Saturday, October 31, 2009

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

During the past 18 years Chief John Kapica and I have spent part of halloween night patrolling the streets of Greenburgh -- monitoring halloween night activity to make sure that your property is safe and secure. We will be driving around town tonight, will stop by at homes that have experienced problems in the past. Many police officers will also be stationed throughout the town during the evening.

Hat's off to the Greenburgh parks & recreation department for the excellent job they did last night --Spooktoberfest Hanted Trail & Barn. I took my ten year old daughter and 14 year old niece to the event. Was impressed with the quality of the entertainment. The kids were scared, the town employees who worked the event did a fantastic job. One of the best programs offered annually by the parks dept. WARNING: Small children should not attend because they will be frightened!

http://www.rivertownsguide.com --more weekend activities
- Farmers Markets
- Scarecrow Invasion, Lyndhurst
- BOOFEST, Lyndhurst
- Spirit Photography House Tour, Philipse Manor Hall, Yonkers
- Open Mic Night, Dobbs
- Halloween Block Party!, Sleepy Hollow
- 15th Annual Crafts on Stage, Purchase College
- Boo at the Zoo, Bronx Zoo, NYC
- Pumpkin Painting, Science Barge, Yonkers
- Trick-or-Treat at the Manor, Philipse Manor Hall, Yonkers
- Boo-zak! Beczak Environmental Education Center, Yonkers
- "Frankenstein" with Live Music by BQE Project, Paramount Center, Peekskill
- Chris Miller Jazz Trio, Dobbs Ferry
- "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", Irvington & Tarrytown
- Dia de los Muertos, Hudson River Museum, Yonkers
- Opening Reception, Nick Young, Greenburgh Town Hall
- Creatures that go Bump in the Night, Greenburgh Nature Center, Scarsdale
- Artists' Reception: Play it Again Sam (Save, Adapt, Manipulate), Blue Door Gallery
- Gil Reavill discusses "Antartica 2041", Hastings Public Library
- Those Oldies But Goodies: A Fabulous Evening of Rock 'N Roll, Irvington Town Hall
Go to http://www.rivertownsguide.com for more information on these and many more events this weekend.


More Halloween Fun http://tinyurl.com/ykhemb3

Upcoming Films in the Area
Irvington Town Hall Theater
-- "La Traviata" - Saturday, November 14 @ 11:30am
-- "Big Fan" - Wednesday, November 25 @ 8pm
PAUL FEINER

Friday, October 30, 2009

BUDGET MESSAGE 2010

BUDGET MESSAGE - PROPOSED 2010 BUDGET
CONTINUING THE DOWNWARD TREND IN TAX RATE INCREASES
OUR CHALLENGE - TO DO MORE WITH LESS


HOW THE BUDGET IMPACTS YOUR TAX BILL
I want to report to you that for the second year in a row we have continued to rein in the cost of government as is reflected in the downward trend in tax increases and spending in both the incorporated and unincorporated sections of Town.

TOWN OUTSIDE (UNINCORPORATED)
If adopted as proposed the average homeowner in unincorporated Greenburgh, with a $15,000 assessment, will pay an additional $161.28. The average tax bill for town services will be $2,516.40 in 2010. This represents a 6.85% tax hike. Less than one fifth of an unincorporated resident’s entire tax bill pays for town services.

TOWN ENTIRE (INCORPORATED)
If adopted as proposed the average village resident, with a $15,000 assessment, will pay an additional $6.20. Their average tax bill for town services a year will be $75.54 in 2010. This represents an 8.94% tax increase. Less than 1% of a village resident’s tax bill pays for town services. Most services offered to village residents are provided by their village governments, not the town.

Members of the Town Council and I will continue to work hard to reduce the cost of government to you, the taxpayers, while we continue to provide the services that we all feel are essential to the quality of life in Greenburgh. In 2010, we will be asking our town departments to operate with less funding. We will look for ways to reinvent the way we operate government so we can offer government services at the lowest possible cost. We will continue to pursue consolidation, outsourcing and other cost cutting measures. In addition, we need to actively lobby NYS government to enact reforms to enable local governments to reduce unnecessary government spending. We must also address the ongoing reduction in our ratables.

USING NO FUND BALANCE IN B FUND
FUND BALANCE HAS GROWN TO MITIGATE ANY UNEXPECTED EXPENSES
We did NOT use any of the unincorporated (B Fund) fund balance to balance this year’s budget. That is something we haven’t done as part of our budget discipline since before the year 2000. We estimate that the B fund unreserved fund balance will have grown by approximately $2,000,000 between 2007 and the end of 2009. A larger unreserved fund balance will help to mitigate any unforeseen financial problems as we continue to work our way through these tough economic times and more accurately align our revenues with our expenses. We are appropriating $1.6 million of the A fund balance compared to $3.5 million that was appropriated in 2009. We will be scheduling a public auction of surplus properties to generate additional revenue.

2010 BUDGET SEEKS TO BALANCE SERVICE NEEDS AND TAX CONCERNS
In the face of significant revenue declines and increases in costs outside of the Town’s control we have to make difficult choices. Many of our residents are out of work or concerned about losing their jobs. Retirement savings losses and steep declines in home values compound this financial distress. In light of this, any tax increase is too much. However, many Greenburgh residents are equally concerned about any service declines. Our mandate is to represent our community fairly. The 2010 budget seeks to balance the need to restrain tax increases with the services needs and expectations of all our residents.

MORTGAGE TAX REVENUE TO TOWN DOWN BY 41%
NYS MANDATED PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS UP 67% IN A BUDGET
PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS UP 33% IN B BUDGET
Revenues the Town has depended upon in the past have declined, much of which are directly related to the weak economy:

* Mortgage tax revenues are projected to be $1.4 million lower than in 2009. This is a 41% reduction.
* Sales tax revenues are down approximately $700,000 or a 12.5% reduction.
* Assessed valuations decreased by $7.6 million which negatively impacts the tax rate.
* While revenues have declined, some expenses have gone up.
* The town is now mandated by New York State to increase contributions to the pension fund.
* Pension expense in the A fund went up 67%.
* Pension expense in the B fund went up 33%.
* There were additional six figure expenses mandated such as the MTA payroll tax.

COST CONTAINMENT
Despite the bad news highlighted above, expenses have been cut to achieve a 2.8% increase in the operating expenses in the B budget and a slight decline in the A budget compared to last years budget. Every department made difficult cuts to achieve our goal of keeping taxes as low as possible.

REDUCED AUTHORIZED JOBS
COURT ADMINISTRATOR TO BE HIRED
The 2010 budget reduces the number of paid positions through attrition. At the suggestion of Judge Charles Apotheker, Supervising Judge for the 9th Judicial District Justice Courts, $75,000 is being appropriated for a new position: Town Court Administrator. The duties will include daily monitoring of finances and assure accountability of the court clerk and other court employees. The administrator will recommend policies and procedures, report to the Town Justices and report to the Town Board. The Town Court Administrator will adopt policies and procedures in either of the following ways: with the unanimous consent of the three Judges or with the consent of two of the Justices and the approval of the Judge for the 9th Judicial District Justice Courts.

To offset these revenue declines and expense increases we have made many painstakingly considered choices. There are reductions in controllable expenses and increases in fees across a broad spectrum of categories. The town is continuing its practice of not filling positions as employees leave. The presentation of this proposed budget is Step One. The Town Board has until December to approve a final budget.

In the coming weeks the Town Council and I will be meeting with neighborhoods, civic associations and community leaders. I feel strongly about the need to limit tax rate increases. Any changes which increase expenses should be fully offset by other expense decreases. If we don’t continue to cut expenses, the town could face problems in the future.

I want to thank the other members of the Town Board for working in partnership with me on the proposed budget. We’ve been meeting for a number of weeks reviewing line items in every department budget. I would also like to thank Bart Talamini, Town Comptroller, for his hard work and dedication in the preparation of this budget. Alan Hochberg is the chair of the citizens commission addressing fire consolidation issues. He has also volunteered his time, helping to shape this budget. Finally, I would like to thank each of the commissioners and department heads for their efforts to continue to do great work with less funding from the town. During this period of fiscal austerity it’s their challenge and ours to do more with less.

I would also like to thank our very dedicated town workforce for voluntarily agreeing to the sacrifices they made to help address these difficult budgetary times. The CSEA membership voted for a zero percent salary hike in 2009.

Sincerely,



Paul J. Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

P.S. The entire town budget is posted on the town’s web site www.greenburghny.com

NYC JOB IN EDUCATION

Director of School Leadership
Director of School Leadership,The Deputy Chancellor’s Talent Office/Office of School Leadership is responsible for developing human capital policies, programs, systems and tools that produce extraordinary leaders for NYC schools and support principals in providing powerful school leadership. The team aligns all NYC school leadership development programs around a common set of leadership competencies, develops and implements common program measures, and drives continuous improvement in leadership development based on measurable outcomes for students.
Position Summary: The Director leads all aspects of recruitment and selection of new principals and assistant principals across the New York City Department of Education (DOE). Reporting to the Executive Director of the Office of School Leadership, the Director is responsible for all aspects of the principal recruitment and selection process across the DOE to ensure that each school has a strong, entrepreneurial leader able to thrive within the empowerment-accountability context of the Children First reforms.
Reports to: Executive Director, Office of School Leadership


• High-level organizational leadership and managerial experience in an operations role in a large and complex organization.
• Visionary leader with the ability to engage others on the team and throughout the DOE to produce extraordinary leaders for NYC schools and to empower principals for success in a high-accountability organization.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and take initiative.
• Experience as a school administrator or teacher.
• Experience developing or leading recruitment, marketing, and/or selection processes.
• Experience analyzing and refining existing systems and processes to identify appropriate enhancements and quality assurance mechanisms.
• Experience creating and/or leading professional development trainings and resources for adults.
Benefits: Not Specified Salary: $90k - 100k Posting Expiration Date: 12/26/2009 How to Apply Application Instructions: Apply online at http://schools.nyc.gov/careers

Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application.

Applications will be accepted through December 28, 2009.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT HIGHVIEW SCHOOL TO DISCUSS PLAYGROUND CHOICES

Just spoke to the Central 7 School Board. Asked the board for permission to hold a special Town Board meeting at Highview School. A playground near the school needs to be replaced and I want to provide the children with input re: playground choices. The town will be funding this playground with non taxpayer dollars (escrow funds). Good news: the School Board approved the request. Government will be relevant to kids!
The School Board requested that I reach out to other area schools (such as Sacred Heart) and invite their students to also participate in the processes that will lead to the building of a new playground.

controller job

Controller to 100k
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Controller will help develop and drive the company’s financial vision & direction to support company operations; will ensure the financial best practices are implemented to support the ongoing growth. The Controller will provide strategic direction, financial oversight to a small accounting staff and perform accounting functions, have responsibility for related functional areas.

The Controller provides experienced and goal-oriented leadership of the preparation and analysis of financial reports to summarize and forecast financial positions. The person would be responsible for driving efficiency and productivity through evaluation of financial management systems and implementation of process improvements. The Controller provides leadership in directing the Accounting team to support achievement of overall organizational goals and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
• Excellent customer service skills both internal and external
o Professional, upbeat, positive attitude, polite
• Monitor and assist the monthly closing process and assist in providing accurate statements
• Review office procedures to assure proper internal controls are effective
• Review purchasing procedures to assure integrity of process
• Provide accounting support
• Assist in the monthly financial statement review and monthly variation analysis
• Support annual audit and provide tax support for income tax return requirements
• Facilitate physical inventories and monitor inventory transactions
• Assist in the preparation of monthly P&L and cash flow forecasts
• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget and supporting schedules
• Cost Accounting
• Must have manufacturing experience.
• Must have experience with AS/400 Send bio’s to rg@concordepersonnel.com

ECC CHAIR CLARIFIES BIG SALARY HIKE CONTROVERSY IMPACTING GREENVILLE FIRE EMPLOYEES--REPORTS OF 4 AND A QUARTER A YEAR SALARY HIKES MAY NOT HAPPEN

Clarification: In recent weeks a number of town employees have expressed concern to me about a contract settlement that they had heard about impacting the Greenville fire department in Edgemont. They have been advised that a three year contract was agreed upon that would award firefighters 41/4% a year for three years (12 3/4 for the life of the contract). A number of people who write comments on this site expressed concern.
At tonights meeting of the Town Board Bob Bernstein, President of the Edgemont Community Council, indicated that he spoke with some of the fire commissioners and was advised that the agreement may not be ratified. This would be good news.
In my opinion, this is not the time to give municipal or government employees a 41/4% salary increase (some of the firefighters earn more than $180,000 a year-- others are in the $200,000+ range).
The fire district is independent of the town. The CSEA ratified a one year contract recently --and accepted a zero percent increase in 2009. If Greenville awards very high salary hikes it will make it harder to hold the line on salaries for town employees.
Many people are out of work.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

911 HERO DENIED BENEFITS FROM CRIME VICTIMS BD

This letter is being written on behalf of a constituent, I have known this constituent for many years. Shortly after 911 she volunteered to help the victims of 911. She went into the city daily and was engulfed in a gulf of dust and smoke that damaged her respiratory system. She is no longer able to work as a result of these injuries.
She was denied loss of wages at a hearing. She would like to appeal the decision of the Crime Victims Board which denied her claim.
I spoke to her immediately after 911 when she was volunteering to help the victims and their families. I have seen her at various meetings a few times a year since 911 and have discussed her medical conditions with her. She is not exaggerating her claim. There are times when she could barely walk or talk.
Any ideas? I'd like to help her.

NON PROFIT GROUP IS HIRING --ORGANIZATION TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE

Position Title: Senior Program Manager Function: Programs Position Type: Full-Time (Paid) Posted On: 10/27/2009 Job Description: PAX (paxusa.org) is a national non profit working to end gun violence. In addition to creating a national presence, PAX implements comprehensive programs on a local level. These programs are often funded through government grants or private foundations. PAX is seeking a Senior Program Manager to oversee these local programs and ensure that all goals are met. The Senior Program Manager will be supervising three Program Managers responsible for the day-to-day management of programs throughout the US. With the support of the Program Managers, the Senior Program Manager will:


1. Manage the progress of each local program, ensuring that all objectives are met;

2. Research/develop opportunities for implementation in additional communities;

3. Manage all aspects of special events, such as National Safe Schools Week and ASK Day;

4. Create, maintain and leverage relationships with partner organizations;

5. Produce quarterly newsletter Qualifications: The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of experience in program management, some in a supervisory capacity and excellent communication skills.

Benefits: Salary range is $50,000 to $60,000, commensurate with experience. In addition, full-time employees receive medical, dental and vision insurance with 100% of premiums paid by the company. After 6 month waiting period, employees are eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan. Salary: $60k - 65k Posting Expiration Date: 12/26/2009 How to Apply Application Instructions: Please email cover letter and resume to jennie@paxusa.org. Resumes sent without a thoughtful cover letter will not be reviewed. Organization Information Hiring Organization: PAX / Real Solutions to Gun Violence Domain: Public Safety, Disaster Preparedness and Relief Budget $1M - $3M

Saturday, October 24, 2009

JOB OPENING--DIRECTOR OF PROPOSALS

Director of Proposals
Educational Technology
New York base company looking for a Director of Proposals with at least 3 years experience with RFP responses and/or large-scale grant applications in K12. This person must be a good writer and know how to apply the right amount of pressure on the internal teams in order to get the required information to respond to RFP’s in a timely manner. Salary $90-115k base

Contact BobGilson@rockwood-search.com

AFFORDABLE HOUSING CEREMONY..STOP THE BLEEDING OF TAX ROLLS.. BUS STATIONS ON 287 CORRIDOR (HILLSIDE, Bed N Bath)

Members of the Town Board attended a ceremony celebrating the construction of six three bedroom units on Warren Ave to be sold for affordable homeownership. The estimated completion of the construction is late spring, 2010. Units will be sold to families with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income which as of 2009 is $84,200 for a family of four. Houses will remain affordable for 40 years from the date of the initial sale (members of the Town Board are asking that this be modified so the units are affordable in perpetuity). The estimated sale price is $175,000. The project was developed by the Greenburgh Housing Development Corporation. The land was conveyed for affordable housing development by the town of Greenburgh. Federal/county grants were given to make the project affordable.



Over the last 10 years the town has lost over 25 million in assessments basically due to certiorari’s and small claims. The Town Board has asked the Real Property Advisory committee –which is comprised of the Town Assessor, village and school representatives (from each school and village) to put a presentation together to show why this has occurred and to make recommendations as to how to stop the bleeding. On Wednesday, November 28th this committee will give a brief overview on the work they have done since May, 2008. A detailed presentation will be made in November. I was just briefed on the report by the Assessor, Edye McCarthy who spent Saturday morning working with Paul Sterne, chair of the committee finalizing Wednesday’s presentation.



New York state officials met with town staff yesterday to discuss their plans for the TZ bridge. Among options that are under consideration: rapid bus stations along the 287 corridor. The locations that impact Greenburgh are 119 (Bed N Bath, Elmsford), property on Hillside Ave (abutting the Dannon property –which the town currently owns). This particular property will be auctioned off along with other properties on November 18th. The complete list of properties to be auctioned off will be on the town website next week: www.greenburghny.com. One can purchase the book for $5 at town hall.

Friday, October 23, 2009

HOTEL TAX? WORK SESSION AGENDA...FUN EVENTS

There are almost 2,000 hotel rooms in Greenburgh. Other communities in New York State and Westchester have been granted permission by NYS to tax hotel guests. The NYS Legislature would have to grant Greenburgh permission to impose a hotel tax on guests. The Town Board will discuss asking the NYS Legislature for permission to have a hotel tax. If the State Legislature would authorize the town to have a hotel tax we could probably generate up to a few hundred thousand dollars a year in revenue –which would reduce YOUR taxes.
This years budget is difficult because:
1) Our benefit costs (retirement and medical are up 1.2 million dollars)
2) Our mortgage tax is down 1.3 million dollars.
3) There was a 7.8 million dollar reduction in assessed valuation.
4) Interest income is down by about $300,000 in the A budget and $650,000 in the B budget
5) Sales tax revenue is down $700,000
The members of the Greenburgh Town Board are working very hard trying to keep the 2010 taxes as low as possible. We are making substantial cuts in the proposed budget which will be released a week from today.
PAUL FEINER

Governor Approves Legislation Authorizing the Cities of New Rochelle, Rye, and White Plains to Raise Revenues through Hotel Occupancy Taxes

Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) announced that legislation to authorize the cities of New Rochelle and White Plains to impose hotel room occupancy taxes was passed by the Senate and signed into law by Governor Paterson. The Governor also approved legislation extending the City of Rye’s authority to impose its own hotel occupancy tax.
S. 1886 (Oppenheimer), S. 1887 (Oppenheimer) and S. 1087 (Oppenheimer) permit the cities of New Rochelle, Rye and White Plains, respectively, to enact a daily room tax of up to three percent on hotels, motels, inns, clubs or similar places of public accommodation.
“Three years ago, I sponsored legislation allowing the city of Rye to impose a hotel occupancy tax,” said Senator Oppenheimer. “Rye became first the local government in Westchester County to gain this authority, which has become an important revenue-raising alternative to local property taxes.”
The City of New Rochelle estimates that it will raise between $200,000 and $250,000 in new revenue from the hotel room tax, while the City of Rye stands to collect over $170,000 by the extension of its taxing authority.
“In these difficult economic times, municipal governments all over the state have been faced with declining revenues, most notably reductions in sales tax revenues,” observed Senator Oppenheimer. “Local governments must be given greater flexibility to raise revenue other than by increasing already high property taxes. I am pleased that the Governor has enacted these tax bills into law, and I favor expanding this taxing authority to other cities and smaller municipalities that request it,” said the Senator.
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – October 27, 2009 – 9:00AM
(As of September 15, 2009 – Work Sessions will begin at 9:00AM
Except where schedule changes are made by the Board)

(Please note that, although the Work Session Agenda is shared with the public prior to each Work Session, the Agenda may be revised at any point up to the start of the meeting as well as during the meeting, if necessary.)
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 35 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours,
depending upon the length of the two meetings.)

09:00AM Agenda Review
09:15AM The Budget
11:00AM Hotel Tax
11:25AM Confirm Dates for November/December Work Sessions and
Board Meetings
11:30AM Executive Session – Personnel
12:00noon Adjourn Meeting

This Weekend on RivertownsGuide.com…..
http://www.rivertownsguide.com
- Farmers Markets
- PHOTOcentric: A Juried Photography Exhibition in Garrison
- Neu Nights Out in Purchase
- Middle School Dance Night at Life, Ardsley
- Ashford & Simpson in Tarrytown
- Music (most is Free!) in Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley, Tarrytown, Piermont,
- Friends of the Warner Library Fall Book Sale, Tarrytown
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at the Emelin Theater
- Spooktoberfest for Kids
- Family Fun Fair and Open House || Coop
- "Rabbit Hole" at the Irvington Library
- Closing Reception, Don Axleroad, and Performance by Katherine Adamenko at Blue Door Gallery
- Dancing with the Teachers II at the Campus Theater, Irvington
- The Harlem Wizards take on the Hastings Hotshots in the HHS Gym
- Captain William “Chip” Reynolds will present Life Aboard the Half Moon at the Beczak
- Diana Jones at the Common Ground Coffeehouse, Hastings
- Johnny Winter at Irvington Town Hall
- Halloween Hoorah! at The New York Botanical Gardens
- Scarecrows and Pumpkins Parade at the Greenburgh Nature Center
- "Walkure": part of the Film Festival @ Irvington Town Hall Theater
- River Songs: A Celebration of the Hudson: A Tribes Hill Production at the Beczak
- Student Musicale at the Dobbs Ferry Library
- Film Screening "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" at the Hastings Library
- Chrysalis Consort performing Bach Masterworks at Mercy College Rotunda
- Breast Cancer Fundraiser: In the Pink Foundation at Pumpernickel Restaurant
- "Notorious" - Classic Film Series: Alfred Hitchcock at the Paramount, Peekskill
Go to http://www.rivertownsguide.com for more information on these and many more events this weekend.


Upcoming Documentaries and Classic Films Playing in the Area
Sunday, October 25 "Walkure"
- 1pm - "Walkure": part of the Film Festival @ Irvington Town Hall Theater
- 7:30pm: “Notorious”: Wednesday Night Classics Series: Hitchcock @ Paramount Center for the Arts, Peekskill
Wednesday, October 28
- 7:30pm: “Autumn Hearts: A New Beginning”: Mayim Film Series: Individual Choices @ Greenburgh Hebrew Center
Saturday, October 31
- 10pm “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” @ Irvington Town Hall Theater
- 11pm “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” @ Tarrytown Music Hall
Go to http://www.rivertownsguide.com/20localevents.php for more information on all of theses great films


Save the Date . . . . .
- Friday, November 6 -- Hastings Friday Night LIVE | Village of Hastings
- Friday & Saturday, November 13 &14 from 10am - 5pm -- Fall Book Sale | Irvington Public Library
- Saturday, November 14 from 7pm - 10pm -- Westchester County’s First Annual ’Stache-Off | Music Conservatory of Westchester, White Plains
- Halloween Fun -- http://tinyurl.com/ykhemb3

Thursday, October 22, 2009

FOR SALE: TOWN LAND

To keep tax increases as low as possible the town will be selling town owned land.

SURPLUS TOWN OWNED LAND AUCTION – November 18, 2009. Registration 9:30am Auction 10:00am – an informational packet of the properties is available (Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Avenue) in the Tax Receiver’s office for $5.00. The information will soon be available on line at www.greenburghny.com if you have questions regarding specific properties contact the assessor 914-993-1520 and if you have questions regarding the auction process, contact the Tax Receiver 993-1512. You can also e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com with questions.

PAUL FEINER

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

HARTSDALE KIWANIS CLUB HALLOWEEN PAINTING CONTEST

Kiwanis/Greenburgh Window Painting contest
The Hartsdale Kiwanis Club does alot for our town. One of the most enjoyable programs they sponsor is the annual window painting contest on E Hartsdale Ave and the 4 corners (Central Ave, W Hartsdale/E Hartsdale Ave).
The contest was rained out last weekend. However--the good news is that the contest has been rescheduled:
Saturday, October 24th from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., with a rain date of Sunday, October 25th.

Although the deadline for applications has passed, there are a few spaces available.
People can sign up by calling Claudia White at 949-8093 and then bring a check for $10 to the appropriate part of town where their child would be painting. Children of 5 to 7 years paint in the hamlet of Hartsdale and all the rest, up to 13 years, paint at the 4 corners.
It's a great event for your children.
PAUL FEINER

BUDGET CUTS TO BE MADE IN 2010

Budget season is here. I'm working with the Town Board and Comptroller, Bart Talamani, preparing the 2010 budget. This years budget will be released a week from Friday - October 30th. It will be a difficult budget. The town has lost substantial revenues. We're down almost 8 million in ratables (due to tax grievance challenges). Our mortgage tax revenue is down by about 1.3 million. Sales tax revenue down 12%. We're required by state law to contribute more towards the pension system (50% jump). The state now requires additional contributions to the MTA. And—that is just for starter’s.
I have been meeting with all employees to discuss the need for cuts in our spending and anticipate significant cuts will be made in 2010. Less fund balance (savings) will be used in 2010 than it was in 2009. Fund balance has been used every year to reduce tax hikes. We have to recognize the fact that our fund balance is getting smaller and we will have no fund balance left in a few years if we use it at the levels it was used in the past. The members of the Town Board (Sonja Brown, Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan, Francis Sheehan & I) have been reviewing budget requests with department heads at work session meetings. A series of meetings will be held in the community with residents, civic associations to discuss the budget cuts and budget after the budget is presented. The first community meeting will be held at the Greenburgh Library on Thursday, November 5th from 7 PM to 9 PM. If you would like to organize a community meeting on the budget please e mail townboard@greenburghny.com.
PAUL FEINER

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED IN NEWBURGH—WE WON’T LET IT HAPPEN HERE!
From: Bart J. Talamini
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 7:44 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Budget

Paul,
I heard on the radio, coming in to work today, that the City of Newburgh announced an 82% tax rate increase for 2010 because they ran out of fund balance that they had always used in prior years to keep the tax rate down.
Pension Costs for Local Governments May Triple

By DANNY HAKIM
Published: July 7, 2009
ALBANY — Local governments in New York State face an unprecedented increase in pension costs that will force them to triple their contributions to the state pension system over the next six years, according to an analysis prepared by the comptroller’s office.
By 2015, pension costs borne by local governments upstate, on Long Island and in New York City’s suburbs will exceed $8 billion a year, compared with $2.6 billion last year, under the analysis, which was circulated to legislative and county leaders and obtained by The New York Times this month.
The analysis predicts that counties will have to contribute an amount equal to nearly one-third of their civilian payrolls to the state pension system and more than 40 percent of their payrolls for police and fire departments.
County leaders fear that the soaring contributions will put heavy pressure on their budgets as they struggle to keep up with retirement promises made in times of prosperity.
And there is no clear strategy to mitigate the damage, as Gov. David A. Paterson and Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli have clashed over plans to provide even modest pension relief.
“It’s alarming, eye-popping and unthinkable,” said Stephen J. Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties. “To manage that liability in the face of this deep decline in government revenues is going to be a challenge,” he said. “Where is this money going to come from?”
A less sharp rate of increase has been forecast for New York City, which has its own pension system, but only because it is more poorly funded than the state pension fund and already requires steeper contributions. Still, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg suggested in January that the city could face a 50 percent increase in contributions over the next six years, potentially rising to about $9 billion from $6 billion.
Much depends, of course, on how the financial markets perform: The state’s pension fund was $109.9 billion at the end of March and $153.9 billion a year earlier. It lost $44 billion in the fiscal year that ended on March 31. The loss represents 26.3 percent when considering the sharp downturn in the stock market, but does not reflect the contributions and payouts into and out of the pension system last year.
Mr. DiNapoli’s office cautioned that the figures it circulated represented only one possible chain of events, and depend in part on a healthy stock market recovery in the first half of the next decade.
The analysis envisions a market rebound similar to the one after the crash of 1987, with a return of 1.5 percent in the current fiscal year, annual returns in excess of 13 percent in the next two years and more than 10 percent in the succeeding three years.
According to the analysis, pension contribution rates for civilian employees in local governments will soar to 30.3 percent by 2015, from 7.4 percent of payroll this year. Contributions to police and fire department retirement plans are expected to increase to 41.1 percent in 2015 from 15.1 percent this year.
“It is staggering,” said Peter Baynes, executive director of the New York Conference of Mayors. “The only way they’re going to deal with it is through property taxes and reductions in the work force.”
If there is any silver lining, the trends appear to have somewhat curbed Albany’s appetite for extending pension enhancements to public employees to placate labor unions, which wield enormous clout and lobbying dollars in the capital.
“I’m alarmed,” said Assemblyman Peter J. Abbate Jr., a Brooklyn Democrat and the chairman of the Assembly’s Governmental Employees Committee, who is one of the capital’s more reliable union allies.
“Bluntly,” he said, “I’ve spoken to a lot of the union leaders and their lobbyists and said I don’t want to see bills that will cost the counties and the state millions of dollars.”
The governor and Mr. DiNapoli have wrestled over strategies to address the pension burdens. Mr. DiNapoli has proposed allowing local governments to amortize their payments: They would essentially borrow from the state to ease their payments now, and make interest payments later.
Mr. DiNapoli said his plan would “clearly mitigate the impact of rising rates on the state, local governments and taxpayers.”
But the governor, as well as local officials, have criticized it. Mr. Paterson said in May that increased pension contributions would have “a devastating impact on already overburdened local property tax payers,” adding, “the comptroller’s proposal does nothing to mitigate these additional burdens.”
Mr. Acquario agreed, saying the idea of borrowing from the state was “like buying groceries on a credit card.”
The governor has proposed limiting the pensions offered to new state workers, an idea embraced by many fiscal watchdogs. But he was working on revisions to the bill and failed to present it to the Assembly before the end of its legislative session last month, which halted action on the measure.
Pension woes are only one financial burden facing New York. This year, the governor and state lawmakers relied on federal stimulus payments and a two-year tax increase on the wealthy to balance the budget in the short term, but left large deficits in the succeeding years. Wall Street, the state’s main financial engine, has been severely weakened, and tax revenues across the board have fallen sharply and even more steeply than anticipated. Then there is the stalemate in the State Senate, which has paralyzed capital business.
For all states, sustaining traditional pensions could be difficult. “We’ve promised more than we can deliver,” said Zvi Bodie, a pension expert and a professor of finance at the Boston University School of Management. “Going forward, we’re going to have to promise less.”

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

CONTRACT RECRUITER JOB

Contract Recruiter
Working with a financial services firm seeking an experienced financial services operations recruiter for an open ended contract assignment. Position is in Jersey City, NJ.

Please send resume for consideration to Bobgilson@rockwood-search.com. permanent postion is not anticipated for this role.

THURSDAY NOV 5TH --FIRST MEETING ON BUDGET AT LIBRARY

The Town Board & I will be holding a series of meetings on the 2010 budget after the budget is submitted. The meetings will be held around town.
The first meeting:
THursday, November 5th at 7-9 PM at the Greenburgh library.

STOP & SHOP REZONE TO BE VOTED ON NEXT WEEK-- DRAFT RESOLUTION AND CONDITIONS

THE GREENBURGH TOWN BOARD MAY VOTE ON A REZONING APPLICATION TO ALLOW FOR STOP & SHOP TO BUILD A SUPERMARKET ON 119 –(NEAR THE SHERATON HOTEL) AT OUR NEXT TOWN BOARD MEETING—WEDNESDAY, EVENING OCTOBER 28TH.
THE FOLLOWING IS A DRAFT OF THE RESOLUTION –AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THE CONDITIONS THAT WE ARE GOING TO IMPOSE. THE VILLAGE OF TARRYTOWN HAD EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE BRIDGE PLAZA. THESE CONCERNS ARE BEING ADDRESSED. WE WERE ABLE TO PERSUADE THE APPLICANT TO ALLOW FOR A FOOD STORE TO REPLACE THE STOP & SHOP. UPGRADES WILL BE MADE AT THE EXISTING BRIDGE PLAZA. SHUTTLE SERVICE TO THE SUPERMARKET WILL BE OFFERED TO SENIORS. $100,000 WILL BE DONATED TO THE TOWN’S RECREATION FUND. SENIORS WILL RECEIVE FREE PEAPOD SERVICE FROM STOP & SHOP FOR ONE YEAR IF THEY LIVE WITHIN 4 BLOCKS OF THE SUPERMARKET.
IF THE TOWN BOARD VOTES TO REZONE THE PROPERTY AN APPLICATION TO BUILD THE SUPERMARKET WILL THEN HAVE TO BE REVIEWED BY THE PLANNING BOARD. ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS MAY BE IMPOSED ON THE APPLICANT AFTER PUBLIC DISCUSSION, HEARINGS ARE HELD. THE VOTE NEXT WEEK IS ONLY STEP ONE. THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION IS ONLY A DRAFT AND MAY BE MODIFIED BEFORE THE VOTE.
PAUL FEINER
GREENBURGH TOWN SUPERVISOR

RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH, SECTION § 285-25(A)(4), BY NEW YORK MUNICIPAL HOME RULE LAW, SECTION 10, AND NEW YORK TOWN LAW, SECTION 271, FOR THE PETITION OF WHITE HICKORY ASSOCIATES, LLC, INVOLVING PROPERTY AT 600 WHITE PLAINS ROAD, FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE TOWN’S ZONING ORDINANCE IN CONNECTION WITH MAKING “FULLY ENCLOSED STORES FOR RETAIL SALE OF CONSUMER MERCHANDISE, BANKS AND FULLY ENCLOSED RESTAURANT USE” A SPECIAL PERMIT USE SUBJECT TO TOWN BOARD JURISDICTION IN THE OB OFFICE BUILDING DISTRICT

WHEREAS, On June 22, 1983, the Town Board granted site plan approval (“Large Scale Development Plan Approval”) on the property located at 600 White Plains Road for the development of two office buildings containing a total of 334,000 square feet; and

WHEREAS, the site plan approval for the original plan has been amended six times (April 11, 1984, September 25, 1984, September 24, 1986, October 12, 1988, November 9, 1994 and September 27, 2000) since June 1983, the most recent amendment granting approvals to permit development of the Sheraton Hotel and a single office building containing approximately 224,000 square feet; and

WHEREAS, on November 29, 2007, the Town Board received a petition (the “Petition”) from DelBello Donnellan Weingarten Wise & Wiederkehr, LLP on behalf of White Hickory Associates, LLC (“White Hickory”) for amendments to Section 285-25(A)(4) of the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Greenburgh making “fully enclosed stores for the retail sale of consumer merchandise, banks and fully enclosed restaurant use” a special permit use subject to the jurisdiction of the Town Board in the OB Office Building District of the Town (the “OB District”); and

WHEREAS, if the Petition is granted and the requested amendments are adopted by the Town Board, White Hickory intends to construct an approximately 75,000 square foot supermarket, approximately 50,000 square feet of office space, approximately 15,000 square feet of general retail uses, and approximately 8,600 square feet of other free-standing commercial space, which would most likely be used as a bank and/or restaurant space (the “Project”), on the property located at 600 White Plains Road, which property is also known and designated on the tax assessment map of the Town as Sheet 54, Section 25, Lot P-329 (the “Property”); and

WHEREAS, the Petition contains a full Environmental Assessment Form together with a Part 3 narrative supplement (the “EAF”) prepared by Saccardi & Schiff, and dated November, 2007; and

WHEREAS, at its regularly scheduled work session on January 29, 2008, the Town Board reviewed the Petition and the EAF, and discussed the Petition and the proposed Project with White Hickory Associates and its attorneys; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 617.6(a)(1) of the regulations of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), as soon as an agency receives an application for funding or approval of an action, it must, among other things, make a preliminary classification of the action under SEQRA; and

WHEREAS, under SEQRA, the actions directly and indirectly proposed by the Petition are classified as “Type I”; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 617.6(b)(3) of the SEQRA regulations, when an agency proposes to fund or approve an Type I action, it must, as soon as possible, transmit Part 1 of the EAF and a copy of any application it has received to all potentially involved agencies and notify them that a Lead Agency must be agreed upon within 30 calendar days of the date the EAF and application is transmitted to them; and

WHEREAS, Section 285-64 of the Zoning Ordinance requires that the Town Board refer proposed amendments to the Planning Board for a report and recommendation before a public hearing is held on the amendments by the Town Board;

WHEREAS, on May 14, 2008, the Town Board referred the petition to amend § 285-25(A)(4) to the Planning Board for its report and recommendation as provided for under § 285-64, which requires the Planning Board to make inquiry and determination concerning the following items:
(a) whether such change is consistent with the aims and principles embodied in the chapter as to the particular districts concerned;
(b) which areas, land uses, buildings and establishments in the Town will be directly affected by such change and in what way they will be affected;
(c) the indirect implications of such change in its effect on other regulations; and
(d) whether such proposed amendment is consistent with the aims of the official planning policies of the Town of Greenburgh; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Board held a meeting on May 21, 2008 and determined that the Planning Board would needed a extension of the review time from the Town Board, in order to look at issues arising from the proposed zoning amendment and subsequent site plan, in order that a Planning Board report and recommendation could be filed with the Town Board by September 18, 2008; and

WHEREAS, on June 14, 2008, the Planning Board, accompanied by the Town staff, the applicant and local residents, made a site visit to 600 Tarrytown Road; and

WHEREAS, on July 16, 2008, the Planning Board, at its regularly scheduled work session, and at a scheduled public discussion on August 6, 2008, heard a presentation from the applicant on its petition; and

WHEREAS, on September 3, 2008, the Planning Board, at its regularly scheduled work session reviewed and discussed the White Hickory petition; and

WHEREAS, on September 3, 2008, the Planning Board made a recommendation to the Town Board in accordance with the requirements of Section 285-64 of the Zoning Ordinance. The Planning Board with four (4) board members voting against the White Hickory petition, two (2) board members in favor of granting the petition, and one (1) board member in a favor of not sending a recommendation for or against the petition, recommends that the Town Board not approve the zoning text amendment at this time;

WHEREAS, the four (4) board members voting against the White Hickory petition cited that the proposed amendments to the Town of Greenburgh zoning code fail to comprehensively determine how the national trend of re-thinking uses in office park development should be applied in the Town of Greenburgh.

WHEREAS, these four (4) board members felt the proposed amendment and other proposed criteria perfectly fit the 600 White Plains Road site, setting criteria specifically for one site at a time would result in the need to change the code and permitting criteria each time a similar type of use is proposed at a different site in the Town. The members noted that the proposed language would effectively limit utilization of the amendment to a single lot in the OB District.

WHEREAS, the Planning Board recommends that the Comprehensive Master Plan process study this subject to develop Town-wide code changes that set permitting criteria deriving from uses as opposed to the current zone text change proposal which sets permitting criteria for one site. The members finally noted that the proposed text amendment does not adequately address mixed use site on a Town-wide basis.

WHEREAS, the two (2) board members voting for the White Hickory petition cited that the Town of Greenburgh has not enacted a moratorium as a result of the Comprehensive Plan process and that was concern over the uncertainty regarding the timing of the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan.

WHEREAS, these two (2) board members noted that the project works well with the site conditions and the project would not conflict with the Comprehensive Plan.

WHEREAS, the Town Board, on November , 2008 met with the applicant and requested that the applicant address the issues raised in the Planning Board recommendation; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board, on April 13, 2009, received a revised Part 3 Environmental Assessment Form that included additional analysis of the impacts from the proposed action, including land use and zoning, community character, natural resources, utilities, traffic, community facilities and economic development and construction; alternatives, significant adverse impacts that cannot be avoided, growth inducement, effects on energy and commitment to resources; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed revised Part 3 Environmental Assessment Form, dated April 13, 2009; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board, on May 13, 2009, pursuant to legal notice, held a public hearing to consider the amendment to the Zoning Map of the Town of Greenburgh affecting “the Property”;

WHEREAS, on May 13, 2009, the Town Board continued the public hearing to its next regularly scheduled meeting on June 24, 2009; and

WHEREAS, on June 24, 2009, the Town Board continued the public hearing to its next regularly scheduled meeting on August 4, 2009; and

WHEREAS, on August 4, 2009, the Town Board continued and then closed the public hearing and left the record open until September 3, 2009; and

WHEREAS, during the course of the public hearing on the Petitioner's proposed amendments to the regulations of the "OB" Office Building District, Village of Tarrytown (Village) officials communicated a number of concerns both orally and in writing, most particularly regarding the impact of the proposal on the existing Bridge Plaza Shopping Center, which contains a Stop & Shop Supermarket and is located in the Village; and

WHEREAS, Village officials are concerned about the impact closing of the Existing Supermarket might have on nearby residents, as well as potential competitive impact that a replacement establishment might have on existing downtown merchants; and

WHEREAS, the Village of Tarrytown and the Town of Greenburgh officials have met with the applicant and the applicant has offered mitigation for this impact; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board received a proposal for a multi sport recreational facility to be located on the top of the proposed Super Stop and Shop building; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board notes that the proposal for a multi sport recreational facility is not part of the applicant petition; and

WHEREAS, the proposed Project is consistent with several official policies of the Town of Greenburgh, as established in Section 285-2 of the Town Code. In general, the policies promote smart growth type development that preserves open space, efficiently uses existing infrastructure and is compatible with surrounding uses; and

WHEREAS, Westchester County Comprehensive Plan “Patterns for Westchester – The Land and The People” encourages local municipalities to channel development whenever possible to centers where infrastructure can support growth, where public transportation can be provided efficiently and where redevelopment can enhance economic vitality and to enhance the appropriate functions of the county’s corridors by adapting already developed sections into efficient and attractive multi-use places, by protecting the quality of scenic routes and by making road and transit improvements that will reduce congestion and ease movement on travel routes.

WHEREAS, the 2003 Comprehensive Plan identifies the Property and does not give any recommendation regarding the Town’s existing OB zoning designation for the Property; and

WHEREAS, Westchester County encourages the Town of Greenburgh to entertain concepts for improving the quality and vitality of commercial corridors and to better utilize land within developed office parks in its review of the proposed Petition and Project; and

WHEREAS, Westchester County review of the environmental assessment form concludes that the proposed amendment would have very limited applicability within the sections of Greenburgh that are classified (OB) Office Business and that proposal would not conflict with the Town's work on updating its comprehensive plan but rather could serve to enhance that work.

WHEREAS, the Petitioner has demonstrated the need for the zone change and through the revisions to the project which have evolved during the review process, has minimized the potential impacts on surrounding neighboring properties; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board has conducted an independent review and analysis of the entire record as well as the potential environmental effects from the proposed Project and finds that by changing the Town of Greenburgh Zoning Ordinance to allow the use is the first step in achieving mixed use development along transportation corridors in the Town and will promote harmonious growth in the Town; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh
as follows:

Section 1. Local Law No. _____/2009 amending Section 285-25A(4) of the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Greenburgh making “fully enclosed stores for the retail sale of consumer merchandise, banks and fully enclosed restaurant use” a special permit use subject to the jurisdiction of the Town Board in the OB Office Building Zoning District is hereby enacted.

Section 2. Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, word, or provision of this chapter be declared void, invalid or unenforceable, for any reason, such decision shall not affect the remaining provisions of this chapter.

Section 3. Pursuant to New York Municipal Home Rule Law §25 the provisions of this chapter
are intended to supersede any inconsistent prevision of law.

Section 4. Pursuant to New York Municipal Home Rule Law §27, this local law shall take effect
immediately upon filing with the New York Secretary of State.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this approval is subject to the following conditions:

1. A requirement that certain improvements to Bridge Plaza be constructed (weather permitting )or a process to obtaining approvals, as follows:
a. Replace/reset curbing;
b. Replace the missing light standard, paint all light standards and replace the lighting fixtures with new lighting fixtures;
c. Replace the existing guardrail with a wood timber guardrail;
d. Construct estate style or similar fencing;
e. Construct a new sidewalk along the ban1e property line using scored concrete or decorative pavers. Stripe a crosswalk on the paving to connect the new sidewalk with the storefront sidewalk;
f. Buffer the bottle return area from the store entrance with landscaping;
g. Replace dead landscaping and supplement existing landscaping; and
h. Paint/repair the storefront building facade.

2. Commitments by Petitioner and Stop & Shop that:
a. When a lease is signed for a new tenant(s) for the current Stop & Shop space at Bridge Plaza (Stop &Shop Space), Stop & Shop will work with the Village on a new storefront for the Stop & Shop space and upgrades to the remainder of the storefronts to make them architecturally compatible with the new Stop & Shop storefront.

3. Stop & Shop will include the Village in its efforts to lease the premises vacated by Stop & Shop to minimize the adverse impact a new tenant may have on existing businesses in the Village downtown by taking the following steps:
a. Stop & Shop shall work in good faith with the Village of Tarrytown to re-lease the store for a period of eighteen months from date of this approval;
b. Retain a local broker with retail leasing experience who is reasonably acceptable to the Village to assist it and its brokers with efforts to re-lease the Stop &Shop Space;
c. Stop & Shop, with the assistance of the local broker and the Village of Tarrytown, will create a list of uses and/or tenants reasonably acceptable to both parties, and these prospective uses/tenants will be the initial focus of the marketing program to replace Stop & Shop as the tenant for the store;
d. Stop & Shop will agree that the list of reasonably acceptable uses/tenants may include a ethnic food store that devotes up to but not more than five thousand seven hundred (5,700) square feet of retail floor area for the sale, display and storage of ethnic food speciality items for off-premises consumption;
e. Stop & Shop will waive its Peapod delivery fee for senior citizens not owning a motor vehicle living within four (4) square blocks of the existing Supermarket on the date that it vacates the Tarrytown store. The fee will be waived not more than one (1) time per week for a period of twelve (12) months.
f. If Stop & Shop assigns the lease to a different entity, these conditions shall still apply to the new entity.

4. The Petitioner agrees to donate to the Town of Greenburgh the air rights over the proposed Super Stop & Shop for the construction of an indoor recreation facility, provided however, that:
a. There is no additional cost or expense to be incurred by Petitioner for any building or structural elements or systems necessary for the construction and operation of the facility;
b. The site plan review plan approval process for the facility be separate and distinct from the process for review and approval of Petitioner's proposal; and
c. Site plan approval and sufficient, committed and available financing for the construction of the facility be obtained by the Town not later than the issuance of final site plan approval of the Petitioner's proposal.

5. The Petitioner will utilize its best effort to provide the Avalon shuttle service to and from the proposed retail shopping center site for use by for senior citizens in the Village of Tarrytown. The shuttle service would follow the time schedule for the shuttle service that is part of the approval conditioning of the Avalon Bay project by AvalonBay Communities, Inc and the Robert Martin Development Company, LLC. (Robert Martin Development Company, LLC is a partner in White Hickory Associates, LLC).

6. The Petitioner agrees to make a one hundred thousand ($100,000.00) dollar donation to the Town's recreation fund to be used for any recreational use within the Town upon receipt of a permanent Certificate of Occupancy for the Super Stop & Shop.

7. The Petitioner shall submit as part of the site plan review
a. Revised plans and traffic impact study showing the signalized and stop control portions of the Route 119 and Benedict Avenue intersection.
b. A summary of the proposed signal timing changes for the Route 119 and Benedict Avenue intersection. Any signal timing changes along Route 119 will need to be coordinated with the NYSDOT for their approval. The Applicant should get a letter from the NYSDOT indicating that the proposed changes are reasonable and feasible.
c. The site plan shall incorporate elements to accommodate pedestrian and transit access and circulation as appropriate.
d. The Applicant should show more detail on parking lot layout (i.e. number of spaces by location) and show locations of proposed shopping cart storage.

Monday, October 19, 2009

NYS CIVIL SERVICE JOBS

We encourage you to look at all announcements listed to be sure you do not miss any examination opportunities, as many exams are given every 4 years.

The NYS Department of Civil Service recently issued the new exam announcements found below. You may view these announcements individually using the links below. If you are interested in viewing all current exam announcements, you may visit the Department of Civil Services web page at www.cs.state.ny.us/announ/mainpages/exams.htm. It may also be accessed by clicking on "job postings" located under the "Resource" heading on the OAG intranet site. In addition, if you wish to be notified directly by the Department of Civil Service of exam announcements as they are released, you may enroll as an email subscriber from their web page. Thank you.

Open-Competitive Examination Announcements:

25-210, Toll Collector (Bridge Authority)
25-211, Toll Collector (Thruway Authority)
www.cs.state.ny.us/examannouncements/announcements/oc/25-210.cfm

80-182, Economist Trainee/Economist (Labor Research)
www.cs.state.ny.us/examannouncements/announcements/oc/80-182.cfm

80-183, Senior Economist (Labor Research)
www.cs.state.ny.us/examannouncements/announcements/oc/80-183.cfm



Promotion Examination Announcements:


39-633, Student Loan Control Representative
39-634, Student Loan Control Representative 3 (Spanish Language)
www.cs.state.ny.us/examannouncements/announcements/prom/39-633.cfm

36-298, Transportation Management At G-27/M-2
36-299, Transportation Management At G-29/M-3
36-300, Transportation Management At M-4
36-301, Transportation Management At M-5
36-302, Transportation Management At M-6
36-303, Transportation Management At M-7
www.cs.state.ny.us/examannouncements/announcements/prom/36-298.cfm


Continuous Recruitment Open-Competitive Examination Announcements:

20-722, State Program Examiner Trainee1
20-723, State Program Examiner Trainee 1 (Systems)
20-274, State Program Examiner Trainee 2 (Fiscal)/
Examiner of Municipal Affairs Trainee 1/
Abandoned Property Accounts Auditor Trainee 1
www.cs.state.ny.us/announ/cr_announcements/20-722.htm

20-777, State Program Examiner 1 (Fiscal)/
Senior Examiner of Municipal Affairs/
Senior Abandoned Property Accounts Auditor
20-778, State Program Examiner 1 (Systems)
www.cs.state.ny.us/announ/cr_announcements/20-777.htm

DEER MANAGEMENT FORUM AT NATURE CENTER ON NOV 12

Wanted to let you know that there will be a forum on deer management on November 12 at 7:30 at the Greenburgh nature center. Anne Jaffe Holmes is organizing the forum (Speakers include FredKoontz of Teatown Laeke Reservation, Beth Herr, Program, Administrator Conservation for the county of Westchester- Member, Deer task Force; Dan Aitchison, curator and wildlife biologist county of Westchester and Rod Christie, executive director of Mianus River Gorge.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

JOBS AT UNICEF

Integrated Corporate Partnerships Manager
U.S. Fund for UNICEF
New York, New York

Reporting to the Director, Corporate Partnerships, with a dotted line to the Vice President, Corporate and Foundation Partnerships, the Integrated Corporate Partnerships Manager will cultivate, manage and grow key programs with a portfolio of corporate partners which leverage in-kind donations of products, services and expertise, as well as grant funding ("integrated partnerships").

Key Responsibilities/Outcomes (include but are not limited to):

Develop and implement detailed account plans for each partnership in portfolio
Prepare and deliver detailed and timely reports to internal and external stakeholders on progress of partnerships
Identify opportunities to systematically expand partnerships into new areas for collaboration
Support development and implementation of a growth strategy to expand the portfolio of integrated partnerships
Lead development proposals and negotiation of financial terms / contracts to secure continued/new commitments from partners
Lead presentations and meetings with internal and external stakeholders and partners
Serve as primary contact with partners, coordinating all internal and external resources to ensure the programs are effectively executed and partners’ needs are met
Liaise with other U.S. Fund for UNICEF departments and UNICEF staff to ensure successful implementation of integrated partnerships strategy
Serve as the Corporate Partnership team’s expert on issues related to in-kind donations of products, services and expertise
Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of five years experience, in developing and managing complex partnerships between the corporate and non-profit sectors, or the equivalent combination of education and experience required
Significant direct experience mobilizing corporate support in the form of products, services and expertise
Significant knowledge of international development issues, including market dynamics related to the use of in-kind donations preferred
Proven ability to work independently, and generate pragmatic solutions to address potential roadblocks and/or opportunities
Ability to develop and implement a business plan including goals, strategy, and tactics
Ability to navigate complex environments, build relationships with individuals with diverse personalities and styles
Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, analytical skills, and written/verbal communication skills
Some travel required, within the U.S. and internationally
To Apply – Submit via email. Please use "Application for Integrated Corporate Partnerships Manager" as the subject line of your e-mail. If you are an external candidate, please include your salary history or requirements in your coverletter. E-mail a cover letter and current resume to:


E-mail: jobs@unicefusa.org

Friday, October 16, 2009

JOB OPENING TEMP TO FULL

Robert Gilson advised of job opening: human resources assistant. Initially a temporary position ($20-22 per hour). Could lead to full time employment in the $50 k range. They should contact bobgilson@rockwood-search.com.

FUN ACTIVITIES..KIDS WEBSITE..WORK SESSION AGENDA

If it doesn’t rain this weekend – there are many fun Halloween activities to take advantage of. Unfortunately, Spooktoberfest was postponed. The Greenburgh nature center’s fall festival is lots of fun for small kids. The Greenburgh library book sale should also be on your list of things to do. Check out:http://www.rivertownsguide.com for more details.
- Farmers Markets
- Westchester Craft Show
- Halloween Events all Weekend!
- Tarrytown Third Friday
- Haunting of Sleepy Hollow
- Spooktoberfest Haunted Trail & Barn
- Greenburgh Library Book Sale
- Warner Library Fall Book Sale
- Marshall Tucker Band in Irvington
- The Claire Lynch Band at the Emelin Theater
- Free Music in Dobbs, Ardsley, Hastings
- Village of Ardsley Garage Sale
- NYS Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck
- Teatown Fall Festival
- Scarecrow Invasion at lyndhurst
- Opening Reception “LEE Kui Dae” in Tarrytown
- The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze
- An Evening with T.C Boyle in Peekskill
- Screening "Food, Inc." on Nyack
- "Rigoletto", part of the Film Festival @ Irvington Town Hall Theater
- Fall Festival at Greenburgh Nature Center
- “Soul Sunday” in Yonkers
- Tarot by Valerie in Dobbs
- Jason and the Argonauts at Purchase
- Richard Alston Dance Company at Purchase





Greg & Doug Dellolio, students at Valhalla High School and residents of Greenburgh have set up a new website: www.greenburghkids.com. If you have any suggestions for the site—please advise and they will be posted on the site. They worked on this new site during the summer.





Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board

Tuesday – October 20, 2009 – 9:00AM

(As of September 15, 2009 – Work Sessions will begin at 9:00AM

Except where schedule changes are made by the Board)



(Please note that, although the Work Session Agenda is shared with the public prior to each Work Session, the Agenda may be revised at any point up to the start of the meeting as well as during the meeting, if necessary.)

(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 35 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours,

depending upon the length of the two meetings.)



09:00AM Library Board – Budget Proposal

10:00AM Budget Meeting – Town Clerk

10:15AM Update on Cable Issues – George Malone

10:20AM Budget Meeting – Town Comptroller

11:15AM Executive Session - Legal

12:00noon Adjourn Meeting

Thursday, October 15, 2009

BUILDING DEPT EVACUATES HOME FOR SAFETY PURPOSES

Today, another multi-family house had to be evacuated for safety purposes. 88 Florence Avenue contained approximately 60 people, including children. There were so many appliances and extension cords that the apartments were heated to a point that was very noticeable. We met with the owner and attorney, who accompanied us to the premises to notify the inhabitants. We will continue to work with her to bring the house back into compliance so that some may move back.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

FRIENDS OF LIBRARY SPONSORING BOOK SALE...APPELLATE DIVISION DISMISSES BERNSTEIN APPEAL...FIRE DISTRICT AGREEMENTS REACHED

Friends of the Greenburgh Public Library TO SPONSOR BOOK SALE THIS WEEKEND
Mel Lipetz, President of the Friends of the Greenburgh Library advised me that the Friends will be sponsoring a book sale which will take place this weekend. If you are a Sustaining member of the Friends (only $10) you can get a preview this Friday from 6 PM to 8 PM. If you are not a Sustaining member you can visit the library on Saturday, October 17th from 10 AM until 5 pm and on Sunday, October 18 from 1 pm until 4 PM and purchase your favorite book. The Friends of the Library help fund some worthwhile initiatives at the library.

IN OTHER NEWS...Today the Appellate Division: Second Department dismissed Bob Bernstein’s most recent appeal of a lawsuit he filed against the town.. The town has also reached a tentataive agreement with Irvington's fire company to serve E Irvington. The contract had expired in December, 2005. Finally - we agreed on a formula. The contract will be renewed till December 31, 2011. The town has also reached agreements with Glenville, Tarrytown and Elmsford fire protection districts (all volunteer departments) to provide service to some parts of unincorporated Greenburgh.

Paul Feiner

PHILANTHROPY NEWS DIGEST HAS GREAT JOB INFO

Philanthropy News Digest has good job openings
http://www.foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/
The following jobs and more have been posted to Philanthropy News Digest:


The following job openings have been posted to Philanthropy News Digest:

Site Director
Educational Alliance, Inc.
New York, New York

Account Manager for Recruitment and Placement
Seedco
New York, New York

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

job openings at blyethdale

Blythedale has jobs

Occupational Therapist
Full time position to work with inpatients, out patients and in our school based therapy program. Must possess current NYS OT license. Experience preferred. New graduates considered.
For more information contact: Julie Knitter, Ext. 503 , juliek@blythedale.org

Physical Therapist
Full time position to work with inpatients, out patients and in our school based therapy program. Must possess current NYS PT license.
For more information contact: Barbara Milch, Ext. 516 , barbaram@blythedale.org

Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Responsible for overseeing the administrative, clinical, and teaching and research functions of the Physiatry Department. Reports to the Chief Medical Officer, the Chief of Physiatry will build and strengthen clinical programs, enhance collaborative relationships with referring hospitals and foster clinical outcome studies. Our Pediatric PM&R department works in a true interdisciplinary manner with other subspecialty services including Pediatrics, Pulmonology, Neurology, Psychiatry and Psychology and Orthopedics within the outpatient and inpatient settings. Physiatrists participate in inpatient, day hospital and outpatient clinics, including spina bifida, equipment, brace and rehabilitation medicine. Blythedale participates in graduate medical education programs, including affiliated residencies in rehabilitation medicine and fellowship in pediatric physiatry. Board certification in PM&R; board certification/eligibility in Pediatric Physiatry desired. Experience in pediatric inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills required. Academic appointment at nearby academic medical center possible and encouraged.
For more information contact: Joelle Mast, PhD. MD. Ext. 440 , joellem@blythedale.org

Early Intervention Special Education Teacher
Full time position. NYSED provisional/ permanent certification in Special Education or Initial/Professional Certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (Birth-2) required.
For more information contact: Denise Ballou, Ext 475 , deniseb@blythedale.org

Purchasing Director
Full time position. Report to the CFO and will supervise the hospital's materials management staff, and oversee all processes related to the managment of supplies and equipment. Oversee the successful IT implementaton of the Meditech material's management system and procurement activities related to major capital purchases. BA/BS and 5 yrs procurement processes experience in healthcare using Meditech, Lawson or similar.
For more information contact: Send resume to Human Resources 95 Bradhurst Avenue, Valhalla, NY 10595 or fax 914-592-2519 No phone calls please. ,

Staff RN's
Position available. Please inquire about shifts. NYS license and BLS required.
For more information contact: Linda Hurwitz , lindah@blythedale.org

Switchboard Operator
Experienced operator to work on Sunday mornings from 7am to 3pm. An occasional shift on the week end or on a holiday may be offered if you are available.
For more information contact: Suriya Bassknight ext. 479 , suriyab @blythedale.org

BCH JOBINFO LINE 914-592-7555 EXT. 610
BCH Fax 914-592-2519 Equal Opportunity Employer

Sunday, October 11, 2009

another job--policy associate

College and Community Fellowship is still looking for a Policy Associate. Please distribute this job posting to your constituents and colleagues.
Thanks.

Vivian Nixon
Executive Director
College and Community Fellowship
CUNY Graduate Center
365 5th Avenue Room 5113
New York, NY 10016212-817-2017

ANOTHER UNEMPLOYED IS NOW WORKING!

From: Archibald [archibald___full e mail deleted)@verizon.net]
Sent: Saturday, October 10, 2009 11:33 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Re: don"t GET DISCOURAGED--ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY!


Hi Paul,

I am currently employed at ___(deleted name of company) on Sawmill River Road as an Accountant, this is to inform you of my success. Thanks for all your help and God bless.

Archibald

Saturday, October 10, 2009

JOB POSTS ARE HELPING GREENBURGH NEIGHBORS FIND WORK!

From: ellen ------deleted correct address for privacy reasons --@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2009 11:12 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Good news


Paul,

I want to thank you for all the help you gave me during my 15-month of unemployment. Your email messages resulted in two wonderful opportunities for me.

On Monday, October 19, I am going to work for---(deleted job for privacy reasons )as a client relationship manager (which I heard about through your attached email).

I also am in training to become a ------(deleted job) (also through one of your email notifications).

Please know that your efforts on behalf of your unemployed neighbors is greatly appreciated. I will never forget your generosity!

All the best,

Ellen

Friday, October 09, 2009

atty, census job openings

Commercial Foreclosure Attorney
3-5 Years Experience needed with Manhattan law firm. Contact slevine@platzerlaw.com with resume.

There are some new temporary jobs with the CENSUS DEPT.

http://www.census.gov/ronyc/www/2010JobOpportunities.html



http://www.census.gov/ronyc/www/NYRCC-Jobs.html

http://www.census.gov/ronyc/www/newyork2010jobs.html

http://www.census.gov/ronyc/www/newjersey2010jobs.html

JOB GROUP...WORK SESSION...FUN ACTIVITIES FOR WEEKEND...GOOD CAUSE

This year I started a job group –helping unemployed neighbors find work. I have been receiving some good news lately from residents who actually found work—thanks to the job postings. If you are out of work and want to be personally notified of job opportunities, please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. I also have set up a site on www.linkedin.com (Greenburgh jobs group). Members can post job openings on the site, without contacting me first.
The reason why the jobs group has been helpful to some residents is because people who are employed are sharing information about job opportunities as soon as they learn of them---neighbors are helping neighbors. If you know of any job openings where you work, please share the info.
Your help is appreciated.
PAUL FEINER
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board (Revised 10/05)
Tuesday – October 13, 2009 – 9:00AM
(As of September 15, 2009 – Work Sessions will begin at 9:00AM
Except where schedule changes are made by the Board)

(Please note that, although the Work Session Agenda is shared with the public prior to each Work Session, the Agenda may be revised at any point up to the start of the meeting as well as during the meeting, if necessary.)
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 35 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours,
depending upon the length of the two meetings.)

09:00AM Agenda Review
09:15AM Budget Meeting – Department of Public Works
10:30AM Budget Meeting – Town Attorney
11:00AM Budget Meeting – Town Assessor
11:30AM Executive Session – Personnel and Boards/Commissions – Interview Candidate: Police Community Advisory Committee
12:00noon Adjourn Meeting
Supervisor Paul Feiner will be meeting with all employees at Town Hall, the highway/sanitation/repair shop/police department/water department, Theodore Young Community Center, Parks department and Library prior to the submission of the 2010 budget to obtain feedback re: ways to cut costs. Sales tax revenue is down significantly (almost 10%), mortgage tax revenue is down by $1.2 million. Grievances that were filed resulted in a loss of almost $8 million dollars. To offset these revenue reductions, we need to make cuts in the 2010 budget.

http://www.rivertownsguide.com
- Farmers Markets
- The Wailers at the Emelin Theater
- Dickey Betts in Peekskill
- Free Music Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, Ardsley
- Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market
- Ardsley Cares
- Exploring Architecture: Youth Workshop Exhibit - Opening Reception, Hastings
- Rhinebeck Antiques Fair
- 19th Arts & Crafts Festival, Pound Ridge
- Scarecrow Invasion, Lyndhurst
- Boo at the Zoo, Bronx Zoo
- Opening Reception " Inspiration in Nature" @ GNC
- Comic Improvisation @ Irvington Public Library
- The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze
- Suburbia Roller Derby, Yonkers
- The Bacon Brothers in Tarrytown
- Sleepy Hollow Second Sunday: Italy
- The Grumpy Frog, GNC
- Arlo Guthrie: Guthrie Family Rides Again @ Irvington Town Hall
Come out on October 31st from 9am-2pm at the Hartsdale Train Station/DeSantiPlaza to support a great cause! The Westchester/Fairfield chapter of Crohn's and Colitis Team Challenge will be on hand to talk about the Team Challenge event, a 13.1 mile marathon in December and their goal to raise more than $130,000 for research and new treatments for Crohn's and Colitis. They will be selling raffles and handing out Halloween treats! For more information, visit http://www.active.com/donate/lv09fairwest

Thursday, October 08, 2009

MARKETING JOB

We have a job posting open right now at Silver Lining that I am looking to fill ASAP and I would really like to find that person in NYC. It is for one of our senior roles- the Managing Director of our Creative division. I am looking for someone entrepreneurial, a go getter, very savvy when it comes to online marketing and guerrilla tactics, with a strong understanding of branding. Ideally someone with great ability to create processes, build and manage a team and project manage well. Definitely someone with big vision and the ability to turn vision into reality. The details are attached and I am looking to fill the spot sooner rather than later. We are looking for someone who would be motivated by a pretty decent base salary + profit split in the Creative division and a smaller portion of profits in Silver Lining (Canada and US).
I am in NYC Oct 22/23 and Oct 30-Nov 2 and would love to interview then so if you have any ideas for this role please send my way! Feel free to forward this around to others.
Thanks all- talk soon :)

Carissa Reiniger
Silver Lining Ltd. | Founder & President
Cell: CDN 416 809 0618 | US 702 994 7356
www.silverlininglimited.com

Twitter: @CarissaReiniger | @SilverLiningLtd

OFFICE MANAGER FOR HEDGE FUND

HR, Financials, Office Manager (1 job) for Hedge Fund in Greenwich, Ct.
The Office Manager role for this Multi-site HedgeFund has three major focus areas: Finance/Accounting, Human Resources and General Administration. The person in this role will interact with a wide range of internal and external individuals in the completion of his/her responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Accounts Payable/Accounts receivable as well as management of other bookkeeping tasks
Prepare monthly financial statements and various ad hoc reports
Track expenses, receivables and payables using QuickBooks
Act as main point of contact with vendors
Maintain and update vendor information and files as necessary
Liaise with outside Accounting firm as needed
Work with HR Administration firm and internal contacts in carrying out various human resources programs and procedures for company employees
Assist with recruitment efforts including but not limited to interview scheduling, administration of pre-hire testing and administration of background checks
Facilitate and track new hire progress and on boarding
Maintain employee files and Employee Tracking system
Liaise with HR Administration firm as needed
Maintain company’s filing system and make improvements as necessary
Responsible for oversight of the company directory, vacation tracking and various internal and external mailing lists
Maintain and update company procedures as required
Provide general administrative support as required to CEO and COO
Coordinate travel
Special projects as needed

Qualifications Required
Must have prior experience as an Office Manager or similar position
Proven ability to multi task in a fast paced environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Analytical skills in order to gather and summarize data for reports, find solutions to any obstacles, and prioritize work
Must be organized and have impeccable attention to detail
Proficiency with QuickBooks is a must
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs: Word, Excel and Outlook

first contact: alex@epinetworking.org 212-612-0263 direct dial

tax manager

Senior Tax Manager
contact Bob Gilson
Vice President Rockwood Search
bobgilson@rockwood-search.com
Global consumer goods Company in Northern New Jersey is seeking a Senior Tax Manager to join their organization. This key leadership position requires someone who can direct others in the filing and preparation of applicable tax returns.

Specific duties include (but are not limited too):

-reviewing income tax information
-managing all tax risks, assesses audits, and responds to tax notices
-creation of reports for HQ on tax information, including income
-completing special reports on an ad hoc and recurring basis
-leading a group of three professional staff
-developing staff for greater responsibility


The individual best qualified for this position will have ten or more years of experience, with 5 of those years in public accounting (CPA, LLM, or JD are preferred). The individual must be comfortable working in a diverse, multicultural environment that is demanding and fast paced. As such, the ability to speak a second language fluently is a plus. Also, this position combines a need for strategic leadership and business acumen with a very real need to roll up one’s sleeves and prepare the firm’s tax returns.

Candidates interested in this position should forward their resumes to me at the address listed below.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

A VERY EXCITING ENERGY INITIATIVE THAT THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH SHOULD CONSIDER...

Cities Use Creative, Targeted Lending to Speed Energy Projects
By Libby Tucker
Several communities are implementing a variety of lending programs to make this sort of thing more feasible. (Photo: Wendy Carlson for The New York Times)
One challenge to getting energy-saving initiatives off the ground is that the presumed social benefits arising from improved energy efficiency (fewer greenhouse gases, for instance) are often at odds with the rational economic calculus of homeowners on the ground. From solar panels to efficient window systems, the capital costs of such projects can be prohibitive — and take years, sometimes decades, to pay for themselves.

Faced with that reality, a number of municipalities across the country are getting creative and experimenting with incremental, neighborhood- or district-based lending programs that help homeowners pay the up-front capital costs.

Under what are called “geographic targeting” or “renewable energy community” programs, a lender — be it a city, utility or bank — effectively goes door-to-door, offering homeowners or businesses within designated neighborhoods low-interest loans to complete efficiency or renewable energy projects.

Through an addition to their utility or property tax bills, borrowers in turn repay the loans over 20 or 30 years — typically with the money earned through energy savings or sales back to the grid. The debt typically stays with the property, rather than the individual, so homeowners who reckon they’d be selling their homes inside of a 30-year repayment period aren’t dissuaded from participating.

Concentrating efforts in discrete neighborhoods or districts also allows energy contractors to concentrate their resources and cut costs, working entirely through one area before moving on to the next.


Berkeley, Calif.m approved the creation of a citywide Sustainable Energy Financing District in 2007 to help property owners install solar-powered electric and thermal systems.

The City of Berkeley’s Web site explains the program this way:

The citywide voluntary Sustainable Energy Financing District would allow property owners (residential and commercial) to install solar systems and make energy efficiency improvements to their buildings and pay for the cost as a 20-year assessment on their property tax bills. No property owner would pay an assessment unless they had work done on their property as part of the program. Those who do have work done on their property would pay only for the cost of their project and fees to administer the program. The City would secure the upfront funding through the placement of a taxable bond.



The Financing District solves many of the financial hurdles facing property owners. First, there would be little upfront cost to the property owner. Second, the upfront costs are repaid through a voluntary tax on the property, therefore funding approval is not determined directly by property owner’s credit or the equity in the property. Third, the total cost of the solar system and energy improvements is comparable to financing through a traditional equity line or mortgage refinancing because the well-secured bond will provide lower interest rates than is commercially available. Fourth, the tax assessment is transferable between owners. Therefore, if you sell your property prior to the end of the 20-year repayment period, the next owner takes over the assessment as part of their property tax bill.

Other cities are developing similar programs.

Babylon, N.Y., has introduced the Long Island Green Homes program to provide low-cost loans for home energy efficiency projects. In Austin, Tex., and Boulder, Colo., community energy demonstration projects aimed at deploying new smart-grid technologies have been developed. And similar initiatives are under way in Vermont and Connecticut.

“The idea behind the clean energy investment fund is to overcome the obstacle of high up-front costs to energy efficiency and renewable investments by offering longer-term, lower-interest financing,” said Derek Smith, a policy analyst for the Office of Sustainable Development in Portland, Ore., the latest city to join the trend.

Portland is proposing a new $5 million to $10 million pilot project that will loan about $6,000 to every property owner within a designated neighborhood. The money will pay for home energy audits, heating, air conditioning and ventilation system upgrades, and weatherization in 500 to 1,000 homes a year.

Borrowers will then repay the loan over 20 to 30 years through a monthly charge added to their utility bill. All told, the city expects the average participant to break even on the project – though some homeowners will end up with higher, or lower, utility bills than before.

“Quite literally, it’s costing you nothing,” said Tom Osdoba, an economic development consultant who’s designing the program for the city of Portland. “There’s zero out-of-pocket cost and the energy savings is roughly equivalent to what you spend on upgrades.”

To pay for the program, Portland will create a clean energy investment fund, backed by the Oregon Department of Energy’s small energy loan program. If all goes well, the city will extend the loans to every neighborhood citywide in coming years. (The city needs to complete efficiency upgrades in 10,000 homes each year in order to meet its goal of an 80 percent reduction below 1990 levels in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, said Mr. Osdoba.)

Oregon legislators will also consider a bill this year that would allow every city in the state to create “local improvement districts” for energy efficiency. Washington State is taking the idea further with a proposal to create “climate benefit districts” that would include financing and incentives for improving efficiency as well as water conservation, recycling, transit and other aspects of sustainable living.

Though the concept of district financing is catching on, designing and retrofitting communities around energy use is still largely untested, however, according to a January 2008 report on renewable energy communities by the United States Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

The biggest challenge to large-scale community energy projects is demonstrating a consistent return on investment that attracts the right mix of public and private financing, said Rhys Roth, director of strategic innovations for Climate Solutions, a nonprofit group that advocates geographic targeting in several Pacific Northwest cities, including Portland, Seattle, Spokane and Boise. Cities will play a key role in testing new financing models for mass adoption, he said.

“The local government has a critical role to play in climate leadership,” said Mr. Roth, “galvanizing stakeholders, bringing focus to zones, and leveraging public financing.”

GREENBURGH SHOULD FOLLOW BEDFORD AND BABYLON'S LEAD AND CREATE AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY LOAN PROGRAM

I spoke at a conference this morning and heard about Bedford and Babylon's energy loan program. The town of Bedford received approval from Albany to offer loans to residents who make their homes green. I suggest that Greenburgh consider this. THere is no cost to the taxpayers since the loans are repaid with interest.
This could be a very exciting initiative.

fantastic job openings in the non profit sector

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=266900037

You may register for job agents or searches on www.Bridgestar.org and www.foundationcenter.org for good not-for-profit opportunities.

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

JOB OPENING

Finance Manager-Entertainment Company
Company looking for finance manager, Contact:
Diane Ciccolini

President

917 882-3437

Outlook Management USA

The Human Resources Consulting Practice

for NEWLY MINTED COMPANIES™ and

Growing Businesses

www.outlookmanagementusa.com

REGENERON DEDICATES NEW OFFICES IN GREENBURGH TODAY

Regeneron dedicated their new 120 million state of the art complex today. This company, which is located in Greenburgh (Landmark at Eastview) is one of the largest, state of the art corporate facilities to be built in Westchester County in recent years. It solidifies the fact that Greenburgh is one of the leading bio med life science locations in New York State. Recently, OSI (another bio tech company) announced plans to make their headquarters in the Ardsley section of Greenburgh.

Regeneron, a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes medicines for the treatment of serious medical conditions including cancer, gout, and retinal and other diseases, will use the new facilities for its research and development laboratories, clinical development staff, corporate headquarters and administrative offices. With the two new buildings, Regeneron now occupies approximately 390,000 square feet in four buildings on the 116 acre Landmark campus. Regeneron, which had just four employees when it opened its research laboratories at The Landmark at Eastview in 1989, now has over 1,000 employees. Regeneron’s full-scale manufacturing facility is in Rensselaer, New York. Regeneron has a long history of successful scientific advancements in discovering drug candidates for treatment of serious conditions.
The completion of this new facility is the culmination of a successful economic development effort involving the Empire State Development Corporation, the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency and the Town of Greenburgh. Regeneron and BioMed broke ground on the two new build-to-suit buildings, comprising approximately 230,000 square feet, in April 2007. William The new facilities offer environmentally friendly design features, including a white roof to reflect heat, a high efficiency HVAC system, building layouts for laboratories and offices to maximize day lighting, a courtyard located between buildings that maximizes permeable surfaces to reduce water runoff, and extensive use of sustainable materials such as bamboo flooring and low volatility organic compounds. In addition, as part of The Landmark at Eastview campus, employees are provided complimentary shuttle service to the North White Plains and Tarrytown Metro North Stations and convenient access to other public transportation. The Landmark at Eastview is one of the largest privately-owned, multi-tenant science parks in New York State. The 116-acre campus consists of eight main buildings and over 1.1 million rentable square feet of research and development facilities and high-tech office space. Construction of a third lab-ready building was initiated and completed concurrently with the core and shell construction for Regeneron’s two new buildings.
In my remarks at the dedication ceremony I mentioned that Regeneron is not only good for economic development, jobs and Greenburgh. The company is good for the world. This company has given hope to families who have been distressed with medical conditions of their loved ones. And, they have give a new lease on life to those who are living normal lives, after being diagnosed with cancer, eye disease, inflammatory diseases and pain.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

Monday, October 05, 2009

50% tuition scholarship for WOODLANDS GRADUATES WHO HAVE B AVERAGE FROM MANHATTANVILLE!

I just attended a ribbon cutting ceremony at RJ Bailey School. The school district and Dr. Molly Easo Smith, President of Manhattanville College, announced the Manhattanville College/RJ Bailey School partnership.

Any student who graduates the Central 7 School district with a B average will receive a 50% scholarship during their four years at Manhattanville. This could be a big boost to Greenburgh residents who reside in the Central 7 school district since college tuition at Manhattanville currently is around $35,000 a year.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was very exciting. The school district announced a professional development agreement. Manhattanville College will send instructors and student teachers to the school to help the school district improve instructional practice and enhance student learning. In effect – Bailey School is becoming the equivalent of a teaching hospital – the school is being used as a training center to help future teachers learn the profession. Other faculty from Manhattanville will work with the school district to improve instructional practice and enhance student learning.

The students who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony all wore “I’m Getting Ready for College” shirts. They sang a song (Let’s Connect, Reflect, Direct, Protect) written by Bob Lance- Music Teacher and Choral Director. I have invited students to attend the Town Board meeting on October 14th at 7:30 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall. I would like to salute Ron Smalls, Superintendent of Schools, Marguerite Clarkson, Principal of RJ Bailey school and the school board for this initiative.

PAUL FEINER



Are money problems getting the best of you or someone you know?



Help us pass the word about a free Westchester County government service -- a Financial Helpline -- that can answer financial questions and direct people to resources that might be able to help. Just dial 211 from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6 or Wednesday, Oct. 7.



Callers are invited to address any financial topics of interest such as budgeting, debt, mortgages, foreclosure, investments, credit, retirement planning, consumer scams, and paying for college. Calls will be answered by a team of financial experts volunteering their time who come from local banks and credit unions, financial industry associations, and financial education nonprofit agencies.



The first Helpline in July received more than 300 calls.

The Helpline project is a joint effort of Westchester County, United Way of Westchester and Putnam, and Community Capital Resources (CCR) and is intended to help residents better manage their finances in this time of economic uncertain

JOB OPENING NYSERDA

NYSERDA regional coordinator
Regional Coordinator Job Description

Courtney Strong Inc. seeks to hire self-motivated, and knowledgeable people to join our team of Regional Coordinators for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s
(NYSERDA) New York Energy $martSM (E$C) Program.

Under the E$C program, Regional Coordinators are charged with educating home owners,
community leaders, businesses and the general public on the benefits of energy efficiency We are currently seeking Regional Coordinator to cover the Bronx/Westchester, Mid-Hudson Valley and Capital/Saratoga regions.
-Increase the awareness of NYSERDA programs in the region. This requires Coordinators
to have a working knowledge of NYSERDA Residential Efficiency & Affordability
Program (REAP), Research & Development (R&D), and Energy Efficiency Services
(EES) offerings and be able to market to and encourage participation into all NYSERDA
programs;

- - Provide information and opportunities to help municipal, business and residential
customers manage and reduce their energy costs through energy audits and energy retrofits;

- Promote to and recruit builders, contractors, retailers, realtors, code officials, architects,
engineers and others into the residential, commercial/industrial and R&D programs, as
directed by NYSERDA;

-Provide assistance to energy-related businesses and entrepreneurs in the region by
implementation of initiatives that increase the awareness of local and NYSERDA business
assistance services that are available to early-stage clean energy businesses.

-Work with planners in their communities to ensure that energy is addressed in local
ordinances and growth plans;

- Maintain a database of partnerships and projects; and organize community outreach and media events including speaker management, event marketing/outreach, and logistics.

-Experienced in event planning and media relations.
-This position will require extensive travel throughout the region. As such, the successful
candidate must have a driver’s license and a car and a willingness and ability to travel
locally and regionally.
-This position will require regular participation in evening and weekend events. As such, the
successful candidate must be flexible in terms of work schedule.
-Strong computer skills with MS Office suite of products.
-Comfortable working in diverse settings.
-Intercultural/multicultural experience and attitude.
-Ability to work well independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
-Excellent verbal and written communication skills – able to communicate with multiple
audiences including public officials, business owners, property owners and residents.
-Strong demonstrated, public speaking skills – ability to speak effectively and persuasively.
-Experience in grassroots organizing, community outreach, and/or coalition building.
-Organize community outreach and media events including speaker management, event
marketing/outreach, and logistics.
-Foreign language fluency a plus.
Topical
-Knowledge and familiarity with NYSERDA and its programs.
-Knowledge and background in environmental issues or other related issue advocacy.
-.
-Have some familiarity with (or ability to learn quickly) New York state and municipal
legislative and regulatory organization and process.
-General knowledge of new product development or business assistance.
-Background in building science, residential/commercial energy efficiency and/or
renewable energy.

Minimum Educational Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, natural or environmental
science, engineering, architecture, planning or related discipline, or
An Associate’s degree plus five years of relevant experience as described above.

Resumes to: pcourtneystrong@gmail.com
No calls, please, at this time.