HARRY'S OF HARTSDALE OPENS FRIDAY -

Good news! Harry's of Hartsdale will re-open on Friday, June 1st. The restaurant was closed for weeks, due to the flood on E Hartsdale Ave. Harry's joins Lia's Restaurant, the liquor store, the toy store, the drug store --stores that have re-opened after the flood.
Please help these merchants. I hope that in the coming weeks more of the stores that were closed due to the flood will re-open.

COMING SOON--JAZZ CONCERTS ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON---DURING THE FARMER'S MARKET
WE HOPE THESE SUMMER JAZZ CONCERTS, IN JULY AND AUGUST, WILL HELP REVITALIZE E HARTSDALE AVE

EAST HARTSDALE AVE MERCHANTS REQUEST MORE SIDEWALK SALES

East Hartsdale Ave merchants are requesting additional help from the town: amending our laws to allow weekly sidewalk sales. I support the request,spoke to the members of the Town Board yesterday during our work session - and hope that we can act quickly. This change can help the merchants attract more people to the street. It's a small request that should be granted.

HELP GRANT A WISH TO TERMINALLY ILL 11 YEAR OLD

Temple Beth Abraham, 25 Leroy Ave, Tarrytown is helping grant a wish to a blind 11 year old with terminal cancer- Michal Emunah. She is an accomplished pianist and writer living in Israel. Her dream- to come to America and play a concert for her american friends. There will be a reception. There is also free admission. Please consider maing a donation to the Keren Milgot Scholarship Fund.

SUNDAY JUNE 10 4 PM
TEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM 25 LEROY AVE TARRYTOWN 631 1770

FAIRVIEW FIRE DISTRICT USES WESTHELP FUNDS FOR INNOVATIVE SAFE ESCAPE HOME

A home fire is reported in the United States every 75 seconds. Only 16% of the families have a home fire escape plan. The Fairview Fire district purchased, with the WESTHELP partnership funds, a safe escape home that will teach students about home fire safety. The home enables the fire district to simulate emergencies--hurricanes, tornadoes, smoke. Firefighters teach students and others about safety --what to do in the event of an emergency.
Yesterday, after the memorial day parade, I joined others and took a tour of the new safe escape home. I was impressed. This is a terrific service the Fairview Fire district provides. The WESTHELP partnership funds were put to good use.
I hope that the Town Board continues to provide the Fairview Fire district with WESTHELP funds, as previously agreed to. This home is available for use by other districts within unincorporated Greenburgh and the villages.

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY- WEEK OF MAY 28-POST YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT TOWN ISSUES

Please post your comments about town issues.

Our veterans and soldiers fought so we could have democracy---so that you could speak out about issues of concern. Honor our veterans, reflect on their contributions. Attend the memorial day parade in your community this morning.

NYS AUDITS SEWER DISTRICT TAX ASSESSMENTS

In December, 2005 (after receiving complaints from residents about the assessment of sewer district taxes) I asked the Town Board to hire a forensic accountant. I was overruled by the Town Board. Some of the residents who complained advised the NYS Comptroller's office. The state comptroller has now commenced an audit of the assessment of sewer taxes.
The assessment of sewer taxes has gone on for decades. It's important that we comply with state law. I welcome the audit.

SUMMER BEGINS NOW AT THE POOL!

Start your summer now. AF Veteran park is starting its summer season. Take your child to our interactive kiddy pool. Enjoy the rest of the memorial day weekend.

AREAS THAT WILL GET FLOOD STUDY

At last nights Town Board meeting the Board unanimously agreed to authorize the commissioner of public works to issue an RFP/RFQ for professional services for watershed analysis and engineering studies to determine the causes of flooding for the town. The following areas will be looked at:
Hartsdale Brook in Hartsdale--------E Hartsdale Ave
Manhattan Park Brook in Fairveiw
Mine Brook and Saw Mill River in N Elmsford
Troublesome brook in Edgemont

TWN BD VOTES TO DECLARE GORDON PARKS HOME HISTORIC LANDMARK..VOTES FOR TAX BREAKS FOR VOLUNTEERS..APPROVES RFP FOR FLOOD STUDIES

The Greenburgh Town Board voted to declare the home of Gordon Parks, 15 Adams Place, a historic landmark. Mr. Parks was a famed photographer of Life Magazine, the first black director and producer of a major motion picture. He resided in the Parkway Gardens section of the town - which also housed many prominent african american leaders in the 1950s & during the early part of the civil rights movement (including Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, US Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown, the society editor of the Amsterdam News,Anna Bernard, and many others). There is a move to have the entire neighborhood designated as a historic neighborhood, so future generations will appreciate the role this predominantly african american community played in african american history.

The Town Board unanimously voted to grant partial tax exemptions to volunteer ambulance corp members and firefighters.

The Town Board unanimously voted to authorize the Commissioner of Public Works to issue and RFP and conduct flood studies on a number of areas around Greenburgh, including East Hartsdale Ave.

keepgreenburghgreen.blogspot.com

Rob Hevern, a senior at Irvington High School, is interning in my office for the next few weeks.
His project-a cleaner greenburgh.
He is spending some time taking photo's of debris along roads, right of ways, bus stops. He is organizing a citizens task force that will continue the efforts after the internship ends. Rob will be attending Fordham in the fall.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEB SITE:
keepgreenburghgreen.blogspot.com. Send us your photo's at rhevern@gmail.com. We will post photo's of garbage on the site.
We're looking for creative ideas --how to address this problem via legislation, community involvement, town actions. Let us know what you are thinking...

If you want Rob to stop by at your neighborhood to take a photo -- he's more than happy to stop by.

LETS KEEP GREENBURGH CLEAN AND GREEN!

LIA'S RESTAURANT OPENS ON EAST HARTSDALE AVE TODAY!

Lia's Restaurant re-opens on East Hartsdale Ave today. The terrific restaurant, one of Westchester's best, was closed for over a month due to the recent flood.

At tonights Town Board meeting I will introduce a resolution calling on the town to conduct an independent study of the causes of the flood and for the consultant to make recommendations. I will ask the Town Board to authorize the Commissioner of Public Works to issue an RFP to independent consultants.

I spoke to the landlord who owns the building occupied by the bank that has decided to close after the flood. I asked him if the town could rent space for a temporary library at the location. He indicated that there is alot of interest in the property from other banks. He was not interested in renting the space at this point.

Harry's and the Bagel shop are expected to open on or around June 1st.

EAST HARTSDALE AVE IS COMING BACK! And--remember 8 summer jazz concerts on the avenue on Saturday's in July and August.

KEEP GREENBURGH CLEAN MEETING TODAY

The first meeting of our keep greenburgh clean committee will be held tonight at 8:15 PM at the supervisor's conference room, town hall. We will be organizing an adopt a highway program, and will be developing a plan of action to keep greenburgh clean.

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY--WEEK OF MAY 21 post your comments

Please post your comments about issues concerning our town.
TUESDAY- WORK SESSION 3:30 Discussion--Con Ed tree cutting

Wednesday- TOWN BD MEETING Decision: Tax breaks for volunteer firefighters, ambulance corp members

Proposed resolution - study of causes E Hartsdale Ave flooding

LARGE TURNOUT AT HASTINGS MEETING RE: CON ED AND CLEAR CUTTING OF TREES

Most of the seats at the Hastings Village Hall meeting room were taken up Sunday afternoon at a community meeting to discuss Con Ed's plans to cut trees. Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins, Legislator Tom Abinanti, Assemblyman Richard Brodsky's office, Hastings Trustees Danielle Goodman and Diggitt McLaughlin expressed their thoughts on this important quality of life issue.
The consensus: Con Ed needs to cut trees to prevent power outages. But-- there should be some oversight. Local governments should be able to retain the services of an independent arborist who could help make sure that trees that are not in danger of falling on power lines and disrupting service are not cut.
Cut trees contribute to flooding problems and erosion.
I have asked the Town Board to schedule a work session discussion of this issue for THIS TUESDAY AT 3:30 PM AT TOWN HALL. You are invited to attend.

ABINANTI PRESSES FAA TO CONDUCT HEARINGS IN WESTCHESTER TO CHANGE FLIGHT PATHS

County Legislator Tom Abinanti should be praised for calling on the Federal Aviation administration to conduct hearings in Westchester County on its proposed plans to change airplane flight paths in and out of metropolitan area airports.
Hearings were held in Stamford, CT and in Queens. Westchester residents did not have sufficient opportunity to comment on the Preferred Alternative Redesign plan, which will have a significant environmental impact on Westchester. There should also be an extension of the comment period.
I'm planning to join Legislator Abinanti in writing to Steven Kelley, FAA-NAR, c/o Michael Merrill, 12005 Sunrise Valley Road, Reston, VA 21091. It would be appreciated if readers of this blog would send similar letters.

GOOD NEWS FROM COUNTY- COUNTY TO DONATE VAN TO TOWN FOR LIBRARY

I received some good news from the county. I had contacted the county asking for a donation - of a van to help the library during the construction. I received some good news yesterday. They will process the request and will donate a van (or vans) to the library during the month of June. This will help the library provide more efficient service to patrons during the construction process.

STARBUCKS WANTS TO LEASE SPACE ON CENTRAL AVE CURRENTLY OCCUPIED BY ABANDONED GASETERIA

Starbucks wants to develop a 1700 sq foot facility on Central Ave, on the site occupied by the owner of the abandoned Gaseteria, just south of the 4 corners. They claim that no variances are required. They are seeking a meeting with the Planning Board to discuss. This could eliminate an undesirable eyesore on Central Ave. It's my hope that some of the vacant stores/businesses on the avenue will be leased in the near future.
Yesteray I spoke to commercial realtors. The avenue continues to be a desirable location --there is lots of active interest in the other vacant spaces.

DOES ANYONE USE NEW CROSSWALK ON E HARTSDALE AVE?

A new crosswalk, that took weeks to build on E Hartsdale Ave, has been installed. I have been getting mixed reactions. Am curious: Does any pedestrian use the new crosswalk? Has the crosswalk had any positive impact on pedestrian safety? So far- reports indicate that very few people use it.
This feedback will help determine whether the concept should be considered elsewhere.

BAGELS & MORE NEEDS PRO BONO ARCHITECT

Bagels & More needs a pro bono architect. This business is located on E Hartsdale Ave. The business lost thousands of dollars due to flooding. They want to re-open. If you are an architect and are willing to help, it would be appreciated.
Their phone: 261-5065. Their e mail: phisyks@hotmail.com
Please help a business in need of help.

LIA'S RESTAURANT TO RE-OPEN A WEEK FROM TODAY

I was in touch with the owner of Lia's Restaurant today. Good news! Lia's Restaurant, located on E Hartsdale Ave, is scheduled to re-open a week from today.

MEETING AT HASTINGS TRAIN STATION 3 PM SUNDAY TO ADDRESS CON ED TREE CLEARING

There will be a public forum on Sunday, May 20th at 3 PM at the Hastings Train Station near the Con Ed substation to discuss the Con Ed clear cutting taking place all over Greenburgh and the villages. Con Ed has been embarking on a drastic program of tree cutting and removal affecting all trees growing within the following parameters, 10 feet along the sides or underneath distribution power lines; 15 feet from the top of said power lines. Con Ed has NYS authority to override any municipality veto in this matter and can cut down whole trees or part of trees without permission whatever they deem appropriate. They claim they are doing this to lessen the possibilities of future power outages.
Removing or destroying trees can result in more flooding (which is already a problem) because each tree drinks up hundreds of gallons of water daily. Drastic tree cutting will may cause trees that are trimmed to die.
WE ADVOCATE---each municipality should be able to retain the services of our own registered arborists to be paid for by Con Ed to ensure that only trees that are in danger of falling or causing power outages are cut. The health of the trees to be trimmed should be protected. Con Ed should also consider flooding impacts prior to cutting trees. Faith Evans is chair of the committee.

WEEK OF MAY 14--GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY

Please feel free to post comments about town issues on this blog.

SHOULD GREENBURGH RENT VACANT SPACE ON EAST HARTSDALE AVE FOR A TEMPORARY LIBRARY?
SHOULD THE TOWN BD AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS TO CONDUCT AN INDEPENDENT STUDY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSES OF THE RECENT FLOOD AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS?

I THINK THE ANSWER IS YES TO BOTH.
REMINDER--TUESDAY MEETING 8 PM TOWN HALL E HARTSDALE AVE FLOODING

GOOD NEWS---HARRY'S OF HARTSDALE GRAND REOPENING JUNE 1

MEETING TUESDAY NIGHT TO DISCUSS E HARTSDALE AVE FLOODING...BD TO BE ASKED TO VOTE ON RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STUDY AT NEXT TWN BD MEETING: MAY 23

There will be an important community meeting this Tuesday evening at 8 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall to discuss the flooding on E Hartsdale Ave. Short term and long term action steps will be discussed that could reduce the possibilities of a repeat of the recent flood disaster. At the meeting of the Greenburgh Town Board on May 23rd I will introduce a resolution calling on the Board to authorize the initiation of an independent study to determine the reasons for the flood and to come up with recommendations. I plan to actively pursue the suggestion to place a temporary library on E Hartsdale Ave -- a proposal that so far has received widespread support from businesses and residents of E Hartsdale Ave.
We need to analyze the reasons why the stores suffered so much damage. What were the causes? There may be a number of reasons why we experienced the flood. We need to give this the highest priority attention. 2 stores opened last week, Lia's and Harry's Restaurants are expected to open within the next two weeks. We need to act now. If we experience another storm we can have a repeat incident unless we take steps to reduce the possibilities.

BIG TOP OPENS ON E HARTSDALE...SUGGESTION: SATELLITE LIBRARY ON E HARTSDALE AVE

Some more good news... Big Top is open on East Hartsdale Ave. It's a great toy store that deserves your business. Big Top, like the other stores on E Hartsdale Ave, has been out of business for almost a month because of the flood. Earlier today I reported that the Liquor store is also reopening. Unfortunately, not all the stores are reopening. This week we learned that HSBC bank is closing the Hartsdale branch. Some of the other businesses are facing enormous financial difficulties. I have a suggestion: the town should rent the vacant space on the avenue and turn the space into a satellite library (while the new library is being constructed). This will help stop the bleeding on the avenue -- will generate more street traffic on the avenue. The existing businesses will benefit because of the additional activity on the street.
In the past vacant storefronts have remained vacant for a long time--a few years. The street needs the town's help.
I welcome your thoughts as to what action steps the town can take to help the existing businesses succeed.

HARTSDALE WINES AND LIQUORS RE-OPENS -WAS CLOSED FOR ALMOST A MONTH DUE TO FLOOD

Hartsdale Wines and Liquors re-opens tomorrow at 10 AM. The store, located at 218 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale (723-3535), lost tens of thousands of dollars in inventory. The business was closed for almost a month--due to the flood. Please stop by and thank owner Robert Troy for working so hard to keep his store in Hartsdale. He needs the help & business of the community.
We need to work hard to help the merchants on E Hartsdale Ave survive. The town also needs to hire an independent consultant to review what happened and to make recommendations so that we can reduce the possibilities of that another disaster will ever happen again.
the e mail of Hartsdale Wines & Linquors is HARTSDALELIQUOR@OPTONLINE.NET

TRITON SIGNS LETTER- 3 MONTHS FREE; GEOTHERMAL PLANS HAVEN'T BEEN FINALIZED...OUTDOOR PATIO FURNITURE AT LIBRARY IS HERE!

Triton has finally provided the Town Board with a written confirmation to credit three months of preconstruction time for the library. This preconstruction credit timeframe shall begin at the scheduled end of Triton's contract with the town, December, 2007 and continue to February, 2008.
At last nights Town Board meeting representatives of Triton indicated that plans re: geothermal technology have not been finalized.
The outdoor patio furniture at the temporary library is available for library patrons to enjoy. Enjoy the views of the pond at Town Hall and read a book outside!

DOG PARK COMING TO E RUMBROOK PARK IN 2007

The Greenburgh Town Board approved a $6,318,000 capital budget at tonights Town Board meeting. Among the projects receiving funding is the E Rumbrook Park. The park was developed in the late 1970s on a former landfill to meet the community's need for more athletic fields and multipurpose courts. The only significant rehabilitaiton was to the lower baseball field in 1990 that has held up for over 17 years. The rest of the facility is over 30 years old. The ehabilitation will last for at least 30 years. This park is one of the most heavily used outdoor active recreation facilities in the town's park system. The $487,000 in improvements at the park include a dog park, a parking area & drop off/turnaround improvements and entrance plaza rehabilitation and landscaping.
Many residents have pushed for a dog park for a few years. This will be Greenburgh's only dog park. The park should open in 2007.

WANTED; PRO BONO ATTY TO HELP SET UP FOUNDATION TO HONOR GREENBURGH RESIDENT MURDERED

Gisela Marin resides in Tarrytown. On August 26 her daughter, Jessica Santos, died in a horrible tragedy. She was going to start her sophomore year at the University of New Haven, pursuing a degree in criminal investigation. She became an innocent victim of a heinous crime-- a drive by shooting in Yonkers. Her mother, Gisela Marin is establishing a foundation in her daughter's name (the Jessica N. Santos Foundation) which will primarily be for scholarships and educational funding. She has done the process of incorporating the foundation as a non profit and she has her tax ID number but is looking for an attorney who would be willing to look into the 501c3 for tax exempt purposes.
If you are an attorney and are willing to help please e mail GMarin@above.net or e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. The foundation will hold its first fundraising event on July 22nd, 2007--what would have been Jessica's 20th birthday.
For more information please visit the web site:
www.rememberingjessica.com

GREENBURGH NY SHOULD HELP GREENSBURG, KS

A number of residents have expressed interest in having Greenburgh residents help the victims of the tornado in Greensburg, KS. You should visit the site: www.redcross.org.
If you are interested in learning of other opportunities to help, please advise me by e mailing me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. If you would like to help organize a community outreach effort, please advise.

WEEK OF MAY 7th GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY

Post your comments. Express your views.
Attend our new residents reception-------this Wednesday, May 9th 6 PM to 7:15
(hosted by Westchester Federal Credit Union)
Attend the Town Board meeting this Wednesday May 9th at 7:15 PM
County Shred mobile coming to Greenburgh Wednesday--noon to 2 PM Town Park

visit the blog: www.thesidewalkproject.blogspot.com. Track the progress of the safety issues on Chatterton Parkway

SHOULD THE TOWN BAN GAS POWERED LEAF BLOWERS FROM JUNE TO THE FALL

Gas powered leaf blowers create lots of noise. This is a quality of life concern for many. Yonkers and Scarsdale have tougher laws concerning leaf blowers. A constituent advised me that Yonkers recently banned leaf blowers beginning June 1st. Should Greenburgh follow their lead?

OUTDOOR PATIO FURNITURE DONATED TO TEMPORARY LIBRARY OVERLOOKING POND AT TOWN HALL

Yesterday I posted a request for a donation of outdoor furniture on the town e mail distribution system and on our web. I am very grateful to James Guerra and Pamela Guerra Franklin for their generosity and immediate resonse. They will be donating outdoor furniture to the town. This will make our temporary library a real destination point. The library is located at Greenburgh Town Hall. The patio overlooks a beautiful pond.
You'll be able to visit the library, read a book overlooking the pond. You'll feel like you're on vacation!
Thank you James and Pamela for your generosity! They are being named citizens of the month, in recognition of their donation.

THE SIDEWALK PROJECT--VISIT THE NEW BLOG. www.thesidewalkproject.blogspot.com

3 DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED GROUP HOME RESIDENTS WHO RESIDE ON CHATTERTON PARKWAY.
EACH HAS A JOB. CHATTERTON PARKWAY HAS NO SIDEWALK. IT'S A VERY DANGEROUS STREET FOR ANYONE TO WALK ON.
THE 3 GROUP HOME RESIDENTS CIRCULATED A PETITION REQUESTING A SIDEWALK.
THE NY TIMES WROTE A PAGE ONE REGIONAL STORY ABOUT THEIR REQUEST.
3 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS TRYING TO ENHANCE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY FOR THE THREE GROUP HOME RESIDENTS.Their names: Jana Trenk, Carolyn Schepes, Erin Bracken.
THEY ARE PUSHING FOR A SIDEWALK TO BE BUILT AT THIS LOCATION. THIS IS THEIR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT FOR THE NEXT MONTH AND A HALF.
THERE ARE OBSTACLES.
THE STUDENTS HAVE CREATED A BLOG HIGHLIGHTING THEIR EXPERIENCES PROMOTING TRAFFIC SAFETY.
CHECK THE BLOG OUT DAILY.
WWW.THESIDEWALKPROJECT.BLOGSPOT.COM

TWN BD SETS HEARING FOR MAY 23RD on volunteer fire and ambulance corp exemptions

The Greenburgh Town Board unanimously voted to set a public hearing for May 23rd at 7:15 PM to provide tax exemptions for members of volunteer fire depts and ambulance companies.
The exemption amount: 10% exemptions on the town portion of the town tax and on special districts (water, fire and park). Example of exemption for volunteers for town tax purposes: For those who have an average assessed value of $15,000 --a village resident will save about $10.32. For volunteers who reside in the unincorporated section of Greenburgh - the average exemption will be $181.13.
Volunteers must be active members of a volunteer fire/ambulance dept for at least 5 years.

NEW FERRY SERVICE FROM YONKERS TO NYC-- I TRIED IN 1985

I want to congratulate City of Yonkers officials and NY Water Taxi for successfully introducing the new Yonkers commtuer ferry service to NYC. The service began today. For a free ride e mail info @nywatertaxi.com and a pass during the month of May will be sent to you.
This is very exciting. In 1985, shortly after I was elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators, I initiated a lobbying effort trying to get a ferry service started to NYC from the Hudson River communities. We received a very positive response from commuters and organized two free trial ferry rides from the river communities into Manhattan. The Reporter Dispatch (now the Journal News) ran a front page article on July 12, 1985: HUDSON RIVER FERRY TO MANHATTAN- WESTCHESTER LAWMAKER SAYS PUBLIC DEMANDS HIGH SPEED SERVICE.
There was substantial interest from commuters. However, the service never got off the ground. The problems: lack of commuter parking in the river villages. Others expresesd concern that a ferry service would generate additional local vehicular traffic from out of town residents who would like to take commuter ferry service into Manhattan and would need to park their cars at ferry parking locations.
This is an exciting day for Westchester. Commuters have another option. The quality of the commute will be enhanced.
This has been a dream ---having commuter ferry service. The initiation of the service highlights the fact that lawmakers should never get discouraged. Good initiatives take time!

TUESDAY MAY 15TH 8 pm meeting--long term/short term Mitigation: E HARTSDALE AVE FLOODING

You are invited to attend a meeting on May 15th at 8 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall to discuss long term/short term mitigation efforts to the E Hartsdale Ave flooding problems. We're going to discuss various options/approaches.
I am very pleased with the help we have been getting from other public officials. Yesterday I spent some time with Congresswoman Nita Lowey who toured the avenue with me. Last week State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins and I met with merchants on E Hartsdale Ave & with business owners in N Elmsford who also were flooded out. County Legislator Tom Abinanti has also walked the avenue, meeting with merchants. The County Executive, Andrew Spano, is hosting a meeting for businesses that were flooded out at Greenburgh Town Hall tomorrow (Wednesday) from 1-3.
Now the hard work must take place-- coming up with a plan. Thank you for the good ideas that have been suggested so far.