Stories From Main Street: Checking Greenburgh’s Budget Is All In The Family
June 11, 2012 9:27 AM
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Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner (file / credit: Judith Ebenstein / Town of Greenburgh)
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Greenburgh, Paul Feiner, Phil Feiner, Sean Adams, stories from main street, Westchester County GREENBURGH, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Imagine your father coming in and checking up on you at work. That’s what is happening in one Westchester County town, WCBS 880′s Sean Adams reported.
WCBS 880′s Sean Adams On The Story
Phil Feiner goes through Greenburgh‘s finances with a fine tooth comb.
“It’s nickels and dimes, but it adds up,” he told Adams.
Is he a comptroller or an auditor?
“No title,” he said. “Just a volunteer.”
But he’s not just any volunteer. Phil Feiner is the 91-year-old father of Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner.
Stories from Main Street – Photo: Evan Bindelglass / WCBS 880
RELATED: More Stories From Main Street
“I’ve been in office now 21 years and I welcome the fact that my father could be my biggest critic,” Paul Feiner said.
The elder Feiner is retired. He worked in accounting and in the family’s ash can business in the Bronx.
Once a week, he sifts through invoices.
“It’s very simple. Because there’s so much waste in government, the way I look at it, when I look at an invoice, it’s a personal thing,” Phil Feiner said. “I don’t believe in throwing out a dollar. I believe in a fair shake. I don’t believe in taking advantage of anybody.”
He discovered the town wasn’t submitting claims for ambulance runs.
“And as a result of that, they received $1 million a year for Medicare,” he said.
He said that when the library needed a new roof, “They forwarded a bond issue for $300,000. I said ‘That’s ridiculous.’ and they had two good estimates. I said yes to the third estimate and they came up with a $25,000 job, and they saved $275,000.”
“It’s a great service and the town has saved a substantial amount of money – millions of dollars – thanks to my father’s volunteer efforts over the years,” Paul Feiner said.
The fruit didn’t fall far from the Feiner tree.
The supervisor prides himself on being cost-conscious and finally creative and Greenburgh has a Triple-A bond rating.
But at the end of the day, father knows best.
“Somebody said to me, ‘We should send Feiner to Washington.’ and they weren’t talking about me. They were talking about my father,” said Paul Feiner. “I also want government to be run as tight as possible and as efficiently as possible and I feel that having somebody like my father reassures the public that their dollars are being spent efficiently.”
The elder Feiner said he is very proud of his son.
“If my father ran against me, I’d probably vote for him,” said the younger Feiner.
What do you think of this story? Sound off in the comments section below.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
THESE ARE CONCERNS RAISED BY RESIDENTS AT POOL TODAY
During the summer I conduct frequent community outreach meetings with constituents at the AF Veteran Town Pool to solicit feedback from residents. Unlike other constituent outreach meetings ( our next meeting is being held Tuesday evening at 8 PM with residents of E Irvington), I approach constituents (not the other way around) and ask them how we can make Greenburgh a better place.
I was pleased with the response I received during my two hours at the pool today. These were some of the concerns/suggestions/comments raised. There were very few major complaints or concerns -- most of the comments dealt with quality of life matters. And most people seem happy with town services and the responsiveness of town staff to complaints.
I have been conducting these outreach meetings at the pool for over 20 years. I will try to be back at the pool next weekend for more constituent feedback! The following is an outline of some of the issues people raised when I chatted with them.
** MORE SHADE AT THE POOL REQUESTED -- A few people suggested that we have more shaded areas at the pool to protect residents who are concerned about excessive sun. One resident even suggested that if the town spends money to address this concern - that pool patrons have the option to pay more to reserve that location during their day at the pool.
** SENIOR DISCOUNTS--Some residents complained that Cablevision doesn't offer seniors a discount on cable TV services.
** VOLUNTEERING--Two residents offered to volunteer and serve on a committee.
** TENNIS BUBBLE--A number of residents expressed support for the proposed tennis bubble. The NY State Senate and Assembly will decide (within the next two weeks before the state legislative session ends) if they will grant the town permission to lease the tennis courts at AF Veteran park to a private operator. If permission is granted, the town will generate a few million dollars over the 15 year lease in revenue and tennis lovers would have access to tennis during winter months. During the spring/ summer/early fall months the courts go back to the town.
I was pleasantly surprised at the interest and significant support this proposal has.
** E HARTSDALE AVE (4 CORNERS)--CARS DRIVE ON WRONG SIDE OF ROAD--Some constituents complained about safety on E Hartsdale Ave. Some drivers heading towards Central Ave don't like to wait near the 4 corners and quickly drive on the wrong side of the road (to avoid the wait) --creating safety concerns. I will share this concern with the police chief.
** OBJECTING TO PROPOSED TRAFFIC LIGHT IN FRONT OF SOLOMON SCHECTER--Two constituents objected to the proposed traffic light in front of Solomon Schecter. That proposal is on hold -after members of the community expressed concern. Solomon Schecter has been responsive to the community and is listening to their concerns.
** TAPPAN ZEE PARK--A few people mentioned that they liked the proposal I have been working on---to turn the old TZ bridge into a park once the new bridge is built.
** WIFI at the park--Some residents are enjoying the WIFI at AF Veteran park. We just started offering free WIFI this year. A suggestion was made: to put a sign at the entrance to the park advising residents of the new service. (not everyone reads these e mail alerts).
** BIKE RACKS ON BUSES--I've been pushing for bike racks on buses for many years. For some reason, in the past the suggestion did not get much of a public reaction. Today-when I was at the pool - a few people told me that they think it's a great idea. During the past week I received a number of calls/e mails from constituents who also were very enthusiastic.
** A complaint about a home that is not maintained. Will contact the building inspector to determine if there is a violation. Another constituent requested sidewalks near her home in Hartsdale. Some traffic (speeding on local roads) complaints. A few people were upset that we opened the pool on Monday after Memorial Day (not on Saturday). I explained the reason: budget cuts. In years past the pool was not very crowded on Saturday and Sunday (Memorial Day weekend).
Feel free to contact me anytime. My cell: 438-1343. My office: 993 -1545.
PAUL FEINER
I was pleased with the response I received during my two hours at the pool today. These were some of the concerns/suggestions/comments raised. There were very few major complaints or concerns -- most of the comments dealt with quality of life matters. And most people seem happy with town services and the responsiveness of town staff to complaints.
I have been conducting these outreach meetings at the pool for over 20 years. I will try to be back at the pool next weekend for more constituent feedback! The following is an outline of some of the issues people raised when I chatted with them.
** MORE SHADE AT THE POOL REQUESTED -- A few people suggested that we have more shaded areas at the pool to protect residents who are concerned about excessive sun. One resident even suggested that if the town spends money to address this concern - that pool patrons have the option to pay more to reserve that location during their day at the pool.
** SENIOR DISCOUNTS--Some residents complained that Cablevision doesn't offer seniors a discount on cable TV services.
** VOLUNTEERING--Two residents offered to volunteer and serve on a committee.
** TENNIS BUBBLE--A number of residents expressed support for the proposed tennis bubble. The NY State Senate and Assembly will decide (within the next two weeks before the state legislative session ends) if they will grant the town permission to lease the tennis courts at AF Veteran park to a private operator. If permission is granted, the town will generate a few million dollars over the 15 year lease in revenue and tennis lovers would have access to tennis during winter months. During the spring/ summer/early fall months the courts go back to the town.
I was pleasantly surprised at the interest and significant support this proposal has.
** E HARTSDALE AVE (4 CORNERS)--CARS DRIVE ON WRONG SIDE OF ROAD--Some constituents complained about safety on E Hartsdale Ave. Some drivers heading towards Central Ave don't like to wait near the 4 corners and quickly drive on the wrong side of the road (to avoid the wait) --creating safety concerns. I will share this concern with the police chief.
** OBJECTING TO PROPOSED TRAFFIC LIGHT IN FRONT OF SOLOMON SCHECTER--Two constituents objected to the proposed traffic light in front of Solomon Schecter. That proposal is on hold -after members of the community expressed concern. Solomon Schecter has been responsive to the community and is listening to their concerns.
** TAPPAN ZEE PARK--A few people mentioned that they liked the proposal I have been working on---to turn the old TZ bridge into a park once the new bridge is built.
** WIFI at the park--Some residents are enjoying the WIFI at AF Veteran park. We just started offering free WIFI this year. A suggestion was made: to put a sign at the entrance to the park advising residents of the new service. (not everyone reads these e mail alerts).
** BIKE RACKS ON BUSES--I've been pushing for bike racks on buses for many years. For some reason, in the past the suggestion did not get much of a public reaction. Today-when I was at the pool - a few people told me that they think it's a great idea. During the past week I received a number of calls/e mails from constituents who also were very enthusiastic.
** A complaint about a home that is not maintained. Will contact the building inspector to determine if there is a violation. Another constituent requested sidewalks near her home in Hartsdale. Some traffic (speeding on local roads) complaints. A few people were upset that we opened the pool on Monday after Memorial Day (not on Saturday). I explained the reason: budget cuts. In years past the pool was not very crowded on Saturday and Sunday (Memorial Day weekend).
Feel free to contact me anytime. My cell: 438-1343. My office: 993 -1545.
PAUL FEINER
Thursday, June 07, 2012
LOIS BRONZ CHILDRENS CENTER OPERATING AT SURPLUS
A year and a half ago the Lois Bronz Children’s Center, was in jeopardy of closing. I participated in some strategy sessions with the center leadership and attended a session with representatives of Congress, our State Legislators, potential donors and civic leaders at the Madame Walker estate in Irvington–strategizing on approaches that needed to be taken to save the center. We all felt that closing the center was unthinkable!
Dr. Michael Rush, the director of the center, met with me earlier this week and gave me some good news. The center is now operating at a surplus and is not in any danger of closing. This is great news for our community. The center provides outstanding child care services to the community. And, was one of the first child care facilities of its kind in our county. This is the report I just received from Dr. Rush:
PAUL FEINER
Lois Bronz Children’s Center
“A Good Reason to Celebrate”
As you may recall during the 2010-11 school year there were several staff layoffs and the Center was in jeopardy of closing due to financial instability. The community set forth on a campaign to ensure that the Lois Bronz Children’s Center (LBCC) remains open and continue to provide valuable services. Letter writing campaigns, fund raising luncheons, brainstorming sessions, and a complete restructuring of the administrative facet within the Center have helped to strengthen our finances and viability.
Although the Center closed a classroom in the 2010-11 school year, we have since been able to rehire displaced staff and boast a healthy enrollment. Our Special Needs Program was full to capacity by mid-year and we have several more children enrolled this summer as compared to last year. Westchester Districts continue to make referrals to our program since we are no longer in jeopardy of closing.
With our new Administrative restructuring, cash flow management team, and monetary donations from the community and supporting businesses, we are pleased to announce that our center is now fully operating at a surplus and will continue to operate efficiently. We have come together to put our “Children First” and will continue to provide a safe and nurturing educational experience for our children and families for years to come. Even in these difficult economic times, enrollment has risen and many classrooms have waiting lists for this upcoming school year. We have integrated a new interactive and creative curriculum to encompass a love of reading, math and science to help prepare our children for Kindergarten and beyond. The Board of Directors along with the administrative team adopted the “Genius Child Project” which promises to meet the individual needs of every child. We welcome 6-week-olds to 12-year-olds and will provide an array of activities like gymnastics, swimming, tennis, artist in residence and trips to enhance the educational hands on experiences for our children.
We truly appreciate the support that the community and our families continue to give as we help our children grow intellectually, physically, emotionally, culturally and socially. We have an open door policy and welcome visitors to tour our facility and see the faces of our future leaders.
If you would like more information about our center, please feel free to contact Dr. Michael Rush or Jennifer Johnson at 914-761-6134. This is “You, Me and LBCC” working together!
Dr. Michael Rush, the director of the center, met with me earlier this week and gave me some good news. The center is now operating at a surplus and is not in any danger of closing. This is great news for our community. The center provides outstanding child care services to the community. And, was one of the first child care facilities of its kind in our county. This is the report I just received from Dr. Rush:
PAUL FEINER
Lois Bronz Children’s Center
“A Good Reason to Celebrate”
As you may recall during the 2010-11 school year there were several staff layoffs and the Center was in jeopardy of closing due to financial instability. The community set forth on a campaign to ensure that the Lois Bronz Children’s Center (LBCC) remains open and continue to provide valuable services. Letter writing campaigns, fund raising luncheons, brainstorming sessions, and a complete restructuring of the administrative facet within the Center have helped to strengthen our finances and viability.
Although the Center closed a classroom in the 2010-11 school year, we have since been able to rehire displaced staff and boast a healthy enrollment. Our Special Needs Program was full to capacity by mid-year and we have several more children enrolled this summer as compared to last year. Westchester Districts continue to make referrals to our program since we are no longer in jeopardy of closing.
With our new Administrative restructuring, cash flow management team, and monetary donations from the community and supporting businesses, we are pleased to announce that our center is now fully operating at a surplus and will continue to operate efficiently. We have come together to put our “Children First” and will continue to provide a safe and nurturing educational experience for our children and families for years to come. Even in these difficult economic times, enrollment has risen and many classrooms have waiting lists for this upcoming school year. We have integrated a new interactive and creative curriculum to encompass a love of reading, math and science to help prepare our children for Kindergarten and beyond. The Board of Directors along with the administrative team adopted the “Genius Child Project” which promises to meet the individual needs of every child. We welcome 6-week-olds to 12-year-olds and will provide an array of activities like gymnastics, swimming, tennis, artist in residence and trips to enhance the educational hands on experiences for our children.
We truly appreciate the support that the community and our families continue to give as we help our children grow intellectually, physically, emotionally, culturally and socially. We have an open door policy and welcome visitors to tour our facility and see the faces of our future leaders.
If you would like more information about our center, please feel free to contact Dr. Michael Rush or Jennifer Johnson at 914-761-6134. This is “You, Me and LBCC” working together!
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
e hartsdale ave concerts..compost bins/rain barrels
EAST HARTSDALE FARMER’S MARKET CONCERTS THIS SUMMER
The Hartsdale farmer’s market is open on E Hartsdale Ave (DeSanti Plaza)! Town Clerk Judith Beville is organizing free outdoor concerts. Musicians are donating their time. This is the tentative schedule of the concerts. If you are a musician and would like to perform please advise the Town Clerk, Judith Beville by calling her at 993 1504 or e mail her at townclerk@greenburghny.com. I hope you will enjoy the concert series and support our local merchants. The concert last Saturday was cancelled due to the bad weather. Please be advised that all our musicians are volunteering their time to the concert series –providing you with great entertainment at no cost to the taxpayers.
June 9th - 11:30 – 12:30: Steve Scholle - Jazz
June 16th: 10:00 – 11:00 and 11:30 – 12:30: Remedy – Contemporary
June 23rd: 11:30 – 12:30: Bill Galanin – Guitar
June 30th: Open – Still seeking musicians
July 7th: 11:30 – 12:30: Di Morgan - Guitar
July 14th: 10:00-11:00 and 11:30-12:30: Igneous Lagond Music
School
July 21st: 10:00-11:00 and 11:30- 12:30: Remedy
July 28th: 10:00-11:00 and 11:30-12:30: Solar Punch – Jazz, R&B
Aug. 4th : 10:00-11:00 and 11:30-12:30: Deuces Child
Aug. 11th: 10:00-11:00 and 11:30-12:30: Remedy
Compost bins & rain barrels at great prices—limited time
*** Save money ***
*** Save water and/or save on fertilizer ***
*** Help the environment ***
*** Help keep down your water bills and local taxes ***
Spring is upon us here in the Hudson Valley, which means it’s a great time to start composting and collecting rainwater for your garden!
Groundwork Hudson Valley and Southern Westchester Energy Action Consortium (SWEAC) want to help by sponsoring a Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale. Last year, over 150 local residents purchased quality compost bins and rain barrels at very deep discounts. If you don’t have a rain barrel or compost bin, this is the time to order one!
This is a limited-time opportunity to purchase high-quality compost bins and rain barrels at near-wholesale prices:
Earth Machine Compost Bin $55 (regularly retails for $145)
Systern Rain Barrel $75 (regularly retails for $125)
reserve by June 6 for pickup June 9 at the Greenburgh Nature Center
Compost
By composting your kitchen and yard waste you will be helping to keep up to 650 lbs of waste per household out of the waste stream per year, thus helping to save municipal hauling costs, minimizing waste and creating a great (free!) fertilizer for your garden!
Water
Clean water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource, especially with the hot summers and recent significant increase in the price of municipal water. As we use more and more water to keep our gardens irrigated, it makes perfect sense to use what nature gives us for free—rainwater free from chlorine and water treatment chemicals to keep our flower beds, container garden and lawns lush during hot spells. Amazingly, a single summer shower can fill up a 55 gallon barrel with rain water your plants will love, instead of causing flooding and river pollution. Why not save some for a sunny day?
Pre-ordering is by June 6 for pickup June 9th in Greenburgh (see below for other locations).
Pre-order either online at http://compostbinandrainbarrel2012.eventbrite.com/ or by emailing Lynn Oliva at lynn@groundworkhv.org (indicate which products you are reserving and which location/time you will pick up). Products must be pre-ordered by by June 6th for pick-up on June 9th.
The sale will be held rain or shine and payment is due at the time of pick-up by cash or check only at the following locations and times:
Saturday, June 9th at the Eastchester Town Hall parking lot, 40 Mill Rd., Eastchester (9:00 am to 11:30 am) and at Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd. Scarsdale (1:00 pm to 4 pm).
The compost bins can process up to 650 pounds of household waste a year and will improve soil for garden plants.
The rain barrels, made of 50% recycled plastic materials, hold up to 55 gallons of rainwater which can be used directly in garden watering.
Happy spring!
PAUL FEINER
Sunday, June 03, 2012
11 private garden tours in hastings next weekend
ONE REASON WHY YOU CAN ENJOY A SUMMER VACATION AT HOME NEXT WEEKEND...
The Friends of the Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library present “Hastings by the Yard,” an exclusive tour of eleven private gardens, the weekend of June 9 and 10, from 1 to 5 PM each day, rain or shine.
The beautiful gardens featured in this tour are distinctive examples of a wide array of styles: formal and informal, woodland and meadow, flower and shrub, vegetable and fruit. For example, the tour will include
Native plant gardens that demonstrate the versatility of wildflowers, shrubs and trees of the Northeast;
Cottage gardens filled with old-fashioned roses and modern cultivars, lush with fragrance and color;
Kitchen gardens overflowing with herbs, leafy greens and heirloom tomatoes;
A beekeeper’s garden humming with bee balm, holly and lavender.
Several gardens offer spectacular views of the Hudson River, framed by venerable trees. Notable water features include a three-level swimming pool with cascading waterfalls and an infinity edge. Plant collections range from groupings of dwarf conifers and hardy cacti to ferns and peonies.
“The gardens in all their variety reveal the inspired results that a keen eye, a green thumb and dedication can produce in a home landscape,” says landscape designer Becca Mudge, curator of “Hastings by the Yard.”
Garden owners will be present during the tour to answer visitors’ questions.
Tickets are on sale at the Hastings Public Library, 7 Maple Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Prices: $20 (advance), $25 (days of tour), $10 (youth, ages 12-18). Tickets are valid for both days. For information or to order tickets, call the Library at 914-478-3307 or visit www.hastingslibrary.org. A free shuttle bus, which begins at the Zinsser Commuter Parking Lot, will make a continuous circle to all locations during tour hours. Note: Parking at the gardens is very limited in most locations.
“Hastings by the Yard: A Tour of Inspired Village Gardens” is sponsored by The Friends of the Hastings Public Library. All proceeds will be used for the enhancement and maintenance of the landscape around the Library.
The village of Hastings on Hudson is one of the most charming villages within Greenburgh. If you enjoy looking at beautiful gardens and great landscaping - this tour is for you.
The Friends of the Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library present “Hastings by the Yard,” an exclusive tour of eleven private gardens, the weekend of June 9 and 10, from 1 to 5 PM each day, rain or shine.
The beautiful gardens featured in this tour are distinctive examples of a wide array of styles: formal and informal, woodland and meadow, flower and shrub, vegetable and fruit. For example, the tour will include
Native plant gardens that demonstrate the versatility of wildflowers, shrubs and trees of the Northeast;
Cottage gardens filled with old-fashioned roses and modern cultivars, lush with fragrance and color;
Kitchen gardens overflowing with herbs, leafy greens and heirloom tomatoes;
A beekeeper’s garden humming with bee balm, holly and lavender.
Several gardens offer spectacular views of the Hudson River, framed by venerable trees. Notable water features include a three-level swimming pool with cascading waterfalls and an infinity edge. Plant collections range from groupings of dwarf conifers and hardy cacti to ferns and peonies.
“The gardens in all their variety reveal the inspired results that a keen eye, a green thumb and dedication can produce in a home landscape,” says landscape designer Becca Mudge, curator of “Hastings by the Yard.”
Garden owners will be present during the tour to answer visitors’ questions.
Tickets are on sale at the Hastings Public Library, 7 Maple Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Prices: $20 (advance), $25 (days of tour), $10 (youth, ages 12-18). Tickets are valid for both days. For information or to order tickets, call the Library at 914-478-3307 or visit www.hastingslibrary.org. A free shuttle bus, which begins at the Zinsser Commuter Parking Lot, will make a continuous circle to all locations during tour hours. Note: Parking at the gardens is very limited in most locations.
“Hastings by the Yard: A Tour of Inspired Village Gardens” is sponsored by The Friends of the Hastings Public Library. All proceeds will be used for the enhancement and maintenance of the landscape around the Library.
The village of Hastings on Hudson is one of the most charming villages within Greenburgh. If you enjoy looking at beautiful gardens and great landscaping - this tour is for you.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
EDGEMONT YOUTH LACROSSE IS TERRIFIC
I am impressed! Attended the 2nd annual Edgemont Youth Lacrosse Jamboree. The event was held this morning at the Edgemont High School. Even though it was raining the games were not cancelled. The youth athletes had lots of fun. And, the parents who watched their kids smiled--even though it was raining for the early portion of the games.
Hats off to the coaches for their dedication and hard work. First game began at 8:30 AM and continued all morning. Each game runs for about 25 minutes, with a 20 minute break between games to cool off (although the rain cooled everyone off anyway). The teams also had a 25 minute workout with the trainers from High IMpact Lacrosse--they are working on face off skills among others.
Competitng teams:
Edgemont
Bronxville
Dobbs Ferry
Irvington
Scarsdale
If you have a child --Edgemont Youth Lacrosse is a great program. I recommend it highly.
Hats off to the coaches for their dedication and hard work. First game began at 8:30 AM and continued all morning. Each game runs for about 25 minutes, with a 20 minute break between games to cool off (although the rain cooled everyone off anyway). The teams also had a 25 minute workout with the trainers from High IMpact Lacrosse--they are working on face off skills among others.
Competitng teams:
Edgemont
Bronxville
Dobbs Ferry
Irvington
Scarsdale
If you have a child --Edgemont Youth Lacrosse is a great program. I recommend it highly.
Friday, May 25, 2012
pool opens...bd endorses tennis bubble...zoning map corrections. more notice to public re: antennas
POOL OPENS AT AF VETERAN PARK ON MONDAY, MEMORIAL DAY
The Westchester County Board of Health inspected the new pool liner and other minor renovations made at AF Veteran park pool this morning and authorized the pool to open on Monday, Memorial Day from 10 AM to 5:45 PM. The Town pool is located on Heatherdell Road.
TOWN BOARD ENDORSES TENNIS BUBBLE LEGISLATION AT AF VETERAN PARK
The Greenburgh Town Board approved a resolution endorsing proposed state legislation that will be introduced by State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins and Assemblyman tom Abinanti that would accomplish the goal of leasing the tennis facilities at AF Veteran park for commercial use with costs associated with the tennis facilities and revenues generated from the lease being applied to unincorporated Greenburgh. The town expects to generate significant revenue from the lease. And- residents will have access to more tennis during winter months when the facilities are not used or open.
ZONING MAP CORRECTION
The Town Board approved a resolution referring possible amendments to the zoning map to the Planning Board for a report and recommendation. There are errors in some of the maps. And, all the errors (some are decades old) need to be corrected.
MORE NOTIFICATION RE: FUTURE ANTENNA LOCATIONS
We referred amendments proposed by the Edgemont Community Council pertaining to the town’s antenna law (to require more notification to residents) to the Planning Board and Antenna Review Board for recommendations.
Paul Feiner
Popham Road bridge to be closed
POPHAM ROAD BRIDGE LANE CLOSURE
In conjunction with the Popham Road Bridge Replacement Project, the eastbound Popham Road Bridge travel lane will be closed to vehicular traffic commencing on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 12:00 a.m. and will remain closed for a 2 week period. The lane closure is necessary to allow Verizon to station their equipment over their manholes and splice the new Verizon cables that run under the new portion of the Popham Road Bridge structure. This work must be completed prior to the final phase of the bridge construction which will commence immediately thereafter. Eastbound Popham Road Bridge vehicular traffic will be detoured south on Garth Road east to Harney Road and north on Scarsdale Avenue back to Popham Road.
Thank you and we appreciate your cooperation during this temporary inconvenience.
In conjunction with the Popham Road Bridge Replacement Project, the eastbound Popham Road Bridge travel lane will be closed to vehicular traffic commencing on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 12:00 a.m. and will remain closed for a 2 week period. The lane closure is necessary to allow Verizon to station their equipment over their manholes and splice the new Verizon cables that run under the new portion of the Popham Road Bridge structure. This work must be completed prior to the final phase of the bridge construction which will commence immediately thereafter. Eastbound Popham Road Bridge vehicular traffic will be detoured south on Garth Road east to Harney Road and north on Scarsdale Avenue back to Popham Road.
Thank you and we appreciate your cooperation during this temporary inconvenience.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
80 interviews to be aired on public access TV
During the Memorial Day weekend over 80 interviews with different veterans who reside in Greenburgh and who have participated in the Greenburgh Living History initiative will be aired on Greenburgh TV (channels 75 and 76 -cablevision and 34 and 35 FIOS).
Every week, during the past three years, Alan Hochberg (with the production assistance of Ardsley Vietnam Veteran Steve Wittenberg) has been interviewing veterans of World War II and the Korean conflict.
Each of the interviews lasts approximately half an hour. The interviews will be aired non stop from Friday night through Monday evening. This is the first year that some Korean veterans will have their interviews broadcast on local TV. Sadly, some of the veterans who were interviewed during the past few years have passed away. These interviews will help the community never forget their contributions.
To commemorate the role our Greenburgh heroes have had in defending democracy, the town of Greenburgh has broadcast the Living History interviews non stop every Memorial Day and Veteran's Day weekends for three years. We want to make sure that the community does not forget the contributions of our veterans and we hope that children will be inspired by the stories the veterans tell of their heroic accomplishments.
We are planning to organize a bus trip with veterans to Washington DC to meet with our Congressional delegation and to hand deliver to officials at the Library of Congress copies of the interviews --to be archived at the Library of Congress.
Veterans who are interested in being interviewed are invited to e mail Alan Hochberg at ahochberg@greenburghny.com or Paul Feiner at pfeiner@greenburghny.com if you would like to be interviewed for our living history initiative. A special thank you to George Malone, our cable TV coordinator for his efforts producing and editing the interviews. Clips of scenes from the wars can be seen during the interviews.
Veterans of World War II receive priority if they are interested in being interviewed. Korean conflict veterans are currently being interviewed. Interviews take place weekly.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
Every week, during the past three years, Alan Hochberg (with the production assistance of Ardsley Vietnam Veteran Steve Wittenberg) has been interviewing veterans of World War II and the Korean conflict.
Each of the interviews lasts approximately half an hour. The interviews will be aired non stop from Friday night through Monday evening. This is the first year that some Korean veterans will have their interviews broadcast on local TV. Sadly, some of the veterans who were interviewed during the past few years have passed away. These interviews will help the community never forget their contributions.
To commemorate the role our Greenburgh heroes have had in defending democracy, the town of Greenburgh has broadcast the Living History interviews non stop every Memorial Day and Veteran's Day weekends for three years. We want to make sure that the community does not forget the contributions of our veterans and we hope that children will be inspired by the stories the veterans tell of their heroic accomplishments.
We are planning to organize a bus trip with veterans to Washington DC to meet with our Congressional delegation and to hand deliver to officials at the Library of Congress copies of the interviews --to be archived at the Library of Congress.
Veterans who are interested in being interviewed are invited to e mail Alan Hochberg at ahochberg@greenburghny.com or Paul Feiner at pfeiner@greenburghny.com if you would like to be interviewed for our living history initiative. A special thank you to George Malone, our cable TV coordinator for his efforts producing and editing the interviews. Clips of scenes from the wars can be seen during the interviews.
Veterans of World War II receive priority if they are interested in being interviewed. Korean conflict veterans are currently being interviewed. Interviews take place weekly.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
My 91 year old father featured in Westchester Business Journal for cutting waste
Ash can maker keeps watch on government waste by John Golden
Phil Feiner, left, with his son Paul outside Greenburgh Town Hall.
Phil Feiner carries a cane on his regular weekday visits to Greenburgh Town Hall. It’s a walking aid, a concession to the impairments of a 91-year-old body. The cane is not used to enforce or defend his authority in the offices of government, though some department chiefs at times might be inclined to use it on him. Phil Feiner has no official authority there, though he’s left his mark on how the town goes about its business.
“I want to eliminate the waste in government,” he declared during an afternoon stop at the office of his son and personal chauffeur, Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. “That’s the only thing.”
A 50-year Scarsdale resident, Phil Feiner has been doing his thing as Greenburgh’s self-appointed fiscal watchdog throughout his son’s long tenure as supervisor. “As a volunteer I’ve been trying to help Greenburgh and Paul’s administration for 21 years,” he said.
At 70, he retired from his family’s business in the Bronx, the Tip Top Ash Can Co., an enterprise born in the coal-burning city in 1915 that finally succumbed to plastics. There he “got to learn everything” about running a small business, which comes with “all kinds of problems” that also can beset municipal managers, he said. Before following his father and brother into garbage can manufacturing, the graduate of St. John’s University worked as an accountant “at accounting firms, large and small.” That too was useful training and experience for his post-retirement mission in Greenburgh.
“In government, there’s a tremendous amount of waste,” he said. “There are no checks and balances, people are very sloppy. Federal government has the problem; local governments have the same problem.”
According to his son, who also drives his unpaid adviser to his daily workouts at a fitness club, “He comes in once or twice a week looking at vouchers and double-checking to make sure that the town is not wasting money. It’s like an inspector general.”
The sharp-eyed retiree checks for required signatures on invoices. He has recommended more timely payments to vendors. Before Phil complained about the lax practice, the town’s gas and oil deliveries were not metered.
“Most of it is really psychological,” he said. In the offices he visits to scrutinize vouchers, “They all know what I’m doing.”
“At the beginning, I used to spend two to three days” a week at Town Hall, Phil said. “I used to go to the departments all over and uncover a lot of these things.”
Among those things, Phil discovered the town police department’s emergency medical service was not billing insurance companies for its ambulance runs. As he suggested, the police chief did away with that largesse. “Now we get about $1 million a year” in reimbursements, he said.
Then there was the town’s printing broker. Phil thought the town’s printing costs were too high and shopped around. He found a printer in Yonkers “at one-third the price of what they paid before,” he said. “They use him still,” and the town’s savings have reached six figures.
There was the roof replacement project at the town library, for which contractors’ estimates came in at about $300,000. The former manager at Tip Top Ash Can thought that was awfully steep for a roof.
“I had experience because I had a facility in the Bronx,” he said. “I went through this. I located somebody, they did it for $25,000. We had a $275,000 savings.”
There was that $300 monthly invoice from the town’s exterminator that bugged Phil. He checked around in the pest-control trade and got another quote of $50. “They use the same people and it’s still $50 today,” he said.
A few weeks ago, Phil saw a voucher for $105,000 in emergency repairs to a broken water main. He insisted that the charges be itemized.
His son the supervisor realized his father was on to something: “We should be doing spot checks after the work is done to see if a potential competitor would be charging the same thing for the same service.
“He comes up with really great ideas. In the past year or so, the suggestions my father has brought to my attention have been the best – one great idea after another. The recommendations really have been getting better.”
“I really feel like no government and no business is perfect,” Paul Feiner said. “I think it’s really important to have independent eyes and ears.”
“I admire my son, what he’s doing,” said the vigilant accountant. “Most politicians, there’s plus and minus. If he wasn’t an honest politician, I wouldn’t spend my time. I’d go down to Florida and take it easy.”
“A lot of people, I’m sure, would be happy if my father went to Florida,” said the supervisor. “They’d probably have a victory party. They might even buy the condo” far from Greenburgh Town Hall
Phil Feiner, left, with his son Paul outside Greenburgh Town Hall.
Phil Feiner carries a cane on his regular weekday visits to Greenburgh Town Hall. It’s a walking aid, a concession to the impairments of a 91-year-old body. The cane is not used to enforce or defend his authority in the offices of government, though some department chiefs at times might be inclined to use it on him. Phil Feiner has no official authority there, though he’s left his mark on how the town goes about its business.
“I want to eliminate the waste in government,” he declared during an afternoon stop at the office of his son and personal chauffeur, Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. “That’s the only thing.”
A 50-year Scarsdale resident, Phil Feiner has been doing his thing as Greenburgh’s self-appointed fiscal watchdog throughout his son’s long tenure as supervisor. “As a volunteer I’ve been trying to help Greenburgh and Paul’s administration for 21 years,” he said.
At 70, he retired from his family’s business in the Bronx, the Tip Top Ash Can Co., an enterprise born in the coal-burning city in 1915 that finally succumbed to plastics. There he “got to learn everything” about running a small business, which comes with “all kinds of problems” that also can beset municipal managers, he said. Before following his father and brother into garbage can manufacturing, the graduate of St. John’s University worked as an accountant “at accounting firms, large and small.” That too was useful training and experience for his post-retirement mission in Greenburgh.
“In government, there’s a tremendous amount of waste,” he said. “There are no checks and balances, people are very sloppy. Federal government has the problem; local governments have the same problem.”
According to his son, who also drives his unpaid adviser to his daily workouts at a fitness club, “He comes in once or twice a week looking at vouchers and double-checking to make sure that the town is not wasting money. It’s like an inspector general.”
The sharp-eyed retiree checks for required signatures on invoices. He has recommended more timely payments to vendors. Before Phil complained about the lax practice, the town’s gas and oil deliveries were not metered.
“Most of it is really psychological,” he said. In the offices he visits to scrutinize vouchers, “They all know what I’m doing.”
“At the beginning, I used to spend two to three days” a week at Town Hall, Phil said. “I used to go to the departments all over and uncover a lot of these things.”
Among those things, Phil discovered the town police department’s emergency medical service was not billing insurance companies for its ambulance runs. As he suggested, the police chief did away with that largesse. “Now we get about $1 million a year” in reimbursements, he said.
Then there was the town’s printing broker. Phil thought the town’s printing costs were too high and shopped around. He found a printer in Yonkers “at one-third the price of what they paid before,” he said. “They use him still,” and the town’s savings have reached six figures.
There was the roof replacement project at the town library, for which contractors’ estimates came in at about $300,000. The former manager at Tip Top Ash Can thought that was awfully steep for a roof.
“I had experience because I had a facility in the Bronx,” he said. “I went through this. I located somebody, they did it for $25,000. We had a $275,000 savings.”
There was that $300 monthly invoice from the town’s exterminator that bugged Phil. He checked around in the pest-control trade and got another quote of $50. “They use the same people and it’s still $50 today,” he said.
A few weeks ago, Phil saw a voucher for $105,000 in emergency repairs to a broken water main. He insisted that the charges be itemized.
His son the supervisor realized his father was on to something: “We should be doing spot checks after the work is done to see if a potential competitor would be charging the same thing for the same service.
“He comes up with really great ideas. In the past year or so, the suggestions my father has brought to my attention have been the best – one great idea after another. The recommendations really have been getting better.”
“I really feel like no government and no business is perfect,” Paul Feiner said. “I think it’s really important to have independent eyes and ears.”
“I admire my son, what he’s doing,” said the vigilant accountant. “Most politicians, there’s plus and minus. If he wasn’t an honest politician, I wouldn’t spend my time. I’d go down to Florida and take it easy.”
“A lot of people, I’m sure, would be happy if my father went to Florida,” said the supervisor. “They’d probably have a victory party. They might even buy the condo” far from Greenburgh Town Hall
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
how much could WESTHELP generate in revenue to town for affordable housing?
From: Bob Miller [mailto:Bob.Miller@westhab.org]
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 2:42 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: WestHELP Greenburgh site
Dear Supervisor Feiner,
With your approval, Westhab conducted a preliminary analysis to determine the feasibility of converting the referenced site into affordable housing for low and moderate income families. We undertook this analysis for the purpose of providing you and the Town Board with an option that would expand the supply of affordable housing for working families in Greenburgh, and hopefully be amenable to the County under the terms of the Town's master lease.
Our proposal would be to sublet the property for a minimum of 30 years, a term that would be required by NYS Homes and Community Renewal, to whom we would apply for renovation funding. This would require an extension of the Town's master lease with Westchester County.
We would join two single units side by side to create a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments that would rent to eligible families earning between 30-75% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Rents would range from approximately $835-$1650, depending on unit size and family income range. We anticipate that approximately 55-60 units would be created (a more detailed architectural analysis will determine the exact number).
We also believe that we could generate a total payment to the Town of approximately $200,000 a year, with an amount to be determined paid during the construction period. If we are able to lease some of the available common space (such as to a provider of pre-school child care), that number would increase.
Before we incur the substantial cost of further studies, including detailed architectural and engineering analyses, I would appreciate having a reading from both the Town Board and the County as to their interest in this preliminary concept.
Respectfully,
Bob Miller
President
Westhab, Inc
MORE INACCURATE STATEMENTS ABOUT TOWN FROM ECC
The Edgemont Community Council has a facebook page that constantly distorts the truth about the town. Many of these inaccurate posts are written by Robert Bernstein,former head of the ECC. The following is in response to the inaccurate statements made below. The ECC does not provide me with the ability to post comments on their page. I know they read my blog so I am taking the liberty of responding.
From: Timothy Lewis
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 9:27 AM
To: Paul Feiner; Town Board
Subject: RE: fyi...from facebook page re: Ferncliff
It is simply not true that the 108 units on the former WestHELP site could generate $1,000 a month in rent. In fact, the Greenburgh Housing Authority’s proposed use of the property for seniors would generate, at most, $550 to $625 per month based upon Housing Authority studies that most seniors in the area do not have incomes in excess of $25,000 and the Housing Authority would only be able to charge renters a maximum of 30% of that $25,000 income or $625. Housing Authority representatives probably understand the financial dynamics better than anyone because affordable housing is what they do.
In addition, the 108 units must be renovated or rehabilitated before occupancy by anyone to make the units ADA compliant for seniors or for anyone else. Who is going to provide the money for these renovations?
Tim
From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 11:21 PM
To: Town Board; Timothy Lewis
Subject: fyi...from facebook page re: Ferncliff (written by bernsein)
The Edgemont Community Council, Inc.
1. 3 hours ago
TOWN'S FERNCLIFF PROPOSAL FOR WESTHELP REPORTEDLY ENDORSED BY COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Town Attorney Tim Lewis said today that County Executive Rob Astorino was in favor of the Town's proposal to demolish the 108 units of affordable housing at the former WestHELP facility on the campus of Westchester Community College and replace it with a long-term ground lease to allow Ferncliff Manor, a private for-p...rofit school for developmentally disabled children to build a new residential school and facility.
Mr. Lewis said at today's Town Board work session that a revised lease for Ferncliff would be released as early as next week by the county executive. The lease would then have to be approved by the Westchester County Board of Legislators.
Ken Jenkins, the chair of the county board, and two of Greenburgh's county legislators, MaryJane Shimsky and Alfreda Williams, have said the Democratic majority on the county board would reject any proposal to demolish the existing housing at the site.
The county is required under the terms of a federal housing settlement not to impede affordable housing anywhere in the county.
Support for a proposal to demolish 108 units of affordable housing in an area that has historically been opposed for allegedly racially exclusionary reasons to having affordable housing there in the first place was thought to be something the county executive would not publicly embrace, particularly now when a federal district judge has found that Mr. Astorino had violated the terms of that settlement agreement.
However, Mr. Astorino's chief spokesman is the former head of the Mayfair Knollwood Civic Association which for years was involved in the effort to stop the housing from being built -- and sought to incorporate as its own village until the NAACP intervened and then town supervisor Tony Veteran refused to certify the incorporation petition on grounds the village was being formed for the purpose of excluding African Americans. Mr. Feiner has for decades aligned himself with the Mayfair Knollwood Civic Association.
There has thus far been no formal announcement of support for the Town's Ferncliff proposal from the County Executive's office.
But if the town attorney's comments are true, Mr. Astorino's support means the property will likely remain vacant for the foreseeable future and the Town will not therefore see any rental income from the former WestHELP property any time soon.
The 108 efficiency apartments at WestHELP were once the Town's largest revenue producing asset except for property taxes. WestHELP was paying the Town $1.2 million a year under a ten-year lease that expired in September 2011.
Mr. Feiner was twice offered an extension of the lease in March and September 2008 for another 10-year period, but did not respond to the county's offer because he wanted a substantial portion of the money to go to the Valhalla School District, which would have been illegal. The state comptroller had ruled in 2007 that Mr. Feiner's agreement to give the Vahalla School District up to $6.5 million of the rental revenue from WestHELP was unlawful.
The property will now remain vacant for the foreseeable future, producing no money for the Town. Under the Town's lease with the county, and pursuant to a county law adopted back in 1990, the Town may only use the property for low and moderate income housing. As long as the Ferncliff proposal is still alive, the Town has made clear that it will keep the apartments vacant.
At the same time, the Town continues to insist that using the 108 efficiency apartments for low and moderate income housing will generate far less income to the Town than it would receive if Ferncliff were to get a long-term lease for the property.
However, a spokesman for HUD, each unit would have a market rent of about $1000 a month, which means that every month the Town keeps the units vacant, the Town is losing at least $100,000 a month. Mr. Feiner disputes this assessment, claiming the most the Town could get is around $200,000 a year. However, the Town has never held an RFP for the property making clear that it would have to be used for low and moderate income housing. Therefore, the Town has no documentation to substantiate Mr. Feiner's assertion.
In the meantime, there is no assurance that Ferncliff would generate much, if any, rent to the Town, since it would be depending on state aid to finance the demolition of the 108 apartments and build a new facility at the site. In addition, under the terms of the proposed lease, rent would likely not be paid until construction is completed and the amount that Ferncliff could afford to pay is determined.
From: Timothy Lewis
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 9:27 AM
To: Paul Feiner; Town Board
Subject: RE: fyi...from facebook page re: Ferncliff
It is simply not true that the 108 units on the former WestHELP site could generate $1,000 a month in rent. In fact, the Greenburgh Housing Authority’s proposed use of the property for seniors would generate, at most, $550 to $625 per month based upon Housing Authority studies that most seniors in the area do not have incomes in excess of $25,000 and the Housing Authority would only be able to charge renters a maximum of 30% of that $25,000 income or $625. Housing Authority representatives probably understand the financial dynamics better than anyone because affordable housing is what they do.
In addition, the 108 units must be renovated or rehabilitated before occupancy by anyone to make the units ADA compliant for seniors or for anyone else. Who is going to provide the money for these renovations?
Tim
From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 11:21 PM
To: Town Board; Timothy Lewis
Subject: fyi...from facebook page re: Ferncliff (written by bernsein)
The Edgemont Community Council, Inc.
1. 3 hours ago
TOWN'S FERNCLIFF PROPOSAL FOR WESTHELP REPORTEDLY ENDORSED BY COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Town Attorney Tim Lewis said today that County Executive Rob Astorino was in favor of the Town's proposal to demolish the 108 units of affordable housing at the former WestHELP facility on the campus of Westchester Community College and replace it with a long-term ground lease to allow Ferncliff Manor, a private for-p...rofit school for developmentally disabled children to build a new residential school and facility.
Mr. Lewis said at today's Town Board work session that a revised lease for Ferncliff would be released as early as next week by the county executive. The lease would then have to be approved by the Westchester County Board of Legislators.
Ken Jenkins, the chair of the county board, and two of Greenburgh's county legislators, MaryJane Shimsky and Alfreda Williams, have said the Democratic majority on the county board would reject any proposal to demolish the existing housing at the site.
The county is required under the terms of a federal housing settlement not to impede affordable housing anywhere in the county.
Support for a proposal to demolish 108 units of affordable housing in an area that has historically been opposed for allegedly racially exclusionary reasons to having affordable housing there in the first place was thought to be something the county executive would not publicly embrace, particularly now when a federal district judge has found that Mr. Astorino had violated the terms of that settlement agreement.
However, Mr. Astorino's chief spokesman is the former head of the Mayfair Knollwood Civic Association which for years was involved in the effort to stop the housing from being built -- and sought to incorporate as its own village until the NAACP intervened and then town supervisor Tony Veteran refused to certify the incorporation petition on grounds the village was being formed for the purpose of excluding African Americans. Mr. Feiner has for decades aligned himself with the Mayfair Knollwood Civic Association.
There has thus far been no formal announcement of support for the Town's Ferncliff proposal from the County Executive's office.
But if the town attorney's comments are true, Mr. Astorino's support means the property will likely remain vacant for the foreseeable future and the Town will not therefore see any rental income from the former WestHELP property any time soon.
The 108 efficiency apartments at WestHELP were once the Town's largest revenue producing asset except for property taxes. WestHELP was paying the Town $1.2 million a year under a ten-year lease that expired in September 2011.
Mr. Feiner was twice offered an extension of the lease in March and September 2008 for another 10-year period, but did not respond to the county's offer because he wanted a substantial portion of the money to go to the Valhalla School District, which would have been illegal. The state comptroller had ruled in 2007 that Mr. Feiner's agreement to give the Vahalla School District up to $6.5 million of the rental revenue from WestHELP was unlawful.
The property will now remain vacant for the foreseeable future, producing no money for the Town. Under the Town's lease with the county, and pursuant to a county law adopted back in 1990, the Town may only use the property for low and moderate income housing. As long as the Ferncliff proposal is still alive, the Town has made clear that it will keep the apartments vacant.
At the same time, the Town continues to insist that using the 108 efficiency apartments for low and moderate income housing will generate far less income to the Town than it would receive if Ferncliff were to get a long-term lease for the property.
However, a spokesman for HUD, each unit would have a market rent of about $1000 a month, which means that every month the Town keeps the units vacant, the Town is losing at least $100,000 a month. Mr. Feiner disputes this assessment, claiming the most the Town could get is around $200,000 a year. However, the Town has never held an RFP for the property making clear that it would have to be used for low and moderate income housing. Therefore, the Town has no documentation to substantiate Mr. Feiner's assertion.
In the meantime, there is no assurance that Ferncliff would generate much, if any, rent to the Town, since it would be depending on state aid to finance the demolition of the 108 apartments and build a new facility at the site. In addition, under the terms of the proposed lease, rent would likely not be paid until construction is completed and the amount that Ferncliff could afford to pay is determined.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
edgemont greenburgh news on facebook
If you're interested in reading news about positive things that are happening in Edgemont --check out Edgemont Greenburgh news on facebook
Monday, May 21, 2012
new legislation submitted re: tennis bubble at AF Veteran park
Assemblyman Tom Abinanti sent me the revised proposed law that would enable the town to lease our tennis courts at AF Veteran Town Park to a private company that would construct a temporary tennis bubble over the courts . The bubble will generate significant revenue for the town and will provide tennis lovers with the opportunity to enjoy tennis during off season months –when the courts are currently vacant. The following proposed law, which needs to be approved by the Senate and Assembly and signed into law by the Governor, incorporates some changes that were suggested by residents of the town in recent weeks. The Town Board will discuss at our work session tomorrow. The State Legislature is expected to adjourn for the year in late June so we are giving this priority attention.
PAUL FEINER
(Authorizes the town of Greenburgh,
county of Westchester to lease
certain park lands for tennis uses)
--------
Twn Greenburgh parkland lease
AN ACT
to authorize the town of Greenburgh,
county of Westchester to lease
certain park lands for tennis uses
The_People_of__the__State__of__New
York,___represented__in__Senate__and
Assembly,_do_enact_as_follows:
05/21/12 2 15742-09-2
1 Section 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 891 of the laws
2 of 1982 to the contrary, the town of Greenburgh acting by and through
3 its town board is hereby authorized and empowered to lease at fair
4 market value and upon such other terms and conditions as determined by
5 such board consistent with sections four and five of this act the lands
6 and improvements described in section three of this act for up to 30
7 years for the operation of seasonal tennis facilities.
8 § 2. The authorization provided in section one of this act shall be
9 effective only upon the condition that notwithstanding any other
10 provision of law to the contrary, the town of Greenburgh dedicate all
11 proceeds of such lease for the capital improvement of existing town park
12 and recreational facilities and/or for the acquisition of additional
13 town park and recreational facilities for the residents of the town of
14 Greenburgh that reside outside of any incorporated village in such town.
15 § 3. The lands and improvements referred to in section one of this act
16 which may be leased consist of tennis facilities and other appurtenances
17 related to the use of such tennis facilities located in the Anthony F.
18 Veteran Park in the town of Greenburgh, county of Westchester, state of
19 New York, the park being more particularly described as follows:
20 ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and
21 improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of
22 Greenburgh, County of Westchester and State of New York, and being more
23 particularly bounded and described as follows:
24 BEGINNING at a point on the northerly line of the Sprain Brook Park-
25 way, where the same is intersected by the northeasterly boundary line of
26 land now or formerly of Robert Stephen Anthony as acquired by a deed
27 from John Canning, Jr., dated September 9th, 1952, recorded in Office of
28 the County Clerk of Westchester County, Division of Land Records, on
05/21/12 3 15742-09-2
1 September 10th, 1952, in Liber 5134 of conveyances, page 115, said point
2 of BEGINNING being distant North 43° 57' 40" East 272.43 feet from a
3 monument at the intersection of the southeasterly corner of said lands
4 so conveyed by the aforementioned deed with the northeasterly side of
5 Heatherdell Road; thence running along the last mentioned northeasterly
6 boundary line of Anthony, North 46° 02' 20" West 344.66 feet to a point;
7 thence running North 49° 20' 10" East 551.65 feet and North 17° 14' 40"
8 East 1005.00 feet to a corner in said land; thence running South 80° 25'
9 50" East 899.49 feet to the northerly line of Sprain Brook Parkway;
10 thence running along said lands the following courses and distances:
11 South 16° 58' 39" East 49.00 feet, South 43° 57' 57" West 734.75 feet,
12 South 61° 17' 40" West 135.00 feet and South 43° 57' 40" West 1067.57
13 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING, containing 20.46 acres more or
14 less.
15 TOGETHER with and subject to an easement in common with others over
16 the existing driveway running from Heatherdell Road through premises and
17 premises adjoining as set forth in Liber 3929 of conveyances, page 165,
18 and utility easements as recorded in the Book of Conveyances in Liber
19 5389, Page 204, and in Liber 5950, page 320.
20 ALSO known on the Official Tax Map of the Town of Greenburgh as Volume
21 8, Sheet 4, Parcel 4B, and of the Village of Ardsley as Sheet 1, Parcel
22 37B.
23 § 4. Should the leased park lands described in sections one and three
24 of this act cease to be used for the purposes described therein, the
25 lease shall terminate and those lands shall revert to the town of Green-
26 burgh consistent with its prior public park and recreational purposes.
27 § 5. Such leased park land and improvements described in sections one
28 and three of this act shall be made available to the general public on
05/21/12 4 15742-09-2
1 an equitable basis. Where availability of such public facilities is
2 limited, the use of such facilities must be determined by a written
3 policy, developed, posted and administered by the lessee in conjunction
4 with the town of Greenburgh.
5 § 6. The provisions of this act shall not affect any rights or deed
6 restrictions pursuant to the terms, conditions, and provisions of the
7 deed conveying interest in the park land described in this act to the
8 town of Greenburgh.
9 § 7. This act shall take effect immediately.
PAUL FEINER
(Authorizes the town of Greenburgh,
county of Westchester to lease
certain park lands for tennis uses)
--------
Twn Greenburgh parkland lease
AN ACT
to authorize the town of Greenburgh,
county of Westchester to lease
certain park lands for tennis uses
The_People_of__the__State__of__New
York,___represented__in__Senate__and
Assembly,_do_enact_as_follows:
05/21/12 2 15742-09-2
1 Section 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 891 of the laws
2 of 1982 to the contrary, the town of Greenburgh acting by and through
3 its town board is hereby authorized and empowered to lease at fair
4 market value and upon such other terms and conditions as determined by
5 such board consistent with sections four and five of this act the lands
6 and improvements described in section three of this act for up to 30
7 years for the operation of seasonal tennis facilities.
8 § 2. The authorization provided in section one of this act shall be
9 effective only upon the condition that notwithstanding any other
10 provision of law to the contrary, the town of Greenburgh dedicate all
11 proceeds of such lease for the capital improvement of existing town park
12 and recreational facilities and/or for the acquisition of additional
13 town park and recreational facilities for the residents of the town of
14 Greenburgh that reside outside of any incorporated village in such town.
15 § 3. The lands and improvements referred to in section one of this act
16 which may be leased consist of tennis facilities and other appurtenances
17 related to the use of such tennis facilities located in the Anthony F.
18 Veteran Park in the town of Greenburgh, county of Westchester, state of
19 New York, the park being more particularly described as follows:
20 ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and
21 improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of
22 Greenburgh, County of Westchester and State of New York, and being more
23 particularly bounded and described as follows:
24 BEGINNING at a point on the northerly line of the Sprain Brook Park-
25 way, where the same is intersected by the northeasterly boundary line of
26 land now or formerly of Robert Stephen Anthony as acquired by a deed
27 from John Canning, Jr., dated September 9th, 1952, recorded in Office of
28 the County Clerk of Westchester County, Division of Land Records, on
05/21/12 3 15742-09-2
1 September 10th, 1952, in Liber 5134 of conveyances, page 115, said point
2 of BEGINNING being distant North 43° 57' 40" East 272.43 feet from a
3 monument at the intersection of the southeasterly corner of said lands
4 so conveyed by the aforementioned deed with the northeasterly side of
5 Heatherdell Road; thence running along the last mentioned northeasterly
6 boundary line of Anthony, North 46° 02' 20" West 344.66 feet to a point;
7 thence running North 49° 20' 10" East 551.65 feet and North 17° 14' 40"
8 East 1005.00 feet to a corner in said land; thence running South 80° 25'
9 50" East 899.49 feet to the northerly line of Sprain Brook Parkway;
10 thence running along said lands the following courses and distances:
11 South 16° 58' 39" East 49.00 feet, South 43° 57' 57" West 734.75 feet,
12 South 61° 17' 40" West 135.00 feet and South 43° 57' 40" West 1067.57
13 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING, containing 20.46 acres more or
14 less.
15 TOGETHER with and subject to an easement in common with others over
16 the existing driveway running from Heatherdell Road through premises and
17 premises adjoining as set forth in Liber 3929 of conveyances, page 165,
18 and utility easements as recorded in the Book of Conveyances in Liber
19 5389, Page 204, and in Liber 5950, page 320.
20 ALSO known on the Official Tax Map of the Town of Greenburgh as Volume
21 8, Sheet 4, Parcel 4B, and of the Village of Ardsley as Sheet 1, Parcel
22 37B.
23 § 4. Should the leased park lands described in sections one and three
24 of this act cease to be used for the purposes described therein, the
25 lease shall terminate and those lands shall revert to the town of Green-
26 burgh consistent with its prior public park and recreational purposes.
27 § 5. Such leased park land and improvements described in sections one
28 and three of this act shall be made available to the general public on
05/21/12 4 15742-09-2
1 an equitable basis. Where availability of such public facilities is
2 limited, the use of such facilities must be determined by a written
3 policy, developed, posted and administered by the lessee in conjunction
4 with the town of Greenburgh.
5 § 6. The provisions of this act shall not affect any rights or deed
6 restrictions pursuant to the terms, conditions, and provisions of the
7 deed conveying interest in the park land described in this act to the
8 town of Greenburgh.
9 § 7. This act shall take effect immediately.
Friday, May 18, 2012
use accelerated bridge construction techniques
When Westchester County builds the new Crane Road bridge on the Bronx River Parkway (work on that bridge is starting within weeks) and the Ashford Ave bridge (work expected to start in 2015) they should consider using accelerated bridge construction techniques - a collection of technologies and methods that received attention by the NY Times in April of this year under the headline "Did Someone Order an Instant Bridge?".
This accelerated bridge construction can cut months and possibly years off the bridge construction process. Massachusetts is currently taking advantage of this process.
Last year the state of Massachusetts replaced 14 bridges on interstate 93 over 10 weekends. In contrast, the Popham Road bridge that links Edgemont to Scarsdale has been under construction for over two years and is still not finished! Its a year behind schedule.
Westchester County recently announced that reconstruction of the Crane Road Bridge on the Bronx River Parkway will take 34 months to be completed. In about a year both the northbound and southbound exits off the Bronx River Parkway onto Crane Road will be closed and remain closed for two years.
Westchester County recently announced that work on the Ashford Ave bridge could start in 2015 and be completed in the winter of 2017. This is the best case scenerio--assuming that all goes well - no cost overruns and no delays. Almost every bridge project has delays and overruns.
It's my hope that county officials will explore the new bridge construction technology and determine if new bridges can be built quicker. There is no need to inconvenience motorists.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
This accelerated bridge construction can cut months and possibly years off the bridge construction process. Massachusetts is currently taking advantage of this process.
Last year the state of Massachusetts replaced 14 bridges on interstate 93 over 10 weekends. In contrast, the Popham Road bridge that links Edgemont to Scarsdale has been under construction for over two years and is still not finished! Its a year behind schedule.
Westchester County recently announced that reconstruction of the Crane Road Bridge on the Bronx River Parkway will take 34 months to be completed. In about a year both the northbound and southbound exits off the Bronx River Parkway onto Crane Road will be closed and remain closed for two years.
Westchester County recently announced that work on the Ashford Ave bridge could start in 2015 and be completed in the winter of 2017. This is the best case scenerio--assuming that all goes well - no cost overruns and no delays. Almost every bridge project has delays and overruns.
It's my hope that county officials will explore the new bridge construction technology and determine if new bridges can be built quicker. There is no need to inconvenience motorists.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
good news facebook/blog page about different neighborhoods
NEW INITIATIVE: GOOD NEWS FACEBOOK/BLOG PAGES FEATURING DIFFERENT NEIGHBORHOODS IN TOWN--positive energy to promote communities will boost property values...
Community Outreach Meeting--Edgemont High School Thursday night, May 17 at 8 PM with the Edgemont Community Council
Town officials will discuss community concerns with residents of Edgemont.
NEW INITIATIVE PLANNED TO FOCUS ON THE POSITIVES OF DIFFERENT NEIGHBORHOODS--- To help residents who are trying to sell their homes -- I am planning a new town wide initiative that I think will help make the difference when potential home owners compare homes in Greenburgh neighborhoods with homes in other communities.
Neighborhood facebook pages and blogs that will highlight the positives of each of the different neighborhoods in the town. Student interns, who have started to work in my office this week, will be setting up the pages in the coming weeks.
The first neighborhood facebook page/blog will focus on the Edgemont community. At tomorrow evening's community meeting in Edgemont we will solicit volunteers who can help write the positive stories. Stories could include:
*Edgemont school district rated by US News as one of the top school districts in the nation!
*Features on outstanding students and residents --who have been honored...
*Neighborhood part of a town that has received the highest bond rating possible (Aaa) by
Moody's & Standard & Poor's...
*Profiles of outstanding local teachers...
*A list of parks, playgrounds...
* Updates-infrastructure improvements and town services...
*Crime prevention initiatives...
*Profiles of families conserving energy...
*Features on shopping located in the immediate neighborhood...
*videos will also be posted on the sites...
*Updates from local realtors about successful home stories....
If you would like to work with the student interns on this ambitious ongoing project - and if you have experience with web design, writing, video taping we'd love it if you would participate in this initiative. When possible home buyers google a neighborhood they should learn about the good things each neighborhood in the town has to offer.
E mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com if you'd like to get involved. Let me know what neighborhood within the town you'd like to help promote.
PAUL FEINER
Community Outreach Meeting--Edgemont High School Thursday night, May 17 at 8 PM with the Edgemont Community Council
Town officials will discuss community concerns with residents of Edgemont.
NEW INITIATIVE PLANNED TO FOCUS ON THE POSITIVES OF DIFFERENT NEIGHBORHOODS--- To help residents who are trying to sell their homes -- I am planning a new town wide initiative that I think will help make the difference when potential home owners compare homes in Greenburgh neighborhoods with homes in other communities.
Neighborhood facebook pages and blogs that will highlight the positives of each of the different neighborhoods in the town. Student interns, who have started to work in my office this week, will be setting up the pages in the coming weeks.
The first neighborhood facebook page/blog will focus on the Edgemont community. At tomorrow evening's community meeting in Edgemont we will solicit volunteers who can help write the positive stories. Stories could include:
*Edgemont school district rated by US News as one of the top school districts in the nation!
*Features on outstanding students and residents --who have been honored...
*Neighborhood part of a town that has received the highest bond rating possible (Aaa) by
Moody's & Standard & Poor's...
*Profiles of outstanding local teachers...
*A list of parks, playgrounds...
* Updates-infrastructure improvements and town services...
*Crime prevention initiatives...
*Profiles of families conserving energy...
*Features on shopping located in the immediate neighborhood...
*videos will also be posted on the sites...
*Updates from local realtors about successful home stories....
If you would like to work with the student interns on this ambitious ongoing project - and if you have experience with web design, writing, video taping we'd love it if you would participate in this initiative. When possible home buyers google a neighborhood they should learn about the good things each neighborhood in the town has to offer.
E mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com if you'd like to get involved. Let me know what neighborhood within the town you'd like to help promote.
PAUL FEINER
good news- another unemployed has a job!
________________________________________
From: Lisa [Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 7:16 PM
To: Paul FeinerHi Paul-
Please take me off this email list, I found a perm job!! thanks so much for helping us!!!
Monday, May 14, 2012
ECC FACEBOOK PAGE SHOULD POST SOME POSITiVES ABOUT EDGEMONT ON THEIR PAGE
Robert Bernstein, former President of the Edgemont Community Council, likes to write negative articles about the town of Greenburgh on the Edgemont Community Council facebook page.
Does he think that all his negativity helps property values in Edgemont? Does he believe that ALWAYS being negative will motivate people to purchase homes in Edgemont? People who are looking to buy homes in a community do research. If they read a neighborhood facebook page and only see negative comments about the neighborhood - they will buy their homes elsewhere.
The time has come for either the ECC or other residents of Edgemont to highlight the many positive things that happen in Edgemont and Greenburgh. The ECC facebook page never mentioned the fact that Greenburgh is one of 15 localities out of more than 1,000 that have received the highest bond ratings possible (AAA). Today's Journal News ran a front page story indicating that a number of local governments have seen their bond rating decline--not Greenburgh. Ours is still the highest.
There are wonderful services offered to residents of Edgemont -- a terrific nature center --excellent schools --terrific restaurants, supermarkets and local businesses. And, the town pool, with its interactive kiddy pool, is enjoyed by many Edgemont neighbors. When residents have problems or concerns the town government makes housecalls-we try hard to be responsive to residents concerns. Most residents appreciate that our services are fantastic.
Robert Bernstein's constant negativity is probably helping the real estate market in Scarsdale. People who were thinking about Edgemont and read the ECC facebook page have second thoughts. Realtors have mentioned this to me over time. I encourage Bob and the ECC to have a more balanced page --report the good and the bad. You are hurting the community you claim you want to help.
proposed state legislation re: AF VETERAN PARK
REMINDER—SCHOOL BUDGET AND BOARD MEMBER ELECTIONS TOMORROW IN ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS! Please vote!
NY State Assemblyman Tom Abinanti has been working with Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins on the proposal to authorize the town to lease our tennis courts at AF Veteran Park for a tennis bubble. The Town Board will hold a special meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) around 10:30 AM to vote to support the introduction of the proposed state legislation. If the Board approves the resolution, the legislation will be introduced in the Senate and Assembly. It is our hope that the legislation will be approved by both houses of the State Legislature before the Legislature adjourns for the summer break in June. Copies of the proposed law were sent to civic association presidents last week and to the Mayors of the Villages.
PAUL FEINER
Legislative Bill Drafting Commission
15742-03-2
S. --------
Senate
--------
IN SENATE--Introduced by Sen
--read twice and ordered printed,
and when printed to be committed
to the Committee on
-------- A.
Assembly
--------
IN ASSEMBLY--Introduced by M. of A.
with M. of A. as co-sponsors
--read once and referred to the
Committee on
*REALP*
(Authorizes the town of Greenburgh,
county of Westchester to lease
certain lands to a business corpo-
ration for park and recreational
uses)
--------
Twn Greenburgh parkland lease
AN ACT
to authorize the town of Greenburgh,
county of Westchester to lease
certain lands for park and recre-
ational uses
The__People__of__the__State_of_New
York,__represented__in__Senate___and
Assembly,_do_enact_as_follows:
05/09/12 2 15742-03-2
1 Section 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 891 of the laws
2 of 1982 to the contrary, the town of Greenburgh acting by and through
3 its town board is hereby authorized and empowered to lease at fair
4 market value and upon such other terms and conditions as determined by
5 such board consistent with sections four and five of this act the lands
6 and improvements described in section three of this act, and necessary
7 appurtenances thereto, for up to 30 years for the operation of a tennis
8 facility and other recreational activities.
9 § 2. The authorization provided in section one of this act shall be
10 effective only upon the condition that the town of Greenburgh dedicate
11 all proceeds of such lease for the operation, maintenance and/or
12 improvement of existing park and recreational facilities and/or for the
13 acquisition of additional park and recreational facilities.
14 § 3. The lands and improvements referred to in section one of this act
15 which may be leased consist of tennis facilities and other necessary
16 appurtenances located in the Anthony F. Veteran Park in the town of
17 Greenburgh, county of Westchester, state of New York, the park being
18 more particularly described as follows:
19 ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and
20 improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of
21 Greenburgh, County of Westchester and State of New York, and being more
22 particularly bounded and described as follows:
23 BEGINNING at a point on the northerly line of the Sprain Brook Park-
24 way, where the same is intersected by the northeasterly boundary line of
25 land now or formerly of Robert Stephen Anthony as acquired by a deed
26 from John Canning, Jr., dated September 9th, 1952, recorded in Office of
27 the County Clerk of Westchester County, Division of Land Records, on
28 September 10th, 1952, in Liber 5134 of conveyances, page 115, said point
05/09/12 3 15742-03-2
1 of BEGINNING being distant North 43° 57' 40" East 272.43 feet from a
2 monument at the intersection of the southeasterly corner of said lands
3 so conveyed by the aforementioned deed with the northeasterly side of
4 Heatherdell Road; thence running along the last mentioned northeasterly
5 boundary line of Anthony, North 46° 02' 20" West 344.66 feet to a point;
6 thence running North 49° 20' 10" East 551.65 feet and North 17° 14' 40"
7 East 1005.00 feet to a corner in said land; thence running South 80° 25'
8 50" East 899.49 feet to the northerly line of Sprain Brook Parkway;
9 thence running along said lands the following courses and distances:
10 South 16° 58' 39" East 49.00 feet, South 43° 57' 57" West 734.75 feet,
11 South 61° 17' 40" West 135.00 feet and South 43° 57' 40" West 1067.57
12 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING, containing 20.46 acres more or
13 less.
14 TOGETHER with and subject to an easement in common with others over
15 the existing driveway running from Heatherdell Road through premises and
16 premises adjoining as set forth in Liber 3929 of conveyances, page 165,
17 and utility easements as recorded in the Book of Conveyances in Liber
18 5389, Page 204, and in Liber 5950, page 320.
19 ALSO known on the Official Tax Map of the Town of Greenburgh as Volume
20 8, Sheet 4, Parcel 4B, and of the Village of Ardsley as Sheet 1, Parcel
21 37B.
22 § 4. Should the leased park lands described in sections one and three
23 of this act cease to be used for the purposes described therein, the
24 lease shall terminate and those lands shall revert to the town of Green-
25 burgh for public park and recreational purposes.
26 § 5. Such leased park land and improvements described in sections one
27 and three of this act shall be made available to the general public on
28 an equitable basis. Where availability of such public facilities is
05/09/12 4 15742-03-2
1 limited, the use of such facilities must be determined by a written
2 policy, developed, posted and administered by the lessee in conjunction
3 with the town of Greenburgh.
4 § 6. The provisions of this act shall not affect any rights or deed
5 restrictions pursuant to the terms, conditions, and provisions of the
6 deed conveying interest in the park land described in this act to the
7 town of Greenburgh.
8 § 7. This act shall take effect immediately.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
zuckerberg article in NY Magazine highlights Dobbs Ferry
http://nymag.com/news/features/mark-zuckerberg-2012-5/
My interview with Dr. Ed Zuckerberg, father of Mark on WVOX radio last year was briefly mentioned in the cover story NY Magazine ran on the Zuckerberg family. Dr. Zuckerberg resides in Dobbs Ferry and is a highly regarded dentist in the community.
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
hydrant flushing..con ed tree removal
The Greenburgh Water Department will continue its maintenance program to operate and flush fire hydrants for the week beginning Monday, May 14, 2012 thru Friday, May 25, 2012. This action is necessary to make sure the fire hydrants are in good working order in case of emergencies and to help flush sediment out of the distribution system.
The hydrant flushing and operating action will take place during the day from 9:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. Greenburgh Water District Customers in the neighborhoods listed and the immediate vicinity should expect temporary periods of discolored water and lowered pressure resulting from this maintenance operation. This discoloration consists primarily of harmless silt and air and does not affect the safety of the water. For further information, customers may contact the Greenburgh Water Department at 914-993-1592 or visit the Town website www.greenburghny.com.
GREENVILE AREA - Entire Section.
LONGVIEW SECTION, including roads near Longview Drive , Highland Road, Evandale Road, Fort Hill Road, Underhill Road, Juniper Road, Moorland Drive, Clayton Road, Hearthstone Circle, Scarsdale Farm Road, Clarendon Road, Mt. Joy Avenue, West Minister Road, Paradise Drive, Argyle Avenue, Dorchester Drive, Central Park Avenue and Ardsley Road.
TANGLEWOOD SECTION, including roads near Sprain Valley Road, Fort Hill Road, Ardsley Road, High Point Road, Tanglewood Road, Andrea Lane Cherrywood Road, Forest Lane, Penny Lane, Jackson Avenue, Sunrise Lane, Fountain Lane & Central Park Avenue.
EDGEMONT SECTION, , including roads near Old Army Road, Mount Joy Avenue, Ardsley road, Central Park Avenue White Oak lane, Aqueduct Drive, Edgemont Road, Bretton Road, Seely Place, Henry street, Robbin Hill Road, Lynwood Road, Sherwood Place & Walbrooke Road.
COTSWOLD SECTION, including roads near Central Park Avenue, Ardsley Road, Cotswold Way Road, Overton road, Old Army Roaed, Medford Lane, Barford Lane, Wood ford road, Rutland Road, Campden Road, Chedworth Road, Kempster Road & Lynwood Road.
PARTS OF CLUBWAY SECTION, including roads near Old Colony Road, Tamarack Trail, Brook Lane East & West, Highridge Road, Midvale Road & Club Way.
PARTS OF MARION/HEALY SECTION, including roads near Healy Avenue, Marion Avenue, Thomas Street, Elizabeth Street, Meadow View Drive & Central Park Avenue.
PARTS OF TOPLAND SECTION, including roads near Sunningdale Golf Club, Underhill Road, Sprain Road, Deer Hill Lane, Aqueduct Lane & Clover Close.
Please be advised that flushing may cause water pressure variations and discoloration of water. This does not represent a health hazard. However, customers are cautioned to determine if the water is clear before washing clothes (or any other processing) as staining may occur. If you experience discoloration in your water after crews have been flushing in your neighborhood, clear the pipes in your home by running cold water faucets for a few minutes. The water is absolutely safe. However, to avoid any inconvenience, we suggest you monitor the water before doing any laundry and keep water in the refrigerator for drinking and cooking.
Con Edison is planning tree work along a transmission line corridor which passes through the Town of Greenburgh and the Village of Elmsford. The Right of Way (ROW) is generally owned by New York City, and is managed by the City’s Department of Environmental Protection. The Company operates on this property under an agreement with the City. Please treat this communication as "sensitive" and limit its distribution, as it describes critical infrastructure
Con Edison maintains a network of bulk-power transmission lines on the ROW which are critical to the region's electric supply. Con Edison typically operates these lines at 345,000 volts. At such extreme voltage, safe clearance between vegetation and conductors is critical to maintain system reliability and public safety, due in part to the electricity's ability to "jump" to things like tall trees growing or falling nearby. As you may recall, the massive Northeast blackout of 2003 was initiated by such an incident under a 345kV transmission line in Ohio.
Since this event, there have been significant changes in the regulation of transmission line vegetation management practices. Con Edison's program follows industry-recognized "Best Management Practices" in bringing its lines into compliance.
The project site within the Town is approximately 6 miles long, and is approximately 1 mile long in the Village. The section of line begins in the Town at Grasslands Road, and ends south of Jackson Ave. There are approximately 52 towers in this section of line in Greenburgh, and 9 in Elmsford. The ROW width varies, but is typically 150’. Any vegetation on our ROW which at maturity would have the potential to grow or fall close enough to the lines to cause a line outage is considered incompatible. We aim to do the following when performing our routine vegetation management:
• Clearing of brush around tower bases to 20' from footings.
• Removal of incompatible vegetation from the wire zone. The "wire zone" is the area directly under the wires. Since line height varies from span to span, the maximum allowable height of species in the wire zone will also vary.
• Removal of incompatible vegetation from the border zone. The border zone is the area between the wire zone and the property line. When trees are to be removed from the border zone, debris may be "fly-chipped" on site, removed completely, or cut into smaller pieces and placed strategically on the ROW.
• If trees are rooted on neighboring property, we may side-trim growth that extends over the property line. (We do not remove our neighbor’s trees without written permission to do so, and do not solicit this work unless it is deemed necessary for safety and reliability.)
• Application of herbicide. This is done on an "as-needed" basis. Some tree species have the ability to "re-sprout" and/or "sucker" from the stump or root system. A small amount of herbicide may be applied in accordance with EPA, DEC and DEP requirements. All applications are made by State licensed applicators.
• Notification. The Company’s contractor is required to notify all neighbors abutting the ROW before work begins. The notification materials are currently being hand delivered to every property that borders the ROW, as well as others in the immediate area.
The Company estimates its contractor will begin herbicide work in late June, and tree trimming-type work in early July. Work will take approximately 2 months.
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Daniel J. Lyons
Public Affairs Manager
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
save money by conserving energy..greenburgh library...home buyers
Save money on cooling and heating costs and learn how to increase the comfort and safety of your home! Come to Greenburgh Town Hall on May 22nd at 7 p.m. to take steps to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Get help filling out a request for a free or low-cost energy survey, learn about Con Ed's programs that save you money, and hear how homeowners have taken steps to save energy and money. What's more, the first 50 people who register and attend will receive a free CFL lightbulb that will save up to $70 in electricity expense over its lifetime. Register for the event at http://renewgreenburgh.org/registrationmay22freehomeenergyworkshop.html
BOOKS & COOKS : MYSTERY EDITION
To benefit the Greenburgh Public Library Foundation
Monday, May 21, 2012
6:00-9:00 p.m.
at the Greenburgh Public Library
Best-Selling Author: Andrew Gross, Honorary Author Chair
David DiBari, The Cookery, Honorary Restaurant Chair
FOOD AND BEVERAGE PARTNERS:
42 at the Ritz-Cartlon • Bistro Z at the Doubletree • Caffe Azzuri • Captain Lawrence Brewing Company •The Cookery • Coffee Lab Roasters • The Great American BBQ •Good-Life Gourmet •Mughal Palace • Prospero Winery •Ruth's Chris Steak House •SB&G Grill
Individual Ticket -$135.00
More options available!
Please go to greenburghlibraryfoundation.org or
call 914-747-0519 for information.
This is a great opportunity to help the Library--especially during difficult economic times. The Library Foundation will be using the funds to offset cuts in the library material budget.
if you really want us to raise money for the Library we need you to publicize it and give it your push. So far, I have seen only one mention. This is a tough time and we need to make major dollars on this.
“Housing Action Council will be hosting a free workshop for First-Time Home Buyers with information & education on the home buying process with advice from a non-profit housing counselor, bank representative, and credit experts.
Topics include financial & credit overview, budgeting, savings, grant assistance, pre-approvals, steps in the home buying process and how to choose your team of professionals. RSVP to Housing Action Council 914-332-4144.” Event: May 23rd at White Plains Library, 6- 8 PM.
PAUL FEINER
Friday, May 04, 2012
ECC needs to be more positive--negativity hurts property values
I don't think alot of people read my blog. But, I know that when I comment on Robert Bernstein, the former head of the Edgemont Community Council, I usually get a response. Almost every day the ECC posts negative comments about the town on its facebook page. Most Edgemont residents who I speak with are upset --because these negative comments impact property values. Why would anyone want to buy a house in a community that is always featured on a neighborhood civic association page in a very bad light? There is almost nothing positive about Edgemont on their facebook page. Almost everything is negative--and it's been like that for months.
When the town received its AAA bond rating a few weeks ago from Standard & Poor's & Moody's Bob said nothing about the good news on the ECC facebook page. There are over 1,000 localities in NYS and only 15 have the highest bond rating that is given. During my tenure as Town Supervisor the bond rating has increased a few times --also something Bob likes to ignore.
Almost every day Bob reads the dailygreenburgh.com website and posts negative comments about everything we do. Nothing positive. A few years ago Bob arranged for NYC TV to interview him about burglaries in Edgemont. He exaggerated the crime problems --making people think that Edgemont was less safe than it actually is. There are burglaries in Scarsdale..there are burglaries everywhere. Do local leaders think it's in their interest to make people scared?
It's my hope that the Edgemont Community Council page will start being more balanced. They should criticize the town when we're doing things that are wrong --but they should also highlight some of the good things that the town is doing in Edgemont. Their facebook page should encourage people to want to move to Edgemont --it shouldn't encourage people to want to move out.
My guess is that Bob will respond. I hope he shows this e mail to other civic leaders in Edgemont and that they will reflect on the impact negativity is having on Edgemont property values.
The Edgemont community leadership should be publicizing the great things that are happening in their community. People invest their life savings in their own town and want to feel proud of their neighborhood.
Monday, April 30, 2012
tax hikes depend on county legislators
Greenburgh town officials are scheduled to meet with Westchester County Legislators this Tuesday at 1 PM to discuss the future of the WESTHELP site. The town has rights to the property and hopes to generate revenue from the property. Some options that could generate significant revenue to the town require the approval of members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators. The meeting on Tuesday will be held at the County Office Building, 8th floor. Greenburgh Legislators who represent the town on the Board of Legislators are Mary Jane Shimsky, Alfreda Williams and Michael Smith.
The revenue the town receives from this property will impact taxes in both the villages of Greenburgh and unincorporated Greenburgh. If members of the County Legislature do not work with the town in helping us obtain the maximum revenue for the property tax rates could fluctuate by over 10%. Every 40,000 dollars in revenue equals about 1% of our tax rate --in the town's "A" budget--which impacts village/unincorporated Greenburgh residents. Some of the options under consideration could generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional revenue for Greenburgh taxpayers.
OPTIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION--
FERNCLIFF MANOR (ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES HELP TO DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED) Town to receive between $550,000 and a million dollars a year in revenue if property is rented to Ferncliff.
It is currently located off of Saw Mill River Road in Yonkers. Its school and administrative building is more than 100 years old. The residences are small and camped, and trailers are used as auxiliary classrooms. The facility as is must be replaced as per orders from the State.
The new facility would serve 56 residential children plus 8 day students. All of the students are profoundly disabled, most with severe autism or autism-related disorders, as well as physical disabilities. They require constant assistance and in most cases cannot care for themselves. Consequently they do not leave the campus unless escorted, nor do they require any services from local schools. The children are at Ferncliff because schools are not equipped to handle them.
Residents live at Ferncliff until they are 21, at which point they are transferred to a residential facility for adults, generally a group home. Ferncliff does not intend to run a group home at the Greenburgh site.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING - The Town Board has been discussing an agreement with the Greenburgh Housing Authority to provide seniors with affordable housing. The town would have to maintain the property -which could be costly. If the single room units are converted to larger units the renovations could be expensive. There may be some additional work required to comply with federal guidelines dealing with the disabled. Currently half of the apartments are on a 2nd floor--without elevators. One option that could be considered would be to create affordable senior citizen housing on one floor and student dorms for students studying to be nurses on the 2nd floor. An intergenerational initiative. We need to determine how much revenue this option would generate for the town. Seems like it would generate less than Ferncliff --will ask that this be analyzed.
SELL THE LAND AND SPLIT THE REVENUE BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND TOWN - The town has rights to the land for a specific period of time. The land then goes to the county. An option that was suggested late last week: the county and town should sell the land (tax credit sale) to a developer for affordable senior housing. It was pointed out that the property is worth about $15 million dollars. Under this option the town would receive $7.5 million in revenue from the sale. And, the county, school district, town would receive annual taxes.
New York State has to comply with the tax cap. We have been using our fund balance (savings account) to subsidize programs so need every dollar we can get. We are very proud of the fact that we are one of 15 local governments in the entire state of NY (out of more than 1,000) that have a triple A bond rating--the highest rating a local government can receive--from both Moody's and Standard & Poor's bond rating agency. If we are able to generate significant revenue from the property we will not only be able to keep taxes down but will be able to maintain our high bond rating in the years to come.
PAUL FEINER
Thursday, April 26, 2012
free tree seedlings..frank's nursery meeting
Free tree seedling if you stop by at TOWN HALL FRIDAY
Friday, April 27, 2012 is recognized as Arbor Day in the Town of Greenburgh. While the Town held its Arbor Day observance at the Greenburgh Nature Center this past Sunday, visitors to Town Hall during the remainder of this week are encouraged to visit the Town Forestry Officer, Aaron Schmidt, at his office in the Department of Community Development and Conservation, on the 2nd floor of Town Hall. Feel free to ask questions, pick up educational materials, and take a free tree seedling home with you to plant with your children or grandchildren (while supplies last). For more information, please contact Mr. Schmidt directly at 993-1511 or at aschmidt@greenburgnny.com.
INFORMAL MEETING ON MAY 1ST AT 8 PM AT GREENBURGH TOWN HALL TO DISCUSS FRANK’S NURSERY
The Town of Greenburgh owns 6.89 acres of land that had previously been owned by Frank’s Nursery. Frank’s Nursery filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and did not pay taxes. The town took over the property. Last year we issued a request for proposals to redevelop the property. We put up a sign encouraging people and businesses to submit options to the town. We received three responses from applicant - two responses were to buy the property outright and a third response was to demolish and construct an indoor sports dome on the property through a fifteen year ground lease. Game On’s proposal was the preferred option. The proposal includes a 15,000 sf clubhouse attached to a 94,000 sf air structure with an outdoor soccer field at the rear of the site. The air structure will have 4 turf playing fields and two hard court surfaces. The town will receive substantial revenue from the lease.
The proposed building systems will be constructed in a “temporary” manner to satisfy the Town’s fifteen year ground lease in which the air structure is quickly and easily removable and recyclable and the front clubhouse building will be constructed in such a way that can easily be added to and/or adapted by the Town, as its steel frame and curtain wall skin are also flexible in design. Game On’s proposal for 715 Dobbs Ferry Road leaves substantial open space on the property and in addition to the natural buffers including trees, shrubs and landscaping, Game On will maintain an expansive open grass area on the rear of the property.
A representative of Game On will be at a very informal meeting that I have scheduled for Tuesday evening, May 1st at 8 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall. If you have any questions about the application you are invited to attend the meeting. This won’t be a formal meeting. This is an opportunity to interact with a representative on a one-on-one basis and to have your questions answered if possible.
The Town Board has not finalized any contract. Before any contract is voted on it will be posted on the website and there will be opportunities for the public to comment. An anonymous letter was sent to residents containing inaccurate information about the proposal. The goal of this meeting is to provide a representative of Game On with the chance to explain the proposal.
PAUL FEINER
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
abandoned gas station can re-open...leaves to be bagged..waterwheel affordable housing meeting postponed
The Greenburgh Town Board cleared the way for Cumberland Farms to open up a convenience store and pumping station on Central Ave and Old Army Road tonight. The boarded up station now can reopen as a permitted use. I am very pleased. It sends a powerful message to the business community that the town is determined to do what we can to replace abandoned vacant storefronts with new vibrant stores. The abandoned station has been an eyesore for years. And, many Edgemont residents have complained!
The Board also approved a local law to require property owners or the agents to place leaves in bags for pick up and collection. We hope this new law will encourage residents to mulch their leaves. The new policy, which is currently in place in the villages and in many communities in Westchester, will enable the town to pick up leaves once a week instead of once every six or seven weeks. We will be able to cut down on overtime and assign crews to other duties--making sure drains are clear (will reduce flooding), cleaning up the roads, etc..
Waterwheel affordable housing meeting postponed to June...
I spoke with the attorney who represents the waterwheel affordable housing project in Ardsley. The town has been working with the village of Ardsley trying to turn foreclosed land into affordable housing opportunities. Although approvals have been given for construction-- no work has started. Some members of the Town Board and I have expressed concern.
We asked for a progress report and received the following statement. " As stated we are moving forward, the land use approvals are all secured and we are down to a few final pieces needing to fall into place to permit us to proceed to closing on the property and constructing the project. As a result, please postpone our appearance at the work session next week until June when we expect to be in a position to finalize our plans with the Town. We will continue to inform you of our progress in the interim. Thank you."
I am very pleased. Seems like the affordable housing proposal is back on track.
PAUL FEINER
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
MEETING ON WESTHELP/WATERWHEEL STATUS TUESDAY MAY 1
MEETING WITH WESTCHESTER LEGISLATORS ON WESTHELP TUESDAY, MAY 1ST AT 1 PM
Westchester County Legislator Alfreda Williams has invited me to a meeting of a committee of members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators on Tuesday, May 1st at 1 PM to discuss the future of the WESTHELP property. There are two options: 1) the town could enter into an agreement with Ferncliff (an organization that provides services to the developmentally disabled community). We could receive significant revenue --close to a million dollars a year in revenue if the County Executive and County Legislature approves that agreement.
The other option: We do not need county approval to use the property for affordable housing. If the Ferncliff proposal is not approved, the Town Board has decided to ask the Greenburgh Housing Authority to manage the property for us and to convert the units into affordable housing opportunities. The town would receive much less revenue from the Housing Authority if the property is used for affordable housing. A meeting was held with the Greenburgh Housing Authority to discuss this option last night.
I believe that the Ferncliff option is a much better fit. The developmentally disabled would benefit greatly by living in a campus surrounding. Ferncliff does a great job providing quality services to the disabled population. And- Ferncliff has been working with the town on developing the land for the disabled population for about a year. I hope the County Executive and Legislature are supportive.
Waterwheel affordable housing status update---meeting May 1 at 9:30 AM
Is the county still interested in helping the town/ardsley convert property into affordable housing?
I have invited the County Executive, Legislators and developer to a Town Board work session meeting on Tuesday, May 1st at 9:30 AM. The first topic of the agenda: the status of the waterwheel property. The town of Greenburgh and village of Ardsley entered into an agreement to create affordable housing opportunities on town foreclosed property known as the waterwheel. We approved the agreement in 2010. The village approved all the agreements months ago.
The village of Ardsley granted all the approvals but the construction has not yet started. We would like to discuss a timetable for construction and payments to the town.
The town is also counting on the revenue from the sale of this property.
PAUL FEINER
Saturday, April 21, 2012
TONY LASORDA, BASEBALL GREAT, MARCHES WITH ELMSFORD LITTLE LEAGUE--A GREAT PARADE
I always enjoy marching in the Elmsford Little League parade. Who wouldn't? Last year MLB superstar Darryl Strawberry marched with us. Today former Major League Baseball player and manager Tommy Lasorda marched with the Little League players, parents,coaches and officials. Tommy had great advice for the players- if you lose don't worry. The major league players also lose games!.
Friday, April 20, 2012
STANDARD & POOR'S AWARDS TOWN HIGHEST BOND RATING--ONLY 15 LOCALITIES OUT OF MORE THAN 1,000 HAVE MOODY'S AAA BOND RATING
Standard & Poor’s assigned the town it’s highest bond rating –AAA on April 20th. In their report they indicated that “the town’s budgeting practices have been very conservative.” The report indicated that “Greenburgh’s management practices are considered good under Standard & Poor’s Financial Management Assessment.”
Earlier this week we received more good news. Moody's has assigned Greenburgh the highest bond rating possible Aaa. According to the opinion, which was released today "the Aaa rating reflects the town's affluent and sizeable tax base, sound financial position with strong fiscal management and low debt profile." They indicated that they "expect the town to maintain a healthy financial position given conservative budget practices and management's demonstrated commitment to maintaining ample reserve levels."
Earning the highest bond rating possible from two independent agencies is a big honor. There are 932 towns, 62 cities and 553 villages in New York State. Only 15 local governments in the state of New York have Aaa bond ratings from Moody’s. Greenburgh is one of the 15! It means that we can borrow at lower interest rates---saving you money.
Another reason to be proud: many local governments around the nation are experiencing municipal bond rating down grades (see following). If you google Moody’s Bond rating downgrades or Standard & Poor’s bond rating downgrades you’ll appreciate how difficult it is for local governments in these trying economic times to keep high bond ratings.
We will continue to work hard to manage your town efficiently. Special thanks to the Town Board, Department heads, town employees, civic leaders and volunteers for your partnership in making the town one of the highest ranked communities in the United States.
Paul Feiner
Downgrades Felt at Local Level
By WSJ staff | The Wall Street Journal – Thu, Aug 18, 2011 3:00 AM EDT
•
Jeannette Neumann and Michael Aneiro
To city officials in Manassas Park, Va., Standard & Poor's one-notch downgrade of the U.S. government's credit rating was relatively mild compared with what the firm sprung on them last month.
The tiny city's credit rating was reduced to triple-B from double-A minus—a five-notch tumble.
"For us to have been downgraded with the problems of the economy, we were expecting that," says Gary Fields, Manassas Park's finance director. "But maybe a notch. Maybe two notches. We were quite surprised at the size of the downgrade. I don't really understand."
Similar confusion and frustration is spreading through other cities, counties and municipalities bruised by steep downgrades. Since June 2010, S&P, Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings have made 196 so-called super-downgrades on municipal bonds, according to research firm Municipal Market Advisors.
[More from WSJ.com: Municipalities Abandon S&P After Ratings Downgrade]
Super-downgrades are defined as cuts of at least three notches on the letter-grade scales used by the firms.
The ratings firms say the multinotch downgrades are extremely rare and when they do happen they are often tied to bonds where investors already expect volatility, such as bonds that depend on property-tax revenue at a time when the real estate market is depressed.
The super-downgrades pushed yields on the downgraded municipal bonds higher and could increase borrowing costs the next time affected cities, counties and other municipalities need to sell bonds.
"Anytime you have your name associated with a downgrade, that's not good PR," says Jeremy Niedfeldt, a financial adviser to Osceola County, Fla. Last month, Moody's cut its rating on about $38 million in bonds issued by Osceola County by three notches, citing a "continuing decline in pledged property tax revenues." The county itself remained high investment grade.
Critics say super-downgrades are unfair punishment by the major firms responding to heightened focus by regulators on the timeliness and accuracy of their ratings. Their actions are "not about rapid credit erosion this year or last year," says Matt Fabian, managing director for Municipal Market Advisors. "It's about several years of things getting worse, and the rating agencies weren't able to catch it."
[More from WSJ.com: Expense Report Confidential]
S&P, a unit of McGraw-Hill Cos., declined to comment on the super-downgrades. Fitch said its multinotch downgrades during the past year represent less than 1% of the firm's U.S. municipal-ratings actions. Many of the super-downgrades affect bonds tied to property taxes, which are suffering as shrunken real-estate values hurt property-tax assessments, according to Fitch, a unit of Fimalac SA.
Moody's managing director Robert Kurtter said that the municipal finance market is undergoing "unprecedented stress" and that "where there are dramatic or swift changes in credit quality, we take rating actions accordingly." Mr. Kurtter said that multinotch rating actions are "extremely rare" and that the sectors that are "most vulnerable to sharp moves in credit quality are healthcare, housing, and project finance—not state and local government credits."
The super-downgrades come at a time when local governments are also dealing with knock-on effects of S&P's downgrade of the U.S. rating. The City of Los Angeles and two other municipalities that voluntarily commissioned S&P's to rate their investment portfolios have dropped those ratings this week after being downgraded, largely due to their holdings of U.S. Treasury bonds.
San Mateo County, Calif., said Wednesday that it won't renew its contract with S&P to rate a $2.6 billion investment pool.
The portfolio was downgraded last week because it is mostly invested in U.S. government securities. "We found the whole process of the downgrade flawed," says Sandie Arnott, San Mateo County's treasurer and tax collector.
[More from WSJ.com: Stealthy Tracking Tools Raise Questions About Self-Regulation]
Local governments in Los Angeles and Manatee County, Fla., also have defected from S&P since it cut ratings on 73 funds with "significant exposure" to U.S. Treasurys and government-agency securities.
"They unfairly penalized us for following best practices," says Dan Wolfson, finance director in the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller's office in Bradenton, Fla.Other local governments with downgraded investment funds say they are wrestling with whether to opt for Moody's or Fitch instead of S&P. Those two companies have affirmed their triple-A ratings on the U.S.
"It's just kind of mind-boggling at this point," says Shai Francis, finance director for St. Lucie County, Fla., which is likely to make a decision by the end of September.
Peter Rizzo, senior director in S&P's fund-ratings group, acknowledged that the U.S. downgrade by the firm might cause some local governments to "feel frustrated, and I imagine some are re-evaluating whether they have a need for the rating."
As for super-downgrades, analysts say the number of such cuts has jumped since 2009, though exact figures before then aren't known. Lisa Washburn, also with Municipal Market Advisors, said that the "heightened regulatory environment" and "the fiscal challenges facing municipal credits set the stage for some significant negative rating actions over the past year."
Last year's Dodd-Frank law makes it easier for plaintiffs to sue the firms, which gives the firms more incentive to review their ratings regularly, municipal analysts say. Proposed rules by the Securities and Exchange Commission would require firms to disclose more about how they decide on ratings—and their accuracy.
The raters themselves have placed greater focus on surveillance of outstanding ratings. In July, Michael Rowan, a Moody's managing director, told lawmakers that the Moody's Corp. unit began in 2010 to "conduct at least annual reviews of all credit ratings, except those that expressly indicate they are not subject to ongoing monitoring."
According to Municipal Market Advisors, super-downgrades peaked last October. In July, there were six such downgrades. Matt Dalton, chief executive of Belle Haven Investments, a White Plains, N.Y., investment firm, said some bondholders are worried about a new wave of super-downgrades "as these rating agencies scramble to get more current on their issues."
Manassas Park officials were stunned by S&P's five-notch downgrade on July 20. The rating firm blamed "significant and rapid deteriorations of the city's financial position." City officials complain that S&P didn't give enough weight to good news such as a 5.2% rise in property assessments for the current fiscal year. Assessments help determine property-tax revenue.
In addition, S&P incorrectly called Manassas Park a county in an initial version of the firm's downgrade report and said the city had recently increased employee salaries, even though that hasn't happened since 2009, according to Mr. Fields, the city's finance director.
S&P corrected the errors but went ahead with the downgrade despite objections from city officials. Jim Zumwalt, Manassas Park's city manager, said officials have no plans to stop using S&P to rate their bonds.
—Prabha Natarajan contributed to this story
1. Moody's downgrades Milwaukee's bond rating - TODAY'S TMJ4
www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/147690135.htmlCached
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3 days ago – Moody's Investors Service has slightly downgraded Milwaukee's bond rating because of concerns about the city's poverty rate.
2. Coralville bond rating downgraded | The Des Moines Register ...
www.desmoinesregister.com/.../Coralville-bond-rating-downgradedCached
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5 days ago – Coralville officials plan to meet with advisers this week to discuss the city's financial situation in light of a bond rating downgrade, council ...
National news
Public Topic active 26 minutes ago
Moody’s to downgrade 162 local governments rating, Cantor’s district hit hardest!! (1 post)
Earlier this week we received more good news. Moody's has assigned Greenburgh the highest bond rating possible Aaa. According to the opinion, which was released today "the Aaa rating reflects the town's affluent and sizeable tax base, sound financial position with strong fiscal management and low debt profile." They indicated that they "expect the town to maintain a healthy financial position given conservative budget practices and management's demonstrated commitment to maintaining ample reserve levels."
Earning the highest bond rating possible from two independent agencies is a big honor. There are 932 towns, 62 cities and 553 villages in New York State. Only 15 local governments in the state of New York have Aaa bond ratings from Moody’s. Greenburgh is one of the 15! It means that we can borrow at lower interest rates---saving you money.
Another reason to be proud: many local governments around the nation are experiencing municipal bond rating down grades (see following). If you google Moody’s Bond rating downgrades or Standard & Poor’s bond rating downgrades you’ll appreciate how difficult it is for local governments in these trying economic times to keep high bond ratings.
We will continue to work hard to manage your town efficiently. Special thanks to the Town Board, Department heads, town employees, civic leaders and volunteers for your partnership in making the town one of the highest ranked communities in the United States.
Paul Feiner
Downgrades Felt at Local Level
By WSJ staff | The Wall Street Journal – Thu, Aug 18, 2011 3:00 AM EDT
•
Jeannette Neumann and Michael Aneiro
To city officials in Manassas Park, Va., Standard & Poor's one-notch downgrade of the U.S. government's credit rating was relatively mild compared with what the firm sprung on them last month.
The tiny city's credit rating was reduced to triple-B from double-A minus—a five-notch tumble.
"For us to have been downgraded with the problems of the economy, we were expecting that," says Gary Fields, Manassas Park's finance director. "But maybe a notch. Maybe two notches. We were quite surprised at the size of the downgrade. I don't really understand."
Similar confusion and frustration is spreading through other cities, counties and municipalities bruised by steep downgrades. Since June 2010, S&P, Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings have made 196 so-called super-downgrades on municipal bonds, according to research firm Municipal Market Advisors.
[More from WSJ.com: Municipalities Abandon S&P After Ratings Downgrade]
Super-downgrades are defined as cuts of at least three notches on the letter-grade scales used by the firms.
The ratings firms say the multinotch downgrades are extremely rare and when they do happen they are often tied to bonds where investors already expect volatility, such as bonds that depend on property-tax revenue at a time when the real estate market is depressed.
The super-downgrades pushed yields on the downgraded municipal bonds higher and could increase borrowing costs the next time affected cities, counties and other municipalities need to sell bonds.
"Anytime you have your name associated with a downgrade, that's not good PR," says Jeremy Niedfeldt, a financial adviser to Osceola County, Fla. Last month, Moody's cut its rating on about $38 million in bonds issued by Osceola County by three notches, citing a "continuing decline in pledged property tax revenues." The county itself remained high investment grade.
Critics say super-downgrades are unfair punishment by the major firms responding to heightened focus by regulators on the timeliness and accuracy of their ratings. Their actions are "not about rapid credit erosion this year or last year," says Matt Fabian, managing director for Municipal Market Advisors. "It's about several years of things getting worse, and the rating agencies weren't able to catch it."
[More from WSJ.com: Expense Report Confidential]
S&P, a unit of McGraw-Hill Cos., declined to comment on the super-downgrades. Fitch said its multinotch downgrades during the past year represent less than 1% of the firm's U.S. municipal-ratings actions. Many of the super-downgrades affect bonds tied to property taxes, which are suffering as shrunken real-estate values hurt property-tax assessments, according to Fitch, a unit of Fimalac SA.
Moody's managing director Robert Kurtter said that the municipal finance market is undergoing "unprecedented stress" and that "where there are dramatic or swift changes in credit quality, we take rating actions accordingly." Mr. Kurtter said that multinotch rating actions are "extremely rare" and that the sectors that are "most vulnerable to sharp moves in credit quality are healthcare, housing, and project finance—not state and local government credits."
The super-downgrades come at a time when local governments are also dealing with knock-on effects of S&P's downgrade of the U.S. rating. The City of Los Angeles and two other municipalities that voluntarily commissioned S&P's to rate their investment portfolios have dropped those ratings this week after being downgraded, largely due to their holdings of U.S. Treasury bonds.
San Mateo County, Calif., said Wednesday that it won't renew its contract with S&P to rate a $2.6 billion investment pool.
The portfolio was downgraded last week because it is mostly invested in U.S. government securities. "We found the whole process of the downgrade flawed," says Sandie Arnott, San Mateo County's treasurer and tax collector.
[More from WSJ.com: Stealthy Tracking Tools Raise Questions About Self-Regulation]
Local governments in Los Angeles and Manatee County, Fla., also have defected from S&P since it cut ratings on 73 funds with "significant exposure" to U.S. Treasurys and government-agency securities.
"They unfairly penalized us for following best practices," says Dan Wolfson, finance director in the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller's office in Bradenton, Fla.Other local governments with downgraded investment funds say they are wrestling with whether to opt for Moody's or Fitch instead of S&P. Those two companies have affirmed their triple-A ratings on the U.S.
"It's just kind of mind-boggling at this point," says Shai Francis, finance director for St. Lucie County, Fla., which is likely to make a decision by the end of September.
Peter Rizzo, senior director in S&P's fund-ratings group, acknowledged that the U.S. downgrade by the firm might cause some local governments to "feel frustrated, and I imagine some are re-evaluating whether they have a need for the rating."
As for super-downgrades, analysts say the number of such cuts has jumped since 2009, though exact figures before then aren't known. Lisa Washburn, also with Municipal Market Advisors, said that the "heightened regulatory environment" and "the fiscal challenges facing municipal credits set the stage for some significant negative rating actions over the past year."
Last year's Dodd-Frank law makes it easier for plaintiffs to sue the firms, which gives the firms more incentive to review their ratings regularly, municipal analysts say. Proposed rules by the Securities and Exchange Commission would require firms to disclose more about how they decide on ratings—and their accuracy.
The raters themselves have placed greater focus on surveillance of outstanding ratings. In July, Michael Rowan, a Moody's managing director, told lawmakers that the Moody's Corp. unit began in 2010 to "conduct at least annual reviews of all credit ratings, except those that expressly indicate they are not subject to ongoing monitoring."
According to Municipal Market Advisors, super-downgrades peaked last October. In July, there were six such downgrades. Matt Dalton, chief executive of Belle Haven Investments, a White Plains, N.Y., investment firm, said some bondholders are worried about a new wave of super-downgrades "as these rating agencies scramble to get more current on their issues."
Manassas Park officials were stunned by S&P's five-notch downgrade on July 20. The rating firm blamed "significant and rapid deteriorations of the city's financial position." City officials complain that S&P didn't give enough weight to good news such as a 5.2% rise in property assessments for the current fiscal year. Assessments help determine property-tax revenue.
In addition, S&P incorrectly called Manassas Park a county in an initial version of the firm's downgrade report and said the city had recently increased employee salaries, even though that hasn't happened since 2009, according to Mr. Fields, the city's finance director.
S&P corrected the errors but went ahead with the downgrade despite objections from city officials. Jim Zumwalt, Manassas Park's city manager, said officials have no plans to stop using S&P to rate their bonds.
—Prabha Natarajan contributed to this story
1. Moody's downgrades Milwaukee's bond rating - TODAY'S TMJ4
www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/147690135.htmlCached
You +1'd this publicly. Undo
3 days ago – Moody's Investors Service has slightly downgraded Milwaukee's bond rating because of concerns about the city's poverty rate.
2. Coralville bond rating downgraded | The Des Moines Register ...
www.desmoinesregister.com/.../Coralville-bond-rating-downgradedCached
You +1'd this publicly. Undo
5 days ago – Coralville officials plan to meet with advisers this week to discuss the city's financial situation in light of a bond rating downgrade, council ...
National news
Public Topic active 26 minutes ago
Moody’s to downgrade 162 local governments rating, Cantor’s district hit hardest!! (1 post)
Thursday, April 19, 2012
good news--another person found a great job
received this good news. I deleted college where perry got job and his last name to protect his privacy.. Don't get discouraged.
Subject: I have a job
Hi! I just wanted to tell you some good news. I have a job. I just started working today as an Analyst in the Finance Service Center at ____ University. I will be involved in talking to users in dealing with questions they may have in switching the accounting software that will be at ___ University. Thank you for your assistance in helping find a job.
Perry
Subject: I have a job
Hi! I just wanted to tell you some good news. I have a job. I just started working today as an Analyst in the Finance Service Center at ____ University. I will be involved in talking to users in dealing with questions they may have in switching the accounting software that will be at ___ University. Thank you for your assistance in helping find a job.
Perry
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
GREENBURGH LIVING HISTORY TO EXPAND TO TAPE SURVIVORS OF HOLOCAUST
GREENBURGH'S LIVING HISTORY INITIATIVE TO EXPAND--
WE HOPE TO INTERVIEW VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST AND BROADCAST INTERVIEWS ON LOCAL TV...ARCHIVE THEM AT THE LIBRARY
HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS ASKED TO CONTACT TOWN TO SIGN UP FOR INTERVIEW...
A few years ago the town of Greenburgh started a very exciting initiative—the living history initiative. We have interviewed about 80 veterans of World War II and air the video’s on public access TV and replay the interviews during special holidays- like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. We are discussing the possibility of taking some of the veterans to Washington to hand deliver the video tapes to the Library of Congress. A representative of the Library of Congress has expressed interest in archiving the taped interviews.
We would like to expand the program and interview local survivors of the holocaust. There is an urgency since the numbers are dwindling. At the same time – it’s important that our local survivors be able to record their stories and have them preserved for history. Unlike some of the other holocaust programs – we will make this very local—which will be even more meaningful to young people. It is my hope that the tapes will be archived at libraries and at town hall. I also hope to present copies of the interviews to schools for use.
I would appreciate it if you would encourage holocaust survivors from Greenburgh to contact me or Alan Hochberg, coordinator of this program if they are willing to be part of the living history of the holocaust survivors initiative. Alan was executive director of Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanuel. My e mail is pfeiner@greenburghny.com. Alan’s is ahochberg@greenburghny.com.
PAUL FEINER
WE HOPE TO INTERVIEW VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST AND BROADCAST INTERVIEWS ON LOCAL TV...ARCHIVE THEM AT THE LIBRARY
HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS ASKED TO CONTACT TOWN TO SIGN UP FOR INTERVIEW...
A few years ago the town of Greenburgh started a very exciting initiative—the living history initiative. We have interviewed about 80 veterans of World War II and air the video’s on public access TV and replay the interviews during special holidays- like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. We are discussing the possibility of taking some of the veterans to Washington to hand deliver the video tapes to the Library of Congress. A representative of the Library of Congress has expressed interest in archiving the taped interviews.
We would like to expand the program and interview local survivors of the holocaust. There is an urgency since the numbers are dwindling. At the same time – it’s important that our local survivors be able to record their stories and have them preserved for history. Unlike some of the other holocaust programs – we will make this very local—which will be even more meaningful to young people. It is my hope that the tapes will be archived at libraries and at town hall. I also hope to present copies of the interviews to schools for use.
I would appreciate it if you would encourage holocaust survivors from Greenburgh to contact me or Alan Hochberg, coordinator of this program if they are willing to be part of the living history of the holocaust survivors initiative. Alan was executive director of Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanuel. My e mail is pfeiner@greenburghny.com. Alan’s is ahochberg@greenburghny.com.
PAUL FEINER
Monday, April 16, 2012
SMOKEY THE DOG HAS A HOME
SMOKEY THE DOG IS NOT HOMELESS FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 1997
Last week I sent out an appeal --asking someone to adopt Smokey, a dog who lived in a shelter since 1997. GOOD NEWS! Smokey went home today! THANK YOU!
This is a note a constituent sent to me...
Please let your daughter know that today Smokey went home. He was surrendered as a puppy in 1997 and has been there since. Get on the petsalivewestchester.com website and follow the twitter. There is a pic with his caretaker of many years saying "goodbye.
Thank you for all you do and all you have done for Pets Alive Westchester. There are several hundred more animals that need homes
Last week I sent out an appeal --asking someone to adopt Smokey, a dog who lived in a shelter since 1997. GOOD NEWS! Smokey went home today! THANK YOU!
This is a note a constituent sent to me...
Please let your daughter know that today Smokey went home. He was surrendered as a puppy in 1997 and has been there since. Get on the petsalivewestchester.com website and follow the twitter. There is a pic with his caretaker of many years saying "goodbye.
Thank you for all you do and all you have done for Pets Alive Westchester. There are several hundred more animals that need homes
MOODY'S ASSIGNS GREENBURGH HIGHEST BOND RATING POSSIBLE--Aaa
I am pleased to report that Moody’s has assigned Greenburgh the highest bond rating possible: Aaa! They commented that Greenburgh’s Aaa rating “reflects the town’s affluent and sizeable tax base, sound financial position with strong fiscal management and low debt profile.” “Conservative budget practices”.
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
TARRYTOWN, ONE OF GREENBURGH'S SIX VILLAGES, NAMED ONE OF 10 PRETTIEST TOWNS IN AMERICA BY FORBES
Mayor Drew Fixell and the Village of Tarrytown should be congratulated for being named one of the prettiest towns in the United States by Forbes. Tarrytown is one of six villages located within the town of Greenburgh.
I think that one of the reasons why Tarrytown achieved this distinction is because of good planning decisions over the years. The Tarrytown Village Board, Zoning Board, Planning Board and Conservation Advisory Board have insisted (over the years) on great planning and have made excellent land use decisions. These decisions have helped Tarrytown maintain its charm and unique qualities. Tarrytown is known for its history. Washington Irving, the Underground mansion, spectacular mansions, Lyndhurst and much more. The Hudson River views are spectacular, the parks are great. And --the restaurants are outstanding! Great concerts and shows are performed at the Tarrytown Music Hall, one of the most charming theaters around.
I am sure that this honor and recognition will help our area attract more tourists and will be good news to the small businesses in our community.
Congratulations--again--to a great village on this impressive honor. Glad they are part of our town!
PAUL FEINER
I think that one of the reasons why Tarrytown achieved this distinction is because of good planning decisions over the years. The Tarrytown Village Board, Zoning Board, Planning Board and Conservation Advisory Board have insisted (over the years) on great planning and have made excellent land use decisions. These decisions have helped Tarrytown maintain its charm and unique qualities. Tarrytown is known for its history. Washington Irving, the Underground mansion, spectacular mansions, Lyndhurst and much more. The Hudson River views are spectacular, the parks are great. And --the restaurants are outstanding! Great concerts and shows are performed at the Tarrytown Music Hall, one of the most charming theaters around.
I am sure that this honor and recognition will help our area attract more tourists and will be good news to the small businesses in our community.
Congratulations--again--to a great village on this impressive honor. Glad they are part of our town!
PAUL FEINER
Monday, April 02, 2012
NYS SHOULD TREAT WESTCHESTER COMMUTERS SAME AS BUFFALO COMMUTERS--GIVE RESIDENCY DISCOUNT WHEN CROSSING BRIDGE
NYS OFFERS BUFFALO COMMUTERS SUBSTANTIAL DISCOUNTS (9 CENTS VS. $1) WHEN CROSSING GRAND ISLAND BRIDGE. NYS SHOULD OFFER COMMUTERS WHO CROSS TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE SAME BENEFITS. BRIDGE TOLLS COULD EXCEED $15 BY TIME BRIDGE IS BUILT.
westchester and rockland residents should receive discounts --just like Buffalo
In recent months there has been substantial discussion about some aspects of the Tappan Zee Bridge plan: mass transit on the bridge, the possibility of having a Tappanbridge park, and train station at the bridge are some issues that have received some attention. There is another issue that deserves more public discussion and attention: how much is it going to cost Westchester and Rockland residents to cross the bridge?
The Executive Director of the NYS Thruway Authority has estimated that tolls on the new bridge will be similar to those of other Hudson crossings. Current cash tolls at the George Washington Bridge are $12, with E-ZPass, $9.50 peak hours (6-10 AM, 4-8 PM: Saturday and Sunday 11 AM-9 PM) and $7.50 off-peak. Note almost the whole weekend is peak toll! These tolls are already being considered for increases again. By 2017, when the bridge is built, the tolls will be much more.
We need to protect Westchester and Rockland residents from bearing the full brunt of this cost as this structure is a lifeline for the ENTIRE State of New York- not just Westchester and Rockland Counties! During 9/11, it was the only way supplies made it in to NYC from Stewart Airport! Both counties need reasonable access cross the bridge
for work, shopping, recreation and family, which an unreasonably high toll would
prohibit. It would also have a negative impact on the economies of both counties. Clearly, legislation is needed to protect the residents of both counties from
unreasonable tolls.
Our state lawmakers need to address this. We need legislation similar to the provisions in Buffalo. Buffalo lawmakers were successful in getting the state and Thruway Authority to agree to special toll arrangements - a residential rate for Westchester/
Rockland residents. In Buffalo the Thruway Authority allows residents who cross the Grand Island Bridge to pay only 9 cents to cross the bridge vs. $1 for everyone else.
Why should the state allow residency discounts only for Buffalo commuters? If residency discounts are allowed in Buffalo they should also be offered to commuters
who cross the Tappan Zee Bridge. The following is from the NYS Thruway Authority website: Thruway Grand Island Resident**: Receive a $0.91 discount per trip ($0.09 versus the cash $1.00 per trip) on the Grand Island Bridges. Proof of Grand Island residency required. No minimum usage is required. Residency status is subject to
periodic review. If this plan is selected, the $25 required prepayment in Box B of application is waived. Plan Code: (GIR) - Required Prepayment ($5.00).
* Attach a copy of one of the following: vehicle registration, driver's license, or utility bill. A vehicle registration may be used on only one E-ZPass account. Residency status is subject to periodic review. ** You must provide a copy of your driver's license, utility bill or lease agreement AND a copy of your vehicle registration for each E-ZPass Tag requested. A vehicle registration may be used on only one E-ZPass account. Residency status is subject to periodic review.
Paul Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
westchester and rockland residents should receive discounts --just like Buffalo
In recent months there has been substantial discussion about some aspects of the Tappan Zee Bridge plan: mass transit on the bridge, the possibility of having a Tappanbridge park, and train station at the bridge are some issues that have received some attention. There is another issue that deserves more public discussion and attention: how much is it going to cost Westchester and Rockland residents to cross the bridge?
The Executive Director of the NYS Thruway Authority has estimated that tolls on the new bridge will be similar to those of other Hudson crossings. Current cash tolls at the George Washington Bridge are $12, with E-ZPass, $9.50 peak hours (6-10 AM, 4-8 PM: Saturday and Sunday 11 AM-9 PM) and $7.50 off-peak. Note almost the whole weekend is peak toll! These tolls are already being considered for increases again. By 2017, when the bridge is built, the tolls will be much more.
We need to protect Westchester and Rockland residents from bearing the full brunt of this cost as this structure is a lifeline for the ENTIRE State of New York- not just Westchester and Rockland Counties! During 9/11, it was the only way supplies made it in to NYC from Stewart Airport! Both counties need reasonable access cross the bridge
for work, shopping, recreation and family, which an unreasonably high toll would
prohibit. It would also have a negative impact on the economies of both counties. Clearly, legislation is needed to protect the residents of both counties from
unreasonable tolls.
Our state lawmakers need to address this. We need legislation similar to the provisions in Buffalo. Buffalo lawmakers were successful in getting the state and Thruway Authority to agree to special toll arrangements - a residential rate for Westchester/
Rockland residents. In Buffalo the Thruway Authority allows residents who cross the Grand Island Bridge to pay only 9 cents to cross the bridge vs. $1 for everyone else.
Why should the state allow residency discounts only for Buffalo commuters? If residency discounts are allowed in Buffalo they should also be offered to commuters
who cross the Tappan Zee Bridge. The following is from the NYS Thruway Authority website: Thruway Grand Island Resident**: Receive a $0.91 discount per trip ($0.09 versus the cash $1.00 per trip) on the Grand Island Bridges. Proof of Grand Island residency required. No minimum usage is required. Residency status is subject to
periodic review. If this plan is selected, the $25 required prepayment in Box B of application is waived. Plan Code: (GIR) - Required Prepayment ($5.00).
* Attach a copy of one of the following: vehicle registration, driver's license, or utility bill. A vehicle registration may be used on only one E-ZPass account. Residency status is subject to periodic review. ** You must provide a copy of your driver's license, utility bill or lease agreement AND a copy of your vehicle registration for each E-ZPass Tag requested. A vehicle registration may be used on only one E-ZPass account. Residency status is subject to periodic review.
Paul Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
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