Every Halloween night, for 20 years, I have spent time with the Police Chief patrolling the neighborhoods of Greenburgh. Early in my tenure as an elected official Halloween evening was difficult. Lots of vandalism. Property damage. Pranks. Families were scared. We tried to address this problem by assigning lots of police to different neighborhoods around the town. In recent years Halloween has been relatively quiet.
Tonight, when I went on my patrol with Chief of Police Joseph DeCarlo, it was very quiet. The police radio was silent while I was driving around town, very few complaints. There were some kids walking around their neighborhoods---but no major problems. A few reasons: 1) the police did a great job; 2)the October storm --families understood the dangerous post storm conditions of our streets. Wires are still down. So are some trees. And large tree branches continue to fall. The police chief showed me a very scary photo of a large pole that went right into a car. The car owner is probably one of the luckiest individuals around. Had he been in the car--he would not be alive.
MORE HOMES ARE GETTING POWER RESTORED--OLD FRANK'S NURSERY OFF OF DOBBS FERRY ROAD LOOKS LIKE A MILITARY BASE---WITH MANY CON ED REPAIR TRUCKS GETTING READY TO GET THE POWER BACK FOR THE POWERLESS
The Police Chief took me to the command center at police headquarters. Con Ed liaisons are working with the police and public works department trying to restore power. Con Ed is trying to restore power to large clusters of powerless homes first, If they can repair a transformer and restore power to a few hundred people --that takes priority over a neighborhood with one or two outages.
We then drove past Frank's nursery off of Dobbs Ferry Road. The nursery looked like a military camp---I estimate that sixty or more repair trucks were parked at the old nursery, ready to get to work restoring power. My guess is that many people without power will see their power restored sometime tomorrow. The trucks include repair teams from out of state.
PAUL FEINER
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
snow updates--central 7 closed..sanitation pickup tomorrow..tdycc warming center
The Theodore Young Community Center will be open tonight as a warming center--if you're cold and want to sleep in a warm facility. The center is located on Manhattan Ave (off of Route 119--near Crossroads shopping Center).
Central 7 school district has posted on their website that the schools are closed. Check your school district's website tomorrow morning if you are in another school district and if you want to know if the schools are open.
Sanitation pick up --normal schedule tomorrow.
QUESTION-- WHICH HOTELS ARE GIVING POWERLESS FAMILIES THE BEST RATES?
Some residents have advised me that they are staying in hotels tonight since their power has not been restored. In the event that power is not restored to everyone tomorrow, I'd like to advise people who ask me--what hotels in the area are offering guests the best deals and not taking advantage of the outages. Please advise me of your experiences. I'll keep the info in my files and will share with others the next time there is a storm... Or, if people call me tomorrow and want some advice.
Central 7 school district has posted on their website that the schools are closed. Check your school district's website tomorrow morning if you are in another school district and if you want to know if the schools are open.
Sanitation pick up --normal schedule tomorrow.
QUESTION-- WHICH HOTELS ARE GIVING POWERLESS FAMILIES THE BEST RATES?
Some residents have advised me that they are staying in hotels tonight since their power has not been restored. In the event that power is not restored to everyone tomorrow, I'd like to advise people who ask me--what hotels in the area are offering guests the best deals and not taking advantage of the outages. Please advise me of your experiences. I'll keep the info in my files and will share with others the next time there is a storm... Or, if people call me tomorrow and want some advice.
five years ago I suggested that con ed wires go underground
For Con Ed, It May Be Time to Go Underground
By JOSEPH BERGER
Published: September 24, 2006
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AT first there was something charmingly old-fashioned about it: Dad, Mom and the children gathered around, reading by candlelight and flashlight; people idling with neighbors they scarcely knew before; lunches and dinners cooked on outdoor grills.
But the charm of a plague of darkness like the kind that struck Westchester three times this summer wears thin in today's ultra-wired universe. The children want to watch a DVD rather than turn the pages of a book or play gin rummy. They don't even know what gin rummy is. Husbands and wives need to check their e-mail 24/7, even on lazy holiday weekends. Cellphones and iPods need to be recharged. Trader Joe's frozen jasmine rice goes bad when the refrigerator dies.
The power failures that Westchester had -- from Ernesto on Labor Day weekend, a tornado and lesser windstorm in July and powerful storms earlier in the year -- were not the kind of encompassing grid failures that blacked out New York City in 1965, 1977 and 2003. Lights then were restored in a day or two.
But with Ernesto blowing down 1,300 trees and weekend utility crews spread exceedingly thin, whole neighborhoods had to cope without electricity for five or six days. The romance faded very quickly.
The supervisor of Greenburgh, Paul J. Feiner, who compared the ineffective response with that of a Third World country, has asked the utility to explore the merits of gradually burying power lines underground, where they won't be a subject to the whims of weather. He suggested that overhead lines might be as outdated as rotary-dial phones.
''People have no confidence the power is going to stay on,'' he said. ''I've had constituents who had five, six and seven outages this year alone.''
Mr. Feiner comes up with proposals as often as Mickey Rooney once did, though his are not aimed at prospective brides. But this time he may be right: burying cables may be an idea whose time has come. The suburbs have matured from quaint bedroom communities to places where one-third of Americans live. In 1950, just before Con Edison took over county power, Westchester had 625,000 people, or 1,445 per square mile. It now has 923,459, or 2,134 per square mile. While it once had 25,000 acres of farmland, it is down to 9,900, mostly plant nurseries enabling suburbanites to adorn backyards.
Americans live far differently than they did in the 1950's or even the 90's. More work out of their homes because they can, as long as computers and fax machines keep working. Children raised on Super Mario Brothers cannot spend four days by flashlight.
William J. McGrath, Con Edison's vice president for the Bronx and Westchester electric operations, marshals some compelling arguments for keeping the present system. It costs $100,000 a mile to string a line overhead, but $1 million to bury it, which would mean $5 billion for the entire county. Those figures don't include the costs of repeatedly restringing lines after storms, but Mr. McGrath said repairs on underground cables, though less frequent, are much more expensive and take much longer than lifting workers to the top of a pole in a bucket truck.
Con Edison, he said, runs underground cable in downtowns like White Plains and Yonkers where the density of population and the density of cables required justify the costs. But homeowners in more spread-out villages, he argued, would not want to see their bills raised to pay for burying cables, including the $2,000 to $10,000 per home for new metering equipment.
But what Con Edison doesn't seem to factor in is the cost of lost days of work, spoiled food, hotels for orphans of the storm -- and shattered equanimity. If predictions of global warming and its consequences are to be trusted, Westchester residents can expect more seasons of fierce storms and hair-pulling disruptions -- true inconveniences, not just inconvenient truths.
Yes, less well-to-do homeowners will recoil at the cost of submerging power lines, but discussion can begin with state and local governments about ways to have wealthier homeowners pick up more of the tab, perhaps by tying the bill for construction to the assessed value of houses. The state can also provide subsidies.
Chris Olert, a Con Ed spokesman, said the company would soon evaluate its performance, as it does after every big storm. One question that should be studied is why there were not more crews on call for the Labor Day weekend. But readiness is a management problem; the bigger issue is where power lines should be. Many frustrated county residents are saying that gradually burying them in more teeming suburban areas -- over dozens of years so the bills don't pinch -- should be at the top of the agenda.
By JOSEPH BERGER
Published: September 24, 2006
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AT first there was something charmingly old-fashioned about it: Dad, Mom and the children gathered around, reading by candlelight and flashlight; people idling with neighbors they scarcely knew before; lunches and dinners cooked on outdoor grills.
But the charm of a plague of darkness like the kind that struck Westchester three times this summer wears thin in today's ultra-wired universe. The children want to watch a DVD rather than turn the pages of a book or play gin rummy. They don't even know what gin rummy is. Husbands and wives need to check their e-mail 24/7, even on lazy holiday weekends. Cellphones and iPods need to be recharged. Trader Joe's frozen jasmine rice goes bad when the refrigerator dies.
The power failures that Westchester had -- from Ernesto on Labor Day weekend, a tornado and lesser windstorm in July and powerful storms earlier in the year -- were not the kind of encompassing grid failures that blacked out New York City in 1965, 1977 and 2003. Lights then were restored in a day or two.
But with Ernesto blowing down 1,300 trees and weekend utility crews spread exceedingly thin, whole neighborhoods had to cope without electricity for five or six days. The romance faded very quickly.
The supervisor of Greenburgh, Paul J. Feiner, who compared the ineffective response with that of a Third World country, has asked the utility to explore the merits of gradually burying power lines underground, where they won't be a subject to the whims of weather. He suggested that overhead lines might be as outdated as rotary-dial phones.
''People have no confidence the power is going to stay on,'' he said. ''I've had constituents who had five, six and seven outages this year alone.''
Mr. Feiner comes up with proposals as often as Mickey Rooney once did, though his are not aimed at prospective brides. But this time he may be right: burying cables may be an idea whose time has come. The suburbs have matured from quaint bedroom communities to places where one-third of Americans live. In 1950, just before Con Edison took over county power, Westchester had 625,000 people, or 1,445 per square mile. It now has 923,459, or 2,134 per square mile. While it once had 25,000 acres of farmland, it is down to 9,900, mostly plant nurseries enabling suburbanites to adorn backyards.
Americans live far differently than they did in the 1950's or even the 90's. More work out of their homes because they can, as long as computers and fax machines keep working. Children raised on Super Mario Brothers cannot spend four days by flashlight.
William J. McGrath, Con Edison's vice president for the Bronx and Westchester electric operations, marshals some compelling arguments for keeping the present system. It costs $100,000 a mile to string a line overhead, but $1 million to bury it, which would mean $5 billion for the entire county. Those figures don't include the costs of repeatedly restringing lines after storms, but Mr. McGrath said repairs on underground cables, though less frequent, are much more expensive and take much longer than lifting workers to the top of a pole in a bucket truck.
Con Edison, he said, runs underground cable in downtowns like White Plains and Yonkers where the density of population and the density of cables required justify the costs. But homeowners in more spread-out villages, he argued, would not want to see their bills raised to pay for burying cables, including the $2,000 to $10,000 per home for new metering equipment.
But what Con Edison doesn't seem to factor in is the cost of lost days of work, spoiled food, hotels for orphans of the storm -- and shattered equanimity. If predictions of global warming and its consequences are to be trusted, Westchester residents can expect more seasons of fierce storms and hair-pulling disruptions -- true inconveniences, not just inconvenient truths.
Yes, less well-to-do homeowners will recoil at the cost of submerging power lines, but discussion can begin with state and local governments about ways to have wealthier homeowners pick up more of the tab, perhaps by tying the bill for construction to the assessed value of houses. The state can also provide subsidies.
Chris Olert, a Con Ed spokesman, said the company would soon evaluate its performance, as it does after every big storm. One question that should be studied is why there were not more crews on call for the Labor Day weekend. But readiness is a management problem; the bigger issue is where power lines should be. Many frustrated county residents are saying that gradually burying them in more teeming suburban areas -- over dozens of years so the bills don't pinch -- should be at the top of the agenda.
con ed updates...
Finally...answered all the emails I received from last night to now. My power at home is out (just like many others). And, my blackberry lost it's connection too (around midnight last night). There are many outages around Greenburgh. Downed trees, downed wires. Burning wires. But---received some good news from two residents of Edgemont: their power was recently restored. Hopefully will continue to receive good news reports from others soon.
There are many thousands of people without power. I anticipate (based on previous outages) that it will take a few days before power is restored to all. Will keep you updated.
Hi Paul...I hope you are advising your constituents to call
1800.752.6633. Email is not the way to get their outages on record.
There are many thousands of people without power. I anticipate (based on previous outages) that it will take a few days before power is restored to all. Will keep you updated.
Hi Paul...I hope you are advising your constituents to call
1800.752.6633. Email is not the way to get their outages on record.
Friday, October 28, 2011
If wind turbines were placed on the new Tappan Zee bridge this is how it could look...
A few years ago I proposed that wind turbines be placed on the new Tappan Zee bridge. This is how it could look.
Digg..Attractive Italian Viaduct Has Wind Turbines Built In By Rebecca Boyle
Posted 02.02.2011 at 2:02 pm 19 Comments
Wind Turbine Viaduct via New Italian Blood
A new bridge concept incorporates wind and solar energy into its design, generating 40 million kilowatt-hours per year — and looking pretty slick to boot.
The Solar Wind concept would use the space between an existing viaduct in southern Italy to install 26 wind turbines, which designers Francesco Colarossi, Giovanna Saracino and Luisa Saracino say could provide 36 million kilowatt hours of electricity every year.
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Tags
Technology, Rebecca Boyle, architecture, bridges, italy, roads, solar panels, solar roads, wind power, wind turbinesThe design team conceived the Solar Wind project for a contest that aims to repurpose some old, unused viaducts near Calabria, a region in the toe of Italy. It would cost about $55 million to demolish the viaducts, so town officials held a contest for proposals that would re-use them in an environmentally friendly way. The wind turbine bridge took second place.
The proposal also includes a solar-paneled roadway to provide another 11.2 million kilowatt hours, Colarossi and colleagues say. It turns the entire viaduct into a park, with spaces to pull over and take in the view off the Italian coast. Travelers could stop and buy fresh produce grown in solar-powered greenhouses located along the bridge. The whole roadway would be covered in a dense grid of solar cells coated in a thin, transparent plastic, the designers say.
All in all, the system would be capable of generating 40 million kWh each year, enough to power 15,000 homes.
Viaduct Top View: via New Italian Blood
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LETTER TO COUNTY EXEC--SPEED HUMP OR ELEVATED CROSSWALK NEEDED AT COUNTY CENTER/BRONX PARKWAY
The following letter was sent to County Executive Rob Astorino last night. I will also be reaching out to other county officials.
On another matter--- the 2012 budget will be filed with the Town Clerk on Monday by 5 PM. I am making some last minute changes to the budget and will be spending some additional time this weekend finalizing my budget message.
Frank's nursery--bids due Friday (Oct 28) by 5 PM. We will discuss the proposals received (to rent or purchase property) at Tuesday's work session. I will also ask the Commissioner of Public Works to provide the Town Board with an update on the study re: Crane's Pond crosswalk at the work session.
PAUL FEINER
SPEED HUMP OR ELEVATED CROSS WALK SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AT BRONX RIVER PARKWAY AT THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY CENTER
COULD POSSIBLY REDUCE FUTURE ACCIDENTS OR FATALITIES
YESTERDAYS FATAL ACCIDENT HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR REVIEW
Dear County Executive Astorino:
Yesterdays horrific accident at the Bronx River Parkway/Westchester County Center that killed Korean War veteran Stanley Brenner as he was crossing the Bronx River Parkway highlights the need to consider placing either an elevated crosswalk or speed hump at the Bronx River Parkway at the Westchester County Center. This suggestion could reduce speeding --encourage drivers to be more aware of pedestrians crossing and increase safety.
Thousands of Westchester residents cross the parkway to attend shows at the County Center every week. Children, adults, seniors, the disabled are frequently in a rush to attend shows. Some are careful. Others are not. It's important to encourage motorists to slow down.
I hope that your office will consider this suggestion and have the appropriate public safety experts investigate the recommendation. The town of Greenburgh currently has an elevated crosswalk on E Hartsdale Ave--near the Hartsdale train station.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
On another matter--- the 2012 budget will be filed with the Town Clerk on Monday by 5 PM. I am making some last minute changes to the budget and will be spending some additional time this weekend finalizing my budget message.
Frank's nursery--bids due Friday (Oct 28) by 5 PM. We will discuss the proposals received (to rent or purchase property) at Tuesday's work session. I will also ask the Commissioner of Public Works to provide the Town Board with an update on the study re: Crane's Pond crosswalk at the work session.
PAUL FEINER
SPEED HUMP OR ELEVATED CROSS WALK SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AT BRONX RIVER PARKWAY AT THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY CENTER
COULD POSSIBLY REDUCE FUTURE ACCIDENTS OR FATALITIES
YESTERDAYS FATAL ACCIDENT HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR REVIEW
Dear County Executive Astorino:
Yesterdays horrific accident at the Bronx River Parkway/Westchester County Center that killed Korean War veteran Stanley Brenner as he was crossing the Bronx River Parkway highlights the need to consider placing either an elevated crosswalk or speed hump at the Bronx River Parkway at the Westchester County Center. This suggestion could reduce speeding --encourage drivers to be more aware of pedestrians crossing and increase safety.
Thousands of Westchester residents cross the parkway to attend shows at the County Center every week. Children, adults, seniors, the disabled are frequently in a rush to attend shows. Some are careful. Others are not. It's important to encourage motorists to slow down.
I hope that your office will consider this suggestion and have the appropriate public safety experts investigate the recommendation. The town of Greenburgh currently has an elevated crosswalk on E Hartsdale Ave--near the Hartsdale train station.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
Monday, October 24, 2011
photo of me on the walkway over the hudson. wouldn't it be great if the TZ bridge was converted into a park?
This photo is of me at the walkway over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. WOuldn't it be great if the old TZ bridge is converted into a park when the new bridge is built?
Sunday, October 23, 2011
progress report saw mill river cleanup...walk over hudson is amazing
PROGRESS REPORT--SAW MILL RIVER CLEAN UP
During the past few weeks the Greenburgh Public Works Department, working with the village of Elmsford, have spent about 640 man hours removing debris on the Saw Mill River. We estimate that we will be spending about 360 more hours. We have removed about 10 trucks of debris on the river--expect to pick up 3 or 4 more truck loads. We found lots of plastics, bottles, styrofoam, two oil tanks, some tires in the river--all have been picked up.
It's a slow process. We have cleared debris from only about 1/2 a mile so far. Have another 1/2 mile to go. We started near the Elmsford Little League ballfield, just south of Babbitt Court and have tracked south down the river. We are now working near the I-87/Saw Mill River Parkway interchange.
Our costs? About $18,500 in labor costs. Probably another $10,000 to complete. And, about $5,000 in disposal costs. We are seeking reimbursement from FEMA.
We need to be more proactive --and hope other communities along the river will also take similar proactive measures. THe village of Hastings has already contacted me--expressing interest in clearing debris in Hastings.
The clean up that we have initiated won't solve the flooding problem. Hopefully, it will help. After the next storm we will be able to assess how helpful our work has been.
WALKWAY OVER THE HUDSON WALK TODAY WAS AMAZING!
Spent two hours with Fred Schaeffer, founder of Walkway over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie--walking across the bridge over the Hudson. About 8,000 other people walked over the bridge today. 600,000 people enjoy the bridge every year! An amazing walk with incredible views of the Hudson and the fall foliage. I strongly encourage those who are interested in the new proposal to turn the old TZ bridge into a tappan park bridge (suburban version of the high line) to take a walk over the bridge.
It's amazing. Next steps to turn old TZ bridge into a TZ bridge park or high line:
1) Scoping session--Doubletree Hotel, Tarrytown Tuesday from 4- 9 PM. Officials will provide more details on new bridge. Please attend.
2) November 16th--meeting Greenburgh Town Hall cafeteria. Forming new committee to persuade state officials to save the old TZ bridge and create a bridge park.
3) Need to encourage state officials to conduct an engineering study to determine costs/feasibility of saving bridge.
FROM THE NYS PARKS WEBSITE--take a virtual tour of the bridge
Home : State Parks : Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
Print Email Share Did You Know?
In 1888, the 6767-foot long bridge was the longest in the world. On October 3, 2009 Governor David A. Paterson opened the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park as a legacy project of the Hudson Fulton Champlain Quadricentennial. The park provides access to the Hudson River's breathtaking landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and people with disabilities. The bridge deck stands 212 feet above the river's surface and is 6,678 feet (1.28 miles) long, making it the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world.
The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was built in the late 19th century to link New York and New England to an extensive, nationwide railway network. For decades, it was a major rail corridor for both freight and passengers.
After a fire in 1974, the bridge was abandoned and sat for decades as an oprhaned relic. This brand new park was made possible due to the unwavering commitment of the community, who, through a non-profit organization called Walkway Over the Hudson, forged a public private partnership involving the State of New York, the federal government, neighboring municipalities, private corporations and other not for profit groups. The amazing result of this wonderful partnership is a brand new state park, now open for all to enjoy. Take the Virtual Tour!
The park offers interpretive signs and a Talkway Over the Walkway cell phone tour.
Reminders:
The park closes at sunset, visit sunrisesunset.com to plan your trip.
The Golden Park Pass does not apply at this park. PAUL FEINER
DIRECTIONS
Take Taconic Pkwy to Rt. 55W - go west on Rt. 55 about 8.2 miles, staying in right lane as you get close and watch for tourist sign for the Walkway - signs will direct you straight when Rt. 55 (which is now also Rt. 44) curves to the left. Follow signs which will have you turning right onto Columbia Street - going through two traffic lights and then right turn onto Parker Ave. There are two parking lots on the left (one private and one Walkway lot) - both are $5 or just beyond lots turn right on Garden St., right on Brookside Ave. Brookside has a 1/2 mile of free on street parking
During the past few weeks the Greenburgh Public Works Department, working with the village of Elmsford, have spent about 640 man hours removing debris on the Saw Mill River. We estimate that we will be spending about 360 more hours. We have removed about 10 trucks of debris on the river--expect to pick up 3 or 4 more truck loads. We found lots of plastics, bottles, styrofoam, two oil tanks, some tires in the river--all have been picked up.
It's a slow process. We have cleared debris from only about 1/2 a mile so far. Have another 1/2 mile to go. We started near the Elmsford Little League ballfield, just south of Babbitt Court and have tracked south down the river. We are now working near the I-87/Saw Mill River Parkway interchange.
Our costs? About $18,500 in labor costs. Probably another $10,000 to complete. And, about $5,000 in disposal costs. We are seeking reimbursement from FEMA.
We need to be more proactive --and hope other communities along the river will also take similar proactive measures. THe village of Hastings has already contacted me--expressing interest in clearing debris in Hastings.
The clean up that we have initiated won't solve the flooding problem. Hopefully, it will help. After the next storm we will be able to assess how helpful our work has been.
WALKWAY OVER THE HUDSON WALK TODAY WAS AMAZING!
Spent two hours with Fred Schaeffer, founder of Walkway over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie--walking across the bridge over the Hudson. About 8,000 other people walked over the bridge today. 600,000 people enjoy the bridge every year! An amazing walk with incredible views of the Hudson and the fall foliage. I strongly encourage those who are interested in the new proposal to turn the old TZ bridge into a tappan park bridge (suburban version of the high line) to take a walk over the bridge.
It's amazing. Next steps to turn old TZ bridge into a TZ bridge park or high line:
1) Scoping session--Doubletree Hotel, Tarrytown Tuesday from 4- 9 PM. Officials will provide more details on new bridge. Please attend.
2) November 16th--meeting Greenburgh Town Hall cafeteria. Forming new committee to persuade state officials to save the old TZ bridge and create a bridge park.
3) Need to encourage state officials to conduct an engineering study to determine costs/feasibility of saving bridge.
FROM THE NYS PARKS WEBSITE--take a virtual tour of the bridge
Home : State Parks : Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
Print Email Share Did You Know?
In 1888, the 6767-foot long bridge was the longest in the world. On October 3, 2009 Governor David A. Paterson opened the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park as a legacy project of the Hudson Fulton Champlain Quadricentennial. The park provides access to the Hudson River's breathtaking landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and people with disabilities. The bridge deck stands 212 feet above the river's surface and is 6,678 feet (1.28 miles) long, making it the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world.
The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was built in the late 19th century to link New York and New England to an extensive, nationwide railway network. For decades, it was a major rail corridor for both freight and passengers.
After a fire in 1974, the bridge was abandoned and sat for decades as an oprhaned relic. This brand new park was made possible due to the unwavering commitment of the community, who, through a non-profit organization called Walkway Over the Hudson, forged a public private partnership involving the State of New York, the federal government, neighboring municipalities, private corporations and other not for profit groups. The amazing result of this wonderful partnership is a brand new state park, now open for all to enjoy. Take the Virtual Tour!
The park offers interpretive signs and a Talkway Over the Walkway cell phone tour.
Reminders:
The park closes at sunset, visit sunrisesunset.com to plan your trip.
The Golden Park Pass does not apply at this park. PAUL FEINER
DIRECTIONS
Take Taconic Pkwy to Rt. 55W - go west on Rt. 55 about 8.2 miles, staying in right lane as you get close and watch for tourist sign for the Walkway - signs will direct you straight when Rt. 55 (which is now also Rt. 44) curves to the left. Follow signs which will have you turning right onto Columbia Street - going through two traffic lights and then right turn onto Parker Ave. There are two parking lots on the left (one private and one Walkway lot) - both are $5 or just beyond lots turn right on Garden St., right on Brookside Ave. Brookside has a 1/2 mile of free on street parking
Friday, October 21, 2011
new yoga station on east hartsdale ave...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 11:05 PM
To: gblist@cit-e.net
Subject: RELAX...A GREAT NEW YOGA STATION IN HARTSDALE---FUN EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
WELCOME THE NEWEST BUSINESS IN TOWN--THE YOGA STATION AT 221 E HARTSDALE AVE--
THEY WILL HAVE A SANDWICH BOARD AT THE FARMER'S MARKET ON SATURDAY!
On Saturday morning East Hartsdale's newest business --THE YOGA STATION--will have a sandwich board out at the farmer's market on E Hartsdale Ave. Welcome Char Daigle, who manages this great new addition to the avenue. Yoga could be great for you and your entire family.
Suddenly, the Metro-North isn't the only Station in town ...
Welcome to Yoga Station located just to the left of the Hartsdale Train Station at 221 East Hartsdale Avenue, 2nd Floor.
Yoga Station offers drop-in classes for adults and series of classes for children in an open, non-competitive environment. It's important for residents of the town to support our local businesses. If businesss owners feel welcome and if the community is supportive, they will encourage others to choose our town. And--vacant stores could be replaced with exciting new businesses.
Children's classes begin first week of November.
Sign up for the six week series by contacting us for a registration form.
10% off for siblings!
Free yoga mat included!
October Schedule has some changes!
Sundays 8:00am-9:30am: Vinyasa Yoga *new class*
Sundays 5:00pm-6:30pm: Vinyasa Yoga *new time*
Sundays 6:30pm-7:00pm: Free Meditation *new time*
Tuesdays, Thursdays 8:00pm-9:00pm: Yoga Classes *new time*
There are lots of fun things to do this weekend-and every weekend. Check out the following websites: and--remember, spooktoberfest at Hartsbrook, the Hartsdale window painting contest, another great weekend at the Greenburgh Nature Center.
PAUL FEINER
SOME FREE AND INTERESTING WEBSITES HIGHLIGHTING OUR COMMUNITIES
www.rivertownsguide.com ( frequently updated calendar of fun events happening in our area)
www.thehudsonindependent.com for news and activities-Irvington, Tarrytown.
www.tarrytownpatch ; www.rivertownspatch.com; www.scarsdalepatch.com.
www.scarsdale10583.com news about Edgemont and Hartsdale
www.thedailygreenburgh.com www.thedailydobbsferry.com www.thedailyhastings.com (news about our town)
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WELCOME THE NEWEST BUSINESS IN TOWN--THE YOGA STATION AT 221 E HARTSDALE AVE--
THEY WILL HAVE A SANDWICH BOARD AT THE FARMER'S MARKET ON SATURDAY!
On Saturday morning East Hartsdale's newest business --THE YOGA STATION--will have a sandwich board out at the farmer's market on E Hartsdale Ave. Welcome Char Daigle, who manages this great new addition to the avenue. Yoga could be great for you and y...our entire family.
Suddenly, the Metro-North isn't the only Station in town ...
Welcome to Yoga Station located just to the left of the Hartsdale Train Station at 221 East Hartsdale Avenue, 2nd Floor.
Yoga Station offers drop-in classes for adults and series of classes for children in an open, non-competitive environment. It's important for residents of the town to support our local businesses. If businesss owners feel welcome and if the community is supportive, they will encourage others to choose our town. And--vacant stores could be replaced with exciting new businesses.
Children's classes begin first week of November.
Sign up for the six week series by contacting us for a registration form.
10% off for siblings!
Free yoga mat included!
October Schedule has some changes!
Sundays 8:00am-9:30am: Vinyasa Yoga *new class*
Sundays 5:00pm-6:30pm: Vinyasa Yoga *new time*
Sundays 6:30pm-7:00pm: Free Meditation *new time*
Tuesdays, Thursdays 8:00pm-9:00pm: Yoga Classes *new time*
There are lots of fun things to do this weekend-and every weekend. Check out the following websites: and--remember, spooktoberfest at Hartsbrook, the Hartsdale window painting contest, another great weekend at the Greenburgh Nature Center.
PAUL FEINER
From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 11:05 PM
To: gblist@cit-e.net
Subject: RELAX...A GREAT NEW YOGA STATION IN HARTSDALE---FUN EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
WELCOME THE NEWEST BUSINESS IN TOWN--THE YOGA STATION AT 221 E HARTSDALE AVE--
THEY WILL HAVE A SANDWICH BOARD AT THE FARMER'S MARKET ON SATURDAY!
On Saturday morning East Hartsdale's newest business --THE YOGA STATION--will have a sandwich board out at the farmer's market on E Hartsdale Ave. Welcome Char Daigle, who manages this great new addition to the avenue. Yoga could be great for you and your entire family.
Suddenly, the Metro-North isn't the only Station in town ...
Welcome to Yoga Station located just to the left of the Hartsdale Train Station at 221 East Hartsdale Avenue, 2nd Floor.
Yoga Station offers drop-in classes for adults and series of classes for children in an open, non-competitive environment. It's important for residents of the town to support our local businesses. If businesss owners feel welcome and if the community is supportive, they will encourage others to choose our town. And--vacant stores could be replaced with exciting new businesses.
Children's classes begin first week of November.
Sign up for the six week series by contacting us for a registration form.
10% off for siblings!
Free yoga mat included!
October Schedule has some changes!
Sundays 8:00am-9:30am: Vinyasa Yoga *new class*
Sundays 5:00pm-6:30pm: Vinyasa Yoga *new time*
Sundays 6:30pm-7:00pm: Free Meditation *new time*
Tuesdays, Thursdays 8:00pm-9:00pm: Yoga Classes *new time*
There are lots of fun things to do this weekend-and every weekend. Check out the following websites: and--remember, spooktoberfest at Hartsbrook, the Hartsdale window painting contest, another great weekend at the Greenburgh Nature Center.
PAUL FEINER
SOME FREE AND INTERESTING WEBSITES HIGHLIGHTING OUR COMMUNITIES
www.rivertownsguide.com ( frequently updated calendar of fun events happening in our area)
www.thehudsonindependent.com
www.tarrytownpatch ; www.rivertownspatch.com; www.scarsdalepatch.com.
www.scarsdale10583.com
www.thedailygreenburgh.com www.thedailydobbsferry.com www.thedailyhastings.com (news about our town)
Print newspapers: www.lohud.com (Journal News); the Scarsdale Inquirer; the Enterprise. Westchester Guardian. County PressWhat's on your mind?
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Public
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Friends except Acquaintances
Custom
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paul feiner
rethinking westchester
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Fordham University
Greenburgh
Scarsdale Senior High School
Westchester Area
St. John's University
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Paul Feiner
WELCOME THE NEWEST BUSINESS IN TOWN--THE YOGA STATION AT 221 E HARTSDALE AVE--
THEY WILL HAVE A SANDWICH BOARD AT THE FARMER'S MARKET ON SATURDAY!
On Saturday morning East Hartsdale's newest business --THE YOGA STATION--will have a sandwich board out at the farmer's market on E Hartsdale Ave. Welcome Char Daigle, who manages this great new addition to the avenue. Yoga could be great for you and y...our entire family.
Suddenly, the Metro-North isn't the only Station in town ...
Welcome to Yoga Station located just to the left of the Hartsdale Train Station at 221 East Hartsdale Avenue, 2nd Floor.
Yoga Station offers drop-in classes for adults and series of classes for children in an open, non-competitive environment. It's important for residents of the town to support our local businesses. If businesss owners feel welcome and if the community is supportive, they will encourage others to choose our town. And--vacant stores could be replaced with exciting new businesses.
Children's classes begin first week of November.
Sign up for the six week series by contacting us for a registration form.
10% off for siblings!
Free yoga mat included!
October Schedule has some changes!
Sundays 8:00am-9:30am: Vinyasa Yoga *new class*
Sundays 5:00pm-6:30pm: Vinyasa Yoga *new time*
Sundays 6:30pm-7:00pm: Free Meditation *new time*
Tuesdays, Thursdays 8:00pm-9:00pm: Yoga Classes *new time*
There are lots of fun things to do this weekend-and every weekend. Check out the following websites: and--remember, spooktoberfest at Hartsbrook, the Hartsdale window painting contest, another great weekend at the Greenburgh Nature Center.
PAUL FEINER
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
NYC HIGH LINE FOUNDERS ENDORSE TZ BRIDGE HIGH LINE...CARI BLUE CAFE HAS MUSIC...UN DAY SUNDAY
Momentum is building. The following article appeared in The Lodown. The founders of the NYC high line expressed support for the concept of saving the bridge and turning it into a suburban version of the NYC high line.
Creators Excited by Tappan Zee Idea Tuesday, October 18, 2011 - 01:49 PM
By Steven Valentino : Associate Producer, The Leonard Lopate Show
The Tappan Zee Bridge (Steve and Sara Emry/flickr)
High Line creators Joshua David and Robert Hammond said they were enthusiastic about a long-shot proposal to turn the Tappan Zee Bridge into an over-water park on today's Leonard Lopate Show. Asked about Greenburgh town supervisor Paul Feiner's suggestion to convert the cantilevered bridge into a pedestrian walkway, both David and Hammond said they found the idea "exciting" and that they'd "love to take a walk on it." The bridge is currently slated for demolition and details about Feiner's idea to re-purpose the link between Rockland and Westchester counties are few, but according to yesterday's New York Times it draws a fair amount of inspiration from the equally popular High Line park in Manhattan and the Walkway Over the Hudson, further upstream. Construction of a new Tappan Zee Bridge has been fast tracked by the Obama Administration.
Listen to the full interview here
Cari-Blue Cafe, 28 North Central Ave, Hartsdale recently had a great grand opening. Starting this Friday night between 7-9 PM they will have a saxaphonist playing some jazz and a wide variety of music. They plan to have some great music every Friday evening during the month of October and will continue if their customers enjoy the music.
UNA-USA Westchester to Celebrate UN Day 2011
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please mark your calendar for our celebration of the 66th anniversary of UN Day:
“Westchester Helps Bridge the Development Gap:
Committed Leaders Improve Water, Education, and Health”
We will recognize the wonderful work some of our Westchester residents are doing to improve human development in developing countries. Our UN Day event will be held:
Sunday, October 23, 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Community Unitarian Church, 468 Rosedale Ave., White Plains, NY 10605*
We are very excited to have the following Westchester residents as our speakers and panelists:
Dr. David Winder, CEO, WaterAid America, to speak on Water and Sanitation
Dr. Cream Wright, Former Global Chief, UNICEF Education Program, to speak on Girls’ and Boys’ Education
Ms. Clare M. Effiong, Founder and Director of Esther’s Aid, to speak on Poverty and Children’s Health
The discussion will be moderated by Mr. Geoge C. McKinnis, World Community Service Chair for District 7230 of Rotary International.
The program is free and a reception will follow. Entertainment will be provided by Solar Punch, an eco-rock band that uses music to educate people about the environment. Refreshments will be served.
*Directions: The church is located near Exit 25 of the Hutchinson River Parkway: Take the Hutchinson River Parkway to Exit 25 for North St. Follow the sign to White Plains (LEFT if you are traveling NORTH; RIGHT if you are traveling SOUTH) onto North St. At first light, turn LEFT onto Rosedale Ave. Go one block and look for sign. Turn RIGHT onto Sycamore Lane.
Creators Excited by Tappan Zee Idea Tuesday, October 18, 2011 - 01:49 PM
By Steven Valentino : Associate Producer, The Leonard Lopate Show
The Tappan Zee Bridge (Steve and Sara Emry/flickr)
High Line creators Joshua David and Robert Hammond said they were enthusiastic about a long-shot proposal to turn the Tappan Zee Bridge into an over-water park on today's Leonard Lopate Show. Asked about Greenburgh town supervisor Paul Feiner's suggestion to convert the cantilevered bridge into a pedestrian walkway, both David and Hammond said they found the idea "exciting" and that they'd "love to take a walk on it." The bridge is currently slated for demolition and details about Feiner's idea to re-purpose the link between Rockland and Westchester counties are few, but according to yesterday's New York Times it draws a fair amount of inspiration from the equally popular High Line park in Manhattan and the Walkway Over the Hudson, further upstream. Construction of a new Tappan Zee Bridge has been fast tracked by the Obama Administration.
Listen to the full interview here
Cari-Blue Cafe, 28 North Central Ave, Hartsdale recently had a great grand opening. Starting this Friday night between 7-9 PM they will have a saxaphonist playing some jazz and a wide variety of music. They plan to have some great music every Friday evening during the month of October and will continue if their customers enjoy the music.
UNA-USA Westchester to Celebrate UN Day 2011
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please mark your calendar for our celebration of the 66th anniversary of UN Day:
“Westchester Helps Bridge the Development Gap:
Committed Leaders Improve Water, Education, and Health”
We will recognize the wonderful work some of our Westchester residents are doing to improve human development in developing countries. Our UN Day event will be held:
Sunday, October 23, 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Community Unitarian Church, 468 Rosedale Ave., White Plains, NY 10605*
We are very excited to have the following Westchester residents as our speakers and panelists:
Dr. David Winder, CEO, WaterAid America, to speak on Water and Sanitation
Dr. Cream Wright, Former Global Chief, UNICEF Education Program, to speak on Girls’ and Boys’ Education
Ms. Clare M. Effiong, Founder and Director of Esther’s Aid, to speak on Poverty and Children’s Health
The discussion will be moderated by Mr. Geoge C. McKinnis, World Community Service Chair for District 7230 of Rotary International.
The program is free and a reception will follow. Entertainment will be provided by Solar Punch, an eco-rock band that uses music to educate people about the environment. Refreshments will be served.
*Directions: The church is located near Exit 25 of the Hutchinson River Parkway: Take the Hutchinson River Parkway to Exit 25 for North St. Follow the sign to White Plains (LEFT if you are traveling NORTH; RIGHT if you are traveling SOUTH) onto North St. At first light, turn LEFT onto Rosedale Ave. Go one block and look for sign. Turn RIGHT onto Sycamore Lane.
Monday, October 10, 2011
popham road bridge closed wed...presentation on mulching/composting of leaves
THE POPHAM ROAD BRIDGE WHICH LINKS EDGEMONT TO THE VILLAGE OF SCARSDALE AND THE TRAIN STATION WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12 FROM 9:30 AM TO 6 AM ON THURSDAY MORNING. complete closure of the Popham Road Bridge. A detour route will be implemented to accommodate those who are unable to avoid this area during these times. High volumes of traffic and delays are expected. Drivers are highly encouraged to use alternate routes and avoid the Popham Road, Garth Road, Harney Road, and Scarsdale Avenue areas during these times. Efforts to minimize the delays to residents and travelers in and around this area are being taken by all municipalities and agencies affected. In the event of a change in closure scheduling, additional advisories will be issued. Thank you in advance and we appreciate your cooperation and patience during this temporary inconvenience.
PRESENTATION ON BENEFITS OF MULCHING IN PLACE/COMPOSTING OF LEAVES AT BEGINNING OF WEDNESDAY EVENINGS TOWN BOARD MEETING--OCTOBER 12 @ 7:30 pm...Greenburgh Town Hall. Meeting is televised live on public access TV. Mark Gilliland will lead the discussion. Allegra Dengler, energy conservation coordinator, is also involved in this initiative. Hauling all your leaves and yard debris away from your property is insane!
What we refer to yard debris is really nutrition for your yard!
Mulching in place and composting has numerous benefits:
financial
saves you money on fertilizers and mulch
saves your village money on carting and handling fees
environmental
reduces carbon emissions from trucking your stuff away plus trucking bags of fertilizer & mulch to you, not to mention the emissions produced in producing & packaging mulch & fertilizer!
These are just a sampling of the benefits.
To learn more, check out Irvington's Love 'em & Leave 'em campaign online:
http://www.irvingtonny.gov/index.aspx?NID=228
There are how to's & a toolkit in the left column. Lots of info and instructions!
You can view videos of the recent forum Shredding Old Ideas About Leaf Removal online at:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL61ED5881E50CC8D0&feature=viewall
Whether you care for your property yourself or have a service, mulching in place and composting can be a part of your life. If you live in an apartment/condo/co-op, please point your buiding manager to this information.
Paul Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
PRESENTATION ON BENEFITS OF MULCHING IN PLACE/COMPOSTING OF LEAVES AT BEGINNING OF WEDNESDAY EVENINGS TOWN BOARD MEETING--OCTOBER 12 @ 7:30 pm...Greenburgh Town Hall. Meeting is televised live on public access TV. Mark Gilliland will lead the discussion. Allegra Dengler, energy conservation coordinator, is also involved in this initiative. Hauling all your leaves and yard debris away from your property is insane!
What we refer to yard debris is really nutrition for your yard!
Mulching in place and composting has numerous benefits:
financial
saves you money on fertilizers and mulch
saves your village money on carting and handling fees
environmental
reduces carbon emissions from trucking your stuff away plus trucking bags of fertilizer & mulch to you, not to mention the emissions produced in producing & packaging mulch & fertilizer!
These are just a sampling of the benefits.
To learn more, check out Irvington's Love 'em & Leave 'em campaign online:
http://www.irvingtonny.gov/index.aspx?NID=228
There are how to's & a toolkit in the left column. Lots of info and instructions!
You can view videos of the recent forum Shredding Old Ideas About Leaf Removal online at:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL61ED5881E50CC8D0&feature=viewall
Whether you care for your property yourself or have a service, mulching in place and composting can be a part of your life. If you live in an apartment/condo/co-op, please point your buiding manager to this information.
Paul Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
TOWN TO CLEAR DEBRIS FROM SAW MILL RIVER TOMORROW TO REDUCE FLOODING
GREENBURGH AND ELMSFORD TO START CLEARING DEBRIS FROM SAW MILL RIVER TOMORROW –TO HELP REDUCE FUTURE FLOODING (Thursday, October 6)
The town of Greenburgh, working with the village of Elmsford, Mayor Williams & Brookfield, will be clearing debris from the Saw Mill River tomorrow. Brookfield is donating heavy equipment to help out. We expect to use a combination of workers in a small row boat with saws to cut away fallen trees and then use heavy equipment to drag the trees out of the channel. We hope to get debris within the river down past Babbitt Court and as close to Woodland Lake as we can safely go. Crews will work for several days to get as much debris as we can.
This action step is being taken in response to feedback we have received from businesses and residents who have been impacted by flooding. We believe that these initial action steps are a start to mitigate flooding. Removal will help mitigate some of the flooding but will not cure the problem.
We will be seeking reimbursement for our efforts. Work will start near Mortelleti’s/Rini’s--. If people are interested in observing the removal of the debris, please follow the bike path from Rini’s and head south.
Action is what residents want –not words of support!
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
WE EXPECT THE WORK TO START EARLY IN THE MORNING ON THURSDAY—BY 8:30 am
The town of Greenburgh, working with the village of Elmsford, Mayor Williams & Brookfield, will be clearing debris from the Saw Mill River tomorrow. Brookfield is donating heavy equipment to help out. We expect to use a combination of workers in a small row boat with saws to cut away fallen trees and then use heavy equipment to drag the trees out of the channel. We hope to get debris within the river down past Babbitt Court and as close to Woodland Lake as we can safely go. Crews will work for several days to get as much debris as we can.
This action step is being taken in response to feedback we have received from businesses and residents who have been impacted by flooding. We believe that these initial action steps are a start to mitigate flooding. Removal will help mitigate some of the flooding but will not cure the problem.
We will be seeking reimbursement for our efforts. Work will start near Mortelleti’s/Rini’s--. If people are interested in observing the removal of the debris, please follow the bike path from Rini’s and head south.
Action is what residents want –not words of support!
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
WE EXPECT THE WORK TO START EARLY IN THE MORNING ON THURSDAY—BY 8:30 am
Sunday, October 02, 2011
WESTHELP CLOSES AFTER 20 YEARS....TOWN WANTS TO RENT TO DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
WESTHELP HOMELESS SHELTER CLOSES AFTER 20 YEARS....
TOWN TO LOSE $1.2 MILLION A YEAR IN RENT AFTER WESTCHESTER CANCELS CONTRACT WITH WESTHELP...
WE ARE NEGOTIATING A LONG TERM LEASE WITH FERNCLIFF MANOR. ANTICIPATE ABOUT ONE MILLION A YEAR IN RENT IF AGREEMENT IS FINALIZED...
On Friday, September 30th a 20 year partnership between Westchester County, WESTHELP and Greenburgh came to an end. Last year the Westchester County Executive announced plans to close down WESTHELP--the transitional facility that served the homeless population. WESTHELP was located on a six acre county property adjacent to Westchester Community College. The organization, which provides transitional services to the homeless, was started by Andrew Cuomo--when his father was Governor.
During the past twenty years WESTHELP has helped hundreds of families transition from homeless to productive members of the community. Over the years I have received very few complaints from residents who lived near the homeless facility.
At the time WESTHELP was built the county agreed to turn over the property to the town after the original lease expired. The town can collect rent for 30 years and acts as a landlord for the property. After the first 10 lease expired WESTHELP paid the town $1.2 million a year in rent. It was a win-win situtation. WESTHELP continued to serve the homeless population in Greenburgh and our taxpayers benefitted from the rental income. We had worked out an agreement with the civic association and Valhalla school district to give some of the income to the school district. That was found improper by the State Comptroller. Now that WESTHELP is not serving the homeless population the town stands to lose $1.2 million a year--money that was used to keep taxes lower in both the unincoporated section of the town and the villages.
The town needs the revenue from Westhelp. We are currently negotiating a new sublease agreement for the remaining lease term with a not for profit organization that is Westchester based that would provide housing and educational services for approximately 35 develomentally disabled children and adults. We had issued a request for proposals for the use of the property earlier this year. There was some interest in the property from colleges (for college dorms), veterans (to house veterans on the property) and affordable housing organizations (low income/affordable housing). Ferncliff indicated to the town if we leased the property to them that they would be able to pay the town close to one million a year. They would provide housing and educational services for 35 developmentally disabled children and adults.
We have been negotiating with Ferncliff Manor for a number of months. They need state approvals and also need county approval to extend the terms of the master lease and modification of lease provisions limiting the property's use to low income housing. We have been discussing Ferncliff's needs with the county regarding modifications to the master lease and expect to receive a decision soon. We believe there is a good chance that an agreement will be reached.
As of September 30th we are no longer receiving any rental income from Westhelp or from the county. We hope to finalize a rental agreement with Ferncliff soon so we can start receiving the rent that is needed by the town. The following is a summary of the mission statement, philosophy and history of Ferncliff Manor, an organization that has a very good reputation in the county.
I hope to welcome Ferncliff to our town soon. The campus setting will provide the developmentally disabled with a great quality of life.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
MISSION STATEMENT OF FERNCLIFF MANOR (from their website)
Sail (The School for Adaptive & Integrative Learning) at Ferncliff Manor is an organization dedicated to meeting the needs of people with developmental disabilities, their families and the community utilizing research-based, adaptive and integrative strategies. Services provided include educational, rehabilitative, specialized residential, health care, creative arts therapies and recreation programs. The mission of our organization is to enable each individual to learn, develop and enjoy a meaningful and personally rewarding life.
Our Students Receive Close Personal Attention, Structure and Stimulation in a Safe Environment That Fosters Growth and Development!
PHILOSOPHY
Sail (The School for Adaptive & Integrative Learning) at Ferncliff Manor provides a full range of high quality educational, therapeutic and health care services to children with developmental disabilities offering close personal attention, structure and stimulation in a safe, secure environment that fosters growth and development. We believe that the combination of professional expertise, teamwork, concentrated effort, and nurturing care is the key to success with each child.
Utilizing a family-centered approach to designing and implementing the child’s program, we recognize the primacy of the family-child unit and regard our role as supportive in nature. Parents and family members play a central role in the educational and therapeutic effort and are assisted in the process of exercising their right of self-determination. An ongoing exchange of ideas and information between staff and family serves to preserve and enrich the family unit.
HISTORY
A Valentine Love Story with a Tradition of Excellence into the 21st Century
Founded in New Rochelle, NY in 1935 by Margaret Brady, RN. Ferncliff Manor was one of the first private schools to specialize in the care and treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities. Upon its opening Margaret Brady had no way of knowing that through Ferncliff Manor she would meet her future husband and start a tradition of excellence that has continued for more than 70 years. It all began with a chance meeting. Bill Saich was sent to inspect her residence and school on Valentine’s Day. It wasn’t long after that first meeting that he returned, not to inspect the school, but to take Miss Brady out on a date. The rest, as they say, is history. Each Valentine’s Day, Bill Saich sent his wife a dozen long-stemmed red roses to commemorate their anniversary.
Margaret Brady Saich’s legacy continues through her son William Saich, Jr. and his wife Patricia who have operated the school since the summer of 1972.
Over the years, Ferncliff Manor’s mission has remained constant in providing an individualized program of superior services and nurturing care that will enable each of our students to achieve an optimum level of independence and self-esteem. This commitment to our students has kept us at the forefront of innovation, assuring them of the most current technological advances and in seeking the most appropriate strategies to meet their needs. With over 70 years of solid experience, Ferncliff Manor offers a truly unique environment and a dynamic rehabilitative effort.
.
TOWN TO LOSE $1.2 MILLION A YEAR IN RENT AFTER WESTCHESTER CANCELS CONTRACT WITH WESTHELP...
WE ARE NEGOTIATING A LONG TERM LEASE WITH FERNCLIFF MANOR. ANTICIPATE ABOUT ONE MILLION A YEAR IN RENT IF AGREEMENT IS FINALIZED...
On Friday, September 30th a 20 year partnership between Westchester County, WESTHELP and Greenburgh came to an end. Last year the Westchester County Executive announced plans to close down WESTHELP--the transitional facility that served the homeless population. WESTHELP was located on a six acre county property adjacent to Westchester Community College. The organization, which provides transitional services to the homeless, was started by Andrew Cuomo--when his father was Governor.
During the past twenty years WESTHELP has helped hundreds of families transition from homeless to productive members of the community. Over the years I have received very few complaints from residents who lived near the homeless facility.
At the time WESTHELP was built the county agreed to turn over the property to the town after the original lease expired. The town can collect rent for 30 years and acts as a landlord for the property. After the first 10 lease expired WESTHELP paid the town $1.2 million a year in rent. It was a win-win situtation. WESTHELP continued to serve the homeless population in Greenburgh and our taxpayers benefitted from the rental income. We had worked out an agreement with the civic association and Valhalla school district to give some of the income to the school district. That was found improper by the State Comptroller. Now that WESTHELP is not serving the homeless population the town stands to lose $1.2 million a year--money that was used to keep taxes lower in both the unincoporated section of the town and the villages.
The town needs the revenue from Westhelp. We are currently negotiating a new sublease agreement for the remaining lease term with a not for profit organization that is Westchester based that would provide housing and educational services for approximately 35 develomentally disabled children and adults. We had issued a request for proposals for the use of the property earlier this year. There was some interest in the property from colleges (for college dorms), veterans (to house veterans on the property) and affordable housing organizations (low income/affordable housing). Ferncliff indicated to the town if we leased the property to them that they would be able to pay the town close to one million a year. They would provide housing and educational services for 35 developmentally disabled children and adults.
We have been negotiating with Ferncliff Manor for a number of months. They need state approvals and also need county approval to extend the terms of the master lease and modification of lease provisions limiting the property's use to low income housing. We have been discussing Ferncliff's needs with the county regarding modifications to the master lease and expect to receive a decision soon. We believe there is a good chance that an agreement will be reached.
As of September 30th we are no longer receiving any rental income from Westhelp or from the county. We hope to finalize a rental agreement with Ferncliff soon so we can start receiving the rent that is needed by the town. The following is a summary of the mission statement, philosophy and history of Ferncliff Manor, an organization that has a very good reputation in the county.
I hope to welcome Ferncliff to our town soon. The campus setting will provide the developmentally disabled with a great quality of life.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
MISSION STATEMENT OF FERNCLIFF MANOR (from their website)
Sail (The School for Adaptive & Integrative Learning) at Ferncliff Manor is an organization dedicated to meeting the needs of people with developmental disabilities, their families and the community utilizing research-based, adaptive and integrative strategies. Services provided include educational, rehabilitative, specialized residential, health care, creative arts therapies and recreation programs. The mission of our organization is to enable each individual to learn, develop and enjoy a meaningful and personally rewarding life.
Our Students Receive Close Personal Attention, Structure and Stimulation in a Safe Environment That Fosters Growth and Development!
PHILOSOPHY
Sail (The School for Adaptive & Integrative Learning) at Ferncliff Manor provides a full range of high quality educational, therapeutic and health care services to children with developmental disabilities offering close personal attention, structure and stimulation in a safe, secure environment that fosters growth and development. We believe that the combination of professional expertise, teamwork, concentrated effort, and nurturing care is the key to success with each child.
Utilizing a family-centered approach to designing and implementing the child’s program, we recognize the primacy of the family-child unit and regard our role as supportive in nature. Parents and family members play a central role in the educational and therapeutic effort and are assisted in the process of exercising their right of self-determination. An ongoing exchange of ideas and information between staff and family serves to preserve and enrich the family unit.
HISTORY
A Valentine Love Story with a Tradition of Excellence into the 21st Century
Founded in New Rochelle, NY in 1935 by Margaret Brady, RN. Ferncliff Manor was one of the first private schools to specialize in the care and treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities. Upon its opening Margaret Brady had no way of knowing that through Ferncliff Manor she would meet her future husband and start a tradition of excellence that has continued for more than 70 years. It all began with a chance meeting. Bill Saich was sent to inspect her residence and school on Valentine’s Day. It wasn’t long after that first meeting that he returned, not to inspect the school, but to take Miss Brady out on a date. The rest, as they say, is history. Each Valentine’s Day, Bill Saich sent his wife a dozen long-stemmed red roses to commemorate their anniversary.
Margaret Brady Saich’s legacy continues through her son William Saich, Jr. and his wife Patricia who have operated the school since the summer of 1972.
Over the years, Ferncliff Manor’s mission has remained constant in providing an individualized program of superior services and nurturing care that will enable each of our students to achieve an optimum level of independence and self-esteem. This commitment to our students has kept us at the forefront of innovation, assuring them of the most current technological advances and in seeking the most appropriate strategies to meet their needs. With over 70 years of solid experience, Ferncliff Manor offers a truly unique environment and a dynamic rehabilitative effort.
.
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