STORM INFO...

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

MAJOR BIOMED GROUNDBREAKING FOR REGENERON

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

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

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

TOWN BD RENAMES WEBB PARK FOR RICHARD PRESSER

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

ONE FREE TREE FROM POWER AUTHORITY FOR EVERY TREE ORDERED

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

CON ED TO REPLANT TREES CUT ON TOWN PROPERTY

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

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

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

FORMER HOMELESS SHELTER MAY BECOME AFFORDABLE HOUSING

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

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

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

FUEL EFFICIENT VEHICLES--PLAN OF ACTION PROPOSED

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

SAVE THE DATE: SHRED MOBILE COMING TO GREENBURGH MAY 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEETING HELD WITH 50 CIVIC LEADERS AND RESIDENTS TO DISCUSS STOP & SHOP PROPOSAL

About 50 civic leaders and residents from E Irvington & the Tarrytown neighborhoods attended a meeting last night to discuss a possible proposal to place a Stop & Shop on 119 (near the new Sheraton Hotel on the Tarrytown border). This was a pre-application meeting. I believe that citizens should be briefed on land use applications BEFORE applications are submitted.
We had a good exchange of ideas. The developer & Stop & Shop will be presenting an application for a re-zone to the Town Board in the coming weeks. Rezoning property is totally discretionary on the part of the Town Board.
If you are interested in being kept informed of the status of this application please e mail pfeiner@greenburghny.com.

SHOULD A TENNIS BUBBLE BE PLACED AT RUMBROOK PARK?

The Town Board has not taken any action on the proposal to award a private contract to company to place a bubble over the tennis courts at AF Veteran town park. The Board has been reviewing the proposed bubble for a few years. The town was offered substantial rental income every year. A private company had also offered to build a club house for tennis players (at no cost to the town) and to renovate our tennis courts.
The problem: A & B budget disputes--caused by the litigation (Edgemont resident vs. villages).
Another option was suggested today by a citizen: that we issue an RFP to place a bubble over the tennis courts at East Rumbrook Park (a federally funded park). This would generate much less revenue for the town since it is a smaller facility. However- it's an option with different issues. What do you think?

WARNING FROM DAN FROM HARTSDALE..ANONYMOUS POSTS MAY NOT BE ANONYMOUS

Dan from Hartsdale posted a comment on the blog commentary (Ardsley sidewalks). He mentions that anyone who has a blogspot site can install a sitemeter that records the URL and time of anyone who clicks on the site. For example, if a blogger logs on to the site from a law firm one can find that out. He mentions anonymous may not be anonymous.
I will post this warning on each week.

JAZZ ON EAST HARTSDALE AVE!

Cab Calloway used to live in Greenburgh. We're going to bring quality jazz back to Greenburgh with a new jazz concert series on East Hartsdale Ave. Mark Morganelli of Jazz Forum Arts and I met with UniStar Federal Credit Union. The Credit Union will sponsor the concerts. We're hoping to organize a summer jazz concert series this summer - possibly 8 Saturdays in July and August (during the farmer's market).
We're going to have a planning meeting on Thursday, April 24th at 6:15 at the new UniStar store front on East Hartsdale Ave.
If you are interested in getting involved in helping us organize the concert series please advise. E mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com

TOWN BD SEEMS COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING ARDSLEY ROAD SIDEWALK SNOW ISSUE BEFORE NEXT WINTER

A meeting last night of residents of Edgemont and town officials produced some positive signs that the town might address the Ardsley Road sidewalk and snow removal problem. Members of the Town Board promised to address the issue before next years snow season.
I have been calling on the Town Board to have the town assume responsbility of snow removal on Ardsley Road sidewalks for a few years. It's a very dangerous situation- pedestrians walk up and down the road when the sidewalks are not cleared of snow.
I suggest that we issue an RFP to landscapers/contractors to determine what the costs will be of snow removal on the sidewalk.

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY- week of March 26th--POST YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT TOWN ISSUES

(Please feel free to post your comments about town issues on this blog. Your input is appreciated.

LIBRARY UPDATE: GEOTHERMAL CONTRACTOR STILL HAS NOT SIGNED CONTRACT

In December the Town Board awarded a contract to 5 separate library contractors for the library construction. One of the contracts was for geothermal technology. As of today that contract has not been signed by the contractor. I have asked that the public be provided with an update at Wednesday's Town Board meeting.

EDGEMONT NEIGHBORHOOD GETS TREE CLEARING FROM CON ED - CON ED TO MEET WITH ME THIS COMING WEEK --I BELIEVE SMALLER TREES SHOULD REPLACE TREES

I received a report that Con Ed has cleared trees behind the Mount Joy transformer. About 20 trees (all of the trees looked hardy and robust) were cut.A residential neighborhood now looks like Central Ave road front property.
I feel that Con Ed should replant trees that have been cut with smaller growing trees. Con Ed is being proactive --cutting down trees to minimize the possibility of future power outages. The significant tree clearing program that is taking place in Greenburgh and around the region is changing the character of neighborhoods and may also cause other environmental concerns: drainage, erosion, etc..
I will be meeting with Con Ed representatives this coming week to discuss. I would appreciate being notified of other tree clearing that is taking place around the town.

PROPOSED BUDGET TO ADDRESS CRIME/THEFTS AT HARTSDALE PARKING GARAGE

My proposed capital budget includes $15,500 for a Thermal Imaging Camera to be used in finding victims that are in collapsed buildings or to locate a suspect or hostage in a building during a tactical operation. Also, to find victims at accident scenes in heavily wooded areas.
My proposed budget also funds a camera that will allow remote access via broadband wireless applications to install a camera for surveillance in high crime areas. The cost: $17,000. This can be used to reduce thefts and vandalism at the Hartsdale parking garage.

GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM UPGRADED IN PROPOSED CAPITAL BUDGET--VERY EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES

I am releasing my proposed capital budget for 2007 today.Among the highlights of the $5,548,000 budget is a $103,500 requested appropriation to upgrade the GIS system (Geographical Information System). The town wants to be on the cutting edge of technology. This new system will enable the town and village residents to have the ability to share data significantly reducing the dupliation of town and village services and enhance the functionality of digital communications between all departments within the town and villages. Example: the assessment dept currently obtains the information via hard copy. The Assessor's office inputs the information from the village permits into a spreadsheet as does the villages when issuance of a building permit. Currently, there is no connection of information between town departments: the police need information from the Public Works dept and was unable to get the information digitally. Therefore, it had to be recreated. Other advantages: As the assessor assesses property it's imperative that ownership information be consistent between the villages and the town. This will enable that to occur. Most important this will expand the connection the town and villages with regard to emergency services. Example: mutual assistance, ambulance, fire and police.

SUGGESTION: TOWN SHOULD RETAIN TRAFFIC/PARKING CONSULTANT TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EAST HARTSDALE

Residents of East Hartsdale Ave have a parking problem. A group of dedicated volunteers have formed a committee and have a great web site: www.fixhartsdaleparking.com. They're working to come up with recommendations as to how we can address this problem.
My suggestion: The town should retain the services of a professional parking/traffic consultant who can help us analyze the problem and come up with recommendations/options.
East Hartdale Ave is getting younger. More young families, with more than one car, are moving here. The parking problem will get worst, not better - unless we address this concern.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE MEETINGS SHOULD BE TELEVISED

The Town Board recently appointed members of a Comprehensive Land Use Planning Committee to review land use issues and to help oversee the comprehensive plan that is being drafted. I am urging the committee to televise their meetings and to provide residents with the opportunity to phone in (dial democracy) during portions of their meetings.
I am also asking the Town Board to stream Town Board meetings live on the internet - so that residents who are out of town during Town Board meetings can watch meetings and call in live.
It's important that our government be open.

TREE PLANTING PROGRAM DESIRED..

Every day, when I go to work, I pass tree cutters - cutting down trees along roads. Lots of trees all over Greenburgh are coming down.
I'm asking our parks dept and CAC board to help develop a tree replanting program so we can keep the green in Greenburgh. Some of the trees that are planted should be smaller -- so they won't grow to impact Con Ed wires. Your suggestions as to the kinds of trees we should plant would be appreciated.

WEEK OF MARCH 19 GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY--COMMENT ON TOWN ISSUES

Please comment on town issues. Your input is always appreciated - especially when it's issue oriented, not name calling!

PATHMARK TO BE ACQUIRED BY A & P SUPERMARKET-LESS COMPETITION

Pathmark supermarkets will be purchased by the A & P supermarket chain, according to the Westchester County Business Journal. The A & P supermarket chain has 3 supermarkets within unincorporated Greenburgh. The Pathmark acquisition by the A & P means less competition. Pathmark is located on Central Ave in Hartsdale. The A & P supermarkets are located on Central Ave, Route 119 (off of Dobbs Ferry Road) and on Knollwood Road. There are 2 other supermarket companies offering service to residents in our area: DeCicco's in Ardsley and Stop and Shop in Dobbs Ferry and Tarrytown.

FAIRVIEW FIRE DEPT OWED $100,000 BY TOWN BD

The Town Board was planning to vote to release $100,000 to the Fairview Fire Department two Board meetings ago. Councilman Steve Bass, acting at the request of Bob Bernstein, held over the proposed resolution. Under the rules of the Board any member of the Board has the ability to hold over any resolution until the next Town Board meeting. At the last meeting the $100,000 contractual obligation to the Fairview Fire Dept grant was not on the agenda. I am requesting that the Board vote on the $100,000 grant at our next Town Board meeting.
No taxpayer dollars are involved. The funds are from WESTHELP. The State Comptroller's office did not express any objections with this aspect of the WESTHELP partnership.

TOWN ISSUES SUMMONS TO THOSE WHO DON'T CLEAR SIDEWALKS

On February 22 the town issued 54 summonses to property owners who had neglected to clear their walkways of snow pursuant to the town code. They were required to pay a $175 fine.
Total summonses issued on 2/22: 54
Guilty pleas and $175 fine 20
Adjournments granted by court 28
Cases dismissed 6
I continue to believe that our current policy is not working. I believe that the Town Board should amend the law. The town should assume the responsibility of clearing sidewalks of snow when the sidewalks connect to train stations, schools, bus stops. This issue: safety of pedestrians. Many residents of Edgemont, for example, walk up and down the very dangerous Ardsley Road when sidewalks are not cleared of snow.
The Town Council will be presenting the community with a new sidewalk policy at our March 28th Town Board meeting. There will be a discussion of the issues at that time.

Twn Bd doesn't want to release work session agendas to public on Friday before work session- compromise suggestion offered

At the Town Board work session yesterday I suggested that the Board release the agendas of the work sessions to the public on the Friday before the Tuesday work session to give residents who want to attend meetings adequate notice as to what will be discussed at the work session - and at what time. This will enable the residents who want to attend work sessions (because of interest re: certain issues) to plan their day. The Board did not like the idea. At tonights Town Board meeting I will offer a compromise resolution: that agendas of work session be posted on the web site no later than 9AM on the day of the work session. I'd prefer more notice-- this compromise, at the minimum, is a start.
The Board asked me to temporarily table the proposal I made to put all resolutions on the web before Town Board meetings. I will bring this matter up again.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS BEING MADE

Last year I proposed the formation of a Greenburgh Affordable Housing Committee to explore additional affordable housing opportunties. The Town Board approved the creation of an affordable housing committee. At tonights Town Board meeting the Town Board will appoint members to the committee. I look forward to working with the committee on this important issue.
LAST WEEK Mayor Jay Leon of Ardsley appeared before the Greenburgh Town Board to discuss the future of the waterwheel property. The property was acquired by the town as a result of a foreclosure action. Mayor Leon suggested that the Ardsley Affordable Housing Committee and Greenburgh Affordable Housing Committee meet to consider the possibility of creating some affordable housing units at the foreclosed property. I support Mayor Leon's initiative.

CON ED CLEAR CUTTING TREES, REPLACEMENTS WANTED

Con Ed has begun to clear many trees throughout the area - a follow up to the power outages that took place last year. The tree cutting may be a necessary action to help reduce the possibility of future massive power outages.
The clear cutting of trees at different locations is creating an eyesore and possible safety concerns. For example, on Ridge Road, north of Heatherdell, virtually all of the trees have been cut down along the Sprain. The character of the community is being impacted--negatively. Greenburgh is losing the green in our name.
A section of the Bronx River Parkway, north of the county center has also seen trees clear cutted.
There are safety issues. On Ridge Road the trees provided a little protection for cars in the unfortunate event that they skidded off the road so they would not fall several stories onto the Sprain. I suggest that smaller trees/bushes be planted at this location and have been asked by constituents to look into the possibility of placing a guard rail or fence behind it so drivers and passengers won't fall off the edge onto the Sprain.
I suggest that if a tree is cut that a tree be replaced with another smaller planting so we can keep the green in our community.

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY- TALK ABOUT YOUR TOWN RELATED CONCERNS! PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION--WEEK OF MARCH 12

Feel free to post your comments or concerns about town issues on this blog. Your opinion is appreciated!

NY TIMES FEATURES CHATTERTON PARKWAY GROUP HOME RESIDENTS ON PAGE ONE OF REGIONAL ISSUE- GROUP HOME LIVING, PETITION FOR SIDEWALKS HIGHLIGHTED

Today's issue of the New York Times (region) has a page one feature about the 3 group home residents of Chatterton Parkway who attended the most recent Town Board meeting and presented Board members with a petition calling for sidewalks on Chatterton Parkway. The article also can be read on the web site: www.nytimes.com (region). There is a very interesting video slide show on the web site. This slide show will provide you with more insight on the lives of the group home residents.
I am very pleased that the Town Board will hold a public discussion on sidewalk policy on Wednesday, March 28 at 7:15 PM.

SHOULD DISCUSS OF A & B BUDGET ISSUES BE HELD BEHIND CLOSED DOORS?

The Greenburgh Town Board held an executive session last Tuesday to discuss the Town Comptroller's draft report on the A & B budget allocations. The Board will also be discussing the draft report this coming Tuesday - at our next work session. I was asked not to release the draft report and am complying with the request.
The more I reflect on the matter the more troubled I am about discussing this important matter behind closed doors. This is a budget transfer issue ( a follow up to a state comptrollers letter). We are not in litigation regarding the issues contained in the letter. I do not believe that this matter can be discussed behind closed doors. I have asked for an opinion from the committee on open government.
I will urge the Board to open up our work session discussion to the public this Tuesday and also will urge the Board to release the draft report. We should also invite representatives of unincorporated Greenburgh civic associations and village officials to the meeting --and should invite their participation (questions/comments).

TOWN BD WORK SESSIONS SHOULD BE TELEVISED

I plan to renew a request to the Town Board that I made over a year ago to televise Town Board work sessions. In addition, I will ask the Town Board to extend dial democracy to Town Board work sessions so that residents who can't attend can call in - live when important issues are discussed.
Finally -- I will urge the Board to stream (live on the web) all Town Board work sessions and Town Board meetings. Residents currently have the ability to watch old meetings of the Town Board on the web. The meetings are not aired live. If Town Board work sessions would be televised live on the web and streamed live - it will enable people who work in the city or elsewhere to watch the meeting on the internet and to participate - away from home, if there is an important issue.
Open government is important. Citizens must be provided with the opportunity to become full partners in the decision making processes of their government.

6th grader named citizen of month for raising funds for K-9 bullet proof vest

Jackson Davis is a 6th grader at Bailey School. He was devastated after he read a story about a brave Police K-9 that was shot in the line of duty. The dog died. Jackson spent the entire day thinking about ways that this devastation could be prevented. He came up with an idea: protect a paw. Buy a K-9 a bulletproof vest.
Jackson spoke to his principal- Marge Jones - and they called Detective Papovitch from the Greenburgh Police K 9 unit. Jackson began a fundraising initiative which has raised hundreds of dollars for a bulletproof vest.
The Town Board will be honoring Jackson at our next Town Board meeting - this coming Wednesday at 7:15 PM at Town Hall. Jackson will also be named citizen of the month. His mom, Dana Davis, was citizen of the month in 1999. She is an advocate for the disabled and is currently a member of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. This is the first mother/son citizen of the month team in Greenburgh history!
Interested in helping Jackson?
E mail him at protectapaw@aol.com

TOWN BD WORK SESSION AGENDAS SHOULD BE RELEASED TO PUBLIC ON FRIDAY BEFORE TUESDAY WORK SESSIONS

The Greenburgh Town Board releases the agendas of the work sessions that are held on Tuesday afternoons a few hours before the work session begins. Many issues are discussed each week during the work sessions. Residents who are interested in specific issues are not provided with adequate advance information about the agendas. The lack of notice discourages public participation.
At next weeks Town Board meeting I will introduce a resolution calling on the Board to release tentative work session agendas the Friday before the Tuesday work session meeting. This will provide the public with the ability to make plans if they are interested in an agenda topic. I also hope the Board will provide the public with the chance to talk at each work session. It's the people's government!

PUBLIC PROHIBITED FROM SPEAKING AT TODAYS WORK SESSION--A STEP BACKWARDS FOR OPEN GOVERNMENT

The Greenburgh Town Board held a work session regarding the library on Tuesday afternoon. We heard from our construction lawyer, TRITON (library construction manager), our architects. HOWEVER-- the Board (to my dismay) did not provide residents with the opportunity to ask questions. I've been attending Greenburgh Town Board meetings since my student days at college. This is the first time, in my memory, that the public is being shut out of the process. Residents have always been provided the opportunity to speak at the informal work session meetings.
The Town Attorney advised me that I was required to sign the library construction contracts. I signed the contracts. Some residents, in attendance, had questions about the library construction modifications that were made after the contracts were awarded to the bidders in December. They should have had the opportunity to speak out and ask their questions.
Democracy works best when people have the opportunity to partner in the decision making processes.
Let's make Greenburgh the most open government again!

Ardsley Road sidewalks continued---# of accidents

Sgt. Maguire of the Greenburgh Police ran an accident report involving pedestrians and vehicles on Ardsley Road from 1988 to the present. There were five accidents in 19 years. Checking for injuries such as slip and fall is more difficult because of the way ambulance calls are entered. However, on 2/14/2007 there was a report of a broken leg.
I continue to believe that the current policy is not working -- and am very concerned everytime I observe a pedestrian walking up or down Ardsley Road to the Scarsdale train station --especially after a snow or ice storm.

INDIAN POINT IS NOT FINED FOR LEAKS, VIOLATIONS

I spoke at a forum sponsored by Clearwater and Pace University this weekend. Among the issues discussed was the fact that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission can fine Entergy ( Indian Point) up to $110,000 a day per violation for leaks and other violations. Since 1998 the NRC has not imposed any fines on Indian Point for leaks. Many people are concerned that Indian Point has been leaking radioactive water from multiple sources, which has created several lakes or plumes of contaminated groundwater under the plant.
The failure of the NRC to impose fines against Entergy for violations provides the company with little incentive to correct the problems at the nuclear power plant. There have been many shutdowns at Indian Point. There have also been many other violations -- impacting our safety. I am urging our congressional delegation to pressure the NRC to start imposing fines.

WEEK OF MARCH 5 GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY...POST YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT TOWN ISSUES...

Please post your comments about town issues.

THE PUBLIC HAS A RIGHT TO KNOW...LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION COMPARISONS WANTED

The public has a right to know what is happening with the library construction. I am planning to request that a comparison be made: total construction project costs today vs. anticipated costs of the library pre-referendum. What is missing from the 5 contracts that was originally promised? The public should be able to read an itemized list of changes that have been made so far re: project. In addition, we should compare the architects and engineers fees (pre referendum estimates) to 2007 estimates. TRITON will be earning $20,000 a month for their services after November, 2007. They originally expected the library to be complete by November, 2007. However, there have been significant delays. Can we re-negotiate the $20,000 a month fee? If the town did not cause all the delays why should we be punished? TRITON and the architect are now proposing a cheaper geothermal system. Why didn't they think of this originally?
The Board is meeting at a work session this Tuesday at 3:30 PM.

Town Board to discuss outstanding library issues at 3:30 on Tuesday

The Greenburgh Town Board will meet on Tuesday at 3:30 PM to discuss outstanding library construction issues. The Town Attorney has invited our construction lawyer, architect and TRITON to attend the meeting. I would like as much of the meeting to be open to the public as possible. This is the people's library. I feel that the public should be kept informed of the reasons for the delays as well as updated on the status of the library construction efforts.
I intend to propose a resolution at the next Town Board meeting - a week from Wednesday - authorizing the library to use the auditorium at Town Hall as a reading room area, when others are not using the room. The current satellite library at Town Hall needs a comfortable reading area --where people can read magazines, newspapers, books. I would support giving the library any vacant space at Town Hall for a reading area.

MARCH 22 FLOOD MEETING

I am holding planning to hold a meeting on March 22nd at 3 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall to develop a plan of action re: flood control initiatives. I will invite federal, state, county representatives to the meeting.
We've had some successes in the past. A few years ago we obtained a federal grant to uplift some homes on Babbitt Court and place them on stilts. Early on in my career I worked with former US Congressman Ben Gilman on a flood control initiative in downtown Ardsley. The US Army Corp of Engineers funded the initiative.
If you experienced flooding during todays storm please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com
Any flood control initiative will require federal, state and local cooperation. Among neighborhoods that experienced flooding today were Central Ave and neighborhoods around the Bronx River corridor.

PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS SHOULD BE PLACED ON WEB SITE BEFORE TOWN BD MEETINGS

Last night the Town Board received some criticism for not sharing resolutions with the public before Town Board meetings. I intend to propose a resolution at the next Town Board meeting directing that all resolutions be placed on our web site prior to the Town Board meeting. I suggest that the resolutions be placed on the agenda the Friday before a Wednesday Board meeting -when the tentative agenda is released. If modifications are made later on the modified version of the resolution could be placed on the agenda after the Town Board work session.
We need to make Greenburgh a more open government....

HASTINGS ON HUDSON CREATING SENIOR COMMITTEE- STUDYING GREENHOUSE PROJECT AND INTERESTING HOUSING OPTIONS FOR SENIORS

The Hastings Village Board has appointed a senior advisory committee to consider senior housing options that will enable seniors to stay in their homes and avoid a nursing home environment. Among the models under review is the Greenhouse project-- a model that pairs 10 to 12 elders with three or 4 staff members in traditional houses embedded in traditional communities.
The Eden Alternative introduces pets, gardening and a more mutual relationship between residents and staff into large institutions.
The Beacon Hill project facilitates staying in one's home by having a clearinghouse of services such as hiring home attendants, shopping help,etc..
Among those working on this initiative is Danielle Goodman, the only candidate for the opening on the Hastings Village Board of Trustees.
I will encourage the Greenburgh Town Board to consider a similar initiative.

GUARD RAILS ON SIDEWALKS-WHAT DO YOU THINK?

A resident of Edgemont suggested an interesting idea: that we place guard rails on Ardsley Road between the road and sidewalk. This concept, if implemented, would provide added protection for commuters. In addition, when the sidewalks are slippery pedestrians could hold on to the rails/barriers.
I'm interested in hearing your thoughts regarding this suggestion. So far-- the effort to increase pedestrian safety on Ardsley Road has been unsuccessful. But- I'll continue to try until we solve the problem.
If this approach works we could place barriers on other sidewalks around town.

NYS DEC--APPLICATION FOR GEOTHERMAL HAS NOT BEEN FILED, NO VERBAL COMMITMENTS MADE

I received an e mail from Kathleen Sanford, Chief of the Permits Section of the NYSDEC Division of Mineral Resources in Albany. I was advised that the DEC has not received applications to drill geothermal wells at the Greenburgh library. Staff of the Division of Mineral Resources have not made any verbal promise whatsoever regarding any potential future application to drill wells which would require permits from us, either at the current proposed locations (which are not before us for review at this time) or some other locations around the library."
In December the Town Board approved bids for geothermal contractors --before any application was actually filed or approved. I expressed concern about this action.

more upbeat news about COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AT DOBBS FERRY

An article in today's edition of the Westchester County Business Journal (www.westchestercountybusinessjournal.com) has a headline: "CEO confident hospital can be saved". Some good news about a meeting with state health officials & the CEO of the hospital regarding the future of the Community Hospital at Dobbs Ferry.
If the hospital is saved, I think much of the credit should go to our new State Senator, Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Senator Cousins has worked very hard arranging meetings with key state decision makers and arranged for the Minority Leader of the Senate to tour the Hospital with elected officials and hospital representatives.

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY-POST YOUR COMMENTS---THE WEEK AHEAD: FEBRUARY 26 PREVIEWS

The week ahead---some highlights...
1) Town Board meeting on Wednesday evening 7:15 PM, Greenburgh Town Hall.
2) 3 Developmentally disabled residents of a group home will petition the Town Board to place sidewalks on Chatterton Parkway.
3) All the members of the Town Board have decided to "dust off" the proposed sidewalk policy and to come up with a modified policy that addresses sidewalk issues.
4) The Town Board will discuss reasons for the delays in starting the construction of the library ---more than two months after bids were awarded.
5) The Town Board will discuss the status of the geothermal application for the library--when will the application be filed?
6) I intend to bring up the need for a reading room/area at our satellite library.
7) We will continue the public hearing on the proposed moratorium on development on Central Ave.
8) Continued review re: snow clearing of sidewalks on Ardsley Road.
9) An affordable housing proposal.
....and much much more!

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT ABOUT ANY TOWN ISSUES! YOUR INPUT IS APPRECIATED.

SATELLITE LIBRARIES SHOULD HAVE READING AREA--MAGAZINES

Received a letter addressed to the town from a President of a local neighborhood association this afternoon - complaining about the lack of periodicals at the new satellite library locations. There is no reading room at the satellite library at Town Hall.
I will renew my request this week that the town convert the former STAR offices into a reading area or that another suitable location at town hall be found for a reading area.
The library staff is working very hard to make the satellite library location work. However, if more space is provided (or rented out) we can offer library patrons more of the services that they previously enjoyed.
The library construction, which still has not begun, is expected to take about 2 yearsw once the library construction starts.

TOWN SHOULD BE PROTECTED IF DEC DOES NOT APPROVE GEOTHERMAL AT LIBRARY

The NYS DEC still has not received applications to drill geothermal wells at the Greenburgh Public Library. In the event that aspects of the library project have to be rebid because the DEC does not sign off on geothermal - I have asked the Town Attorney to make sure that the town is protected. Additional costs should not be assumed by the town but by the architect/TRITON. We have been advised for many months that there will be no problems securing permission from the state DEC to drill geothermal wells at the library.
In December the Town Board voted to award bids to contractors. Did it make sense to award the contracts to geothermal contractors before the application was filed with the DEC? 2 of the 5 contractors still have not executed the contract -- delaying the start of the library construction. I am very concerned about the delays in construction of the library. The Town Board will discuss this at Wednesday's Town Board meeting.
The voters approved the library construction project almost two years ago. Construction has not yet started. It is the responsibility of the entire Town Board to oversee the construction project to make sure that we are getting value for our dollar. That's the main reason I have constantly called on the Town Board to hire a full time project manager for the library.

CITIZEN IDEA OF THE DAY FROM JOHN AOKI--GEO THERMMALLY HEATED SIDEWALKS

In recent weeks I have posted some comments about conditions on Ardsley Road. Many pedestrians walk on the narrow, hilly road when sidewalks are not cleared of snow/ice---creating dangerous conditions. I have tried (for a few years) to persuade the Town Board to have the town assume the responsibility of clearing sidewalks of snow/ice. No success!
John Aoki e mailed me today's citizen suggestion of the day: that the town should explore the possibilities of geo thermmally heated sidewalks. Some cities across the nation pipe hot water under roads and sidewalks to melt snow. District heating applications use networks of piped hot water to heat buildings in whole communities. I have a phot of snow melting on sidewalks in Klamath Fall, Or.
I think that the town should explore this idea, especially on Ardsley Road.

LIBRARY CLOSED PREMATURELY BECAUSE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW LIBRARY STILL HAS NOT BEGUN...CONTRACTS HAVE NOT BEEN SIGNED BY TWO CONTRACTORS

For over a year I have called on the Town Board to hire a full time library project manager to oversee construction of the 20 million dollar library project. The Town Board has rejected my request saying that a project manager was not needed.
In December the Town Board approved bids so that the construction of the library could start. THe library closed its building in early January. A ground breaking ceremony was held a few weeks ago.
Has construction started? NO
Has the main bidder executed the contract that was awarded to him? No
Has the bidder for geothermal executed the contract that was awarded to the company? No
Is there a reading room at the small satellite library at Town Hall? No
Have library patrons been inconvenienced with a smaller library satellite library? YES
Why has it taken over two months for the 2 bidders who were awarded the contracts to sign the contracts? Shouldn't the reasons for the delay be made public?
WHy didn't the town apply for geothermal permits before bidding out portion of the project?
Is the construction manager/architect being held responsible for additional costs?
Will the town continue to pay TRITON (our construction manager) additional monthly fees because the start of the construction and completition is taking longer than expected. This project was originally scheduled to start during the summer of 2006, not the spring of 2007. TRITON is actually being rewarded financially for the delays.
If the project will come in over the 20 million dollars what additional reductions are being considered to bring the project costs down?
Are there other problems that have not been disclosed as of yet?
Doesn't the public have the right to know?
I will ask that the library construction project be discussed at our Town Board meeting next Wednesday night at 7:15 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall. This is not about the library (the voters voted for a library expansion and the wishes of the public must be honored)-- it's about a construction project that I feel needs a full time project manager for oversight purposes. I fear that without a full time project managaer that there will be additional delays, problems and unnecessary costs.

CITIZEN IDEA OF THE DAY: COMPUTER REMINDERS-WHAT IS BEING RECYCLED...

Bill Riccardi e mailed me with a great idea: He is suggesting that the sanitation calendar be placed in a format other than pdf. For example, a vCal, iCal or other format would be helpful and allow residents to download the calendar into their PIMS. Just imagine: your blackberry beeping at you at 7 AM Wednesday morning reminding you that it's commingle day, not paper day. I have asked our MIS Computer staff to look into this suggestion.

BLOGGERS SUGGESTION BEING FOLLOWED UP- WILL ASK COUNTY TO REIMBURSE TOWN FOR SNOW REMOVAL ON ARDSLEY ROAD SIDEWALK

I read the recent blog post by former Ardsley Trustee Mike Kolesar suggesting that the town reach out to the county and ask the county to reimburse the town to remove snow from Ardsley Road sidewalks. I have followed up on the suggestion and have written to the County Executive.
When sidewalks are not cleared of snow many commuters walk to and from the Scarsdale train station on the narrow,steep road, not the sidewalks. This is dangerous. If the county would help the town with the costs of snow removal alongside this county road - it might be easier to persuade other town board members to support my request that the town assume the responsibility of snow removal on sidewalks along Ardsley Road.

STATE OFFICIALS LOOKING TO KEEP DOBBS FERRY HOSPITAL OPEN AS AS AMBULATORY CARE OR SUB EMERGENCY URGENT CARE CENTER

An article in today's Westchester County Business Journal (www.westchestercountybusinessjournal.com) indicated that progress is being made regarding efforts to keep the Community Hospital at Dobbs Ferry open! State officials are looking to keep the hospital open as an ambulatory care or sub emergency urgent care center. An aggressive lobbying campaign to save the hospital has been waged. The community hospital is a profit making hospital and provides our community with important medical services. I am glad that the Spitzer administration is considering options to save this community treasure! I also want to thank Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins for providing leadership on tihs important issue.

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY- WEEK OF FEB 19TH..EXPRESS YOURSELF! SPEAK OUT ABOUT TOWN ISSUES!

Feel free to express yourself about any town issue by posting a comment! Thank you for being partners with town officials in the decision making process.

COUNTY NEGOTIATING WITH ARDSLEY SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE REVENUE IN EVENT THAT COUNTY PURSUES ARDSLEY LOCATION FOR BD OF ELECTIONS SITE

An article in today's Journal News indicated that Westchester County is secretly negotiating with Ardsley officials to offset a tax hit of close to $200,000 annually that the school district will suffer if commercial property at 450 Saw Mill River Road is purchased for the new location of the Westchester County Board of Elections. I had previously expressed concern about the location and its impact on the school district. If the county acquires the property the property does not have to pay taxes. However, if the county works out an agreement with Ardsley to pay the school district each year - it would address one of the concerns. Another concern: access for the disabled.

"3 MUSKETEERS" FIGHT FOR SIDEWALKS ON CHATTERTON RECEIVES EDITORIAL SUPPORT BY JOURNAL NEWS

The NY Journal News wrote a great editorial praising the efforts of the "3 Musketeers" who are fighting for sidewalks on Chatterton Parkway.The editorial appears in Saturday's Journal News (2/17). The "3 Museketeers" are residents of a group home for the developmentally disabled. They circulated petitions calling for sidewalks and will be presenting the petitions to the Greenburgh Town Board at our next Town Board meeting - a week from this coming Wednesday night. I support their efforts.
They are a real inspiration! Not only are they making the case for sidewalks, but they also highlight the fact that residents of group homes are terrific human beings.

CON ED PROMISES 107 MILLION IN INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENTS TO HELP REDUCE POTENTIAL FOR MASSIVE POWER OUTAGES

Con Ed officials attended a meeting I sponsored at the Greenville School in Edgemont with residents who experienced a number of power outages last year. Con Ed promised $107 million in infrastructure enhancements. The company promises proactive measures that could reduce the potential for massive power outages. Infra-red inspections, looking for loose connections, analyzing transformers, replacement of wires, replacing transformer stations, building a new Elmsford substation, underground feeders distribution improvements and tree trimming are just some of the changes promised. Con Ed indicated that last year they hired 1,300 new employees.
The company indicated that a major reason why there were so many power outages last year is because so many trees came down. Many trees were planted in the 1930s--they have a life of about 70 years. Some of the downed trees were rotting. Con Ed feels that its tree trimming program will reduce some of the outages.
Major outage factors in Greenburgh: 53.76% from major storms...1.50% lightning....0.29% csp tripped...1.35%blow fuse...8.47% from animals (squirrels jumping on transformers, as an example)...14.88% trees...1.07% traffic accidents...2.83% feeder...5.92 pole components....0.59% planned outage...9.20% open wire...0.15% OH transformer

Any suggestions--possible locations for additional athletic fields?

One of the biggest quality of life concerns for some people in the community is the lack of athletic fields around town. There is a shortage of field space for soccer teams, football and baseball competitions.
Your suggestions would be welcome and appreciated!

COMMUTERS WALKING ON SLIPPERY ARDSLEY ROAD, NOT SIDEWALKS WHEN ARDSLEY RD SIDEWALKS NOT CLEARED OF SNOW

I believe that the town should clear snow from sidewalks on Ardsley Road. If the town does not assume the responsibility of snow clearing on sidewalks - I think we should contract with an outsidecompany to provide the service. I have seen a number of commuters walk on this slippery, dangerous street (Ardsley Road) when sidewalks are not cleared of snow. Ardsley Road is used by pedestrians to get to and from the Scarsdale train station.
I strongly urge the Town Board to schedule a meeting to discuss this matter and to hold a public hearing on a sidewalk policy (an action the Board claimed was a high priority last year).
If a commuter walks on Ardsley Road because sidewalks have not be cleared - and a car skids because of slippery road conditions, there could be a horrible accident.
There are other sidewalks leading to schools/train stations/bus stops that should also be cleared of snow by the town.

PRESENTATION BY 3 GROUP HOME RESIDENTS FOR SIDEWALKS RESCHEDULED FOR FEB 28

There is an interesting feature article about Jason Kingsley, Ray Frost and Yaniv Gorodischer, the 3 residents of a group home on Chatterton Parkway, who are petitioning the Town Board to build sidewalks on Chatterton Parkway. The article appeared in the Journal News (www.lohud.com) today. Mr. Kingsley, Frost and Gorodischer will be presenting their petition to the Town Board at our February 28th Town Board meeting.

CUPID WINS! TOWN BOARD MEETING CANCELLED

Cupid wins! The Greenburgh Town Board meeting, scheduled for tonight, has been cancelled due to weather conditions. The National Weather service has issued an ice storm warning for our area. Sleet and freezing rain will make travel difficult. They are discouraging travel.
Happy valentine's day! All votes, hearings and public comments will take place at our next Town Board meeting in 2 weeks - Feb 28th.

JOSEPHINE MOFFETT RETIRING AS SUPERINTENDENT OF CENTRAL 7 SCHOOLS- NEW CITIZENS COMMITTEE FORMED TO PROMOTE EDUCATION

The resignation of Central 7 Schools Superintendent Josephine Moffett motivated school officials, residents and parents to form a new committee for education. The committee held its first meeting on Tuesday evening at Greenburgh Town Hall. Vic Leviatin, a retired teacher and founder of the WISE program and Harry Phillips, a Regent with the State Education Dept and Hartsdale resident, organized the committee.
Attendees discussed the quality of education at the meeting. By the end of the meeting I was convinced that the school district could become a model for the rest of the nation. If you e-mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com I will advise you when future meetings will be held.
Vic Leviatin is one of the most creative thinkers I have met. His vision for the school district is very inspiring. Special thanks to Vic and Harry Phillips for organizing this important initiative.

2 of 5 library construction contracts still not signed by contractors

The library construction has not started because 2 of the 5 contractors have not yet signed the contracts that had been awarded to them in Decembe by the Town Board. We were advised yesterday that the major general contractor, EW Howell, will sign by Thursday of this week. Once we receive all the contracts the Town Attorney will review the contracts - match the signed documents to the awarded bid documents. Once the Town Attorney completes his review the contracts will be presented to me for signature.

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY--WEEK OF FEBRUARY 12TH..COMMENTS WELCOME ABOUT ANY TOWN ISSUE

Please feel free to comment about any town issue.

SNOW ANGEL VOLUNTEERS WANTED TO HELP ELDERLY...

The weather reports indicate that we could have our first snow storm of the season Tuesday night and Wednesday. I am looking for additional volunteers who might be willing to help senior citizens/disabled residents out by clearing their driveways after it snows.
If you're interested in helping out please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. Please advise if you are willing to volunteer (at no pay) or if you expect the recipient to pay you for your services. If you expect to get paid, please let me know how much you charge.
I will advise residents of your offer to help when they contact me. Those under 18 should provide me with parental permission slips indicating that the under 18 year olds names can be released

HOME OF GORDON PARKS, LEGENDARY PHOTOGRAPHER, COULD BE DESIGNATED LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK

On Wednesday evening the Greenburgh Town Board will refer the proposed designation of 15 Adams place as a local historic landmark to the Planning Board for its advice. This is the house that legendary photographer, filmmaker, writer and composer Gordon Parks had lived in. Mr. Parks wrote a memoir in 2005 -describing the bungalow in the suburbs -its large room with a skylight and huge windows. Mr. Parks spent some of his most formative and creative years in the Adams Place house, which creatively has left its mark on american history. Special thanks to the Historic and Landmarks Preservation Board for their recommendation.

SUGGESTION OF THE DAY: NAPOLEON MITCHELL--INCREASE FINES FOR ILLEGAL HOUSING

Napoleon Mitchell of the Juniper Hill Civic Association has a suggestion: increase fines for illegal boarding houses. A fire last week at 66 Beech Street in Fairview fortunately did not injure anyone. However --it was determined that the property was a two family house. About 20 people lived there illegally. The house was subdivided into several smaller rooms, many of which showed evidence of electrical wiring that contributed to the overloaded circuit.
The owners had been cited for housing illegal roomers. The problem: the fines are very low--$500 a day maximum. A suggestion: the law should have a minimum fine of $1500 a day for the first offense and $5000 a day for a second offense.
Mr. Mitchell indicated that some towns in Westchester have been raising fines between $1000 and $5000 for violations of housing codes re: illegal apts and overcrowding. This would discourage unscrupulous landlords from renting illegal rooms in either an apartment or in a home.
The town recently hired an additional inspector to investigate illegal rooms. An increase in fines, as Mr. Mitchell states, would raise the stakes for those who are violating the law.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?

WANTED: NAMES OF STREETS THAT HAVE HAD REPEAT POWER OUTAGES LAST YEAR--MEETING WITH CON ED NEXT THURSDAY FEB 15, 2007

Next Thursday evening (Feb 15) at 7:30 PM a meeting will be held with Con Ed representatives and residents who experienced power outages last year. The meeting is being held at the Greenville school, off of Ardsley Road. Con Ed has asked me to provide them with a list of streets that have had a number of power outages last year. If you are interested in being part of this meeting and helping us take proactive measures to reduce the potential for power outages in the future - please e mail me streets that had problems last year. I will contact Con Ed --helping them prepare for the meeting.

3 GROUP HOME RESIDENTS PUSH FOR SIDEWALKS ON CHATTERTON PKWAY

3 group home residents who reside on Chatterton Parkway and call themselves the "Three Musketeers" will speak at the Greenburgh Town Board meeting on Wednesday, February 14th at 7:15 PM. Jason Kingsley, Raymond Frost, Jr and Yaniv Gorodischer have down syndrome. Over a year ago they went door to door on Chatterton Parkway pushing for sidewalks. The petition drive was very successful. All of the neighbors, except two, were enthusiastic and signed in support of constructing a sidewalk along Chatterton Parkway down to Central Ave. There were two holdouts - one who didn't want to shovel the snow (the boys offered to do it for them).
At the meeting the 3 boys will speak about what they consider to be dangerous conditions on Chatterton Parkway.
Last spring the Town Board approved a resolution directing me to come up with a proposed sidewalk policy. The Board has not approved, rejected or modified the sidewalk policy. I would like to see a sidewalk policy approved (and would support modifications in my original proposal). I'm hopeful that the presentation by Mr. Kingsley,Frost and Gorodischer will lead to a sidwalk policy being approved.

Westchester will keep homeless shelter agreement

I spoke to Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano earlier today about a proposal to place a homeless drop in shelter from White Plains to Hawthorne. This would have violated an agreement the county made with Greenburgh not to build any new homeless facilities within 2 miles of the center of the Grasslands reservation. I am pleased to report that the County Executive will keep the promise that was made to the Mayfair Knollwood community at the time the WESTHELP partnership agreement was made. This shelter would have violated the agreement that had been made.
A promise was made. The promise must be kept. Otherwise no one will ever trust those who were elected to public office.

update: 3 of the 5 contracts have not been signed re: library construction (holding up start of library construction)

A number of library patrons have called for an update re: library construction. In December 5 contracts were awarded by the Town Board to contractors so that work on the library could begin. As of Monday only 2 out of the 5 contractors have signed the documents. What is holding up their signature? I am asking the Town Board to discuss this tomorrow. Hopefully, tomorrow we will have better news --and all 5 contractors will have signed the documents with attachments.

CENTRAL 7 SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEETING FEB 13TH 8 pm TOWN HALL

Are you interested in helping to make the Central 7 schools better? If the answer is yes, please join us at important community meeting---Tuesday, February 13th at 8 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall.
The meeting will be informational. You'll learn about how to get involved in the district. We welcome your suggestions and thoughts regarding to ways to enhance the quality of education offered to our children. Harry Phillips, a Regent with the State Education Department and long time Hartsdale resident, will provide residents with an update on what is happening in Albany. Vic Leviatin, co-founder of the WISE program, will chair the meeting.
We can improve our schools. We need your help and involvement. Join us on 2/13 at 8 PM. This will be an exciting and productive meeting.

GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY-WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND WEEK OF FEB 5th

Post any comments about town issues for the week of Feb 5th. Tell us what's on your mind!

SATELLITE LIBRARY 2 WEEKS OLD--YOUR FEEDBACK ENCOURAGED!

The satellite library locations are about 2 weeks old. We're continuing to work to enhance the satellite libraries and welcome your thoughts. Here are some impressions that I have.
* The staff working at the library is outstanding. They are trying very hard to make the best out of the smaller satellite spaces. I'm extremely impressed with their efforts. They are terrific public servants.
* I am also pleased to see so many people stop by at the satellite library location at Town Hall. There is a steady flow of traffic -- almost non stop. Residents really love the Greenburgh library. Programs for children will start soon.
* Earlier in the week we had to close down the lobby/check out area of the lobby (located at the entrance of Town Hall) a few times. It was freezing - about 57 degrees. The librarians were uncomfortable, but not complainers. We are addressing the freezing condition problems --providing the staff with portable heaters.
* In response to complaints about lack of parking near the entrance to the library (creating difficulties for seniors/disabled residents) we increased the number of disabled parking spots at Town Hall and also created short term (30 minute or less) parking at the front row parking area.
* We need a reading area for library patrons/librarians to use to relax - to read magazines, newspapers. I suggested a possible location: the former room used for STAR applications. Another possibility: Use the back area of the Town Board auditorium/meeting room.
* I believe that we need an additional satellite library location(s)--East Hartsdale Ave and/or the Greenburgh Nature Center.
* The ground breaking ceremony was held last Saturday. However, construction of the new library has not yet started because only 2 of the 5 contracts have been signed by the contractors. I feel that we should have closed down the old library a few weeks later --providing residents with full service library programs a bit longer. It's my hope that the other contractors will sign the contracts that had been awarded to them in December of last year. No construction could happen till they sign the documents. 3 of the 5 still have not signed the contracts.
* I am requesting the Town Board to discuss the status of the library construction at our work session - this Tuesday. The work session starts at 3:30 PM. I feel that the Town Board and community deserve an explanation as to why the contractors have delayed signing the contracts that had been previously awarded to them.
We want the library to continue providing residents with outstanding services during the next two years - during the construction of our new library. It's very important that you, our library users, take the time to provide me and other town officials with your thoughts and suggestions.

2 of 5 library construction contracts signed by contractors

As of this writing two of the five contracts with the contractors for the library construction project have been signed by the contractors. 3 have not been signed. The failure of the library construction contractors to sign the contracts is delaying the start of the construction. We hope that all the documents will be signed by the contractors early next week - I will promptly review the signed documents before signing the agreements. Once both parties sign the documents construction of the library can start.

COUNTY PLANNING BOARD HAS CONCERNS ABOT MORATORIUM ON RESIDENTIAL DEVLEOPMENT-CENTRAL AVE

The Westchester County Planning Board has sent the town a letter expressing concerns about the proposed moratorium on residential development - Central Ave. The county claims that the CA district is the only zoning district within the Edgemont School district which permits multi family dwellings. The county wants to promote the creation of a mix of uses along the county's developed corridors. The county claims that Central Ave is a particularly suitable place to locate multi family housing due to the fact that commercial and retail areas are often nearby. The county has stated that "while the overcrowding of local schools is an important concern, the issues of school enrollment must be weighed against the smart growth benefits that multi family developments along a major mixed use, transit oriented corridor can provide for a region in need of housing that is transit oriented and near local commercial centers.
The Westchester County Planning Board does not have the ability to overrule local decisions - they act in an advisory capacity. The Town Board will review the Planning Board's recommendations.

SHOULD MICKEY'S HOT DOG STAND ON JACKSON AVE BE ALLOWED TO STAY OPEN?

An article in today's Journal News (www.lohud.com) -"Greenburgh has beef with longtime hot-dog stand" reports that Mickey's snack bar was forced to close last month - after 78 years of selling food on Jackson Ave. The Building Department enforced a law that bars roadside vendors in residential areas. Mickey Difate, 96 years old, stopped working at the snack bar last year. The hot dog stand did not operate for a number of months. He now resides at an assisted living center. A family member was planning to take over the business and continue operating the hot dog stand.
The property is zoned for a residential purposes. The Difate's can apply for a zoning variance. Would you support giving Mickey's snack bar the variance so they can continue operating their hot dog stand? Or, should the town not make any exceptions to our law?
One resident wrote to me--suggesting that this snack bar is a local landmark in town. Another person pointed out that a snack bar is preferable to residential development at the site.
What do you think?

SHOULD MICKEY'S HOT DOG STAND ON JACKSON AVE BE ALLOWED TO STAY OPEN?

An article in today's Journal News (www.lohud.com) -"Greenburgh has beef with longtime hot-dog stand" reports that Mickey's snack bar was forced to close last month - after 78 years of selling food on Jackson Ave. The Building Department enforced a law that bars roadside vendors in residential areas. Mickey Difate, 96 years old, stopped working at the snack bar last year. The hot dog stand did not operate for a number of months. He now resides at an assisted living center. A family member was planning to take over the business and continue operating the hot dog stand.
The property is zoned for a residential purposes. The Difate's can apply for a zoning variance. Would you support giving Mickey's snack bar the variance so they can continue operating their hot dog stand? Or, should the town not make any exceptions to our law?
One resident wrote to me--suggesting that this snack bar is a local landmark in town. Another person pointed out that a snack bar is preferable to residential development at the site.
What do you think?

AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMITTEE BEING FORMED...SUGGESTIONS ENCOURAGED

The Greenburgh Town Board is moving forward --creating an affordable housing committee. Last year the Town Board approved a resolution authorizing the committee to be formed but no appointments were made. That should change --soon!

Suggestion are welcome? Last night I was at a meeting in Hastings. Hastings Trustee Peter Swiderski discussed his views on the topic yesterday. In Hastings there is a requirement (similar to Greenburgh) that 10% of multifamily housing that is built be affordable. He proposes that the percentage increase to 15%. What do you think?

Other suggestions that have been made in the past include --retrofitting old homes and turning these existing homes into affordable housing. Another proposal: foreclosed property should be designated for affordable housing. A third suggestion made by a blogger on this blog a few months ago: Create a fund. Developers who purchase land owned by the town (foreclosed property) would be required to put funds in an account. The funds would be used to help volunteer firefighters, municipal workers purchase housing in a community. Perhaps --anytime a developer builds commercial or multifamily developments, a contribution towards an affordable housing account could be required --to help volunteer firefighters, municipal workers and others move into affordable units.Other suggestions: the county/state could provide localities that build affordable housing units additional grants for schools/open space.

The purpose of this blog is not to endorse or oppose any of the above suggestions --just to encourage more people to think about the problem and to help us come up with good, creative ideas.

January: Miscellaneous

The purpose of this Miscellaneous topic is to discuss any town related issues you feel are important. Please post any issues you wish to discuss in the comments section of this post. Thanks!

TOWN TO ISSUE TICKETS TO THOSE PARKING IN DISABLED PARKING SPOTS AT TOWN HALL

The Greenburgh Town Board decided at our work session meeting today to increase the number of disabled parking spots at Town Hall (satellite library). We expect to adopt a local law in February authorizing the police to issue tickets to those who park at the spots without a valid disabled parking permit.
The Board also agreed to reserve short term parking (30 minutes or less) spots at the locations closest to Town Hall. This will encourage more people to visit the library - especially senior citizens who might be reluctant to walk from the back of the parking lot to the Town Hall.

TOWN WINS LAWSUIT RE HAMPSHIRE MANAGEMENT-QUALITY OF LIFE

Good news for the town and residents of the Colony in Hartsdale! Judge Robert DiBella dismissed Hampshire Management's Article 78 petition and upheld the Town Board's April 6, 2006 Amended site plan approval requiring Hampshire Management to relocate a Knox lock, chains and an electrical transformer to a location approved on the approved 2003 amended site plan. This was a major quality of life issue for some residents of the Colony in Hartsdale. I am very pleased with the decision. Want a copy of the decision? e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com
PAUL FEINER

LIBRARY CONTRACT UPDATE...PARKING SUGGESTION

The Town Attorney has provided me with an update on the status of the library construction contracts. Copies of the standard contract, as modified by our construction law attorney, will be e mailed to those interested in looking at the contract. Later on in the week I will receive addenda approved by the construction law attorney (one of which is the PLA) and a list of drawings and specifications from each contractor. E mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com if you'd like the contract sent to you before I sign the documents.
Each of the prime contractors, which include general construction, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and geothermal driilling services, are at various stages of compiling the requisite contract documents and having them executed. All have been informed that time is of the essence. We have encouraged them to sign the documents and forwarded to the town by the end of the business day on Friday.

PARKING SUGGESTION--RESERVE SPOTS FOR LIBRARY PATRONS, PARENTS WITH SMALL CHILDREN, DISABLED AT FRONT OF PARKING AREA
Many library patrons have complained about the lack of parking at the front of Town Hall - now that the satellite library has moved to Town Hall. Some people are frustrated because they have to park at the back of the lot.
I am suggesting that the Town dedicate more spots for library patrons closer to the Town Hall. My proposal: The first section of our parking area should be reserved for the disabled/senior citizens. We should have dedicated spots reserved at the front of the building for those people who plan to spend a half hour or less at Town Hall - to visit the library or town departments. We might even want to have a designated area up front for parents with small children.
The library is known for it's reputation: customer service. Addressing the parking problems is important.

HASTINGS ON HUDSON REPLACING METERS WITH PAY STATIONS

Hastings on Hudson has replaced pay stations at Boulanger Plaza parking lot. The old, mechanical meters have been placed with more pleasing pay stations. Pay stations are replacing meters at locations in White Plains, New York City and other locations around the region. Some initial problems are being worked out in Hastings.
I mention this because last week we started having a dialogue about E Hartsdale Ave parking meters. Should Hartsdale follow Hastings lead?

CITIZEN SUGGESTION OF THE DAY: DAVID SLOANE--10 MINUTE FREE PARKING ON EAST HARTSDALE AVE

Hartsdale resident David Sloane has the citizen suggestion of the day: He proposes 10 minutes of free parking on East Hartsdale Ave. Mr. Sloane reports that Yonkers offers shoppers this convenience in their downtown business area. 10 minutes of free parking would offer people a chance to stop quickly at a store on E Hartsdale Ave. Merchants would benefit. The street would benefit. And, people would be more inclined to consider our E Hartsdale Ave businesses as places to shop at. Meters can be programmed to provide cars with 10 minutes of free parking. I like this idea!

library contract still hasn't been given to me to review

A number of people have asked to see the contracts with the library construction. I was advised earlier this week that I would have the contracts by the end of the week. I have still not seen the documents or been presented with contracts to sign so have not been able to sign the documents as of this moment. Furthermore, when I do get the contract, I would like to review the document and will do so promptly. Even though we have retained a lawyer who specializes in construction contracts to advise us : the language in the contract, there may be issues he is unaware of. Past history has shown that it would be irresponsible not to allow members of the community to also take a look at the contract before it is signed. If you are interested in being advised when I am given copies of the contracts to review, please let me know and I will immediately get back to you.
Again, I want to make it clear that as of this writing I have not been given any library construction contracts to review or sign. I also want to emphasize that my review will be done quickly because I do not want to delay the project. I just want to make sure that we are exposing the town to unnecesary and unanticipated problems/costs.

SATELLITE LIBRARY NEEDS CHAIRS, READING AREA- --LIBRARY STAFF DOING A TERRIFIC JOB

The library staff is working very hard. I'm impressed with their dedication and hard work - trying to make the satellite library at Town Hall work.
There is one big problem, however. Inadequate space for people to read, relax.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: The STAR office at Greenburgh Town Hall is moving to the Assessor's office. The STAR office is located down the hall from the satellite library and is a nice size room. I think this room would make an excellent reading room for the library. We can place comfortable chairs/tables in the room. This room can be the satellite periodical section -with magazines, newspapers.
I am asking the Town Board to consider dedicating this room to the library for a reading room. What do you think? The library should be a place for people to come to for relaxation purposes. We might even be able to put some computers in the room and make it WIFI accessible.

Residents Ask Town Bd to Re-Negotiate WESTHELP partnership

At last night's Town Board meeting a number of residents asked the Town Board to renegotiate the WESTHELP partnership with Mayfair Knollwood residents and the Valhalla school district. The NY State Comptroller's office has advised the Town Board that the partnership can continue--provided that the Town Board is willing to re-negotiate the terms. WESTHELP can legally give funds to the Valhalla school district.
The residents who spoke at last nights Town Board meeting stated that the Town Board had approved an agreement with the Mayfair Knollwood community a few years back. The community agreed to support the continued operation of a large homeless facility in their back yard. The town/county/WESTHELP agreed to give the Valhalla school district $650,000 a year in return.
Members of the Town Board who voted for the WESTHELP partnership were Steve Bass, Diana Juettner, Eddie Mae Barnes myself and former councilperson Timmy Weinberg.
The issue --as I see it is this--can residents trust promises made by elected officials?
The town must comply with state law. The state comptroller's office provided us with a means to continue the partnership----legally.

OOPS--wrong web site: FIXEHAPARKING.COM

The web site I listed below should read FIXEHAPARKING.COM

new citizen web site created to promote residential parking on e hartsdale ave

A group of citizens have started a new web site: www.fixhaparking.com. The goal: Address a growing problem for residents of East Hartsdale Ave---the lack of parking on the avenue. East Hartdale Ave is attracting many younger families -- who have two cars. The problem will get worst, unless we come up with some creative suggestions. A committee is being formed to develop short term and long term suggestions. Your thoughts are welcome.

CITIZEN IDEA OF THE DAY: CHANGE MACHINE ON E HARTSDALE AVE FOR PARKERS

I was speaking to Susan Hansel, a resident of E Hartsdale Ave today. She came up with a great suggestion: The parking authority should place change machines on the avenue for parkers. I have received a bunch of parking tickets over the years because I didn't have change on me. Others have had similar experiences.Merchants don't like to give people change if they are not buying anything from them. This suggestion could help people avoid parking tickets because a change machine would be just around the corner.

SATELLITE LIBRARY OPEN AT TOWN HALL

The satellite library at Greenburgh Town Hall is open to the public. The cafeteria on the ground floor of Town Hall has been converted into a library. On the 2nd floor there is a children's library. Part of the lobby is also being used.
I continue to hope that an additional satellite library location will be found for East Hartsdale Ave and/or the Greenburgh Nature Center.
Please visit our new satellite library (other satellite locations are at the Theodore Young Community Center and at the Multipurpose Center, AF Veteran Town Park.

On another matter...the town received the $450,000 check from Yonkers to reimburse the town for our legal costs re: Ridge Hill lawsuit. We settled the case earlier this month (along with Ardsley and Hastings). In addition, the town, Ardsley & Hastings will receive $5 million to enhance road/intersections within the town.

SAVE THE DATE: 2/15 meeting with con ed 7:30 --let's take proactive steps to reduce potential for power outages

Save the date: Last year there were a number of power outages in Greenburgh. Some homeowners had power outages 4, 5 or 6 times. I have scheduled a meeting with Con Ed officials for Feb 15th at 7:30 PM at the Greenville School in Edgemont. The purpose: to discuss proactive steps that can be taken by Con Ed and the town to reduce the potential for future outages.
This meeting is not going to be a meeting where we point fingers at each other - the goal of the meeting is to look ahead, to take action steps so we can avoid a repeat of the problems of 2006.
If your neighborhood had numerous outages last year please advise. My e mail is pfeiner@greenburghny.com.

CENTRAL AVE MORATORIUM ON RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT-SHOULD IT EXCLUDE ADULT RESIDENCES..STUDIO OR ONE BEDROOM APTS?

Readers of this blog might want to read todays Journal News (Business section). An article, which is on their web site (www.lohud.com)--Vasectomy Housing.
School districts in New Jersey are experiencing similar problems to the concerns articuled by Edgemont residents -- high taxes. Residential developments mean more students to educate and more expenses for school districts.
A number of New Jersey communities have approved zoning restrictions allowing for age restrictions on residential developments. Housing can only be built for seniors. Other communities restrict housing to studio apartments, one bedroom apartments. This enables school districts to expand the tax base without the expense of higher enrollment in the schools.
The question: If the Town Board proceeds with a moratorium on residential development should we exempt senior citizen housing or studio apartments from the moratorium? A moratorium on development is not a permanent ban on development. Commercial development will generate more taxes but it will also generate much more traffic, which also has been a concern of many people.
I am asking this question hoping that we can have a dialogue and a disussion about this important issue. I am open minded on this topic.