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Sunday, August 26, 2012
Sad news- Sprainbrook Nursery going out of business
police camp graduates 28 students
Greenburgh has a wonderful police summer camp - funded by
Patricia Lanza. Mrs. Lanza is one of the most generous donors to numerous town
programs. On Saturday the police department graduated 28 students. The following
article appears in www.greenburgh.dailyvoice.com.
Greenburgh Police Summer Camp Cadets Graduate
ARDSLEY, N.Y. — Over the past seven weeks, the Greenburgh Police Summer Youth
Camp worked with the Westchester County Bomb Squad, visited the 9/11 Memorial in
Manhattan, folded a flag at Arlington National Cemetery and performed exercises
on the Lincoln Memorial’s Great Lawn in Washington.
From July 9 to Aug. 25, 30 local teenagers participated in an intensive program aimed at teaching students about the police department and expanding their perceptions of law enforcement.
“The camp is an abbreviated, condensed, but complete, police academy,” said Officer David Zenon, explaining that the students executed the same drills and completed the same tests that are performed in recruit school.
The camp’s graduation took place at Anthony F. Veteran Park on Saturday, celebrating the discipline, responsibility and accountability shown by the campers.
Sgt. Robert Gramaglia noted that the camp was not easy for several students, mentioning that many had thought about quitting. However, the determination and perseverance they learned from the program guided them to continue. Zenon said the students’ negative thoughts changed from “I can’t” to “I need to find a way to do it.”
Parents filled the multipurpose room, snapping photos of their police camp graduates as Zenon, Gramaglia and Police Chief Joseph DeCarlo congratulated the students.
The Greenburgh Police Department received 70 applications for the summer camp; 30 teenagers were accepted and 28 graduated. Former Police Chief John Kapica began the camp in 1999 to introduce local youths to law enforcement and create a better relationship between teenagers and police officers, said DeCarlo.
Over the past two months, the students learned from the Greenburgh K-9 unit, SWAT team and technical rescue team. They also traveled to Washington, where they visited the Museum of Crime and Punishment, the Police Memorial Museum and the Pentagon.
The police camp — called “one of the most exciting and groundbreaking experiences for our children” by state Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins — is funded by the Lanza Foundation. The camp, which costs $65,000 to run, was cut from the Police Department’s budget five years ago. Since then, Westchester resident Patricia Lanza has fully funded the program.
“I can’t thank her enough,” DeCarlo said. “We wouldn't have this” without her help.
Zenon encouraged the campers to continue their education and, perhaps, pursue a career in the police department.
“This is a wonderful program that encourages young people to appreciate the work of our police,” Town Supervisor Paul Feiner wrote in a news release. “Perhaps one of tomorrow’s graduates will become a future police chief.”
For information about next year’s Greenburgh Police Summer Youth Camp, contact Sgt. Gramaglia at 914-682-5391.
From July 9 to Aug. 25, 30 local teenagers participated in an intensive program aimed at teaching students about the police department and expanding their perceptions of law enforcement.
“The camp is an abbreviated, condensed, but complete, police academy,” said Officer David Zenon, explaining that the students executed the same drills and completed the same tests that are performed in recruit school.
The camp’s graduation took place at Anthony F. Veteran Park on Saturday, celebrating the discipline, responsibility and accountability shown by the campers.
Sgt. Robert Gramaglia noted that the camp was not easy for several students, mentioning that many had thought about quitting. However, the determination and perseverance they learned from the program guided them to continue. Zenon said the students’ negative thoughts changed from “I can’t” to “I need to find a way to do it.”
Parents filled the multipurpose room, snapping photos of their police camp graduates as Zenon, Gramaglia and Police Chief Joseph DeCarlo congratulated the students.
The Greenburgh Police Department received 70 applications for the summer camp; 30 teenagers were accepted and 28 graduated. Former Police Chief John Kapica began the camp in 1999 to introduce local youths to law enforcement and create a better relationship between teenagers and police officers, said DeCarlo.
Over the past two months, the students learned from the Greenburgh K-9 unit, SWAT team and technical rescue team. They also traveled to Washington, where they visited the Museum of Crime and Punishment, the Police Memorial Museum and the Pentagon.
The police camp — called “one of the most exciting and groundbreaking experiences for our children” by state Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins — is funded by the Lanza Foundation. The camp, which costs $65,000 to run, was cut from the Police Department’s budget five years ago. Since then, Westchester resident Patricia Lanza has fully funded the program.
“I can’t thank her enough,” DeCarlo said. “We wouldn't have this” without her help.
Zenon encouraged the campers to continue their education and, perhaps, pursue a career in the police department.
“This is a wonderful program that encourages young people to appreciate the work of our police,” Town Supervisor Paul Feiner wrote in a news release. “Perhaps one of tomorrow’s graduates will become a future police chief.”
For information about next year’s Greenburgh Police Summer Youth Camp, contact Sgt. Gramaglia at 914-682-5391.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
METRO NORTH SHOULD NOT MAKE PROFITS FROM HATE ADVERTISEMENTS
Anti-Islamic Ads Bring More Metro-North Controversy
Many call it hate speech, but the anti-Islamic ads are protected by the First Amendment
advertisement
Riders on Metro-North's Harlem line are reacting to a new controversial greeting on train platforms throughout Westchester.
'It just seems out of place," said one commuter while while viewing the startling ads. "I think it's hateful."
The billboards, which read “19,250 Deadly Islamic Attacks Since 9/11/01 and counting. Not Islamophobia, It’s Islamorealism,” are the latest shot from the American Freedom Defense Initiative.
The controversial group first made headlines in New York for its fight against the so-called Ground Zero Mosque project.
The Metro North line has become the group’s new battleground because anti-Israel ads were recently posted at stations, ads claiming Israel turned Palestinians into refugees.
The Metro North line has become the group’s new battleground because anti-Israel ads were recently posted at stations, ads claiming Israel turned Palestinians into refugees.
The latest ads, according to the woman who bought them, are a blunt response.
"The ad is just stating a fact -- that there have been over 19,000 jihad attacks since 9/11," said Pamela Geller of the American Freedom Defense Initiative. "How is it 'Islamophobic' to point that out?"
While many riders say the poster is hate speech, U.S .courts consider it political speech, which is protected under the first amendment. Now local officials want the MTA to deliver a speech of their own.
"The MTA should denounce the ads. Another option is for them to give the money from these ads to organizations that fight hate crimes, like the anti defamation league," said Greenburg town supervisor Paul Feiner.
He emailed the MTA, but hasn't heard back. The MTA, in a statement to NBC 4 New York, said the agency does not reject ads based on controversy, but went on to say: 'The MTA does not endorse the viewpoint expressed in this ad or any of the ads that MTA accepts for display on its facilities.”
In a statement, the Anti Defamation League said: “We believe these ads are highly offensive and inflammatory. Pro-Israel doesn’t mean anti-Muslim. It is possible to support Israel without engaging in bigoted anti-Muslim and anti-Arab stereotypes.”
Monday, August 13, 2012
lease approved for game on
The Greenburgh Town Board voted 4-0 tonight to approve a 15 year lease (subject to permissive referendum) with Game On to operate an indoor sports facility (soccer/lacrosse playing fields) at the abandoned Frank's nursery off of Dobbs Ferry Road. The lease that was approved is accessible by this link:
http://www.greenburghny.com/FCpdf/TB%202012%200813%20TB-1%20data%20GAME%20ON%20365%20LEASE%20AGREEMENT%20Rev%200811%200205%20hrs%20CLEAN.pdf
Members of the Town Board have agreed to schedule a referendum on election day Tuesday, November 6th (election day) to provide the voters with the opportunity to approve or reject the lease. A public discussion on the referendum (and a Town Board vote to schedule the referendum for November 6) will take place on Wednesday, August 29th at 7:30 PM at Town Hall.
Game On officials met with me tonight and expressed a desire to immediately start the phase II environmental site assessment of the property. A phase II is an intrusive investigation which collects original samples of soil to analyze for quantitative values of various contaminants. After the phase II test results are in we will have a better appreciation as to the extent of the remediation of the contaminants that must take place. I support the immediate testing.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Crane's Pond looks like peak soup...suggestions wanted?
SUGGESTIONS WANTED—CRANE’S POND IN EDGEMONT LOOKS LIKE PEA SOUP…WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO GET RID OF DUCK WEED?
In recent weeks I have received some complaints from residents about the duck weed at Crane’s Pond. The pond looks like pea soup. It’s located in Edgemont, off of Pipeline Road/Edgemont Road.
We are trying to find a solution to the problem. On July 27th we removed about 75% of the duck weed from Crane’s Pond. Please see the following memo from Mike Nestler of the Parks Department:
On Jul 27, 2012, at 1:46 PM, "Michael R. Nestler" wrote:
Good News!!!
About 75% of the duck weed has been removed today from Cranes Pond. The information provided to me by Jeff Stahlm from the Pond Connection and with the assistance of the Greenville FD working along with my staff, we were able to clear a large amount of growth from the surface of Cranes Pond.
The is only a temporary fix as duck weed multiplies rapidly in warm weather. I am, as you know researching longer lasting solutions.
I will continue to keep all of you in the loop.
Enjoy the weekend!
Obviously, this did not work. A day after we cleaned up the pond the green algae was back. We're searching other options next year, which include hiring a company that specializes in pond maintenance. The cost is $2,700 for one year. I will support the inclusion of this appropriation in the 2013 budget. If you have other suggestions as to action steps the town should take please e-mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. I love Crane’s Pond and don't want it to be an eyesore.
A SUMMARY OF THE REASONS WHY I DON’T BELIEVE THAT THE TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE TOLLS NEED TO GO UP TO $14 (IN A FEW SENTENCES)…
The NYS Thruway Authority wants to increase tolls on the Tappan Zee bridge to $14 after the new bridge is constructed. Although I support the construction of a new bridge because it is necessary - and because it will create jobs - I am concerned that only downstate residents will pay for the bridge.
Everyone who uses the Thruway system pays to maintain the entire system, except for the construction of the Tappan Zee bridge which is now being separated out for only downstate users to pay, in addition to paying for upstate repairs as well. This does not meet the Thruway practice over the past 55 plus years! Also, does not meet the statewide purpose for which the Thruway Authority were established.
If the Thruway Authority treated the Tappan Zee bridge project just like they treat every other project in the state that they are involved in, the tolls would not have to increase to $14. The cost of the bridge should be assumed by everyone state-wide.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
In recent weeks I have received some complaints from residents about the duck weed at Crane’s Pond. The pond looks like pea soup. It’s located in Edgemont, off of Pipeline Road/Edgemont Road.
We are trying to find a solution to the problem. On July 27th we removed about 75% of the duck weed from Crane’s Pond. Please see the following memo from Mike Nestler of the Parks Department:
On Jul 27, 2012, at 1:46 PM, "Michael R. Nestler"
Good News!!!
About 75% of the duck weed has been removed today from Cranes Pond. The information provided to me by Jeff Stahlm from the Pond Connection and with the assistance of the Greenville FD working along with my staff, we were able to clear a large amount of growth from the surface of Cranes Pond.
The is only a temporary fix as duck weed multiplies rapidly in warm weather. I am, as you know researching longer lasting solutions.
I will continue to keep all of you in the loop.
Enjoy the weekend!
Obviously, this did not work. A day after we cleaned up the pond the green algae was back. We're searching other options next year, which include hiring a company that specializes in pond maintenance. The cost is $2,700 for one year. I will support the inclusion of this appropriation in the 2013 budget. If you have other suggestions as to action steps the town should take please e-mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. I love Crane’s Pond and don't want it to be an eyesore.
A SUMMARY OF THE REASONS WHY I DON’T BELIEVE THAT THE TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE TOLLS NEED TO GO UP TO $14 (IN A FEW SENTENCES)…
The NYS Thruway Authority wants to increase tolls on the Tappan Zee bridge to $14 after the new bridge is constructed. Although I support the construction of a new bridge because it is necessary - and because it will create jobs - I am concerned that only downstate residents will pay for the bridge.
Everyone who uses the Thruway system pays to maintain the entire system, except for the construction of the Tappan Zee bridge which is now being separated out for only downstate users to pay, in addition to paying for upstate repairs as well. This does not meet the Thruway practice over the past 55 plus years! Also, does not meet the statewide purpose for which the Thruway Authority were established.
If the Thruway Authority treated the Tappan Zee bridge project just like they treat every other project in the state that they are involved in, the tolls would not have to increase to $14. The cost of the bridge should be assumed by everyone state-wide.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
Monday, August 06, 2012
committee recommendations on internal controls
Earlier this year I invited a group of citizens from around the town to help
review internal town operations. A report of one of the subcommittees will be
presented to the Greenburgh Town Board tomorrow (Aug 7) shortly after 9:30 AM.
The presentation and work session is televised live on the public access
channels and streamed live on the town website: www.greenburghny.com. A summary of their
findings will be posted on the web tomorrow after the presentation is made.
A Fenichel is a 32 year resident of the Edgemont community. Al is a
CPA with 45 years of practice in the profession. He recently retired after 35
years AXA Equitable, a large financial services firm, where he had been Senior
Vice-President and Chief Accounting Officer. Al has an undergraduate degree and
an MBA.
The report for Tuesday August 7th will be presented by Al Fenicel of the
Finance sub committee of the Greenburgh Citizens Advisory Commission. He will
present a synopsis of the work the sub committee has completed and work they
hope to complete in the future.
1- A presentation was made to the Town in March recommending changes to the
way scholarships are awarded by the Parks and Recreation Department and the
Theodore Young Community Center. The goal is to create a uniform guideline for
both Departments using the same standard. In addition it was recommended that
there by a defined budget line so both agencies will be clear in how much the
Town Budgets for scholarships. This is a follow up with the Board so all rules
are in place by next spring when people will be applying for 2013
scholarships.
2- A review of the recommendations the sub committee has made to ensure the
Town Court has established safe guards to ensure all revenues are being
collected properly and backlogged tickets of last year are being processed
efficiently.
3- To assist the Town Supervisor and the Town Comptroller in preparation of
the Tentative Town budget. By examining the following.
A- Assess the projected 2013 Town Budget for compliance with the 2%
tax levy cap.
B- Analyze budgets submitted by the agency heads for compliance with
the guidance provided by Supervisor Feiner for closing and budget gaps.
C- Identify revenues and costs for specific agency activities and
define issues and actionable opportunities.
D- Analyze and prioritize the revenue increases and cost reductions
that will be required to bridge any potential budget gaps.
E-Review one-time expenditures that may be included in the 2013
budget, including costs associated with the water system,enhancement of the
scope of the Town Court's audit and various capital expenditures.
F- Consider the development of a long-term Capital Plan as part of the
2013 budget process.
G- Will consider any request by the Town Board for assistance in
gathering information helpful to the Budget process.
A big thank you to the citizens who are working very hard helping our town!
Their assistance is greatly appreciated.
PAUL FEINER
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
rfp's for tennis bubble at AF Veteran park...an amazing sculpture
Earlier this summer the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly approved state legislation that enables the town to lease out our tennis courts at Anthony Veteran park to a private company. The town expects to receive significant revenue from the lease and tennis enthusiasts will be able to enjoy tennis year round since a tennis bubble will be built (at no expense to the taxpayers). An updated tennis bubble RFP will be posted on the town website: www.greenburghny.com. This morning an applicant meeting and site tour was attended by 5 possible vendors. They all requested that the town extend the tennis bubble RFP submission to September 4th , the day after labor day. I am very pleased that there is so much interest in this proposal. Contact Gerry Byrne or Joe Lucasey for more info: 693-8985 about the RFP process or e mail gbyrne@greenburghny.com.
Pink Flamingos on exhibit in Greenburgh Town Hall—an amazing sculpture in the lobby of Town Hall
Many creative artists find inspiration in dreams. For wood sculptor, Theodore Carrozza of Butler, NJ, dreams have been the primary source of his art. “I just dream these things up,” he says, “in full color! One morning, I woke my wife Liz and said, Honey, I dreamt about a sunflower.” That particular dream inspired “La Tournesol,” a four by four foot wall sculptured sunflower with 240 individual, hand-carved and brightly painted petals. Another dream produced “Flossie and Her Friends,” four, 6-foot-7 inch tall, pink flamingos standing beneath two 13-foot-tall palm trees. Carrozza’s three-dimensional exhibit has turned Greenburgh Town Hall’s lobby into an art installation. Three flamingos stand in varied repose while one seems poised for flight.
Carrozza’s love for wood sculpting comes from his grandfather, an Italian immigrant who set up a wood shop in Manhattan. His grandfather created the proscenium arch that frames the Great Stage of Radio City Music Hall. “As a child, I spent countless hours in my grandfather's wood shop (a converted basement in the Bronx) watching him hand craft unfinished wood into amazing works of art. I was also blessed to have a mother who was a painter. My artistic self blossomed in my early 30's when I began to create unique wood tables. I challenged myself to go farther and set out to perfect one-of-a-kind wood sculptures. While some wood-workers might consider knots and uneven grain as imperfections, I see their beauty and try to accentuate them in my work. I devote a portion of every day to my craft and look forward to fulfilling my dream of carrying on my grandfather's legacy.”
Carrozza started out in theatrical lighting and has worked as a professional photographer with his own studio for 30 years. Yet, he says that he is phasing out of photography. "It used to be a special profession to be in. Today, everyone picks up a digital camera and calls themselves a photographer."
Carrozza regularly participates in the St. Catherine of Bologna’s Photo, Art and Poetry Exhibition where his sculpture “King Cobra” won the People’s Choice Award in 2011. He also has exhibited at the Riverdale Art Center, Ringwood Manor, and at Wyckoff. Last September, Carrozza exhibited “Flossie and Her Friends” at the three-week ArtPrize Festival in Grand Rapids, MI.
“Flossie and Her Friends” and “La Tournesol” will be on exhibit in the front lobby of Greenburgh Town Hall until September 5th, 2012. Stop by and visit, but please don’t feed the birds. Sarah Bracey White, head of our arts council, arranged for this spectacular exhibit. Sarah has turned the Town Hall into a museum! The art is spectacular.
PAUL FEINER
Pink Flamingos on exhibit in Greenburgh Town Hall—an amazing sculpture in the lobby of Town Hall
Many creative artists find inspiration in dreams. For wood sculptor, Theodore Carrozza of Butler, NJ, dreams have been the primary source of his art. “I just dream these things up,” he says, “in full color! One morning, I woke my wife Liz and said, Honey, I dreamt about a sunflower.” That particular dream inspired “La Tournesol,” a four by four foot wall sculptured sunflower with 240 individual, hand-carved and brightly painted petals. Another dream produced “Flossie and Her Friends,” four, 6-foot-7 inch tall, pink flamingos standing beneath two 13-foot-tall palm trees. Carrozza’s three-dimensional exhibit has turned Greenburgh Town Hall’s lobby into an art installation. Three flamingos stand in varied repose while one seems poised for flight.
Carrozza’s love for wood sculpting comes from his grandfather, an Italian immigrant who set up a wood shop in Manhattan. His grandfather created the proscenium arch that frames the Great Stage of Radio City Music Hall. “As a child, I spent countless hours in my grandfather's wood shop (a converted basement in the Bronx) watching him hand craft unfinished wood into amazing works of art. I was also blessed to have a mother who was a painter. My artistic self blossomed in my early 30's when I began to create unique wood tables. I challenged myself to go farther and set out to perfect one-of-a-kind wood sculptures. While some wood-workers might consider knots and uneven grain as imperfections, I see their beauty and try to accentuate them in my work. I devote a portion of every day to my craft and look forward to fulfilling my dream of carrying on my grandfather's legacy.”
Carrozza started out in theatrical lighting and has worked as a professional photographer with his own studio for 30 years. Yet, he says that he is phasing out of photography. "It used to be a special profession to be in. Today, everyone picks up a digital camera and calls themselves a photographer."
Carrozza regularly participates in the St. Catherine of Bologna’s Photo, Art and Poetry Exhibition where his sculpture “King Cobra” won the People’s Choice Award in 2011. He also has exhibited at the Riverdale Art Center, Ringwood Manor, and at Wyckoff. Last September, Carrozza exhibited “Flossie and Her Friends” at the three-week ArtPrize Festival in Grand Rapids, MI.
“Flossie and Her Friends” and “La Tournesol” will be on exhibit in the front lobby of Greenburgh Town Hall until September 5th, 2012. Stop by and visit, but please don’t feed the birds. Sarah Bracey White, head of our arts council, arranged for this spectacular exhibit. Sarah has turned the Town Hall into a museum! The art is spectacular.
PAUL FEINER
Monday, July 23, 2012
game on to pay taxes...free membership for seniors...answers to questions
A draft revised lease for
Game On 365 should be posted on the town website (www.greenburghny.com) on Tuesday
afternoon, after the Town Board work session.
The property covers
approximately 6.9 acres and is currently developed with one building (the former
Franks Nursery grounds) and two paved parking lots. The property was undeveloped
until 1967, when a portion of the property was filled in and a store and barn
were built. The property was further developed in the 1970s to accommodate an
approximately 50,000 square foot commercial building and parking lot. Game On
365 plans to transform the property by building and operating a bubble facility
to be known as The Westchester Field House. This facility will be designed to be
a premier indoor sports facility, serve a diverse user group and include sports
fields. The proposed facility would provide local residents with four season
access to world class training and instruction in multiple sport activities,
while generating over a quarter of a million dollars on an annual basis for 15
years. Senior Citizens above the age of 60 will receive membership discounts.
Greenburgh seniors will receive free membership. Currently the property
generates zero revenue and requires taxpayers to absorb significant school taxes
and special district (sewer/refuse) assessments but not County and Town taxes.
The Town obtained the property through foreclosure in 2011 and, pursuant to
state law, has until 2014 to either use the property for a public purpose or
sell it or the Town will be required to pay County and Town taxes in addition to
school taxes and special district. The Town advertised the property for lease
nationally in 2011 and received three responses in response to advertisements
and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), two responses were to buy the property
outright and the third response was from Game On 365, LLC to lease the property
for a Recreation/Sports Bubble. The Town does not want to sell the property in
the current depressed economic climate and not receive the property’s real
value.
Here are some of the highlights:
1. The term of the Lease is for fifteen (15) years.
2. The annual rent for Year 1 is $260,000 per year (or
$21,667.67 paid monthly), $280,000 per year for Year 2 (or $23,333.33 paid
monthly), $300,000 per year for Year 3 (or $25,000.00 paid monthly) and $325,000
per year for Year 4.
3. Game On will be paying the full amount of
taxes assessed on the property which will be included in the rent
payment.
4. In Year 5 the rent after taxes will increase by 1%
over the prior years’ rent after taxes every year for the remainder of the15
year lease. In Year 5 property taxes paid by Game On will also increase by the
percentage that all Town property taxes increase for the remainder of the15 year
lease.
5. Game On will only pay
rent if it receives a building permit from the Building Inspector after
completion of the SEQR environmental review process
6. Game On will pay all electric, water, gas, telephone
and other public utility charges in connection with its occupancy of the
property.
7. Game On will pay the Town $125,000 for an
environmental study and remediation of the property upon execution of the Lease.
Remediation of Old Frank’s Nursery is expected to cost approximately $100,000.
Game On will pay an additional $125,000 if further remediation of the property
is necessary but would receive rent credits in exchange for this
payment.
8. If remediation of the property exceeds $250,000 Game
On can terminate the Agreement. If remediation of the property exceeds $400,000
the Town can terminate the Agreement.
9. Game On agrees that it shall, at its own expense,
maintain in force policies of insurance of $1,000,000.00 for bodily injury or
death to any one person, $3,000,000.00 for any one accident and $1,000,000.00
for property damage. Game On will also provide a $5 million umbrella insurance
policy.
10. Senior citizens over the age of 60 will
receive a membership discount and Greenburgh seniors will be admitted free.
11. No tennis will be permitted at the Game On
facility.
12. The Town has conducted an environmental review of
the proposed Lease Agreement and determined that there are no adverse
environmental impacts. A more thorough environmental review of the bubble itself
will be conducted and studied when a plan for the site is
submitted.
13. Game On will continue to pay rent during the Lease
term even if the property is destroyed by fire or other
casualty.
I received the following information from Game On---answering some
specific questions you may have about the proposal....They invite residents who
have concerns to visit their existing sports bubble which is located in NJ. Let
me know if you're interested in attending.
PAUL
FEINER
Here is the info
you requested:
Traffic - The
majority of the traffic to the bubble will be after school and evenings as well
as weekends. Based on the staggered start and stop times of the programs, we
don't anticipate more than 40 cars to be in the parking lot on average at any
one time. Most of the programs offered are training classes and clinics.
Children are either dropped off or their parents stay and watch, depending on
their age. We will not have stadium seating in the bubble, so there are no large
areas for crowds to sit.
Our busiest
hours of operation will be between 4pm and 8pm on weekdays. We anticipate being
open as late as 10pm on some days depending on any adult activities going on.
These are indoor activities and no noise comes from the dome. The clubhouse will
be open in the morning for a few sports related retail businesses. We anticipate
a minimal amount of traffic at that time. The dome is not designed to be open 24
hours a day.
The bubble is
designed around programs and clinics, primarily for children. This is not a hang
out destination. If you are not involved in a program, you will not come here.
There will not be an arcade available to the general public at the bubble. At
the sister facility in NJ, there have been (Tom - fill in -) few if any security
issues that have resulted in requiring police attention.
Our sister
facility in New Jersey shared the following:
SECURITY:
Teaneck is an active Military facility with unlocked doors leading to the
offices. The unlocked basement also houses Military vehicles and sensitive
equipment and supplies that include ammunition. We have had not issues with our
guests because they are connected to teams and parents. We do not offer
programs to someone walking in off the street. There is nothing for them.
Waldwick programs mirror Teaneck and also have zero security issues. Over the
years, there have not been any security issues at these locations. All players
are accountable to a team coach, trainer or parent.
HOURS: Programs
are either :60 minutes or :90 minutes long beginning around 4:00 p.m. with after
school sessions that usually end around 8:30-9:00 p.m. with the oldest children
entering last on a “school night”. Adults play in leagues from 9:00-11:00 p.m.
Pre-school children have classes in the morning and early afternoon. We place
zero complications for morning rush hour traffic and very little in the evening
given our staggering of programs in the afternoon and evening. Remember, that
even seasonally our busiest winter season is the off-season for our neighbors.
Rumbrook Park, Elmwood Country Club, the Westchster Golf Range and Elmwood Day
Camp are all busiest in the summer months. Hours of operation are expected to be
10 AM to 11 PM.
NUMBERS: We
have between 30-80 players at any one time depending on the class or league.
Daytime Pre-school classes are small with about 8-15 children to a class. After
school classes rotate every 60-90 minutes as per the above with one group
leaving and one group arriving throughout the afternoon and evening in a
sequential manner. We won’t have stadium seating and, in fact, have only a few
benches in our Waldwick facility because the field is for instruction and games
and not lounging. Teams usually have parents car-pooling and this makes the
volume of spectators relatively small given the numbers above. There is an
industry statistic of one car per 2 people (probably includes some spectators,
although we have few). But using Ken’s number below (80+ players) it comes to
about 50 cars per hour max during busy times.
FIELDS: We will
have four fields where players will play 7 V 7/ Field for a total of 56 (14x4)
players on the field and a few reserves on the sidelines waiting to get into
games if and when filled to capacity. These four fields can be further divided
into eight smaller fields for practices with but a few additional players added
from the numbers above leading to a maximum number around 80 (8x10) at any given
time. The smaller fields are used for 5 V 5, so only 10 kids per
field.
CLUB HOUSE: We
do not cater to outside customers. Our cafe and services are meant to enhance
the experience of our customer base and not to attract outside visitors. The
Club house is not a destination for outsiders. Additionally, most of the rented
spaces are small studios, roughly 1000 sf and perhaps 3500 sf for a physical
therapy office, too small to attract large crowds. There will not be a video
arcade for outsiders. There will be a birthday party room with games, and only
party guests have access to this room. No children will come into the facility
without a purpose for being there.
Hope this
helps. I’d invite anybody from the board to Waldwick if need be and we’ll give
them a tour.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
meeting tomorrow re: Game On/Frank's Nursery
TOWN BOARD TO MEET JULY 25TH AT 6:30 pm AT TOWN HALL TO DISCUSS
GAME ON PROPOSAL--MEETING WILL START ONE HOUR EARLIER THAN
USUAL...
You are
invited to a community meeting tomorrow evening Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at
Frank’s nursery on Dobbs Ferry Road. The meeting will be outside –at the site of
the proposed sports bubble. The meeting starts at 7 PM. In the event of rain the
meeting will be held on Thursday evening same time – same place. At the meeting
you will have the opportunity to learn more about the proposed lease with Game
On, to ask questions. Town officials will also answer questions about the
financial arrangements regarding the lease. Alot of misleading and wrong
information has been sent to residents from a company that is planning to build
another sports facility in the area--they object to competition. The Board will
not vote on the 25th --a vote is expected a short time after the meeting takes
place.
The
proposed lease with Game On is for 15 years. The town will receive a minimum of
$260,000 a year in revenue. After three years the revenues increase to $300,000
a year. And—the revenues escalate to $330,000 by the end of the 15 years. In
addition, Game On will help the town cleanup a contaminated site ---they have
agreed to pay $100,000 for the cleanup. The town factored the taxes into the
rent. If the costs of the cleanup are excessive both the town and Game On have
the right to back off from the lease. We have compared the revenues we are
receiving to rent other localities that have sports bubbles in their communities
receive. The town is generating much more revenue from our proposed agreement
with Game On that neighboring localities. Even with the taxes deducted from the
rent, the rent payments we receive will be above market value.
Some
people have asked: how did Game On become the preferred tenant for this
property. Last year, after the town took ownership of the property due to a
foreclosure, we had a community meeting at Frank’s. A number of proposals for
the property were discussed. Neighbors objected to many of them. We put up a big
sign outside of Frank’s inviting people/businesses to submit proposals. I
located letters that I sent to the Westchester County Board of Realtors and the
Construction Industry Council of Westchester (letters were dated August 10)
requesting that they circulate the RFP to their members. I also sent out notices
about the RFP to newspapers, blogs, social media contacts, etc… We received
three bids. Two bids were to purchase the property- the Sports Bubble was the
third bid. Property values are not at the high point right now. We decided that
leasing the land was best for the town. In 15 years we probably will get a few
million dollars more for the property. And we’re getting almost $5 million
during the life of the contract. In addition, at the end of the lease we will
own a clean site—something we don’t own. We currently are paying over $50,000 a
year in taxes to the school district, county and fire districts—and getting
nothing in return.
Will
there be traffic? A traffic study will be conducted as part of the State
Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). The Westchester Field House is an
ideal project for the area since the majority of its business will occur during
off-peak traffic hours; after school, during the evening, and on weekends.
Also, as an indoor sports facility, the busiest season will be winter. During
the winter, all neighboring properties (Westchester Golf Range, Elmwood Country
Club, Rumbrook Park, Carlson’s Nursery) have very little traffic, if
any.
\
The Westchester Field House will have more parking than is required by code.
The process for the State Environmental Quality Review Act
(SEQRA) has started for the site and meets New York State requirements. The
Town of Greenburgh has declared itself the lead agency as the owner of the
property.
In comparison to similar commercial land leases, the lease
payments are above market value.
Instead of selling the property in a depressed market, the
Town board opted for a 15 year land lease which will generate close to
$5,000,000 for the Town. The financial benefits to the Town include retaining
ownership of a valuable property while receiving annual income that far exceeds
any potential tax it would receive from selling the property.
As is standard with a land lease, Game On 365 will begin
paying full rent upon the issuance of building approvals. Full approvals are
anticipated within one year.
Game On 365 has agreed to pay for the Phase II
environmental study. If any remediation is required, Game On 365 will spend up
to $250,000 to clean up the site without the Town incurring any out of pocket
expense.
The Westchester Field House is a multi-sport training
facility with turf fields for activities and clinics where kids will be
supervised by trainers, coaches and parents at all times.
Game On partners have more than 15 years of experience
operating similar successful recreational facilities in Bergen County, New
Jersey. Both the Soccer Coliseum in Teaneck and Superdome Sports in Waldwick
are operated by Game On partners.
An attractive amenities building will replace the current
dilapidated Franks Nursery. This building will sit in front of the dome
substantially improving the overall visual impact from Dobbs Ferry Road.
PAUL FEINER
PS: If you have any questions please feel free to call me
directly at my cell: 438 1343.
Monday, July 09, 2012
LOIS BRONZ CHILDREN"S CENTER NEEDS SUPPLIES FOR CHILDREN
I am very impressed with the work the Lois Bronz Children’s Center is doing. The center, located next to the Theodore Young Community Center, provides services to children – many who have parents with limited resources. A campaign is being waged to help the children obtain 50 backpacks and other supplies.
Your help would be enormously appreciated. Let me know if you are willing to help an organization that provides the community with exceptional services. The Board at the center turned the center around in recent months. Over a year ago the center was in danger of closing. Now—thanks to the efforts of the Board – the center is not in a deficit situation!
PAUL FEINER
We are calling on your generosity for our Third Road to Success backpack campaign at the Lois Bronz Children’s Center.
Starting a new school year is always a scary, yet exhilarating experience. Imagine doing it without the proper tools, unprepared and unable to participate in that first day excitement. We are trying to eliminate this situation and help our students on their Road to Success.
Our reason for writing is we are attempting to send the children to school with new backpacks and school supplies. We have a large population of students that receive assistance and in this economic climate they have limited resources. New school supplies would help them ride the road to educational success by providing them with the necessary tools, build their self esteem and teach them to have respect for school property.
Would you help us reach our goal of filling at least 50 backpacks, by August 3, for our outgoing Kindergarteners? We would use any excess supplies to assist some other students in need that attend summer programs at the adjacent local Community Center. Donations would be greatly appreciated and put to good use by our amazingly talented students.
We want to thank everyone who supported our campaign last year. We were able to provide 65 students with new backpacks filled with school supplies. The children and parents were extremely grateful and appreciative of the campaign sponsors.
We started this campaign as a resource for our parents and children. We are Special Education Preschool Teachers at the Lois Bronz Children’s Center. Our center provides services for infants to sixth graders. Several programs reside in our building; Special Needs classes, Head Start preschool, Universal Pre-Kindergarten and a School Age After School program. We strive to serve the diverse needs of the various populations found in our community.
Please feel free to contact us at BBJABAStreet@aol.com or the phone number below, if you have any questions. We thank you in advance for your consideration and/or assistance with our campaign. We truly appreciate it. Please find a list of needed items on the attached page.
Sincerely,
Jillian Street & Julie Kolawole
30 Manhattan Avenue, White Plains, NY 10607 ● 914.761.6134 ● www.lbcc4kids.org
REQUESTED SUPPLIES
We are requesting, but not limited to:
Backpacks
Pencils
Markers
Notebooks
Composition Books
Erasers
Crayons
Folders
Glue
Glue Sticks
Rulers
Pencil cases
Thank you again for any assistance you can provide in helping us reach our target. Items can be dropped off at the Center between 8am and 5:30pm daily. There will be a box in the front office at 30 Manhattan Ave, White Plains, New York 10607. We are also available to pick up, if necessary. We will provide a tax-exempt form upon request. Thank you again for your support and generosity.
Your help would be enormously appreciated. Let me know if you are willing to help an organization that provides the community with exceptional services. The Board at the center turned the center around in recent months. Over a year ago the center was in danger of closing. Now—thanks to the efforts of the Board – the center is not in a deficit situation!
PAUL FEINER
We are calling on your generosity for our Third Road to Success backpack campaign at the Lois Bronz Children’s Center.
Starting a new school year is always a scary, yet exhilarating experience. Imagine doing it without the proper tools, unprepared and unable to participate in that first day excitement. We are trying to eliminate this situation and help our students on their Road to Success.
Our reason for writing is we are attempting to send the children to school with new backpacks and school supplies. We have a large population of students that receive assistance and in this economic climate they have limited resources. New school supplies would help them ride the road to educational success by providing them with the necessary tools, build their self esteem and teach them to have respect for school property.
Would you help us reach our goal of filling at least 50 backpacks, by August 3, for our outgoing Kindergarteners? We would use any excess supplies to assist some other students in need that attend summer programs at the adjacent local Community Center. Donations would be greatly appreciated and put to good use by our amazingly talented students.
We want to thank everyone who supported our campaign last year. We were able to provide 65 students with new backpacks filled with school supplies. The children and parents were extremely grateful and appreciative of the campaign sponsors.
We started this campaign as a resource for our parents and children. We are Special Education Preschool Teachers at the Lois Bronz Children’s Center. Our center provides services for infants to sixth graders. Several programs reside in our building; Special Needs classes, Head Start preschool, Universal Pre-Kindergarten and a School Age After School program. We strive to serve the diverse needs of the various populations found in our community.
Please feel free to contact us at BBJABAStreet@aol.com or the phone number below, if you have any questions. We thank you in advance for your consideration and/or assistance with our campaign. We truly appreciate it. Please find a list of needed items on the attached page.
Sincerely,
Jillian Street & Julie Kolawole
30 Manhattan Avenue, White Plains, NY 10607 ● 914.761.6134 ● www.lbcc4kids.org
REQUESTED SUPPLIES
We are requesting, but not limited to:
Backpacks
Pencils
Markers
Notebooks
Composition Books
Erasers
Crayons
Folders
Glue
Glue Sticks
Rulers
Pencil cases
Thank you again for any assistance you can provide in helping us reach our target. Items can be dropped off at the Center between 8am and 5:30pm daily. There will be a box in the front office at 30 Manhattan Ave, White Plains, New York 10607. We are also available to pick up, if necessary. We will provide a tax-exempt form upon request. Thank you again for your support and generosity.
Sunday, July 08, 2012
waterwheel affordable housing back on track
Good news! The affordable housing project that Greenburgh and Ardsley have
been working on for a number of years is back on track and doesn't seem to be in
jeopardy. I had two discussions with the Chairman of the Board of Legislators,
Ken Jenkins. on Wednesday and today.
The Board of Legislators, according to Mr. Jenkins, will likely vote to exercise their right of first refusal on the property in late July. They will purchase the property from the town for $1.2 million dollars. 22 units of housing will be built (across from Macy Park). 17 units will be affordable and 5 of the homes will be workforce housing. The workforce housing will house volunteer firefighters, ambulance corp members. The county plans to keep the housing affordable in perpetuity. The Ardsley village government, fire department and ambulance corp have been supportive of the sale and the village government has approved all of the applications. We've been waiting for the county to sign off. Seems as if this will happen. The town owns the land (due to a foreclosure) - but the property is located within the borders of the village of Ardsley.
It's possible that construction could start in late August or in the fall. I am very pleased that this goal will soon become a reality. The town authorized the sale of the propert in July, 2010.
A GREAT FREE JAZZ CONCERT THIS THURSDAY EVENING--AT YOSEMITE PARK AT 7:30 pm WITH NATIONALLY KNOWN PRODIGY WHO HAS BEEN PROFILED AS ONE OF THE BEST BY THE NATIONAL MEDIA...
Solomon Hicks is a 17 year old guitarist/singer/prodigy/musician. He is called King Solomon. He's been profiled on the Wall Street Journal, NY Daily News, Washington Post and has performed for US Congressmembers, former Governor David Patterson. He has won many awards. He will be performing at a free concert this Thursday night at Yosemite Park (in back of the Theodore Young Community Center, Manhattan Ave) at 7:30 PM. If you love jazz this concert is a must attend event! For more information about Solomon visit his website:www.kingsolomonhicks.com.
PAUL FEINER
The Board of Legislators, according to Mr. Jenkins, will likely vote to exercise their right of first refusal on the property in late July. They will purchase the property from the town for $1.2 million dollars. 22 units of housing will be built (across from Macy Park). 17 units will be affordable and 5 of the homes will be workforce housing. The workforce housing will house volunteer firefighters, ambulance corp members. The county plans to keep the housing affordable in perpetuity. The Ardsley village government, fire department and ambulance corp have been supportive of the sale and the village government has approved all of the applications. We've been waiting for the county to sign off. Seems as if this will happen. The town owns the land (due to a foreclosure) - but the property is located within the borders of the village of Ardsley.
It's possible that construction could start in late August or in the fall. I am very pleased that this goal will soon become a reality. The town authorized the sale of the propert in July, 2010.
A GREAT FREE JAZZ CONCERT THIS THURSDAY EVENING--AT YOSEMITE PARK AT 7:30 pm WITH NATIONALLY KNOWN PRODIGY WHO HAS BEEN PROFILED AS ONE OF THE BEST BY THE NATIONAL MEDIA...
Solomon Hicks is a 17 year old guitarist/singer/prodigy/musician. He is called King Solomon. He's been profiled on the Wall Street Journal, NY Daily News, Washington Post and has performed for US Congressmembers, former Governor David Patterson. He has won many awards. He will be performing at a free concert this Thursday night at Yosemite Park (in back of the Theodore Young Community Center, Manhattan Ave) at 7:30 PM. If you love jazz this concert is a must attend event! For more information about Solomon visit his website:www.kingsolomonhicks.com.
PAUL FEINER
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
new restaurant opens in elmsford--azteca paradise
A new Mexican restaurant opened on July 4th on Saw Mill River Road. Azteca Paradise is located at 201 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford (seconds from the ice skating academy, Sam's Club, movie theater--off of Payne).
I participated in their ribbon cutting ceremony and enjoyed sampling their delicious food. I will definitely be back with my family--lots of times. This restaurant, in my opinion, will be a great asset to the community and a big success. Jesus Aguilar, one of the owners of the restaurant, has lots of experience in the restaurant business in Yonkers. Among the officials who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony--wishing Greenburgh's newest restaurant lots of success: Greenburgh Councilmembers Kevin Morgan, Ken Jones, Francis Sheehan. The new Yonkers City Clerk,Jose Alvarado and Wilson Terrero, Majority Leader of Yonkers and Ken Jenkins, the chair of the Board of Legislators.
I encourage those who enjoy delicious mexican food to stop by at Azteca Paradise and to wish Greenburgh's newest addition great success. It's good for our town to help local businesses. The new restaurant replaces a restaurant that closed down years ago.
PAUL FEINER
I participated in their ribbon cutting ceremony and enjoyed sampling their delicious food. I will definitely be back with my family--lots of times. This restaurant, in my opinion, will be a great asset to the community and a big success. Jesus Aguilar, one of the owners of the restaurant, has lots of experience in the restaurant business in Yonkers. Among the officials who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony--wishing Greenburgh's newest restaurant lots of success: Greenburgh Councilmembers Kevin Morgan, Ken Jones, Francis Sheehan. The new Yonkers City Clerk,Jose Alvarado and Wilson Terrero, Majority Leader of Yonkers and Ken Jenkins, the chair of the Board of Legislators.
I encourage those who enjoy delicious mexican food to stop by at Azteca Paradise and to wish Greenburgh's newest addition great success. It's good for our town to help local businesses. The new restaurant replaces a restaurant that closed down years ago.
PAUL FEINER
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