TOWN BD TO DECIDE ON TUESDAY EVENING IF VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORP MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE TAX BREAKS, ALONG WITH FIREFIGHTERS

The Greenburgh Town Board will decide on Tuesday, May 1st if volunteer ambulance corp members-along with firefighters-will be eligible for tax breaks, authorized by the NY State Legislature. The special meeting will take place at 7:15 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall. I support providing the volunteer ambulance corp members with the same tax breaks as volunteer firefighters. A public hearing will be scheduled for the 4th Wednesday of May at 7:15 PM.

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY WEEK OF APRIL 30, 2007 POST YOUR COMMENTS

Post your comments and participate in our converation about issues pertaining to the town of Greenburgh.

SOME E HARTSDALE MERCHANTS ANGRY THAT CONTRACTORS BEING TICKETED ON E HARTSDALE AVE

Some E Hartsdale Ave merchants contacted me this weekend - angry that contractors working for merchants on E Hartsdale Ave (who were flooded out) have been ticketed. These tickets increase the costs of the repairs/renovations. I intend to reach out to the Parking Authority and will recommend that contractors who are helping the merchants reopen be exempt from parking fees during the coming weeks.
We need to do everything possible to assist the merchants re-open.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9TH-NEW RESIDENTS RECEPTION...COMING THIS SUMMER: MOVIES AT THE PARKS

New residents are invited to the annual new residents reception on Wednesday, May 9th from 6 PM to 7:15 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall. Westchester Federal Credit Union (which has offices at Greenburgh Town Hall) is sponsoring the reception. Enjoy tasty sandwiches and interact with town officials and neighbors. This is an opportunity to learn more about your town government. Please RSVP to pfeiner@greenburghny.com if you join us.
We're in the process of planning summer outdoor movies at various parks. Assistant Commissioner of Parks James Robinson is taking a leadership role organizing this exciting new initiative.

HATS OFF TO NIKKI CODDINGTON-EXCELLENT GREEN FAIR

I spent over two hours at the green fair organized by Nikki Coddington, our energy conservation coordinator. An excellent turnout...an excellent job! Visited the terrific exhibits dealing with saving energy at home and in transportation, renewable energy, green buildings, etc...
Nikki deserves our thanks for her hard work and dedication. The fair motivated me to work harder to try pushing for additional initiatives so we can make Greenburgh a model for other communities when it comes to saving energy.
For info about our energy conservation efforts call Nikki at 993 1649.

GREEN LIVING ENERGY CONSERVATION FAIR TOMORROW -SATURDAY

THe town will hold a free Green Living Fair on Saturday April 28 from 10 am to 2 pm at Greenburgh Town Hall. The purpose of the Green Living Fair is to provide the public with information on saving energy at home and in transportation, renewable energy, green building, sustainable food and other choices for sustainable living that will help reduce global warming and preserve a livable plant. For info contact Energy Conservation coordinator Nikki Coddington at 993-1649.

FEMA AWARD DOES NOT GO FAR ENOUGH -BUSINESSES SHOULD GET GRANTS, NOT LOANS

President Bush has signed a declaration awarding Westchester FEMA assistance. Flood victims are eligible for up to $28,000 to address flood damage. However, businesses are only eligible for low interest loans.
Many businesses (including those on E Hartsdale Ave) lost hundreds of thousands of dollars. They have been out of business for over a week-- some will be out for months. Grants may help them stay in business. If they only receive loans they may be forced to close shop.
I hope FEMA offers businesses the same assistance as residents.
For info about FEMA call 1800-621-3362 or register on line at www.fema.gov

TOWN BD TO SET HEARING FOR MAY 23RD TO PROIVDE EXEMPTIONS FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

The Greenburgh Town Board will vote tonight to set a public hearing for Wednesday, May 23rd at 7:15 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall to consider a local law to provide exemptions for members of volunteer fire depts.
I support the legislation which was authorized by the State Legislature and signed into law by the Governor granting localities the ability to offer such exemptions. The volunteer fire depts save the taxpayers millions of dollars. The volunteers risk their lives for our community and are on call round the clock.

PRESIDENT SIGNS DISASTER DECLARATION-RESIDENTS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR FLOOD RELIEF

President Bush signed a disaster declaration which will enable federal financial assistance to be given to businesses and homeowners that suffered losses as a result of the recent flood! This is great news. Senator Clinton's office called me within the past hour advising me of this. I will keep residents/businesses informed of the steps that need to be taken to qualify for financial help.

THE NEXT STEPS: SOLVING E HARTSDALE AVE FLOODING LONG TERM

Al Regula, Commissioner of Public Works, has presented the Town Board with a report detailing long term solutions to the extensive damage and flood related problems along East Hartsdale Ave.
There is a stream located behind and under the properties on the west side of the avenue. The stream serves to provide storm water drainage for the adjacent properties, as well as upstream areas. As is the case with many other problematic watercourses in the town, this stream is located almost exclusively on private properties and does not have any easement on the part of the town. It is highly likely that floating debris, generated by stormflows, once again contributed to the most recent drainage backup.
The town has the ability to create a drainage district for the watershed area tributary to this drainage system. The formation of such a district has been accomplished in the past. District formation would allow the cost for any engineering and analysis, as well as the cost for any improvements of the subject drainage system, to be borne by the district and funded by member property owners. The creation of such a drainage district would require legislative action by both the town as well as the approval of the state.
The commissioner has prepared a draft RFP for professional services for watershed analysis and engineering studies. These tasks would be initially required to determine what improvements, if any, are feasible for the drainage facilities located in the E Hartdale Ave area.
I believe this must be given the highest priority attention. We can't afford another major flood.

WELCOME HOME 170 EAST HARTSDALE AVE, CHASE BANK

Residents of 170 E Hartsdale Ave have returned home, after a week of homelessness due to flooding. Chase Bank is now open for business on E Hartsdale Ave. Progress is slowly being made.

LET'S PLAN A BIG SUMMER JAZZ CONCERT SERIES TO JUMP START E HARTSDALE AVE - PLANNING MEETING TUESDAY

Greenburgh is going to have a giant party to welcome the merchants back to E Hartsdale Ave!
Flooding might have caused some setbacks. But- the flooding problems won't prevent us from working overtime to help our merchants stay in business.
A planning meeting will be held this Tuesday (tomorrow) at 6:15 PM at UniStar's new offices on E Hartsdale Ave (near the Hartsdale Train Station).
Mark Morganelli of Jazzforumarts is working to hold a series of outdoor summer concerts.
We're going to dance in the streets of E Hartsdale Ave when the businesses are back serving our community!

ARISTOCRAT DRYCLEANERS OF 212 E HARTSDALE AVE, HAS FREE DELIVERY!

Aristocrats Drycleaners, 212 E Hartsdale Ave experienced flooding. They can't operate from their existing store. But...they are utilizing the facilities of another location for their business. They provide full service for drycleaning, laundry and tailoring and are doing business as usual.
Please help them stay in business. Call them at 723-1008. This is a very difficult time for all the businesses that were flooded out and are temporarily closed.

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY WEEK OF APRIL 26 POST YOUR COMMENTS

Please post your comments about town issues.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK COMING UP....
UPDATES ON E HARTSDALE AVE FLOODING
REQUEST TO WAIVE PERMIT FEES
ANALYSIS- CAUSES OF EAST HARTSDALE AVE FLOODING, RECOMMENDATIONS---THIS WILL EITHER BE DONE IN HOUSE OR WE WILL RETAIN AN OUTSIDE CONSULTANT (DISCUSSION AT WORK SESSION)
BRIEFING TZ BRIDGE WEDNESDAY NIGHT 7:15 PM
UPDATE LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION--GEOTHERMAL
GREEN ENERGY CONSERVATION FAIR SATURDAY 10 AM to 2 PM
E HARTSDALE AVE JAZZ CONCERT PLANNING MEETING TUESDAY 6:15 PM, UNISTAR OFFICES ON E HARTSDALE AVE

REQUESTING TOWN BD DISCUSS E HARTSDALE AVE FLOODING TUESDAY AT WORK SESSION

I have requested that the Town Board discuss the following at Tuesday's work session.
1) Waiving all flood related building permits.
2) Completing an analysis of the causes of the flood & recommendations re: action steps to be taken so that we can prevent another major flood on E Hartsdale Ave.
I want to give this the highest priority attention. We should move forward quickly on implementing any recommendations to prevent a repeat of what happened during last weeks storm.

E HARTSDALE AVE FLOOD UPDATE: CON ED SEPARATING EACH BUSINESS LINES TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR BUSINESSES TO OPEN UP

I received a call from Sandy Miller of Con Ed this morning. Con Ed has completed their environmental clean up. They have taken action to make it easier for each of the businesses to open up. None of the businesses will be dependent on the other businesses. Con Ed will not require each of the businesses to be ready to open up before they turn on the power. Each storefront can receive Con Ed power individually. This is helpful.

WELCOME HOME 180 EAST HARTSDALE AVE!

WELCOME HOME 180 EAST HARTSDALE AVE RESIDENTS....I just received a call from our Building Department advising me that the residents of 180 E HARTSDALE AVE can move back home. The residents have been homeless since Sunday night when they were evacuated as a result of the flooding on E Hartsdale Ave.
I'm asking the Commissioner of Public Works to present the town with a report and recommendations analyzing the cause of the problem on E Hartsdale Ave. Most important of all-- we need recommendations so that we can make sure that this kind of significant flooding never happens again.
Residents of 170 E Hartsdale Ave will most likely be able to move back home on Monday or Tuesday.
Mobil gas station has re-opened. So has the drug store. Some of the other stores will be reopening in less than 2 weeks. The restaurants and food establishments could take longer.

POSSIBLE ENVIRoNMENTAL PROBLEM TO DELAY RE-OCCUPANCY ON E HARTSDALE AVE

Just got off the phone with Sandy Miller of Con Ed. She advises that there are possible environmental problems in the Con Ed manpoles. Con Ed is doing tests. They have retained the services of an environmental contractor to clean up the manholes - immediately, as warrnated..
This will delay the re-occupancy of 180 & 170 E Hartsdale Ave. She now believes that people may be able to move back tomorrow. However, each unit owner has to have an individual inspection completed at thier home.
It's very aggravating.
The drug store on East Hartsdale Ave has re-opened.

TZ BRIDGE UPDATE AT TOWN BD MEETING

Representatives of the state will provide Town Board members with a briefing on Tappan Zee bridge options at our meeting this coming Wednesday at7:00 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall. The state is reviewing options that could lead to a new bridge. We welcome your input and suggestions.

E HARTSDALE AVE --WAIVE PERMIT FEES, DEVELOP PLAN OF ACTION SO FLOODING WON'T OCCUR AGAIN

County Legislator Tom Abinanti, State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins assistant Yolanda Robinson - and I spent time meeting with most of the businesses that were temporarily closed down on E Hartsdale Ave, due to the flooding.
The stores are all closed because of flooding damage. We're going to provide them with assistance completing forms for grants/loans. In addition, I will be meeting with store owners daily, trying to help them cut through red tape. I am requesting the Town Board to waive all building fees for flood victims. I have asked the Commissioner of Public Works and Town Engineer to provide the Town Board with an analysis as to what caused the flooding and what actions could and should be taken in the near future to reduce the potential for future problems.
We are looking for volunteer attorneys, contractors, architects, engineers who can provide pro bono assistance to the merchants. Please contact me if you would like to help out. pfeiner@greenburghny.com

WHAT SHOULD THE TOWN DO TO HELP MERCHANTS ON E HARTSDALE AVE WHO WERE FLOODED AND TEMPORARILY OUT OF BUSINESS?

I would like to invite you to provide me and other town officials with your thoughts re: how we can help merchants on E Hartsdale Ave.
As you all know, we experienced a horrible flood this past week. About half the businesses in the downtown area of Hartsdale (E Hartsdale Ave) experienced flooding and have been closed -- temporarily. Some could be out for days or weeks. Many did not have flood insurance and lost tens of thousands of dollars.
The county is seeking financial help from Washington & Albany to help those who experienced flooding. I spoke to high level county officials yesterday. However... that could take time. I'm working with the county to make sure that those who suffered financial losses receive the maximum dollars and help possible.
I am also planning to reach out to the Business Council of Westchester and other business advocacy groups seeking advice. I'm assigning student interns to research models that have been used by other communities around the nation --to help businesses that have experienced flood related problems.
I know that bloggers are full of ideas. Your suggestions are welcome and will be followed up.

SHELL WITHDRAWS APPLICATION FOR HYDROGEN STATION IN EDGEMONT

Shell has decided to withdraw their application before the town Planning Board regarding Shell Hydrogen's proposal to install a hydrogen fueling station and visitor's center at the existing Shell service station at 1000 Central Park Ave. Shell indicated that several changes have taken place within the transportation industry.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology has advanced rapidly. More fuel cell vehicles are expected to be on our roads sooner than expected. The proposed Central Ave facility in Greenburgh was not capable of accomodating the number of vehicles the company now anticipates needing to serve. Many vehicle manufacturers are planning to begin operating their vehicles with hydrogen stored at higher pressure than that proposed for the project. To accomodate these changes Shell would have needed to amend their application to reflect industry requirements for increased storage and dispensing at higher pressures.
Shell is breaking ground on a project in partnership with White Plains. Last year the Greenburgh Nature Center sponsored an interesting forum on hydrogen vehicles.

HELP FAMILY OF GREENBURGH RESIDENT STU COHEN (OFFICER WHO LOST HIS LIFE PROTECTING US) BY ATTENDING FUNDRAISER

Please save the date: Sunday 4/29/07...4 PM to ? ...The thirty Turtle Bar, 201 E Post Road, White Plains
Senior Investigator Stu Cohen of the Westchester County DA's Narcotic Initiative contracted a severe and mysterious illness after conducting a narcotic search warrant in Greenburgh. This search warrant was into a house that was actually a mill where large quantities of heroin were prepared, packaged and distributed. Within days Stu began to experience headaches and abdominal pains. Stu lapsed into a coma and passed away last week.
He leaves behind his wife and 2 small children (ages 4 & 6). Stu resided in Greenburgh. He was a Hastings volunteer firefighter, was active in the community.
Want to make a donation: Send your contribution to WCDAI PBA, PO Box 326, White Plains, NY 10602. A minimum donation of $25 is requested at the door. There will be a DJ,live band, 50/50 raffle, T shirts, food and drink.
You can also stop by and drop off your check made payable to WCDAI PBA at my office- Greenburgh Town Hall. I will hand deliver the checks when I attend the function on April 29th.

WEEK OF APRIL 16 GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY--POST YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT TOWN ISSUES

Please feel free to post your comments about town issues. Your input is appreciated.

UPDATE: FLOODING

180 & 170 E Hartsdale Ave were evacuated last night. We opened up the multipurpose center at Veteran Park for the residents but all of apartment residents chose to stay at friends homes or at the Marriott. So, we closed down the emergency shelter at 2 AM. There is flooding in the basement of 160 E Hartsdale Ave but the building was not evacuated. Stores on E Hartsdale Ave have flooding problems - many will not open today (possibly longer). The following streets are either closed or partially closed: Beaver Hill, Warehouse, Saw Mill River Road, part of S Central Ave, Old Tarrytown Road (between Hillside and Manhattan), parts of Jackson, Old Sprain, Lawrence, Fairview Park.
Thanks to the fire depts for pumping out basements that were flooded and to the highway dept and police depts for their hard work.

180 EAST HARTSDALE AVE RESIDENTS EVACUATED...ROADS CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING

About 6 residents of 180 East Hartsdale Ave are being evacuated to the multipurpose center at AF Veteran Town Park due to flooding. Central Ave is closed from the 4 corners to South Washington Ave. Jackson is closed at Old Jackson, Nepperhan Ave in North Elmsford is also closed. 9A in the area of Warehouse Lane is closed. Babbitt Court is flooded. Stores on E Hartsdale Ave have experienced flooding in their basements --it's possible that some or all of the stores could be closed due to flooding. The flooding around town is pretty extreme.
About a year ago I requested the town to start placing emergency generators in town owned buildings. Tonights evacuation highlights the need for buildings to have generators in them --so they could be used for evacuations when there are emergencies, power outages, floods. This is the first time that a town building is being used for emergency shelter, to the best of my knowledge. The town hall will be retrofitted this year for an emergency generator.

update on garbage/debri on roads...

I received an e mail from Al Regula, Commissioner of Public Works today (Sunday). I appreciate the fact that the commissioner is out working today and took the time to respond to concerns about litter on state roads.
"Section 60 of the Highway law provides that the town, after being petitioned by residents whose property abuts a state highway, can contract for the removal of filth and refuse from the state highway and that the cost for such work shall be assessed upon the property abutting." I hope that the Town Board will discuss the garbage/debri issue at upcoming meetings and will give this the highest priority attention. I also hope that the Board will be receptive to give the Commissioner additional resources, as requested, so we can do a great job keeping Greenburgh clean.
In addition...I will ask the police chief to provide members of the public and the Town Board with an update re: number of tickets issued to people who are littering. I will also ask the Police Chief to direct police officers to step up efforts to ticket those who throw garbage on roads.
This is an important quality of life issue.

GARBAGE SHOULD BE CLEANED UP ON ROAD RIGHT OF WAY

I have been in communication with town and state officials regarding the need to clean up the garbage, litter, debri along roads. The town has a crew working to clean up litter along town roads. Last week I was advised that the state is responsible for cleaning debri off of state roads (Saw Mill River Road, Dobbs Ferry Road, 119, Central Ave, etc..). A blogger posted a comment on one of my blogs indicating that state law requires the work to be done by the town, not the state --which is contrary to past practices. I have written to the commissioner of public works and town atty and have asked them to research the law. If the blogger is correct, I will ask the town board to authorize additional expenditures so that the work could be complete as soon as possible. We should address the litter problem frequently during the year.
Keeping the town clean and green must be given high priority attention.

STORM INFO...

The town is working - trying to be proactive. We want to address the anticipated storm (the weather service is predicting a storm on Sunday). We are clearing drains, basins, obstructions, brooks. Obviously, we won't be able to prevent flooding. But, we're trying to minimize the problem.
If you have a problem the phone number of the highway garage is 693 8121. My home phone is 478-1219. My cell phone is 438-1343. Please feel free to call me at home (till midnight) if you have a storm related problem. I'll be in touch with Con Ed, Verizon, the various town departments during the storm.

MAJOR BIOMED GROUNDBREAKING FOR REGENERON

Regeneron is a biopharmaceutical company that develops drug candidates for the treatment of cancer, eye and other diseases. The company employs more than 450 people.
Today I spoke at a groundbreaking ceremony. BioMed Realty Trust and Regeneron will build a new 360,000 square foot, $145 million facility -- a world class lab and office complex that will be a new corporate headquarters and research development facility for Regeneron.
We worked very hard to discourage Regeneron from leaving Greenburgh & Westchester. Other states tried to persuade the company to relocate.

REQUESTING TOWN TO PURCHASE OUTDOOR FURNITURE FOR LIBRARY..UPDATE ON TRITON LETTER

I am requesting the town to purchase outdoor furniture for the temporary library. We have a beautiful patio overlooking a pond at town hall. If we place outdoor furniture at the patio it will make a beautiful reading area for library patrons. I have spoken to the acting director of the library. She indicated that the library does not have funds in their budget for this appropriation. I would be pleased to use town funds/not library funds for this since the furniture can be used by non library patrons (employees and residents as well as library patrons.
ON ANOTHER MATTER-- over a month ago TRITON promised to provide us with a written document promising to provide the town with 3 months of free services because of the delays in the library construction. Despite their verbal agreement we still have not received their written letter. I am asking for follow up.

TOWN BD RENAMES WEBB PARK FOR RICHARD PRESSER

The Greenburgh Town Board unanimously voted to rename Webb Park in honor and in memory of Richard Presser who led the efforts to acquire Webb Park, the Gaisman Estate (now called Harts Brook). Richard also assisted in the efforts to acquire Glenville and Taxter Ridge. He was instrumental in pushing for the open space referendum that was approved by Greenburgh voters in 1997. Greenburgh was the first town in NY to have an open space referendum. The park will be dedicated as the Richard Presser Park & Webb Field in June. The town will also be enhancing the park -thanks to a $97,000 grant received from the federal government (Congresswoman Nita Lowey).

ONE FREE TREE FROM POWER AUTHORITY FOR EVERY TREE ORDERED

The NY Power Authority has a tree power program. The program is designed to help government customers improve the environment. The NYPA is offering to sell the town two kinds of trees - and will offer one free tree for every tree we purchase. For larger trees -buy one and get one at half price.
I am urging the Town to purchase trees from the NY Power Authority. For copies of the letter that I received from the NYS Power Authority please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com

CON ED TO REPLANT TREES CUT ON TOWN PROPERTY

Con Ed has agreed to plant small trees to replace trees cut on town property. Con Ed is involved in a tree cutting program in our area to help reduce the possibility of future power outages. Trees cut on town property will be replaced with smaller growing trees. Trees cut on non town property will not be replaced. For copies of their e mail to me please visit the town web site: www.greenburghny.com or e mail pfeiner@greenburghny.com

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY- WEEK OF APRIL 9 - POST YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT TOWN ISSUES

Please feel free to post your comments about town issues here. Dan from Hartsdale advises that some sitemeters can record time/addresses of bloggers. I do not have a sitemeter.

FORMER HOMELESS SHELTER MAY BECOME AFFORDABLE HOUSING

A former homeless shelter on 119 (near the county center) that closed down about a year ago may become affordable housing. WETHAB is pursuing plans to tear down the old homeless shelter and replace the 61 unit shelter with 43 apartments for working families. Rents will range from $800 a month for a studio to $1300 a month for 2 bedrooms. Income requirements: $47,950 to about $76,720.
I have already conferred with the head of the local civic association and intend to meet with additional residents in the Fulton Park neighborhood in the coming weeks. My personal feeling is that affordable housing for working people is a good use for this location. The application has not been submitted as of yet.

TOWN BD HAS TILL NEXT WEEK TO RESPOND TO STATE COMPTROLLERS REPORT REGARDING WESTHELP

The Greenburgh Town Board has till the middle of next week to respond to the State comptroller's report regarding the WESTHELP partnership. The comptroller gave the Town Board 90 days to respond to the report. Among options included in the comptrollers report---renegotiating the WESTHELP partnership agreement. I believe that the Town Board should renegotiate the agreement and that promises made should be kept, provided (of course) that they comply with state law. The State Comptroller's office provided all the Town Board members with an option that would enable the WESTHELP partnership to continue.
I urge the Town Board to comply with the State Comptroller's request that a response be submitted within 90 days (next week).

FUEL EFFICIENT VEHICLES--PLAN OF ACTION PROPOSED

The Greenburgh Town Board met in work session today. We discussed developing a plan to purchase fuel efficient vehicles as part of our fleet. I believe that the town should take the lead on this important energy conservation measure and support a plan to phase in the purchase of only energy efficient vehicles (such as hybrid vehicles). Thank you Nikki Coddington, energy conservation coordinator, for your hard work promoting energy conservation!

SAVE THE DATE: SHRED MOBILE COMING TO GREENBURGH MAY 9

SAVE THE DATE: The Westchester County shred mobile will be coming to Greenburgh on May 9 (Wed) from 12-2 PM at AF Veteran Park, Ardsley. The shred mobile is available to help residents destroy unwanted personal papers and documents with personal identifying information. This is a way to help you avoid identity theft. THis is for residents only--not for businesses, schools, government or municipal offices. Each resident may bring a maximum of 2 file boxes, appproximately 10 inches by 12 inches by 15 incres in size. All paper must be freed of clips, bindings, folders and files. No bound or hardcover ledger books area allowed.
You could shred pre approved credit card applications, old credit card bills, receipts, bank statements, old tax returns or any other documents containing your name, address and other identifying info.

NEW RESIDENTS RECEPTION WILL BE HELD AT TOWN HALL on WEDNESDAY, MAY 9th from 6 PM to 7:15 PM.

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY-WEEK OF APRIL 2--POST YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT TOWN ISSUES

Please feel free to post your comments about town issues. Dan from Hartsdale advises that sitemeters can be obtained by bloggers and these sitemeters may be able to record the time and addresses of bloggers. I do not have a sitemeter.

GEOTHERMAL CONTRACT NOT SIGNED BY CONTRACTORS FOR LIBRARY...TAXPAYERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO ABSORB COSTS OF DELAYS

The taxpayers of Greenburgh should not have to absorb the costs of delays for the library construction project. The bid projects for the five construction areas of the library project went out last fall. The Town Board awarded the contracts in mid December. The contractor who received the award for geothermal (one of the five contracts) still has not signed the contract.
Changes in the contract have been made since the contract was awarded. No permits are now required by the state. I have explained the changes to subscribers of the e list (www.greenburghny.com).
I have asked our outside contracts attorney for an opinion as to whether the bidder is bound by any time limit to execute the contract or be removed which could mean that the next lowest bidder would be chosen. I have also asked if the entire well contract must be offered for rebidding to all interested parties.
I feel that the responsibility for causing these changes lies with the architect and TRITON and that any delays and costs regarding the construction of the library should not be charged against the project but to those parties who bear the responsibility.
I also have expressed concern publicly that our construction team should not have sent out the bid package before they finalized their plans and that it was premature to send any contracts out for bidding until such time as they knew that the primary supply component of the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) had at least passed the required hurdle.
The Town Board has a legal responsibility to oversee the construction of the project. It's important that the architect, contractors, construction team recognize the fact that their work will be monitored.