Hartsdale Farms to open today...sports club gets permit...farmer's market opens Saturday

Hartsdale Farms is the latest E Hartsdale Ave store to re-open. The building dept has advised me that they expect the store to re-open today.
The fitness center has filed a building permit with the Building Dept last week so we expect them to re-open soon.
No information from K Fung's or the Bakery.
Farmer's market opens Saturday from 9-2. One additional farmer!

ETHICS BD NEEDS 5 MEMBERS, ONLY HAS 3

The town statute requires the Ethics Board to have 5 members. Currently, there are only 3 members. I have been urging the Town Board for weeks to make the other two appointments. Months ago we interviewed qualified candidates. Some of the individuals we interviewed are recognized nationally for their work on ethics issues. However - the Board has not gotten back to those previously interviewed.
The 3 members of the Ethics Board are working hard. They deserve to have a full Board working with them.

WIFI E HARTSDALE AVE

I have proposed that the town WIFI E Hartsdale Ave. We should provide free WIFI access to the avenue --a suggestion that could help the merchants on the avenue. WOuldn't it be great to be able to bring your computer to the pizzeria...to Harry's...to Lia's or Starbucks? Wouldn't some commuters appreciate having WIFI access at the train station or at the parking area?
THe proposal will be forwarded to the town MIS committee.

ONE WAY TO HELP THE CENTRAL 7 SCHOOL DISTRICT

I have heard reports that the Central 7 School district is considering reducing the hours of the fitness center at Woodlands. This may be done because of the recent school budget defeat. This fitness center, which is open to residents of the Central 7 School district, is world class -- one of the best fitness centers around. Non students can use the fitness facilities after hours.
I have written to the school district asking if they would be interested in having the town take over the operation after hours. The fitness center would then be open to all residents of unincorporated Greenburgh - not just residents of Central 7.
Central 7 has wonderful facilities -- it's important that they be used.

TOWN BD WORK SESSIONS SHOULD BE TELEVISED

Francis Sheehan states in his latest gblist e mail that the last Town Board work session was audiotaped by a member of the public. The person who audiotaped the meeting is a long time supporter of Mr. Sheehan. There is no way of knowing if the recording that he is transcribing includes statements made during the entire meeting.
What is needed is for the Town Board to learn from this incident. WE NEED TO TELEVISE ALL OUR WORK SESSIONS--IN ITS ENTIRETY.
The public has a right to know what is happening during our work sessions--who said what, what comments were made. What questions are being asked.
IN ADDITION-- the work session agendas should be released to the public a few days before each work session (the Friday before the Tuesday meeting). Currently, work session agendas are posted only a few hours before each work session--providing the public with no time to plan to attend the work session if they they are interested in attending the meeting.
Finally-- the personal accusations and attacks must stop. Leave the politics to the campaign.

RESPONSE TO SHEEHANS SMEARS RE: WESTHELP FUNDS

Two years ago Francis Sheehan indulged in character assassination for which he was criticized by the Fair Elections Campaign Committee. He is doing it again and you can expect more of the same.
Today, Francis Sheehan, a councilman, sent out an e mail on the glist that is not true. I know that it is campaign season but that doesn't excuse Mr. Sheehan's smear about the WESTHELP funds. He says that $1,448,000 is in the bank to be used by me for "flexible purposes." A falsehood is the nicest way I can describe the statement.
The $1,448,000 includes the money originally scheduled for the civic associations which was never paid to them. The Town Board, NOT ONLY ME, had held the money back in the fund balance because we thought that we could use it for a WESTHELP related purpose, like extra police protection, but the Board decided to add it to the regular budget. The balance of the $1,448,000 had been held in the fund balance to be paid to the Valhalla School district and the Fire Department. The Town Board knew about these funds. Until late last year when the State Comptroller said that the grant to Valhalla was illegal unless the contract was renegotiated we all assumed that these funds would be disbursed to the Valhalla School district as planned. The amount for the Fire District was also expected to be disbursed to the Fire District. We learned that the funds can't be given to the school district, unless the contract is re-negotiated. We are still investigating whether the Fire District serves a town wide purpose and if they do then they are entitled to that money.
I urged that these funds be placed in the A budget because that is what the State Comptroller said was necessary. But, the Town Council wouldn't agree. Only last Tuesday at the work session the Council wanted to put this money into the B budget despite the State Comptroller's opinion. That is when I said that I would direct the Comptroller to put the money into the A budget and I did exactly that. The difference between us is that I wanted to put it into the A budget, where the law requires it, and Sheehan and others wanted to put it into the B budget, in violation of the law.
Why is Sheehan now complaining and saying that the funds should go into the A budget? Probably he has been told by someone (maybe our outside auditors, that this is where the funds have to go. So rather than admit that he was wrong in the first place he writes with self righteousness and adopts the very position I urged only last Tuesday.

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY( week of June 25) -PLEASE COMMENT ON TOWN ISSUES

Please feel free to comment on town issues. The Town Board will be meeting this Wednesday night at 7:15 PM.
***UPDATE ON E HARTSDALE AVE FLOODING--AND STUDY OF CAUSES OF FLOODING
***UPDATE ON LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION
***UPDATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMITTEE-- WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH WATERWHEEL PROPERTY IN ARDLEY? WILL TOWN WORK WITH VILLAGE AND TURN PROPERTY INTO AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS?

BAGELS & MORE RE-OPENS ON EAST HARTSDALE AVE

East Hartsdale is slowly coming back to life. Bagels & More, one of the most popular stores on the avenue, re-opened today (Saturday). The store was closed for many weeks- due to the flood. Please give them your business. Their bagels are delicious!
Yesterday, at 4 PM, the town received over a half dozen proposals from qualified consultants who are bidding for the opportunity to study the causes of the flood on E Hartsdale Ave and to make recommendations. I am urging the Town Board to select a consultant quickly - so we can take steps to reduce the potential for another major disaster on the avenue in the event of a future major storm.
The County Clerk, Tim Idoni will be sending his mobile van to the avenue this Tuesday. Call 995 4287 for information about hte services that are being offered. You can apply for a passport, for example.
AND REMEMBER-- jazz concerts begin on the avenue July 7th from noon to 2 at DeSanti Plaza.

WESTHELP PARTNERSHIP-TOWN BD TO PROVIDE WESTHELP PARTNERSHIP FUNDS TO FAIRVIEW

The Town Board will vote at the July Town Board meeting to release funds from the WESTHELP partnership to the Fairview Fire district! We made a promise to the district. I'm pleased that the Town Council will keep that part of the promise.

LAST DAY TO FILE FOR FLOOD EMERGENCY HELP ON MONDAY

The last day to file a flood related application with FEMA is Monday, June 25th. Jeff Adelman of FEMA (337-281-4448) suggested that I remind flood victims.

TOWN BD SHOULD AMEND RULES TO ALLOW RESIDENTS TO SPEAK AT WORK SESSIONS

At the last Town Board work session, some members of the Board refused to let citizens in attendance speak at the work session.
I would like to see the rules amended so that citizens who take the time to attend Board work sessions can participate, ask question, express their views.

AUTOCAP AUTOMOTIVE CONSUMER ACTION PROGRAM

I received an interesting letter today from AUTOCAP-- this is a free consumer dispute resolution service. AUTOCAP brings customers and car dealers together to resolve customer's complaints. AUTOCAP can help with new and used car customer complaints and answer questions regarding sales, leasing, service, warranties and the NYS Lemon law. Call 1-800-522-3881 if you need their help.

E HARTSDALE AVE FLOOD STUDY- RFPs due tomorrow

We will receive requests for proposals from consultants tomorrow for a flood study on E Hartsdale Ave --to determine the causes and to make recommendations. We will then interview the firms and make a selection.

CENTRAL 7 BUDGET REJECTED--WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO TURN AROUND SCHOOL DISTRICTS REPUTATION?

Central 7 school district residents rejected the school budget yesterday. The Central 7 school district is independent of the town government. The district has their own governing body (school board) and administration.
What would you do to turn around the school districts reputation? How can the town help the district?
Your suggestions are appreciated. A few months ago Vic Leviatin (founder of the nationally recognized WISE program & a former teacher at Central 7) and Harry Phillips of Hartsdale (a Regent with the NY State Education Dept) formed a citizens committee to work with the school district to enhance the quality of education students receive. I have expressed interest in serving on the committee.

TOWN BD AUTHORIZES SIDEWALK SALES...PASSES LAWS REGULATING CON ED TREE CUTTING

The Greenburgh Town Board approved a local law to allow for the designation of additional dates where sidewalk sales will be permitted when deemed warranted by the Town Board. This law will allow more sidewalk sales on E Hartsdale Ave.
The Board also approved a law amending the town code entitled tree cutting, topping and removal on distribution lines rights of way. The law,drafted by Mike Sigal and Dan Rosenblum of the Conservation Advisory Board, recognizes the need to preserve trees. Trees provide benefits to communities--flood prevention, water purification, reduced soil erosion,etc. The purpose of this law is to require that trees be cut and maintained in compliance with certain nationally recognized standards. When tree removal is necessary that reasonable efforts be made to mitigate the loss of trees by replanting of trees.
Con Ed will be required to follow the tree maintenance practices for utilities established by the National Arbor Day Foundation unless otherwise authorized in writing by the town's consulting arborist.
This legislation could become a model for other communities around the region.

WEEK OF JUNE 18 GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY POST YOUR COMMENTS

Please post your comments about town issues.
TODAY-- Town Bd to address Con Ed tree cutting 5 PM, Town Hall
WESTHELP AUDIT---TOWN BD HIRED AUDITOR IN DECEMBER... STATUS REPORT 3:45 PM
why has it taken so long for review to be completed? Very little work done between December and end of May

IS THERE ENOUGH SHADE AT THE POOL?

I make it a practice to stop by at the town pool weekly - soliciting feedback. Yesterday some residents expressed a wish that we have more shaded areas at the pool. What do you think? Where should the shaded areas be located?

SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING REQUESTED FOR EAST HARTSDALE AVE

In the past, the Town Board has held meetings away from Town Hall --on different streets. Last year the Board decided to discontinue that practice.
I plan on proposing a resolution at the next Town Board meeting requesting that we hold a special Town Board meeting on East Hartsdale Ave in July --to update residents on the status of our revitalization efforts, to answer questions, to advise people of short term and long term plans, to discuss the consultant study of the flooding problems. And---to hear suggestions.
The resolution will be voted on in 2 weeks.

WHEN WILL VACANT STORES ON E HARTSDALE AVE RE-OPEN

From the Building Inspector
Hartsdale Bakery--little contact. power still out
Westchester Cleaners--power still out, awaiting electrician
NY Sports Club--demolition in basement complete, awaiting plans for building permit.
Hartsdale Farm--demolition complete. Awaiting electrician to complete work. OPening in about a week.
KFUNG's restaurant--demolition in basement complete. Awaiting building plans for permit.
Bagel Shop--demolition complete. One week
HSBC Bank- not returning
I spoke to Toby Ritter--asked him the town can rent the HSBC property for a temporary library. He said no, he has other possible tenants.

BAGELS & MORE SCHEDULED TO RE-OPEN FRIDAY ON E HARTSDALE AVE

Bagels & More is scheduled to re-open on E Hartsdale Ave this Saturday. They are the latest business to re-open, after the flood.

PROPOSING THAT TOWN HIRE ARBORISTS TO MONITOR TREE CUTTING

Con Ed is planning to cut down tens of thousands of trees each year in our region. We want to make sure that Con Ed only cuts down trees that may have an impact on the power lines. We want to make sure that Con Ed does not over-cut. I am requesting the Town Board to authorize the hiring of additional arborists to monitor the tree trimming/cutting program and to work with the company to make sure that only trees that have to be cut are cut. Village officials have expressed interest in working with the town on this initiative so this could be funded via the A budget (if the villages want to participate).
We also want Con Ed to replace trees that are being cut with smaller growing trees. If Con Ed knows that qualified arborists are monitoring the tree cutting that takes place there is a better chance that they will be extra careful!

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY-WEEK OF JUNE 11 POST YOUR COMMENTS

Week of June 11...post your comments

Some highlights of the week coming up...
HEARING: CON ED TREE CUTTING LAW = CON ED SHOULD REPLACE TREES THAT ARE CUT
HONORING STUDENT INTERNS WEDNESDAY NIGHT
EAST HARTSDALE AVE--AUTHORIZING MERCHANTS TO HOLD SIDEWALK SALES

WEBB FIELD TO BE RENAMED TODAY FOR RICHARD PRESSER

Webb Field, a park on Central Ave, will be renamed today in honor and in memory of Richard Presser. Richard led the successful effort to persuade the town to acquire the park and also was instrumental in motivating town officials to acquire Hartsbrooke and other parks around the town. He also campaigned for the open space referendum in 1997. Greenburgh was the first town in NYS to have an open space referendum, which resulted in 400 acres of open space being acquired.
The ceremony begins at 1 PM

GRANT A WISH TO TERMINALLY ILL 11 YEAR OLD PIANIST TOMORROW--CONCERT AT TEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM AT 4 PM IN TARRYTOWN

Tomorrow--Sunday, June 10th--will be an inspiring day. Temple Beth Abraham (25 Leroy Ave, Tarrytown) is sponsoring a concert featuring Michal Emunah at 4 PM.
A few months ago Temple Beth Abraham's Sunday 5th grade classes read an article about a sick, Israeli girl named Michal. She is only 11 years old but has been in and out of the hospital her entire life. Michal is blind, having lost both of her eyes to cancer and has survived stomach cancer. The cancer is back, unfortunately. What started out as a simple gesture of kindness has turned into much more. Michal has been sending pictures to her class, writing individual letters to each student and sending recordings of her talking and playing piano. Her spirit is amazing even though she suffers from terminal illness.
Michals wish is to come to the United States, to meet her american friends, give them a concert and become Bat Mitzvah while she is here. You can help by being part of the audience at the conert.
The Peers family of Elmsford have agreed to host Michal and her mother during their time in Westchester. Tomorrow at 4 PM there will be a conert where Michal will be performing a classical piece on the piano, reciting some of her poetry and leading us in a sing a long.
Imagine how Michal will feel hearing the applause of a packed room filled with well wishers.
Hope to see you at the concert. A special thank you to the students of Temple Beth Abraham and the Peers family for this event.

VILLAGES CAN INTERVENE RE: TAXTER RIDGE LAWSUIT

The Appellate Division, second department, issued an order today granting Joseph Bova (Mayor of Dobbs Ferry) the opportunity to file an amicus curie brief regarding the constitutionality of the Finneran law as it pertains to town taxation for the purchase of 200 acres of open space at Taxter Ridge. The court is rescheduling oral arguments for a date in late summer or early fall. The amicus curie brief must be filed on or before July 9.

E HARTSDALE AVE SUMMER JAZZ SERIES

Mark Morganelli of Jazz Forum Arts and UniStar Federal Credit Union are sponsoring free jazz concerts on E Hartsdale Ave this summer--every Saturday from July 7 to August 25 from 12-2 PM --at DeSanti Plaza (across from Starbucks).
July 7 Carl Burnett Power Trio
July 14 Richard Boukas Brazilian Jazz
July 21 The Ed Cherry Organ Project
July 28 Bob DeVos Trio
Aug 4 Carl Burnett Power Trio
Aug 11 Eddie Monteiro Trio
Aug 18 Kenny Lee All Stars
Aug 25 Harvie S Trio

It is my hope that this summer jazz concert series will help generate additional street traffic on E Hartsdale Ave, helping the merchants!

Starting on June 13th to August 22 there will be free concerts in Dobbs Ferry at waterfront park 6:30 to 8 PM

MEETING TUESDAY NIGHT REGARDING FLIGHTS OVER WESTCHESTER--MEETING AT PORT CHESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL

If you are bothered by flights over your home, you might want to attend a community information meeting at the Pt Chester Middle School, 113 Bowman Ave, Rye Brook on Tuesday, June 12 at 7:30 PM. Legislator Tom Abinanti and I have previously called on the FAA to extend the time for public comment regarding the rerouting of planes in Westchester County.
I continue to receive many complaints from residents about flights over people's homes. I will forward all complaints to the FAA and county. Supervisor Robert Morabito's office phone is 939 3075, for directions.

NYS COMMITTEE ON OPEN GOVERNMENT SAID THAT YESTERDAYS WORK SESSION SHOULD HAVE BEEN PUBLIC

I spoke to Robert Freeman, executive director of the NYS Committee on Open Government about whether or not the work session should have been closed. Mr. Freeman agreed with me: the discussion of the financial statements (regarding WESTHELP--allocation of dollars)with our auditors should have been an open meeting, not a closed meeting. Mr. Freeman said that this "didn't even come close to being an acceptable closed meeting."
I am requesting the town to release all documents/options given to the Board members yesterday by Bennett Kielson (our auditors) regarding the WESTHELP allocation to the public.

DID TOWN BD VIOLATE OPEN MEETINGS LAW YESTERDAY WHEN WE DISCUSSED FINANCIAL STATEMENT RE: WESTHELP WITH AUDITORS?

Yesterday, the Town Board held a work session and voted (over my objections) to hold an executive session. Our accountants (Bennett Kielson) discussed aspects of our financial statement for the year ended 2006 regarding WESTHELP.
I believe that this should have been discussed in open session, not in closed session. This is a policy matter -- not a legal matter. The public has the right to know what is being discussed, the options under consideration, the reasons for decisions and what our auditors recommend.
I have requested the Town Attorney to write a letter to the Committee on Open Government regarding yesterday's meeting and to ask whether the meeting should have been open. If Mr. Freeman advises that the meeting should have been open I will request that the options discussed be disclosed to the community.
I do not support closed government.

SHOPPING CARTS ON STREETS- SHOULD ALL STORES BE REQUIRED TO HAVE CURRENT CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS ON CARTS

A suggestion: all supermarkets and associated type stores would be required to have current contact phone numbers on plates attached to shopping carts and that they be required to pick up the cart if notified of location or be fined.

DEMOCRACY.COM--POST YOUR COMMENTS WEEK OF JUNE 4...TOWN BD TO ALLOW SIDEWALK SALES ON E HARTSDALE AVE..HEARING SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEK

Please post your comments about town issues.

I am PLEASED TO REPORT...THAT THE TOWN BD HAS SCHEDULED A PUBLIC HEARING FOR NEXT WEDNESDAY NIGHT JUNE 13 TO ALLOW SIDEWALK SALES ON EAST HARTSDALE AVE. This will help merchants on E Hartsdale Ave generate more business.

COUNTY CLERK TO HELP GENERATE MORE STREET TRAFFIC ON E HARTSDALE AVE

County Clerk Tim Idoni will help us generate more street traffic on E Hartsdale Ave. His mobile van will be coming to the Hartsdale train station on June 26 from 11-2. You can apply for a US passport, including having photos taken, check license status of plumbers or electricians, obtain gun locks (for free), etc..
Thank you Tim! If this is successful we may ask the county clerk to send his mobile van to the avenue on a regular basis.

VERIZON TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS RE: PUBLIC ACCESS

I have received some complaints from verizon customers that they are unable to watch Greenburgh Town Board meetings on public access TV. Our meetings have been preempted by other localities. I have advised Verizon. They promise to work on this during the next few days.

REQUESTING WRITTEN PLAN OF ACTION TO ADDRESS E HARTSDALE AVE FLOODING

I have requested the Public Works Dept to provide members of the Town Board and me with a written "plan of action" regarding action steps that must be taken prior to a storm to reduce the possibility of flooding on E Hartsdale Ave. Today, for example, some of the stores on E Hartsdale Ave, had minor flood issues. If the street experienced a major storm the stores could have had significant flood problems again.
The street is coming back --stores are re-opening. We need to take short term and long term action steps to address this problem.

SEWER DISTRICT AUDIT BY STATE COMPTROLLERS-CONT

Some bloggers have requested that we continue the post re: decision by the NYS Comptroller's office to audit the special assessment sewer district. Last week about 115 comments were posted on this blog (see archives) from residents. The issue: Are some districts being over assessed? After residents complained to me about this matter I immediately asked for follow up action: we had many meetings with dept heads and citizens to resolve the issue. I supported the hiring of a forensic accountant and felt that the Town Board had a responsibility to investigate the matter. Unfortunately, the Town Board decided not to handle this matter internally. I am pleased that the comptroller's office is reviewing this matter and I look forward to their recommendations. The current policy under review has been in place for decades.

BIG TURNOUT: HASTINGSMEETING ON CON ED TREE CUTTING

There was a big turnout at a community meeting in Hastings this afternoon to discuss Con Ed tree cutting. Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins attended the meeting. Con Ed sent a number of representatives to the meeting.
Jacques Padawar suggested a "triage approach" to tree cutting. He proposed that Con Ed remove all the dead trees and branches along with those trees that are best pruned during the summer months (Norwegian Maples, etc) throughout Greenburgh. He suggested that Con Ed then make a second pass and prune within reason during the fall and winter months.
I suggested that Con Ed hold on site neighborhood meetings with residents who will be impacted by tree cutting, municipal officials and arborists. Hopefully, these meetings could result in consensus. We want to make sure that only trees that need to be cut are cut. I also proposed that Con Ed reimburse local governments for the costs of hiring an independent arborist who can make sure that the trees being cut need to be cut.
I also pointed out the need to replant trees to replace trees being cut.
Con Ed will be replanting over 25 trees that were cut on Sprain/Ridge Road a few months ago.

HARRY'S THROWS RE-OPENING PARTY ON E HARTSDALE AVE, ARISTOCRAT CLEANERS RE-OPENS

Harry's of Hartsdale re-opened tonight, with an incredible party. E Hartsdale Ave is back, big time. The restaurants are crowded, the stores are coming back. Aristocrat Cleaners also re-opened today.
I was advised that the bagel store should re-open within two weeks. And, the chinese restaurant should re-open sometime in July.
The commissioner of public works has sent out RFPs to consultants. We're going to conduct a study re: causes of the flooding. We're going to develop a plan of action to reduce the potential for a future flooding catastrophe.