AN OPEN LETTER TO UNINCORPORATED RESIDENTS FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE VILLAGE OFFICIALS PETER SWIDERSKI...

I am writing to address the good citizens of Greenburgh, following on and reiterating my comments at the Town Board meeting last Wednesday. We would like to see the Town Board and the Villages work cooperatively together. The Villages have no interest in conflict, and no interest in unnecessarily dividing this town. Greenburgh is a wonderful community. As I said on Wednesday, the entire Town boasts of so many advantages, so many resources, and so many good and decent people that the precise fact of where an individual lives in the Town matters less than the fact that we enjoy it together, today and in the future. We are certainly seeking to work towards the pursuit of those goals, hand in hand with the Town Board.
There is apparently some concern regarding recent moves to modify Finneran. After the recent court decision, a re-examination of Town programs has led to the realization that if the Town is to maintain its range of choices and programs, some changes to Finneran would be necessary. The Villages’ interest in a modification to Finneran is to give the Town Board the flexibility to allow non-unincorporated residents access to facilities, parks and/or programs as needed. We have absolutely no problem with the imposition of fees on Village residents, cost plus or otherwise, for that access: it would only be fair. Any resolution asking for such modification to the law should certainly state that. Somehow, there is a perception that we want to allow all village residents to enjoy access to Finneran facilities solely at the unincorporated’s expense. Nobody ever suggested that, and if that is what is being read into what we are proposing, then we want to dispel that notion immediately. It is not what at all what we seek.
This Finneran modification is not intended to benefit the Villages unfairly, and we are open to an approach that makes sense and displays a “good government” sensibility. We believe the modification, in fact, provides greater benefits to Unincorporated Greenburgh than to the Villages, and is very much intended as a “win win” for both sides. It is extended as such, and intended as such. Our first assumption, in dealing with friends and neighbors, is that they operate in good will. It is certainly what is intended on our part, and we hope to be treated as such accordingly.
I will read the responses to this posting and I will try my best to respond to those who extend that courtesy of assuming my good will. Thank you for your time.
Peter Swiderski
Village Officials Committee
Hastings Village Trustee

MARCH 4 WORK SESSION AGENDA--SUMMARY OF LAST TWO WORK SESSIONS

ANOTHER OPEN GOVERNMENT GOAL---PROVIDING THE PUBLIC WITH ACCESS TO ALL RESOLUTIONS BEFORE EACH BOARD MEETING. In recent years residents have complained about the lack of advance access to resolutions that are being considered by the Town Board for adoption. At our work session this Tuesday we will discuss the possibility of posting all resolutions on our web site in advance of Town Board meetings and requiring department heads to submit final resolutions to the clerk’s office by a specific date/time in advance of each meeting.
Town of Greenburgh
Revised Work Session of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
2:00 p.m. Special Meeting and Vote re: Fairview Fire District and WestHELP,
Bond Resolution – CO 1 from 2/27/08 (Ray Hart, Public Finance

Associates, Inc. financial advisor will be attending.)

2:30 p.m. Budget Amendments – Bart Talamini

3:00 p.m. Vehicle Procurement Policy and Energy Conservation - Nikki Coddington

3:15 p.m. Westchester County Department of Planning—mixed use study

3:45 p.m. Membership: Budget Committee and Hartsdale Parking Committee (follow up to resolution authorization committee)

4:00 p.m. Courts – Expanding the Audit of the Courts to Include 2006 and 2007 (audit did not include 2006/2007)


4:20 p.m. Board Review: Process re: Resolutions

Distribution of Resolutions in Advance of Meetings to the Public

and Possible Postings of Resolutions on the Website in Advance of Meetings – Joe Lucassey

4:50 p.m. Executive Session – Personnel

5:00 p.m. TDYCC Search Committee Update

Work Session Summary – Tuesday, February 12, 2008


Village Manager of Hastings – re: Proposed Fire District Contract

The Village of Hastings requested that the Town of Greenburgh consider an agreement between the two to provide fire protection services to the Donald Park Fire Protection District. The contract was approved on Wednesday, Feb 13

Theodore D. Young Community Center - Reorganization

An update was provided to the Board regarding the Theodore D. Young Community Center reorganization. It was confirmed that Valerie Whitehead would be appointed as the Acting Commissioner of TDYCC. Councilwoman Sonja Brown also reported that a Search Committee will be formed.



Work Session Summary – Tuesday, February 26, 2008



Ramifications of Bernstein’s Law Suit – Proposed Amendments to “The Finneran Law”

Discussions on this issue raised several questions regarding the opportunity for sufficient input from residents who live in the unincorporated sections of the Town. A special meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 7:00 p.m. to continue public comment and decide on the proposed amendments re: this decision.

Appointment of Two Town Board Members to meet with the Village Officials Committee (VOC)

Councilmen Kevin Morgan and Francis Sheehan agreed to serve as Board representatives to meet with the VOC.

Sunrise Assisted Living

Sunrise Assisted Living and John Meyer Consulting presented their proposal to the Town Board to develop a senior living housing facility on a parcel of land near Benedict Avenue in Tarrytown. The Town Board requested that the presenters conduct a traffic impact and economic impact analysis for each permitted principle use allowed on the site.

Westchester Federal Credit Union

The credit union has agreed to provide six “Welcome to the Town of Greenburgh” signs at designated locations at entry points to the Town. In addition, the credit union will install a sign on the grounds of Town Hall indicating their presence within the building.

NYSERDA Request to Share Office Space

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority representative will be sharing space with Nikki Coddington at Town Hall for a fee and at no cost to the Town of Greenburgh. Board members support this request.

Library Board Interviews

Five candidates have been invited to interview with the Town Board for the vacant Library Board position. Interviews are being scheduled for March 11th during the Work Session.

Amendment of Taxable Status Date and Cold War Veteran’s Exemption

The County is expected to pass legislation on March 11th re: an exemption for changing the taxable status date from June 1st of the year to Mary 1st of the year. There are no financial implications.

Streaming Live of Work Sessions and Board Meetings

As a result of a new contract with Globix and the Town of Greenburgh, all meetings will be

streamed live as of February 27, 2008.

TDYCC Search Committee Update

Two Search Committee Chairs have been nominated (Mr. Sam Wilkins and Mr. Mel

Burrows) to coordinate meetings and help identify Search Committee members. To

Date, at least twenty applicants have expressed interest in the position of Commissioner.

HASTINGS FIRE CONTRACT APPROVED--HAD EXPIRED IN 2005

The Town Board finally approved the contract with Hastings for fire protection--serving the Donald Park fire district at last nights Town Board meeting. Hastings had been providing the town with fire protection services, without reimbursement or a contract, since the end of December, 2005.
We now have to work on approving a contract with Irvington. They have also been serving parts of unincorporated Greenburgh without a contract since the end of December, 2005.

looking for work?

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Freedman [mailto:RFreedman@mkirealtors.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:27 AM
Subject: looking to hire Assistant Controller for R/E firm



I am looking to hire someone with an accounting background looking for a f/t position who can do bank reconciliations, budget preparations, general ledger, journal entries, experienced in excel etc. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

Please let me know if you have someone in mind who may be qualified and interested in working for a mid-to-large size property management firm in mid-town Manhattan. Thanks, Bob Freedman

NEW WELCOME TO GREENBURGH SIGNS TO BE PAID FOR BY WESTCHESTER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Westchester Federal Credit Union (which rents space at Town Hall) will pay for six attractive new WELCOME TO GREENBURGH SIGNS to be placed at the entrance of Greenburgh. In return the town will let the credit union place an attractive sign at Town Hall announcing that they have offices at Town Hall.

Special meeting NEXT TUESDAY at 7 PM requesting that the NYS Legislature amend chapter 891 of the laws of 1982 re: Finneran Law. Amendment will permit tennis bubble to be built.

CAPITAL BUDGET DISCUSSION MARCH 18

WE WILL POSTPONE TOWN BD WORK SESSION ON COURTS--ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR THIS FRIDAY. Meeting will be held at end of March.

TODAY, for first time, we streamed our Board work session live on the internet.

BURGLAR CAUGHT IN EDGEMONT!

The Greenburgh police department does an excellent job. Some residents in Edgemont were concerned about burglaries. Today, the police made an arrest. The following is a statement from the police. Congratulations to the department on doing a great job—as usual.!

PAUL FEINER

At approximately 11:15am this date, this agency received a call of a residential burglary that had just occurred in the Edgemont section of Town. The homeowner confronted the suspect inside the home and chased the suspect out. A description of the suspect and his vehicle was broadcast to responding units and subsequently found and stopped by Greenburgh Police. The occupants were positively identified and placed under arrest.



Lt Chris McNerney

URGING STATE DOT TO CONSTRUCT SIDEWALK ON 9A WHERE HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT OCCURRED

Last month a pedestrian lost his life on a curve on 9A where a hit and run occurred. Over the years the curve has been the scene of a number of accidents. Beyond the curve heading north is an entrance to the rails to trails running path. Inasmuch as this is a state road, would it be possible for the state DOT to fund a walking path at this location so we can prevent fatalities when people are walking or running?

revised work session agenda--tomorrow

Town of Greenburgh
Revised Work Session of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cable Vision Channel 76, Verizon Channel 32)
We are test streaming this work session live on the internet.
2:00 p.m. Ramifications of Bernstein’s Law Suit—discussion: possible state legislation
2:25 p.m. Agenda Review

2:55 p.m. Appointment of two Town Board Members to meet with the Village Officials Committee
3:00 p.m. Sunrise Assisted Living – Daniel Richmond

3:25 p.m. Westchester Federal Credit Union – Ray Wolf, Sandra Miller (request to put sign at town hall—they rent space from us)

3:45 p.m. NYSERDA Request to Share Office Space (they will pay rent and share space with Energy Conservation Coordinator)

4:00 p.m. Library Board Scheduling of Interviews

4:05 p.m. Request to Postpone Meeting Re: Courts—the state is assigning a clerk to work at the courts. A postponement will provide the town with the benefit of hearing from the clerk.
4:10 p.m. Motion for Executive Session – Personnel and Legal

4:40 p.m. Amendment of Taxable Status Date and Cold War Veteran’s Exemption – Edye McCarthy
5:00 p.m. Streaming Update - George Malone—we may need to increase capacity so more people can access Bd meetings via internet
5:15: p.m. TDYCC Search Committee - Update

FROM: yonkerstribune.typepad.com--centro properties that owns hartsdale properties having financial problems

The Credit Market Loss Drama to Impact Greenburgh/Westchester County By Hezi Aris
YONKERS, NY -- The Melbourne, Australian based retail property empire known as Centro Properties Group has been hard hit by an inability to pay off short-term debt that has been the catalyst to bring Austalian Stock Exchange authorities to impose trading halts on its stock being traded as early as mid-December 2007 and thereafter. At the last moment Centro Properties Group, the owner of more than 700 U.S. malls, eight of whom are situated in Westchester County announced that they had been granted a three months reprieve to repay USD $3.5 billion of short-term debt as it proceeded to sell assets to remain financially solvent.
Centro will deliver its half-year result on February 28, 2008. It would not provide a per share earnings forecast for fiscal 2008 until the outcome of the recapitalization is determined.
Creditors including National Australia Bank Ltd. (NAB) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Australia’s biggest, extended the deadline on A(ustralian) $2.3 billion to April 30, 2008. The deadline on loans of about $1.3 billion associated with its U.S. venture has been moved to September 30, 2008. A syndicate of about a dozen banks, including CBA, Australia-New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. (ANZ), NAB, and St George, have lent the USD $3.5 billion to Centro. Foreign participants to the lending syndicate included Bank of America (BoA), Wachovia and JPMorgan Chase & Co, Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc (RBS), and BNP Paribas .
GREENBURGH PROPERTIES

Dalewood I, II & III Shopping Center 353-371 North Central Avenue, Hartsdale, NY 10530-1811
North Central Avenue 1-15 North Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530
Under former company CEO Andrew Scott, A$9 billion of malls were purchased of two years, transforming the owner of Australian regional retail centers into an international mall operator. Scott quit January 15 and was replaced by Rufrano, the head of the company's U.S. business.
The Centro America Fund has A$1.1 billion in assets and investments in 32 U.S. shopping centers. Centro owns 41 percent of that.
Rufrano is seeking to persuade investors and creditors to let Centro retain a A$26.6 billion collection of malls that stretches from Perth, Western Australia to Yonkers, New York.
About 65 percent of the company's assets are in the U.S., including malls gained when Centro paid $5.2 billion in cash and assumed debt for New Plan Excel Realty Trust, the biggest U.S. acquisition by an Australian-based real estate investment trust. Rufrano was CEO of New Plan at the time of the sale.
Scott's expansion into the U.S., based on a strategy of using short-term borrowing to fund long-term investments, collapsed last year as the fallout from the U.S. subprime mortgage market drove up borrowing costs.
The credit crunch also shut off Centro from the commercial mortgage-backed securities market, which the company had relied on for much of its financing.

TENNIS COURT BUBBLE MAY NEED STATE LEGISLATION

The recent decision in the Taxter Ridge case raises questions about how we can authorize the tennis bubble and other programs that benefit the town. It is possible that we may have to ask the State Legislature to amend the Finneran Law to give the town flexibility to permit programs that allow non-residents to participate, on terms that the Town Board will set. We will discuss this at the work session on Tuesday, February 26.The Board work session begins at 2 PM and is televised live on public access. This meeting will also be streamed on the internet.

IF TOWN BD AND ARDSLEY BD MEET THE SAME NIGHT BOTH MEETINGS CAN BE AIRED ON CABLEVISION

Judith Beville, Town Clerk, reports that Cablevision has corrected a problem: She said "that a final resolve has been reached and that the Village of Ardsley is now able to control its access to the Village, only, and not the entire Town of Greenburgh." As a result, Town Board meetings will be aired on cablevision and won't be pre-empted by Ardsley Board meetings when both meetings are held the same evening. Ardsley residents will be watching Ardsley meetings- the rest of the town will watch Greenburgh meetings.

OOPS--NO APPOINTMENT TO VILLAGE COMMITTEE, APPOINTMENT TO MEET WITH VILLAGE COMMITTEE!

Oops...made a mistake with the agenda. This Tuesday the Board will not be appointing two Board members to the village committee. We will be appointing two members to meet with the village officials committee. Sorry about the blunder!

TOWN BOARD WORK SESSIONS AND BOARD MEETINGS TO BE STREAMED LIVE ON THE INTERNET BEGINNING TUESDAY!

Town of Greenburgh
Work Session of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cable Vision Channel 76, Verizon Channel 32)
We are test streaming this work session live on the internet.
We are very pleased that the Town Board meetings will now be more open than ever. Our work sessions are held on Tuesday afternoons when most people work. This year we started televising our Board work sessions live. However, residents who work outside of Greenburgh were not able to watch the meetings. This Tuesday we will stream the work session live on the internet. You'll be able to watch our meeting from anywhere in the world- live! Our Town Board meetings will also be streamed live on the internet --starting on Wednesday. If you are unable to access our meeting from the internet this Tuesday or Wednesday or if you have observations after you watch the streamed Town Board meetings, please contact townboard@greenburghny.com or townclerk@greenburghny.com. We will keep working to make improvements!
2:00 p.m. Agenda Review
2:45 p.m. Appointment of two Town Board Members to the Village Officials Committee
3:00 p.m. Sunrise Assisted Living – Daniel Richmond-- (proposed development near Glenville Woods)
3:45 p.m. Westchester Federal Credit Union – Ray Wolf, Sandra Miller (they would like to put up a small sign at Town Hall advising people that they have an office at Town Hall)
4:00 p.m. Library Board Scheduling of Interviews (there is one vacancy)

4:05 p.m. Motion for Executive Session – Personnel and Legal

4:40 p.m. Amendment of Taxable Status Date and Cold War Veteran’s Exemption – Edye McCarthy
5:15: p.m. Adjourn


Work Session Summary – No work session was held on February 19, 2008


March 4th Work Session (tentative)

· Westchester County Department of Planning
· Nikki Coddington, Al Regula--energy conservation initiatives
· Library Board Interviews

SHOULD COUNTY LEASE EMPTY PARKING SPOTS ON CENTRAL AVE AND TURN THEM INTO PARK/RIDE FOR COMMUTER BUSES?

Should the town ask the county to temporarily lease vacant parking lots on Central Ave and turn them into parking areas for commuters who would like to take the bus into Manhattan?
Currently, there are no parking spots available north of White Plains for commuter parking. Some people park their cars on Central Ave illegally-- they do so at their own risk since some of the landlords on Central Ave tow or ticket cars.

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY-- WEEK OF FEB 18...POST YOUR COMMENTS

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY...WEEK OF FEB 18TH...POST YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT TOWN ISSUES.

NO WORK SESSION TOMORROW --TUESDAY.

DEPUTY PLANNING COMMISSIONER POSITION WON'T BE FILLED...

The Greenburgh Town Board appointed Thomas Madden as Commissioner of Planning. Mr. Madden previously served as Deputy Commissioner. To save taxpayers money -- the town will be leaving the deputy position vacant.
Under NYS law the town can hire professional planning consultants and bill the applicant for the cost of the planning review.
Valerie Whitehead has been named as Acting Commissioner of the Theodore Young Community Center. The deputy commissioner slot will not be filled until a permanent commissioner is appointed. Among options: eliminate the deputy commissioner slot and replace with another program coordinator.

CLICK ON COMMENTS TO READ ENTIRE DECISION BERNSTEIN VS.FEINER (Taxter Ridge lawsuit)

THE ENTIRE DECISION CAN BE FOUND IN THE COMMENTS

Decided on February 13, 2008

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
APPELLATE DIVISION : SECOND JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT
ROBERT A. SPOLZINO, J.P.
STEVEN W. FISHER
HOWARD MILLER
MARK C. DILLON, JJ.
2005-03677 OPINION, ORDER & JUDGMENT
2005-06091
(Index No. 10944/03)
[*1]In the Matter of Robert B. Bernstein, respondent,

v

Paul J. Feiner, etc., et al., appellants.
APPEALS by Paul J. Feiner, as Town Supervisor, Town of Greenburgh, New York, and the Town of Greenburgh, in a hybrid proceeding pursuant to CPLR article 78, alleging, inter alia, that they failed to perform a duty enjoined upon them by law, and action to enjoin them from acquiring any portion of the property known as Taxter Ridge, from (1) so much of an amended order and judgment (one paper) of the Supreme Court (Richard A. Molea, J.), entered February 17, 2005, in Westchester County, as granted that branch of the petition which was for a judgment declaring that Town Law § 232 prohibits the Town of Greenburgh from financing the cost of acquiring property known as Taxter Ridge for parkland by imposing a tax solely upon property owners residing in the unincorporated area of the Town of Greenburgh, and (2) so much of an order of the same court entered May 6, 2005, as, upon reargument, adhered to its original determination.
Timothy W. Lewis, Town Attorney, Greenburgh, N.Y. (David R. Fried and
Richard L. Marasse of counsel), for appellants.
Robert B. Bernstein, Hartsdale, N.Y., respondent pro se.
Keane & Beane, P.C., White Plains, N.Y. (Richard L. O'Rourke of
counsel), for Joseph Bova, amicus curiae.
ORDERED that the appeal from the order entered May 6, 2005, is dismissed as academic in light of our determination of the appeal from the amended order and judgment; and it is further,

ORDERED that one bill of costs is awarded to the appellants.

ENTER:
James Edward Pelzer
Clerk of the Court

APPELLATE DIVISION REVERSES TAXTER RIDGE CASE

Yesterday the Appellate Division reversed the Taxter Ridge case which Bob Bernstein brought. The court upheld the Finneran Law and made it very clear that parks and recreation facilities are the obligations of the unincorporated area. We are bound by the decision.
I would have been satisfied with any decision that the court made. I thought that it was important and fair that everyone have their day in court, and since the villages weren’t included in the complaint I thought that they had the right to have an appeal in which they could take part.
We now have some work to do to repair some of the problems that the case has brought about, and we will have better communications between the town and the villages to make that happen. With the new spirit on the Town Board, and the goodwill of our residents, I know that we can do this.

COURT RULES ON KATHWOOD HOMES

a decision dated February 13, 2008, Judge Mary H. Smith of the Westchester County Supreme Court has ordered the Town of Greenburgh Zoning Board to grant a variance to the WBRC Corporation develop a sixth lot on the proposed Kathwood Road subdivision near the Sprain Brook Parkway. WBRC has sufficient lot size to develop five of the six lots on which it has partially built homes on Kathwood Road but needs an additional 86 square feet to develop the sixth lot. The Court concluded that the granting of a variance would not cause a significant impact to the neighborhood or change its character. The property is located in the R-7.5 Zoning District.

In any event, the existing partially built homes on Kathwood Road cannot be completed until a related legal action by WBRC, regarding a different issue, is resolved by the court.

WORK FOR TAXES MEETING FRIDAY AT 10--SHOULD SENIORS BE ABLE TO DEFER PAYING TAXES UNTIL THEY SELL THEIR HOME OR PASS?

I am planning to hold a meeting with department heads and senior citizens to discuss the proposed work for taxes initiative. The meeting will be held this Friday, February 15 at 10 AM at the Lee Jackson Room, Town Hall. About 125 communities around the nation (including Boston, Boulder)provide senior citizens with the option of working off their property taxes. Seniors receive a tax credit (state income tax free) and are given stipends (in most communities less than $8 an hour) for community service.
NY State has not authorized tax credits for seniors. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss lobbying efforts to persuade the NY State Legislature to approve this option for seniors. Until the state law is approved the town may want to provide a limited number of seniors with various part time jobs –model the program on the successful work for taxes initiative that exists around the nation.
IN ADDITION—THE Hastings on Hudson Senior Council is recommending that the town review a program that exists in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Seniors, on fixed incomes, are able to defer paying property taxes until they sell their home or pass away. This is another program that might help senior citizens continue to reside in their home. A copy of the Massachusetts law authorizing Sudbury to implement this initiative follows. The NY State Legislature would have to approve a similar authorization.
THIS IS THE LAW THAT MASSACHUSETTS APPROVED FOR SUDBURY, MASS.
SECTION 1. Notwithstanding clause Forty-first A of Section 5 of chapter 59 of the General Laws, or any other general or special law to the contrary, and subject to Sections 2 to 5, inclusive, of this act, the board of assessors of the town of Sudbury shall defer the real estate property tax payment for property of a person 60 years of age or older and occupied by him as his domicile, or a person who owns the same jointly with his spouse, either of whom is 60 years or older and occupied as their domicile, or of a person who owns the same jointly or is a tenant in common with a person not his spouse and occupied by him as his domicile, if the person claiming the exemption either alone or together with his spouse had combined income of $60,000 or less during the preceding year. No restrictions shall be imposed based upon the number of years the property owner (a) has been domiciled in the commonwealth; or (b) owns and occupies as his domicile such real property.
SECTION 2. Any such person may, on or before December 15 of each year to which the tax relates or within 3 months after the date on which the bill or notice is first sent, whichever is later, apply to the board of assessors for an exemption of all or part of such real property from taxation during such year; provided, however, that in the case of real estate owned by a person jointly or as a tenant in common with a person not his spouse, the exemption shall not exceed that proportion of total valuation which the amount of his interest in such property bears to the whole tax due. The board of assessors shall grant such exemption provided that the owner or owners of such real property have entered into a tax deferral and recovery agreement with the board of assessors on behalf of the city or town. The said agreement shall provide:-
(1) that no sale or transfer of such real property may be consummated unless the taxes which would otherwise have been assessed on such portion of the real property as is so exempt have been paid, with interest at the rate of 4 per cent per annum for the first year and at an annual rate set thereafter by the board of selectmen provided that the rate set by the selectmen shall never exceed 8 per cent per annum;
(2) that the total amount of such taxes due, plus interest, for the current and prior years does not exceed 50 per cent of the owner's proportional share of the full and fair cash value of such real property;
(3) that upon the demise of the owner of such real property, the heirs-at-law, assignees or devisees shall have first priority to the real property by paying in full the total taxes which would otherwise have been due, plus interest; provided, however, that if such heir-at-law, assignee or devisee is a surviving spouse who enters into a tax deferral and recovery agreement under this clause, payment of the taxes and interest due shall not be required during the life of such surviving spouse. Any additional taxes deferred, plus interest, on said real property under a tax deferral and recovery agreement signed by a surviving spouse shall be added to the taxes and interest which would otherwise have been due, and the payment of which has been postponed during the life of such surviving spouse, in determining the 50 per cent requirement of subparagraph (2);
(4) that if the taxes due, plus interest, are not paid by the heir-at-law, assignee or devisee or if payment is not postponed during the life of a surviving spouse, such taxes and interest shall be recovered from the estate of the owner; and
(5) that any joint owner or mortgagee holding a mortgage on such property has given written prior approval for such agreement, which written approval shall be made a part of such agreement.
SECTION 3. In the case of each tax deferral and recovery agreement entered into between the board of assessors and the owner or owners of such real property, the board of assessors shall forthwith cause to be recorded in the registry of deeds of the county or district in which the city or town is situated a statement of their action which shall constitute a lien upon the land covered by such agreement for such taxes as have been assessed under this act, plus interest as hereinafter provided. A lien filed pursuant to this act shall be subsequent to any liens securing a reverse mortgage, excepting shared appreciation instruments. The statement shall name the owner or owners and shall include a description of the land adequate for identification. Unless such a statement is recorded the lien shall not be effective with respect to a bona fide purchaser or other transferee without actual knowledge of such lien. The filing fee for such statement shall be paid by the city or town and shall be added to and become a part of the taxes due.
SECTION 4. In addition to the remedies provided by this act, the recorded statement of the assessors provided for in this act shall have the same force and effect as a valid taking for nonpayment of taxes under section 53 of chapter 60 of the General Laws, except that: (1) interest shall accrue at the rate provided in this act until the conveyance of the property or the death of the person whose taxes have been deferred, after which time interest shall accrue at the rate provided in section 62 of said chapter 60; (2) no assignment of the municipality's interest under this act may be made pursuant to section 52 of said chapter 60; (3) no petition under section 65 of said chapter 60 to foreclose the lien may be filed before the expiration of 6 months from the conveyance of the property or the death of the person whose taxes have been deferred.
SECTION 5. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Approved September 12, 2002.

WORK SESSION ON COURTS FEB 29 AT 4 PM

The Town Board met with the three Town Judges during our work session this afternoon. We are scheduling a work session (to be televised on public access and streamed live on the internet) on Friday, Feb 29th at 4 PM to discuss the courts and the audit we commissioned. The 3 Judges, court clerk and former Town Judge James Hubert will be invited to attend.
Over the decades there have been a number of problems at the court. Should the Town Board play a more active role in the courts or should we respect the fact that the Judiciary is considered a separate branch of government?

Town Bd to vote to create parking committee for E Hartsdale Ave

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN BOARD
AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF THE HARTSDALE PARKING
ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO STUDY AND ADDRESS CONCERNS
RELATING TO PARKING ON EAST HARTSDALE AVENUE
AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TOWN BOARD
WHEREAS, the Town Board acknowledges that there is a lack of adequate parking along East Hartsdale Avenue and the surrounding vicinity which adversely affects residents, businesses and patrons; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board believes this development requires a study of the different alternatives that exist to address the parking problem;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board will create a committee, to be named the Hartsdale Parking Advisory Committee, to study and address concerns and alternatives relating to parking on East Hartsdale Avenue and make recommendations to the Town Board.
Submitted: February 11, 2008

UPDATE; East Hartsdale Flood study

Mr. Regula:

Following is an update on the Hartsdale Brook Flood Study.
Our surveyor has completed his work and is processing his data.
He has advised that we will receive it by Friday 2/8.
Once we receive the survey data we will finally be in a position to proceed with our hydraulic analyses.
I will contact Mr. Cioce once we have received the data so that we can set up meeting date to review our work.
Thank you very much,

Dennis
Dennis Rocks, P.E.



Leonard Jackson Associates

LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT

There will be a library construction update this Wednesday night at our Town Board meeting. Questions will be answered. If you have a question(s) please e mail townboard@greenburghny.com with your questions in advance of the meeting.

MORE TRAFFIC IN ARDSLEY...NO TAXES FOR THE TOWN...IT'S UNFAIR!

I am contacting our county lawmakers and will ask that the town get some tax revenue from the county in the event that the Board of Elections moves to Saw Mill River Road. I am of the opinion that this is a bad location for the Bd of Elections - it is not centrally located (the Bd of Elections should be located in White Plains)...it's not easily acccessible to people around the county. Traffic in Ardsley is horrible - this will generate additional traffic in and around Ardsley. I would prefer that the county locate the Bd of Elections elsewhere. Non profits and county governments do not pay taxes to local governments.
Glenn Blain writes in the Journal News:
WHITE PLAINS – In what may be the first test of the Democrats’ super majority on the Westchester legislature, County Executive Andrew Spano is reviving a once-defeated plan to move the Board of Elections to Greenburgh.
The Spano administration re-submitted to the Board of Legislators a $13.3 million proposal to purchase and renovate a vacant industrial building at 450 Saw Mill River Road for use by the Board of Elections.
“A decision was made to resubmit because we need a (new) facility,” said Deputy County Executive Larry Schwartz.
Since the plan fell one vote short of approval in the legislature last spring, the administration has investigated several other properties but found none that were as affordable or as convenient as the building on Saw Mill River Road, Schwartz said.

work session agenda 2/12...summary from this past Tuesday's work session

Work Session of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cable Vision Channel 76, Verizon Channel 32)


1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Village Manager of Hastings – re: Proposed fire contract

1:45 p.m.– 3:00 p.m. Agenda Review


3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Theodore D. Young Com. Ctr. – Reorganization
Motion for Executive Session - Personnel

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Courts – Executive Session

` 5:15: p.m. Adjourn



Work Session Summary – February 5, 2008

The Town Board met in Executive Session for the purpose of interviewing candidates for

the position of Comptroller.



Live Streaming Update

We expect meetings to be streamed live shortly. We are awaiting the arrival of a essential

piece of equipment. The equipment is expected to arrive on Monday, February 11th. We hope to begin streaming at this meeting, provided the equipment does arrive. We apologize for this delay.



February 26th Work Session (tentative)



· Westchester County Department of Planning

· Amendment fo Taxable Status Date and Cold War Veterans’ Exemption – Edye McCarthy

· Sunrise Assisted Living

· Tax Certiorari







Please Note: There will be no Work Session on Tuesday, February 19, 2008.

STORAGE FACILITY ON CENTRAL AVE? what do you think?

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION? EARLY FEEDBACK WANTED ON STORAGE DELUXE FACILITY ON CENTRAL AVE…
Benefits: significant taxes.
No additional costs for school district
Low traffic
Negatives: Current zoning does not allow for self storage
Feel free to contact snovenstein@storagedeluxe.com.
Dear Supervisor Feiner:
My name is Steve Novenstein and I am the President of Storage Deluxe Realty. We currently own 27 Self-Storage Properties in the New York area, including 4 facilities in Westchester (White Plains, Tuckahoe, New Rochelle and Yorktown).
As a resident of Scarsdale and with my office located in White Plains, I am constantly driving and shopping on Central Avenue. There are many vacant and underutilized sites along Central Avenue that would make great self storage facilities. Self Storage developments offer tremendous benefits for towns in that it generates very low traffic and offers a nice real estate tax rate.
We have developed many first class storage facilities and we would be thrilled to work with members of the community on a design that reflects the charm of the community. We envision utilizing brick and stucco with a great landscaping plan.
Currently, the zoning for Central Avenue does not allow for self-storage. We are working on a couple of sites on Central Avenue and before we get too far into the process, we would like to hear from the community and address any comments or questions they may have. snovenstein@storagedeluxe.com
Sincerely,
Steve Novenstein
www.storagedeluxe.com

LANZA FAMILY FOUNDATION TO FUND SUNDAY LIBRARY HOURS/CYBERMOBILE

I am pleased to report that the Lanza Family Foundation will make a generous donation of $12,284 to the town- enabling the Greenburgh Library to resume Sunday library hours beginning March 16 (excluding summer Sundays). In addition, the Lanza Family Foundation is donating $25,000 which will be used to reactivate the cybermobile.
The Lanza Family Foundation will require the Library to provide the Foundation with detailed weekly usage reports regarding the cybermobile/Sunday hours (cost analysis, number of people who use the cybermobile/Sunday hours, etc..) The $25,000 being allocated to the cybermobile will enable the library to provide cybermobile service to the community for at least a few months.
The Sunday hours and cybermobile service was discontinued in January, 2008 by the Greenburgh Library Board. I am very grateful to the Lanza Family Foundation for their very generous donation. Many residents, especially senior citizens, have been hurt because of the cuts. Representatives of the Lanza Family Foundation met with Supervisor Paul Feiner, Town Clerk Judith Beville, Philanthropic Coordinator George Gumina and Winsome Gordon of the Philanthropic Office to discuss the terms of their generous donation.

COMPARISONS RE: GREENBURGH LIBRARY VS. OTHER LIBRARIES FROM WLS

A letter from the Director of the Westchester Library System: data/comparisons:
My statistics are as of the State Annual Report for 2006 and, therefore, the data is reflective of the budget for Greenburgh Public Library in the old building. Having said that I’m happy to forward the comparative data you request.
The short version is that as far as grand total circulation transactions Greenburgh ranked third in 2006 (565,494) behind Yonkers (899,488) and White Plains (575,863) and ahead of large libraries such as New Rochelle (545,238), Yorktown (493,429), Scarsdale (441,901), Mount Pleasant (424,020) and Ossining (402,607) and so on.
In Circulations per capita Greenburgh ranks 16th at 13.52 circs/capita behind Ardsley (30.68); Bronxville (29.43); Scarsdale (24.79); Chappaqua (22.53); Larchmont (20.83); Hastings (19.67); Pound Ridge (19.56); Croton (19.30); Katonah (19.14); Armonk (18.15); Irvington (16.24); Rye (16.17); Briarcliff (14.31); Bedford (14.11) and Yorktown (13.59).
Population Chartered to Serve Greenburgh is 5th (41,828) behind Yonkers (196,086); New Rochelle (72,182); Mount Vernon (68,381) and White Plains (53,077). Immediately following Greenburgh are Port Chester (36,469); Yorktown (36,318), Mount Pleasant (33,323), Ossining (33,047) and Harrison (24,154).
In Circs per hour opened Greenburgh ranked third (145.40) behind White Plains (186.12) and Yorktown (159.07) followed by Scarsdale (131.83) and Chappaqua (116.15).
In total library materials collection Greenburgh has the 4th largest collection in the county behind Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle and White Plains and ranks 33rd in the county on the total library materials per capita followed by Yonkers, Somers, Yorktown, Pelham and Port Chester.
On Library Materials purchases Greenburgh ranked third in spending ($402,000) behind White Plains ($576,501) and Mount Vernon ($429,584) followed by Scarsdale ($279,125); New Rochelle ($252,767), Harrison ($232,351), Yonkers ($230,086); Yorktown ($204,996); Rye ($203,789) and Mount Pleasant ($200,231).
On Library Materials spending per capita Greenburgh ranked 8th and 6th in Library Materials expense as a percent of total operating budget.
I’ll forward the charts asap.
Siobhan A Reardon
Director
Westchester Library System
540 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, New York 10591-

WHO WON GREENBURGH? work session to discuss comptroller candidates Friday at 2 followed by reorganization

The Town Board will be holding a work session this Friday at 2 PM. We interviewed 3 candidates for the position of Comptroller in executive session yesterday and will meet a 4th candidate on Friday. The Board will review the candidates in executive session. At 3:30 PM we will discuss reorganization issues till 5:30 PM. That portion of the meeting will be open and will also be televised.

HOW DID GREENBURGH VOTE YESTERDAY IN THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY?
Barack Obama: 5,803 (45.3%)….Bill Richardson 168 (1.3%)…Dennis Kucinich 88 (.7%)…Hillary Clinton 6,650 (51.9%) Joe Biden 22 (.2%)…John Edwards 86 (.7%)

John McCain: 1,634 (57.9%)…Mike Huckabee 177 (6.3%)…Mitt Romney 772 (27.3%)…Ron Paul 101 (3.6%)…Rudy Guiliani 139 (4.9%)

QUESTION: WOULD REINSTATEMENT OF CYBERMOBILE HELP LIBRARY RAISE FUNDS?

Question of the day: If the cybermobile is reinstated by the Library Board --and if the cybermobile would make stops in Edgemont (near Cotswold Park/Crane Pond) --would the library be able to develop additional relationships with some people who do not use the library at the current time but who have financial resources to make significant donations to the library? If people are pleased with the fact that 1) the library is providing service to their immediate neighborhood...2) the staff is excellent 3) the service is great then is it possible that the library could raise additional funds for programs/services when the new library opens?
Do you think that re-starting the cybermobile could generate major donations for the library in the future?

DID YOU KNOW that one person donated $2 million dollars to the Dobbs Ferry library before the Dobbs Ferry library was built a few years back? How can we motivate additional people to donate significant dollars to the library? In return the town could name the building, rooms, etc..) in their honor

150,000 VISITS TO THIS BLOG SITE SO FAR...GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY...WEEK OF FEB 4TH...POST YOUR COMMENTS

This blog site continues to get lots of traffic. This weekend we reached the 150,000+ blog visit. The blog was started in the late summer of 2006.

Please feel free to post your comments about Greenburgh town issues on this blog. Your comments are appreciated.

THIS WEEK--
Interviews with comptroller candidates...
Meeting with Board, Theodore Young Community Center Tuesday night...

GREEN INITIATIVES...

Gas prices and global warming: two great reasons to think about how to “green” the ways we get around. Reducing the number of miles we drive alone helps lower our use of fossil fuels and reduces our carbon footprint; it also saves on the cost of gas and vehicle wear and tear, and helps reduce local air pollution and traffic congestion. Solutions? Carpooling and ridesharing; taking public transportation; walking and biking.
With Greenburgh’s “Green Your Miles” campaign, we hope to raise Greenburgh residents’ awareness about ways to save money and reduce their environmental impact while on the move. Information about some solutions can be found at:
· http://www.NuRide.com, a free and highly flexible online ridesharing service that offers rewards (such as gift certificates) for sharing rides, not just for commuting but for any reason
· http://www.GoLoco.org, a service that helps people and communities create their own personal public transportation network
· http://www.MetroPool.com, help with commuter alternatives including carpooling, vanpooling, and public transportation.
· And at http://www.greenburghny.com, click on “Save Energy” on the left of the home page, then check out the “Transportation” section.
An interview with MetroPool CEO John Lyons about ridesharing and other commuter alternatives can be seen currently on “The Energy Show” on Greenburgh cable channels 75 and 76.
So… “Green Your Miles,” save some money, and help the planet! Share your success stories in “greening your miles”; write pfeiner@greenburghny.com.

(Questions? Contact the Energy Conservation Coordinator at 993-1649.)

TOWN BD WORK SESSION THIS TUESDAY--AGENDA

Work Session of the Greenburgh Town Council Members Tuesday, February 5, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cable Vision Channel 76, Verizon Channel 32)
We were hoping to stream this work session live on the internet. There are some technical issues regarding software and hardware so the first streaming of work sessions may start later in the month. It’s possible that we will resolve the technical problems by Tuesday –but not definite. Sorry for the inconvenience.
1:00 p.m. Permanent Citizens’ Budget Committee to address E. Hartsdale parking
(Representation to include: parking authority, residents, businesses)

Reorganization – Review Town Board Rules and Procedures
2:00 p.m. Overtime Presentation – Comptroller’s Office… discussion: draft overtime request form

2:15 p.m. Executive Session – Personnel (interview: comptroller candidates)

5:30 p.m. Adjourn

The Town Board will meet with the Theodore Young Community Center Advisory Board at 8 PM at the center to discuss the community center.

February 12th Work Session (tentative)

· Sunrise Assisted Living
· Reorganization
· Court Audit Report / Review
· Town Board Meeting Agenda Review
· Library: cybermobile/Sunday hours—efforts to restore
· Theodore D. Young Community Center – Reorganization
· Update Carter Ledyard
· E Hartsdale Ave sidewalk sales—should they be expanded to include more weekends
· DEPT OVERTIME REVIEW



Please Note: There will be no Work Session on Tuesday, February 19, 2008.

COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AT DOBBS FERRY SAVED

Great news! The community hospital at Dobbs Ferry has been saved. 14 months ago NYS announced plans to close down the hospital. The entire community worked together to persuade the state that the hospital (which makes a profit) should be allowed to stay open. State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins was recognized by hospital officials at the official announcement ceremony (held at noon) for the key role she played in saving the hospital - reaching out to the Governor, state health officials and prominent lawmakers.

A special thanks to the hundreds of residents who signed or circulated petitions, wrote letters, put lawn signs on your front lawns, called lawmakers. Your voice was heard. This hospital is a community treasure. PAUL FEINER

SPEED CAMERAS SHOULD BE AUTHORIZED IN WESTCHESTER...REMINDER: LAST DAY TO PAY TAXES IS TODAY

The NY State Legislature should adopt legislation that would authorize speed cameras to be used in Westchester County to control speeding. Under NY State law, speed cameras cannot be used in any location outside of NYC where they are being evaluated in a pilot project. If the law would change local governments would be able to place them near schools and in areas where reports indicate that speeding has led to an inordinately high number of accidents. A news story that appeared on the TODAY show on January 31st indicated that speed cameras have cut speeding dramatically in the streets around the nation that have them.Local governments should also be authorized to utilize stop sign cameras.
I will be urging the NYS Legislature to adopt legislation that will enable every municipality in Westchester County to use speed camera’s. Those wishing to participate in the lobbying effort should e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
REMINDER: TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO PAY THE 2ND HALF OF YOUR SCHOOL TAXES. The Town Hall is open till 7 PM. You can also pay your school tax bill on line: www.greenburghny.com.

FREE BUS SERVICE FROM E HARTSDALE AVE/HIGHPOINT TO LIBRARY STARTS NEXT WEDNESDAY

Last night, members of the Greenburgh Town Board ( Kevin Morgan, Sonja Brown, Francis Sheehan, Diana Juettner & I ) met with residents of E Hartsdale Ave to discuss our efforts to try to encourage the Library Board to restore the cybermobile and Sunday library hours. A suggestion was made at the meeting that the town offer bus service to the library from E Hartsdale Ave and Highpoint (two locations with many senior citizens – some who don’t have cars).

As a result of the meeting – the town will begin offering free bus service to take seniors to the library/town hall from East Hartsdale Ave and Highpoint BEGINNING Wednesday, February 6th. The bus will leave E Hartsdale Ave at 10 AM and a few minutes later from Highpoint. The bus will return from the library around noon and at 3 PM. The town will use an existing bus and driver for this service so no additional taxpayer dollars (other than gas) will be spent.

Those wishing to take advantage of the service are requested to call 693-8997 by Tuesday to make a reservation. They can also e mail lmaranino@greenburghny.com If we find that seniors/residents would like the bus service expanded to more than one day a week – we will accommodate their request and expand this program.

Efforts will continue to take place to encourage the Greenburgh Library Board to restore the cybermobile and Sunday library hours

FROM LOHUD.COM--SERIOUS CRIME IN GREENBURGH AT ALL TIME LOW

Serious crime down in Greenburgh; police chief says it's the lowest in 25 years
Gerald McKinstry • The Journal News • January 30, 2008
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GREENBURGH - Serious crime in town dropped nearly 12 percent last year to a 25-year low while other lesser infractions rose.
Police Chief John Kapica said the numbers were the "best they've ever been" during his tenure. He credited "active crime prevention" efforts and aggressively pursuing less serious crimes as reasons for the decline.
"We're treating minor crime more seriously," Kapica said this week, citing vandalism as one example. "I really believe a lot of what we're doing with community policing is working. We put a lot of resources into youth programs. I think they're paying off."
There were 795 serious crimes reported in 2007, a drop of 108 since the year before, according to figures recently released by the Police Department.
Serious crime is defined by the Department of Justice as aggravated assault, burglary, homicide, larceny, motor vehicle theft, robbery and rape.
Last year, there were 903 serious offenses compared with 1,029 in 2004 and 1,108 in 2003, according to police figures.
Larceny was down significantly, as was vehicle theft, felony assault, robbery and burglary, according to the department's statistics. Homicides remained the same at one, and rapes doubled to two.
Greenburgh's overall decline mirrors other communities, including White Plains, which recently reported that serious crimes hit a 42-year low.
Greenburgh, the largest town in Westchester County and the county's fifth-largest municipality, calculates crime differently than other departments in New York that use the Uniform Crime Reporting System. The town individually counts all crime, even if more than one is committed in a given incident; most departments only list serious crime.
Arrests were up 11.8 percent to 1,376, with most of those - 1,013 - classified as misdemeanors such as assault, driving while intoxicated, drug possession and criminal mischief.
Kapica said some of those increases, particularly driving while intoxicated, drug-related offenses and prostitution, occurred because police were more aggressive with stings, task forces and investigations.
Among the largest spikes in less-serious crime was fraud and forgery, up more than 69 percent to 166 reported incidents. Kapica said that trend would likely continue, with identity theft increasing.
Police responded to 36,824 calls for service and gave out 5,893 tickets, slight increases from last year. The department has 122 members, he said.
Supervisor Paul Feiner commended the Police Department and its community policing efforts. Feiner said he was pleased with the numbers, albeit somewhat cautious, given that crime can be cyclical and affected by many other factors such as the economy.
"Every year you think it's the lowest and then it gets lower," Feiner said. "We always give the police most of the resources they request and the tools, staff and equipment. They're constantly upgrading and improving. So far, it's worked."

E HARTSDALE AVE SENIORS WANT BUS TO LIBRARY TILL CYBERMOBILE RESTORED

The Town Board met with residents of E Hartsdale Ave. Some seniors suggested that the bus that currently takes seniors to supermarkets also take seniors to the library--at least until the cybermobile is re-activated. Many seniors on the avenue do not have cars. This is a good idea, in my opinion. I have contacted the Commissioner & Deputy Commissioner of Parks and have asked them to consider this suggestion.

super STOP & SHOP proposal being discussed today at 2

The proposed Stop & Shop application for 119 (near Sheraton Hotel) will be discussed today at 2 PM

SUNRISE IS BACK...E HARTSDALE AVE MEETING TONIGHT...LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

TONIGHTS MEETING ON E HARTSDALE AVE WILL BE HELD AT 119 E Hartsdale Ave. Major topic: Our efforts to restore cybermobile library service, Sunday library hours. Meeting had previously been scheduled for 80 E Hartsdale Ave.
PRESENTATION & UPDATE ON LIBRARY—YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED! : Library expansion—Town Board meeting, Wednesday evening February 13. Questions that are submitted to the townboard@greenburghny.com in writing on or before February 6th will be answered at the meeting during the presentation.
NEW PROPOSAL: SUNRISE ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY ON ROUTE 119 (near Tarrytown/Greenburgh border)
The following letter was received today.
Sunrise Assisted Living, the premier national provider of quality senior living residences, would like to meet with your Board to discuss its interest in locating a facility in the Town of Greenburgh. Sunrise has located a site off of Route 119, where, we respectfully submit, both its and the Town’s needs would be well served. Perhaps most obviously, Sunrise would help the Town address its increasing need for quality senior housing. With over 25 years of experience, Sunrise prides itself in its expertise in providing dignified, nurturing environments for the elderly. To champion the quality of life for all seniors has been Sunrise’s mission since 1981. Sunrise operates more than 420 senior living communities throughout the world. The average Sunrise Senior Living Community contains 80 to 84 assisted living units and common facilities. We invite the Board to visit Sunrise’s Web site at www.sunriseseniorliving.com and to visit any of Sunrise’s existing facilities in Westchester County to learn more. The Sunrise project would yield significant tax revenue for the Town, and Sunrise looks forward to discussing with the Board other potential amenities it could offer. The benefits of the Sunrise project would come with minimal environmental impacts. Sunrise would create an attractive Victorian Style Grand Manor building with residential characteristics and a landscape to enhance aesthetic appeal. Sunrise’s landscaping usually exceeds that which is required by most municipalities, including a network of walkways and gardens to provide therapeutic and leisure areas for the residents. Sunrise has the flexibility to adapt its design to fit into any development or community and they pride themselves on the level of quality that they design and build. Notably, the grade of the Old White Plains Road property would make the Sunrise facility barely visible from nearby residences. The average age for a Sunrise resident is 85 years old, and since most of the residents do not drive, the parking ratio is very low (0.5 spaces per unit). Low traffic impacts, zero impact on schools, and the attractive design of the building’s interior and exterior, combined with beautiful landscaping and amenities provided to the seniors make Sunrise an attractive project to both the community and the municipality. Sunrise’s use of the site would be a marked improvement over other possible alternatives under the present zoning. Sunrise is anxious to engage the Town in the planning process as soon as possible.
A few years ago Sunrise had expressed interest in building assisted living at the old Town Hall, next to the library. The library objected to part of the site being used by Sunrise for assisted living and requested that the old town hall site be used for parking at the library. Sunrise withdrew their application.

DOBBS FERRY RUDY'S BEAU RIVAGE TO BECOME WINDOWS ON HUDSON---CHARTHOUSE TO BE TAKEN OVER BY HARVEST ON HUDSON

2008 marks the 40th year of a successful catering business for Rudy’s Beau Rivage. It is also a milestone year that will see the merger of two families. Silvio DiMeglio, owner of “Silvios” in Yonkers has partnered with Peter Croese, owner of Rudy’s Beau Rivage in a joint venture to eventually create “Windows on the Hudson”. The new name will not be unveiled until a multimillion dollar two year revitalization plan takes effect.
The union will enable extensive renovations to the facility both internally and externally to enhance this superior location with panoramic views of the Hudson River. The remodeling will include the outdoor terrace space, facelifts for the ballrooms and common areas along with façade changes.
Another restaurant in Dobbs Ferry--the Charthouse--has been purchased by the owners of Harvest on Hudson.

SCHOOL TAXES DUE THURSDAY--GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY--POST YOUR COMMENTS, WEEK OF JAN 28

Week of Jan 28-- Please post your comments about town issues.

REMINDER: THE SECOND HALF OF YOUR SCHOOL TAXES ARE DUE ON THURSDAY. AVOID PENALTIES.
YOU CAN PAY YOUR TAXES ON LINE!--WWW.GREENBURGHNY.COM (NO ADDITIONAL FEES)

WORK SESSION AGENDA--THIS TUESDAY, JAN 29

Work Session of the Greenburgh Town Council Members
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Channel 76)

Beginning the first Tuesday of Feb work sessions will be streamed live on the internet

1:00 p.m. Reorganization
2:00 p.m. Super Stop ‘N Shop proposal
3:00 p.m. Hastings/Irvington Fire Contracts

4:00 p.m. Streaming Meetings – George Malone
Scheduling department head meetings to discuss overtime/vacancies in their departments (months of Dec/Jan)
Requesting that Library Board, Recreation Board and Community Center Advisory Board meetings be televised
Requesting final report Carter Ledyard (5 minutes) scheduling meeting once report is finalized
4:15 p.m. Review applications for Library Board Vacancy
4:30 p.m. Update: New Commissioner/Deputy: Theodore D. Young Community Center (search committee) Audit Theodore D. Young Community Center)

4:45 p.m. Executive Session – Personnel
5:30 p.m. Adjourn
The Board will reconvene the Work Session at 7:30pm and will be meeting with residents of
80 East Hartsdale Avenue to discuss the Library Cybermobile and resumption of Sunday Library
hours as well as other concerns.

February 5th Work Session (tentative)

• Theodore D. Young Community Center Needs Assessment – Carla Rubinger
• Permanent citizens budget committee to address E. Hartsdale Ave. parking (representation to include parking authority, residents, businesses
• Should E. Hartsdale Ave. sidewalk sales be expanded to include more weekends as was the case last year?

SUPER STOP & SHOP ON TOWN BD WORK SESSION AGENDA TUESDAY

The Greenburgh Town Board will hear a very brief presentation from the applicant of the super Stop & Shop store –Tarrytown/119 this Tuesday January 29th at 2 PM at Town Hall. This meeting will be televised live on public access TV and archived on the town web site: www.greenburghny.com (archives-Town Bd). There is no need for residents who support or oppose this application to attend this meeting unless they want to since public hearings, information meetings will be held in the evening at future dates. It is usually the practice of applicants to provide the Town Board with a courtesy meeting at the very beginning of the process.
White Hickory Associates LLC is proposing to build a Super Stop & Shop along the Tarrytown-White Plains Road/Route119 corridor in Greenburgh. The White Hickory proposal calls for a 75,000 square foot, state of the art, full-service Super Stop & Shop supermarket to be built next to the new Sheraton Hotel at 600 White Plains Road. The proposal also includes an additional 50,000 square feet of office space, 15,000 square feet of general retail space and approximately 8,600 square feet of other free-standing commercial space for the remaining portion of the site, along with ample parking. At approximately 150,000 total square feet, the White Hickory proposal is still 40% less in size than the 250,000 square feet of office space that was previously approved for the site.
A high-end, full service supermarket such as Super Stop & Shop would provide a greatly needed service to area residents who presently do not have such an establishment in close proximity to their homes. In addition, the supermarket and other anticipated uses would offer convenient and quality shopping for area office workers. The White Hickory proposal is also situated in an appropriate location, given that White Plains Road is an established commercial corridor on a state arterial highway with ample capacity to serve any additional traffic generated by the project. Aesthetically, the proposed supermarket, office and retail uses will be set back and lowered below-grade from Route 119 so they have a minimal visual impact, coupled with tasteful and compatible architecture. The White Hickory proposal is presently before the Town Board for full zoning, planning and environmental review

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT --BDS AND COMMISSIONS

This letter is going to be sent to the chairs of all the Greenburgh Boards/commissions.
The Greenburgh Town Board will be considering a proposal to require members of all boards/committees to attend a certain percentage of the Board meetings of Boards they are appointed to. If a member misses more meetings than authorized by the new law – the seat would become vacant and the Town Board would appoint a replacement.

I would appreciate your discussing this proposal with members of your Board. I would also appreciate your providing me and members of the Town Board with feedback. Do you have attendance problems with Board members? What do you think would be an appropriate attendance requirement? What, if any exemptions (such as illness) should be authorized if a new law is approved?

If any member of your Board has an attendance problem – I would also appreciate it if you would ask if he/she is still interested in serving?
PAUL FEINER

LIBRARY CAN RESTORE CYBERMOBILE AND SUNDAY HOURS--LOOKS LIKE THEY HAVE A NICE SURPLUS FROM 2007

Fyi. If the library wants to keep the library open on Sunday’s and to restore the cybermobile—this is one way you can make this happen. PAUL FEINER
-----Original Message-----
From: Bart J. Talamini
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 2:12 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: RE: library budget--do they have a surplus
Paul,
The library administration submitted their budget for 2008 showing an addition to their fund balance of $ 1,288 (see page 135 of the adopted budget under the column heading Estimate 12/31/07). As of 1/23/08, the library’s actual addition to their fund balance for FYE 12/31/07 is $107,000, however, the books have not been closed out
for the fiscal year ended 12/31/07. Specifically, all of the revenue & expense items for 12/31/07 have not been posted to the library accounts as of 1/23/08 because
we are still processing (accruing/recording the expense) invoices for 2007 expenditures. This is a normal year end procedure that we follow. We will have a better idea
of what the library’s 2007 surplus will be in another week or two. If the library does finish out the year with a surplus, they can certainly apply that surplus to the operation
of the cybermobile.
BT--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:16 AM
To: Bart J. Talamini
Cc: Town Board
Subject: library budget--do they have a surplus
Bart: Can you provide me and members of the Town Board with the following information:
Does the library have a surplus from the 2007 operations? My recollection was that you mentioned that the surplus was $239,000. Can you provide us with the information before tonights meeting.
What is being done with the surplus funds?
PAUL FEINER

E HARTSDALE AVE FLOOD STUDY A FEW WEEKS AWAY

Last year the Town Board commissioned a study of the E Hartsdale Ave flooding. Al Regula, Commissioner of Public Works, advised the Board today that the study should be complete --with recommendations in a few weeks.

TOWN BD DISCUSSES WAYS TO SAVE CYBERMOBILE AND SUNDAY HOURS

The Greenburgh Town Board discussed, with representatives of the Library Board, ways to save the cybermobile and Sunday library hours.
Winsome Gordon of our philanthropy/grants office advised that the town is reaching out to possible private funders ---there are at least two good possibilities.
A suggestion was made to rent out the cybermobile for birthday parties--the library would make stops at the birthday party's house. The cybermobile could also be rented out --the library would make stops at churches, synagogues, other locations. Naturally, the costs of this service would be assumed by those renting the bookmobile.
Another suggestion--reach out to elected officials at the federal, state & county levels. Ask them if they would be willing to use the cybermobile as a mobile office. Their names would be placed on the outside of the bus, their office materials placed on the cybermobile. Their office would pay a fee to the town -- they could assign staff to drive around with the cybermobile. Rent for the town. Visibility for the elected official.
We discussed accepting advertising on the exterior of the bus --the library insisted that the advertising would have to be tasteful.
Another suggestion--reach out to independent living facilities/nursing homes around the town (outside of unincorporated Greenburgh). They could be invited to rent out the cybermobile - the cybermobile would make stops at these locations. Revenue for the town. More services for senior citizens.
A follow up meeting with the Library/Town Board will be held on Feb 12.

CLARIFICATION; BUDGET COMMITTEE

i have created two task forces-- one temporary to pre-screen candidates for comptroller and the other-- a citizens budget management task force that will develop a road map that will enable the town to conduct a comprehensive management review. The permanent committee will be formalized by the Town Board in the near future.

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY--POST YOUR COMMENTS--WEEK OF JAN 21

Please continue to feel free to post your comments about town issues. What can we do to make Greenburgh better?

TODAY: REFLECT on the life of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr
TUESDAY- Work session begins at 1 PM. Ends at 5:30 PM TELEVISED LIVE
WEDNESDAY- Town Board meeting 7:30 PM
CITIZENS BUDGET COMMITTEE is continuing their interviews with possible Comptroller candidates.

TOWN BD TO DISCUSS FINANCIAL ADVISORS RECOMMENDATION TO REFINANCE BONDS ON TUESDAY- SAVINGS COULD EXCEED $211,000

The Town currently has potential refunding savings from four different bond issues which were sold in the years 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2000. .

Based on interest rates of January 16, 2008, a refunding of the four bond issues noted above results in budgetary savings to the Town of $211,663. The present value of these savings are $174,633 or 3.36%; the bonds to be refinanced and 3.37% of the proposed refunding bonds. As a benchmark, many issuers of tax-exempt bonds use a minimum of 3% savings to gauge the cost effectiveness of a refunding transaction. These savings are net of the costs of issuance (underwriter, bond counsel, financial advisor, ratings, etc.) and will be realized over the next nine years ending in 2016. Annual savings will average about $19,000 a year but close to $25,000+ for the first seven years. The true interest rate for the refunding bond is 3.19% which compares to average coupon on the refunded bonds of 4.55%.

Certain data for the proposed refunding is as follows:

Debt Debt %
Service Service Savings
Bond Amount Refunded Refunding Refunded
Issue Outstanding Bonds Bonds Savings Bonds

1996 $1,555,000 $1,901,076 $1,809,474 $ 91,602 4.87%
1997 775,000 869,550 854,006 15,544 1.58
1999 1,615,000 1,900,375 1,839,919 60,456 2.89
2000 1,250,000 1,497,926 1,453,865 44,061 3.20

Totals $5,195,000
$6,168,927
$5,957,264
$211,663
3.36%

In my opinion, the assumptions used for the refunding plans and the estimated savings are reasonable. The assumed interest rates are in-line with current conditions and the costs of issuance are comparable or better than competitive borrowings the Town has done in the past. For example, the underwriters’ proposed or discount $4.50 per $1,000 of refunding bonds. The underwriters’ discount for the Library bonds sold in 2007 was approximately $11.40 per $1,000. The markets have been extremely volatile over the past few months due to the ongoing subprime mortgage loan problems. There is certainly no guarantee that a refunding would produce the results noted above. However, we will have the flexibility to postpone the sale of these bonds if the results do not match the current estimates. I would recommend that the Town adopt the necessary refunding bond resolution as soon as possible. Once the authorization is in place, the Town will be able to move quickly to take advantage of favorable market conditions. Prior to the actual sale of the bonds, the underwriter will provide continuous updates monitoring the markets and keeping the Town informed on the status of the refunding.

library drop off box saved..bd meeting tuesday to discuss cybermobile/sunday hours

GOOD NEWS... LIBRARY DROP OFF BOX SAVED! The Greenburgh Library has reconsidered their plans to remove the library drop off box on E Hartsdale Ave. This convenient box is located across the Hartsdale train station. Library patrons can drop off library books/video's that were taken out. Thank you--Greenburgh Library for continuing this service.
CYBERMOBILE/SUNDAY HOURS NEED TO BE RESTORED? The Greenburgh Town Board will discuss the need to restore the cybermobile/Sunday hours at our work session this Tuesday at 2 PM. Meetings are open to the public and are held at Town Hall. Work sessions are now televised on local public access TV.
SHOULD ELECTED OFFICIALS HAVE SOME OVERSIGHT OVER NON ELECTED LIBRARY BD MEMBERS---One of the issues that must be discussed is the roles of the elected Town Board and the unelected Library Board. The elected Town Board provided the Library Board with funding for the cybermobile and Sunday hours. The unelected Library Board decided to use the funds allocated for the cybermobile/Sunday hours for other purposes. I believe that some of the library purchases/spending could be deferred until after the new library opens. The Library claims that under NYS law they do not have to listen to the Town Board. They can shift funds for any purposes --even if the Town Board disagrees. How can elected officials oversee budgets if we have no control over significant aspects of town budgets? If the Town Board objects to out of state travel expenses, salary increases over the cost of living, additional hirings - we cannot do anything about our concerns --according to the Library Board. The law should be changed.
If the Library Board wants to be independent of the Town Board they should create a special library district. I would support a Library district. It would remove the library from political interference. Library Board members would be elected by the people. Library budgets would be voted annually by the people. The library would be accountable to you, the taxpayers.
PAUL FEINER

TWO NEW OPEN GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES FROM THE TOWN CLERK

Two new open government initiatives--thanks to Town Clerk Judith Beville:
1) summaries of previous work session posted on work session agenda.
2) Residents who complete a form to speak at Town Board meetings can check off a box. If they have a question and want it answered (assuming the question is not answered on the spot), they can give their name, contact info and the question will be answered by a town official. In addition, residents who speak at Board meetings can provide the clerk with a summary of comments which will be included in the Board minutes.

SINCE JUDITH BEVILLE ASSUMED OFFICE ON JAN 1 SHE HAS...
arranged to televise work sessions live ... NEW
posted agenda notices re: work sessions on Friday before Tuesday meetings NEW


COMING SOON
TOWN BD WORK SESSIONS AND BD MEETINGS TO BE STREAMED LIVE ON THE INTERNET

CAC: BAN LEAF BLOWERS

Review of Leaf Blower Impact
January 15, 2008
The Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) was requested by Supervisor Feiner to study the impact of leaf blowers in the community and make recommendations as to how and if the existing Town of Greenburgh regulations of leaf blowers should be changed.
The existing law regulates the noise level generated by leaf blowers and other equipment and sources.
§ 380-7. Prohibited acts and associated sounds.
H. The operation of gasoline-powered power lawn mowers, leaf blowers or other gasoline-powered lawn or garden equipment or construction tools between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. any weekday, before 9:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. Saturday or any holiday or before 11:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. Sunday. Operation of a gasoline-powered power lawn mower, leaf blower or other gasoline-powered lawn or garden equipment or construction tool in a residential zone may not exceed 75 dBA at any time. Operation of gasoline-powered leaf and garden blowers in excess of 55 dBA is prohibited from May 1 through October 1 of each year
The CAC considered information obtained from the following sources.
• Scientific commentary on the negative health effects of leaf blowers
• Scientific commentary on the negative environmental effects of leaf blowers
• Letters sent to the City Council of Yonkers identifying the negative effects of particulate pollution caused by leaf blowers
• Letters sent to Supervisor Feiner by Greenburgh residents complaining about leaf blower noise levels
• Public comment offered at the July 8, 2007 CAC meeting
• Laws regulating the use of leaf blowers in other Westchester communities
• Westchester Co. laws regulating the use of leaf blowers
• Chief John A. Kapica’s response to CAC inquiries about noise code enforcement history and problems
The CAC concluded that there are significant negative effects to health and the environment associated with the use of leaf blowers. Health is impacted negatively by;
1. Deteriorated air quality resulting from engine exhaust,
2. Deteriorated air quality resulting from particulates blown into the air,
3. Hearing deterioration resulting from exposure to loud noise,
4. Increased health issues associated with exposure to loud noise.
The environment is impacted negatively by;
5. Carbon exhaust that contribute to global warming,
6. The impediment of the formation of organic materials necessary to regenerate the soil, thus impeding the promotion of healthy vegetation useful to control flooding and water purification.
The CAC’s review established that all surrounding communities regulate the use of leaf blowers. The use of leaf blowers is completely banned during the summer month in Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Pelham and Yonkers. The negative effects are greatest in hot humid weather. There exist alternatives for ground maintenance that can be used during the summer months. It should be remembered that prior to the 1970’s there were no leaf blowers.
During the time of the CAC’s study Westchester County adopted legislation regulating exhaust levels of leaf blowers. By 2009 almost all leaf blowers will have to be in compliance. The county law wouldn’t apply to landscapers who only do commercial properties. It does not apply to home owners. The CAC believes this law will mitigate negative effects one and five.
The CAC believes the only way to mitigate the remaining negative effects is to reduce the use of leaf blowers. An all out ban during the summer months would cause the least inconvenience and provide the greatest benefit. Chief Kapica has indicated that a complete ban would be the easiest to enforce.
At its June 11, 2007 meeting, the CAC voted to recommend that the Town have a total ban on the use of leaf blowing equipment from June 1 to September 30. After the review of additional information, the CAC at its meeting on Dec. 10, 2007 again voted to recommend the total ban from June 1 to September 30, The CAC hopes that the Town Board will adopt this recommendation swiftly so that it can be implemented for the 2008 landscaping contract period.

CITIZENS BUDGET COMMITTEE BEGINS INTERVIEWS OF COMPTROLLER CANDIDATES

The newly formed Citizens Budget Committee started to interview candidates for the position of Comptroller tonight. They will pre-screen applicants and recommend finalists. The Town Board will review the recommendations of the committee and make the final decision.

THE TOWN BOARD IS GOING TO REVIEW ALL OVERTIME EXPENDITURES WITH DEPT HEADS--STARTING IN EARLY FEBRUARY. WE WILL BE RECEIVING A LISTING OF OVERTIME BY EMPLOYEE EVERY TWO WEEKS. JUST ONE OF MANY INITIATIVES BEING TAKEN TO CONTROL COSTS.

WESTHAB TO TURN FORMER HOMELESS SHELTER INTO AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR WORKING PEOPLE

WESTHAB PLANNING TO DEMOLISH OLD HOMELESS SHELTER AND TO TURN IT INTO AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR WORKING PEOPLE
APPLICATION FOR ZONING AMENDMENT FILED - TOWN BOARD TO REVIEW PROPOSAL

WESTHAB is proposing to demolish the old WESTHAB homeless shelter and to construct a new six story multi family dwelling. The proposed project would have about 42 dwelling units, 17 studio apartments, 15 single bedroom apartments and 10 two bedroom apartments providing workforce housing to members of the community. There will also be an elevator, laundry facilities, a community room and a fully landscaped green roof that is intended to provide outdoor passive recreation space for resident use.
Access to the property will be from existing curb cuts on Tarrytown Road and County Center Road. 51 park spaces are being proposed, 30 at grade level and 21 parking spaces below grade level.
This proposed housing will be only be for people who work. In the past the property has been used as a homeless shelter. An amendment to the zoning laws are required. The application must also be reviewed by the Planning Board.
If you want to be kept informed of this application please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. Or….drop me a note and I’ll advise you of all public hearings on this application. I would welcome the opportunity to speak to you personally to discuss the proposed application in greater detail.
Your input is always appreciated.

LIBRARY TOUR--PAY STATIONS FOR PARKING FOR NON RESIDENTS...RENTING SPACE?

I spent some time this AM touring the new library --which is under construction. Insurance and utility costs are going to be high. Some suggestions for discussion:
1)Instead of placing parking meters at the parking area - we might want to consider having less expensive pay stations (similar to the pay stations that are located all around the county). Residents of unincorporated Greenburgh could receive either a free parking sticker or pay a nominal fee for an annual sticker. Non residents would pay a larger fee for an annual sticker or pay at the pay station every time they use the parking facilities at the library. I anticipate that many people who use the library will not be Greenburgh residents. Yet--Greenburgh taxpayers are footing the bill for the new library.
2)The library will be very big. We should consider renting space to a bookstore, to computer companies, etc... to help offset costs --and to help us maintain the level of services residents expect.

HASTINGS CONSIDERS BANS ON LEAF BLOWERS--SHOULD GREENBURGH DO THE SAME?

the village of Hastings is holding a hearing on Tuesday night to consider adopting a ban on leaf blowers. Should Greenburgh do the same?
The Public Hearing is first, on the Leaf Blower Ordinance.
Very briefly, the Ordinance proposes limiting leaf blower use to:
Fall - October 15 to December 15 (2 months)
Spring - April 1 to May 15 (6 weeks)
For more details:
There are two versions - the Board has yet to decide on enforcement - who should be fined in the event that the Ordinance is not respected - the homeowner or the landscaping company. All the other items are the same.
I have asked the Conservation Advisory Council to make recommendations on this matter.

LIBRARY BD CUTS DROP OFF BOX ON E HARTSDALE AVE--UNNECESSARILY

I just learned that the Library Board has eliminated the drop off box service on E Hartsdale Ave. Another unnecessary cut. The library and town should be service oriented. This box provided commuters and residents of the town with excellent outreach.

I am researching whether the Town Board can expand the number of members of the Library Board. The Library Board claims they are independent of the town. In recent weeks they have eliminated some important services:
CYBERMOBILE
SUNDAY HOURS
DROP OFF BOXES

A & P RESPONSE TO SELLING OUTDATED FOOD

I received the following letter from the A & P concerning a complaint that 433 outdated items were found at the A & P Tarrytown Road store. Many cheese, yogurt, and vacuum packed meats were sold after the expiration date.
I am asking residents to help make sure that this does not happen again. Please advise me if you see outdated items at any supermarket in Greenburgh. My e mail is pfeiner@greenburghny.com. I believe that stiff penalties should be imposed on supermarkets or stores that sell outdated items.

January 11, 2008
Paul J. Feiner
Town Supervisor
Town of Greenburgh
177 Hillside Avenue
Greenburgh, New York 10607
Dear Mr. Feiner –
I hope you’ll pardon the relative informality of an E-mail, but I wanted to communicate promptly regarding your letter to our store manager Gino Maselli, regarding to the code dating issues at the store that came to light recently – and also ask if you would be kind enough to forward this note to Mr. Gary Brown, Director of Consumer Protection.
Although we appreciate your invitation to attend a future Town Board meeting, the fact is that the corrective actions to remedy the unacceptable situation at that store – and at other A&P-operated stores that were included in the County Executive’s survey – have already taken place.
As we said in our statement to media last week, the issue is for the most part one of discipline regarding the regular inspection of display cases to ensure the removal of items before their “sell-by” dates expire. Our operations management was disturbed by the findings of the survey and embarrassed by ensuing publicity, which we acknowledge was justified under the circumstances. We immediately deployed field management and store associates to correct non-compliance issues across our store operations in the area, which of course included Greenburgh. Going forward, Mr. Maselli – and his counterparts in sister stores – are under instruction to make ongoing vigilance of code date compliance a priority consideration, as of course it should be.
From the standpoint of our customers and your constituents, the real proof our commitment will be the ongoing maintenance of our store and the products we sell, to ensure the quality standards we demand, and our customers expect and deserve. We certainly invite you to hold us to that standard in the future, and stand ready to directly answer any additional questions you may have.
Thanks in advance for your consideration and understanding.

Sincerely yours,
Richard P. De Santa
Senior Director, Corporate Affairs
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc.
2 Paragon Drive, Montvale, NJ 07645
201-571-4495



.

CON ED RATE HIKE HEARING..BRONX RIVER VIADUCT UPDATE

Consolidated Edison filed an application with the New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) to increase rates for its electric service. The Company has proposed to increase its annual electric revenues by $1.225 billion. According to the Company, the increase is needed to support investments in the electric delivery infrastructure, demand reduction and energy efficiency initiatives, among other areas. A public hearing is being held on:
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
4:30 pm
and
6:30 pm
The Westchester County Center
98 Central Avenue
White Plains, New York 10606

Writing: Those who cannot attend or prefer not to speak at a public statement hearing may comment by writing to Jaclyn A. Brilling, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350. Your comments should refer to "Case 07-E-0523 Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. Rates."

Internet: Comments may also be submitted via the "PSC Comment Form" in the "Consumer Assistance" file accessed through the Commission's website at http://www.dps.state.ny.us/ or via the "Contact Us" link in the banner area at the top of the page.
All comments submitted via one of these alternative means should be submitted or mailed and post marked no later than February 8, 2008. Commission's website Case 07-E-0532, Con Ed Electric Rate Case.
(http://www.dps.state.ny.us/Case_07-E-0523.htm).
The Westchester County Department of Public Works invites you to attend the Public Meeting and Project Briefing for the reconstruction / replacement of the Crane Road Viaduct on the Bronx River Parkway over the Bronx River and Metro-North Railroad at Crane Road.
This event takes place on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 with an open house at 7:00 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m. at the Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains.

REVENUE SUGGESTION- SHOULD THE TOWN RENT AN ADDITIONAL ROOM AT TOWN HALL ONCE LIBRARY VACATES?

Should the town rent out the training room (now the children's room) at town hall once the library vacates after October? Should we start reaching out to realtors to help us rent the space?

MEETING TOMORROW RE: citizens budget management review committee

On Thursday, January 10th at 7:15 PM there will be a meeting to establish a citizens budget/management review committee. The committee will help the Town Board review management procedures and will develop recommendations to make town government more efficient. We want to carefully monitor all spending in the town, look for ways to save money, make the budget much more transparent. The meeting will take place at Greenburgh Town Hall. This meeting is open to the public.
On Tuesday, January 15th at 7:15 PM there will be a land use summit meeting with the Town Board, Zoning Board & Planning Boards. The purpose of the meeting: to review existing land use policies. This meeting is also open to the public and will be held at Town Hall.

WESTCHESTER LIBRARY SYSTEM ON POWERS OF LIBRARY BDS

Dear Supervisor Feiner:
Not meaning to be contrary, but NYS Education Laws are pretty specific regarding the roles and responsibilities of library boards. They don’t “wish to be independent” of their funding bodies they absolutely are independent of their funding bodies. Of note, trustees of public libraries derive their “powers” from the NYS Board of Regents and it is the Board of Regents that defines the roles and responsibilities of public library trustees. Under Public Library Law(s) library boards have broad and almost exclusive powers and authority to administer the library. The funding agency – in this case the Town of Greenburgh - appoints or approves the recommendation of individuals to the library board. Once that individual becomes a board member and takes their oath to uphold the federal and state constitutions they become a member of an independent body receiving public funds.
Local Laws have no impact on the overall governance of the library since libraries are State chartered organizations.
It is the ultimate responsibility of the Greenburgh Board of Trustees to effectively allocate the budget which meets minimum standards of the State as well as deliver library services which meet the needs of the broadest constituency given challenging budget scenarios.
I have spoken with Tim Lewis and pointed out sections 259 and 260 of the Public Library Laws of New York State which deal with the creation of public libraries and the roles and responsibilities of public library trustees.
Hopefully this information is helpful. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to call on me.
Siobhan A Reardon
Director
Westchester Library System
540 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, New York 10591-5110
Tel: (914) 231-3223

Fax: (914) 674-4185

Email: sreardon@wlsmail.org

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY--SAY WHAT YOU WANT ABOUT OUR TOWN!

Greenburgh Democracy--say what you want about our town.

TUESDAY (TODAY)
TOWN BOARD WORK SESSION 2-5:30 PM Executive session resumes at 8:30 PM

WEDNESDAY (TOMORROW)
TOWN BOARD MEETING
SWEARING IN CEREMONY

THURSDAY 7:15 PM
INITIAL MEETING OF CITIZENS BUDGET/MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Town Hall

SHOULD CYBERMOBILE BUS ACCEPT ADVERTISING? SHOULD THE BUS BE SHARED WITH OTHER MUNICIPAL LIBRARIES?

In the event that the Greenburgh Library Board decides not to reinstate the cybermobile and if the Town Attorney finds that the Library Board does not have to listen to the elected Town Board (which supports the cybermobile)--what are the options?
Should the Town Board contact neighboring communities and offer to share the cybermobile with them? The cybermobile could continue to serve the neighborhoods that made the most use of the cybermobile (E Hartsdale Ave, Westchester Meadows, Highpoint). The town could generate additional revenue by renting out the cybermobile to other communities part time (when our bus is not in use).
IN ADDITION- should the town accept advertising on the outside of the bus? Many businesses might be interested in using the cybermobile as an advertisement (similar to the advertising on county buses). What do you think?

REQUESTING TOWN ATTY TO ISSUE FORMAL OPINION RE: library bds decision to cut cybermobile and sunday library hours

REQUESTING A FORMAL WRITTEN OPINION THAT CAN BE SHARED WITH THE PUBLIC REGARDING POWERS OF LIBRARY
OPINION SHOULD BE RELEASED ON OR BEFORE WEDNESDAY NIGHTS TOWN BOARD MEETING
TO: TIM LEWIS
Dear Tim: Last month the non elected Greenburgh Library Board ignored the clear mandate of the elected Town Board that the Greenburgh public library provide cybermobile and Sunday library services to Greenburgh residents. The opinions cited by the Library Trustees don't make practicable sense. The elected Town Board should have some discretion as to how taxpayer dollars are spent by the library. Some of the members of the Town Board, including me, feel that the Library can make other cuts and still maintain the cybermobile and Sunday hours. I have suggested, for example, that purchases and spending be deferred until after the new library opens and that salaries of all library employees stay within the cost of living increases that other town employees are receiving.
I am requesting that on or before Wednesday's Town Board meeting you release (to the public & Town Board) an opinion listing both the applicable NYS laws and the NYS court decisions interpreting those laws. Does the Town Board have the legal power to direct the Greenburgh Library to spend a designated allocation only on the cybermobile/Sunday hours? Can we tell the library that if they do not use the funds for these purposes that the funds will not be released to the Library for other purposes? Can there be conditional appropriations (the library gets the funds but conditions are attached to the funds)?
Can the Town Board amend any local laws to give us additional oversight of the library budget?
If the Library Board wants to be independent of the town government they should create an independent special library district, which is authorized by NY State law. The Library Board of Trustees members would be elected and their budget would be submitted to the people for a vote each year. If the Library Board wants to stay a part of the town government - the elected members of the Town Board should have a say as to how taxpayer dollars are being spent.
I am sending a copy of this e mail to the Town Board, Library Board chair and vice chair and the Westchester Library System. They are invited to submit legal opinions to the Town Board as well.
PAUL FEINER

CNN: WORK FOR TAXES --"A TERRIFIC IDEA"

CNN broadcast a story today about the proposed Greenburgh work for taxes initiative. They also interviewed participants in other communities that have this program. The news anchor called the concept "a terrific idea".

AN ECO FITNESS AREA AT GOLF RANGE? what are your thoughts?

I have always encouraged resident feedback about proposed developments BEFORE applications are submitted. Early feedback provides potential applicants with the ability to determine whether it's worth spending their time and money submitting land use applications. I received the following e mail from Jeff Binder. John Lucido, Building Inspector, advises that this proposed use may be possible with a change in the Ordinance. Currently, the Ordinance permits a facility which includes; ice-skating, tennis, swimming and similar facilities on land containing 5 acres in residential districts by Special Permit, however, they are only permitted in association with “Private clubs or social clubs operated by nonprofit membership corporations exclusively for members and their guests.” What has to be established is if the person who is interested wants to run it as a private membership club or if it is to be open to the general public. If that’s the case then there needs to be a modification in the Special Permit language to allow it.
PAUL FEINER
PROPOSAL FOR ECO FITNESS AREA AT GOLF RANGE
I have a client who is interested in developing a portion of the Westchester Driving Range site on 100B into the area's first "Eco-Fitness" venue which would include indoor multi-sport, tennis, pool, fitness and organic foods restaurant. The complex would be located on about 6 acres of the 32 that was at one time proposed as a residential subdivision site (a no longer viable deal apparently).
Solar, biodiesels, and geo-thermal would help provide power to run the facility. Local produce would also be served at the restaurant.
Before we go much further with the transaction, we wanted to get a general sense from you whether you thought this would be a positive project for that location and the Town.
Jeffrey Binder, Esq. PS -- I can be reached at (914) 946-3191 as well as e-mail binderlaw@hotmail.com.

WORK SESSION AGENDA ON WEB, AS PROMISED, TOWN BD WORK SESSIONS TO BE TELEVISED

Greenburgh Town Clerk Judith Beville kept her promise and posted the Town Board work session agenda for Tuesday afternoon (beginning at 2 PM) on our web site. The work session will start at 2 and end at 5:30. In the future Town Board work sessions, which will be televised on cable (new!) and streamed live on the internet by the end of the month (also new!) will be held from 1 PM to 5:30 PM.

All tentative work session agendas will be posted by the end of business on the Friday before the Tuesday meeting. A final agenda will be posted no later than Monday at noon.

A & P on Tarrytown Road HAD 433 outdated items

Westchester County's consumer chief says a check of 59 supermarket dairy cases found an average of 88 outdated items per store, including some cheddar cheese that was eight months past its prime.

An A&P in Greenburgh on Tarrytown Road had 433 outdated items, says Gary Brown, the county director of consumer protection. An A&P in Mamaroneck, a Food Emporium in Yorktown and a Shop Rite in Bedford Hills (where the cheddar cheese was found) all had 247 or more products that were being sold after their ``sell-by'' date.

Nearly half of all the expired products has passed their date by 10 or more days, he says. Cheese, yogurt and vacuum-packed meat were most commonly expired.
I intend to invite management of the A & P to an upcoming Town Board meeting to discuss what happened and what actions are being taken to make sure that this never happens again. PAUL FEINER

ALTERNATE MEMBER OF PLANNING BD --new law to be introduced

Introduction of a Local Law establishing a new chapter in the Town Code of the Town of Greenburgh entitled “Planning Board, Alternate Members” permitting the appointment of alternate members to serve on the planning board when regular members are ill, on extended vacation or find they have a conflict of interest on a specific matter before such board.
This will be on the agenda of the Town Board meeting on Wednesday. A public hearing will be scheduled.

SHOULD LIBRARY BD MEETINGS BE TELEVISED?

The Town Board televises our Board meetings. The Zoning Board & PLanning Board also televise our meetings. Should the Library Board televise their meetings? I think the answer is yes.
Last week the Library Board (without any advance notice) advised the Town Board that they were eliminating the cybermobile and closing the library on Sunday's. The Town Board had funded both the cybermobile and Sunday hours. I do not support these cuts.
If the Library Board would have televised their deliberations it would have provided the public with an understanding of the reasons behind their decision. Who recommended the cuts? Were these cuts made for political reasons? Were other cuts considered? WHy did the Library Board decide to increase some salariesof employees by more than the cost of living when other town employees only received a 3% increase? Could the library have deferred spending/purchases until after the new library opens? Did the library board act violate their own rules/regulations and the NY OPen meetings law when they made the cuts without advance public notice? Does the Library Board have the ability to spend funds allocated for one purpose (cybermobile) on other initiatives without consulting the Town Board?