the Greenburgh Library, a Nonprofit Organization.

Proceeds Benefit the Library


REMINDER--STUDENT NEWS NETWORK---first meeting: Wednesday, March 7th at 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM. Greenburgh Town Hall. Students to produce and host their own cable TV news program at end of 8 week program. Town Clerk Judith Beville & I are organizing this initiative--for the second year. If you know of any student who may be interested in joining us- encourage them to stop by at Town Hall on Wednesday, March 7th.

PAUL FEINER

Thursday, March 01, 2012

NEW LED LIGHTS IN GREENBURGH TO SAVE MONEY AND ENERGY

New LED Lights in Greenburgh. Let Us Know What You Think!


Starting on March 13, 2012 the Town of Greenburgh will replace street lights along six streets in the Town with new energy efficient LED light fixtures. Working with consultants from Parsons Brinkerhoff, and in cooperation with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) the Town will evaluate the current state of LED technology as it relates to roadway lighting and determine its financial implications as a replacement for current roadway lighting luminaires. The test locations are selected to evaluate the performance and cost effectiveness of these LED fixtures.

This pilot project involves six (6) streets across the Town as follows:

Manhattan Avenue

Dobbs Ferry Road - From 9A to Park Avenue

Columbia Avenue

Joyce Road

South Road

Whittington Road

The project is at NO COST to the Town. It is entirely funded through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) of 2009. The Town is allocated $156,000 from this program to procure, install, and evaluate the new LED roadway lighting technology.

The EECBG Program is intended to assist U.S. cities, counties, states, territories, and Indian tribes to develop, promote, implement, and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs designed to:

· Reduce fossil fuel emissions;

· Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities;

· Improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building, and other appropriate sectors; and

· Create and retain jobs.

Through formula and competitive grants, the Program empowers local communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation's long-term goals for energy independence and leadership on climate change.

Over the last few years, the Town of Greenburgh has been exploring energy efficient sources for street lighting. As early as 2009, the Town began installing new LED fixtures emerging in the market to further evaluate these luminaires before identifying a preferred LED luminaire for use in Greenburgh. While cost continues to be an issue, LED technology, already in use for many traffic signals since 2003, has evolved greatly and is now considered more appropriate for street light applications.

Please let us know what you think of the light levels, quality of light, visibility on the sidewalk, or any other thoughts about the new lighting on the streets listed. Please send comments to Town Supervisor Paul Feiner at pfeiner@greenburghny.com and Commissioner of Public Works, Victor Carosi, P.E. at vcarosi@greenburghny.com

Paul Feiner