These are difficult times for all of us. Governments at every level are cutting programs, expenses. The town must do the same. The Town Board and I have asked every department head to identify possible cuts. This Tuesday, beginning at 2:30 PM, we will commence our 2009 budget process --and review of spending reductions. You are invited to attend our work session or to listen to the discussion on the web: www.greenburghny.com. Our meetings are streamed live on the internet. This Tuesday Commissioner Al Regula will discuss eliminating back door pickup of garbage--which will save over $250,000 and eliminate 5 positions.
In addition, Town Board members Sonja Brown, Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan, Sonja Brown, Town Clerk Judith Beville and I are planning to spend at least one night a week until November knocking on doors - making housecalls to discuss the budget/possible cuts/quality of life issues. If you would like the Town Board to stop by at your house - please e mail townboard@greenburghny.com.
Cutting programs is not always pleasant. But--our economy is in trouble and we have no other choice.
PAUL FEINER
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: AL Regula
Sent: Fri 6/27/2008 3:03 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Cc: Town Board; Angelo Nanna
Subject: 2009 Budget issues
As a part of the ongoing cost reduction effort being undertaken by all town Departments, the DPW is considering a proposal to eliminate the “back-door” pickup of garbage throughout the Unincorporated Area. Historically, not all residents have availed themselves of this service and therefore only those who previously have had their garbage picked up in the rear or side yards of their homes would be affected
The savings resulting from this change would be significant, in excess of $250,000. They would include salaries of up to 5 positions that could hopefully be eliminated without layoffs, through attrition and transfers, the benefits associated with these positions, reduced vehicle and fuel usage since satellite vehicle use would drop dramatically and trucks would not be stopping for as long a time waiting for crew members to bring garbage out. The fact that employees would not be carrying garbage from rear yards would also reduce injuries and Workers Compensation expenses.
The discussion of this proposal will take place as the development of the 2009 Town operating budget progresses.
Albert S. Regula
Commissioner of Public Work
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – July 1, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
2:00p.m. Gas Consumption
2:15p.m. Global Warming
2:30p.m. Budget Reviews, Part II – Dept Heads: DPW
3:30p.m. Implementation of Recommendations re: Sewer District Audit
4:00p.m. Executive Session
5:30p.m. Adjourn
East Hartsdale Farmers Market Jazz Series – Performances to Date
July 5 –
July 12th – The Blues Dogs with Al Frankel
July 19th and September 6th – Westchester Harp Ensemble
August 2nd – Julie Corbalis
October 11th – Ceasar Cantori
We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 993-1500
s
Friday, June 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
LET THE VOTERS BYPASS ELECTED OFFICIALS AND PLACE GOV EFFICIENCIES ON BALLOT.. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO VOTE ON LIBRARY, TOWN BUDGET
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ABLE TO PLACE ON BALLOT GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY MEASURES?
SHOULD VOTERS BE ABLE TO VOTE ON TOWN BUDGET, LIBRARY BUDGET—YOU CURRENTLY CAN VOTE ON SCHOOL BUDGET.
Earlier this year the NYS Commission on Efficiency on Local Government recommended that local governments consolidate, share services and look for ways to reduce property taxes. A suggestion that might enhance the chances of getting results quickly:
The New York State Legislature should provide voters in NY State with the ability to circulate petitions and to place consolidation/shared service proposals on the ballot. If elected officials are not responsive to efforts to make government more efficient – the voters (who will be impacted by proposed savings) should have the ability to vote on specific recommendations. Initiatives that address sharing, efficiency, making government more competitive, consolidation should be placed on the ballot – if voters collect a specific number of petition signatures. Currently, in New York State there are no initiative and referendum procedures. If elected officials are unresponsive – voters can’t take any action to overturn the decisions or non-decisions elected officials make. If the taxpayers have the ability to circulate petitions to get government efficiency measures on the ballot I believe that the recommendations of the Commission will not gather dust.
I intend to urge the members of the NYS Legislature and the members of the Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness to support state legislation to authorize voters to initiate government reforms and to get the voter reforms placed on the ballot.
I also believe that voters should have the ability to vote on town budgets, the library budget (the Library Board has the ability to shift funds from their budget without town board consent). Currently, voters can vote on school budgets.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh, NY Town Supervisor
SHOULD VOTERS BE ABLE TO VOTE ON TOWN BUDGET, LIBRARY BUDGET—YOU CURRENTLY CAN VOTE ON SCHOOL BUDGET.
Earlier this year the NYS Commission on Efficiency on Local Government recommended that local governments consolidate, share services and look for ways to reduce property taxes. A suggestion that might enhance the chances of getting results quickly:
The New York State Legislature should provide voters in NY State with the ability to circulate petitions and to place consolidation/shared service proposals on the ballot. If elected officials are not responsive to efforts to make government more efficient – the voters (who will be impacted by proposed savings) should have the ability to vote on specific recommendations. Initiatives that address sharing, efficiency, making government more competitive, consolidation should be placed on the ballot – if voters collect a specific number of petition signatures. Currently, in New York State there are no initiative and referendum procedures. If elected officials are unresponsive – voters can’t take any action to overturn the decisions or non-decisions elected officials make. If the taxpayers have the ability to circulate petitions to get government efficiency measures on the ballot I believe that the recommendations of the Commission will not gather dust.
I intend to urge the members of the NYS Legislature and the members of the Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness to support state legislation to authorize voters to initiate government reforms and to get the voter reforms placed on the ballot.
I also believe that voters should have the ability to vote on town budgets, the library budget (the Library Board has the ability to shift funds from their budget without town board consent). Currently, voters can vote on school budgets.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh, NY Town Supervisor
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
ANOTHER SUGGESTION TO SAVE THE CYBERMOBILE AND SUNDAY LIBRARY HOURS--LEASE SOME SPACE AT THE NEW LIBRARY
At the meeting of the Greenburgh Town Board today (work session) some members of the Library Board expressed surprise at my suggestion to lease space at the new library for storage. Please be advised that I had contacted the Library in the past—see exchange of e mails 3/20/08. This is not the first time I made the suggestion. In these difficult economic times I think the library has to be creative, think out of the box---find ways to generate more revenue.
The new library, which will open up in October, is going to be very expensive. Heating, air conditioning the building will be a big expense. The building has lots of glass--we will have to hire cleaners to clean the windows of the building. Leasing some of the space (at least until the economy improves) will help us REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF CUTTING IMPORTANT LIBRARY SERVICES LIKE SUNDAY HOURS OR THE CYBERMOBILE
PAUL FEINER
From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Thu 3/20/2008 11:07 PM
To: Howard Jacobs
Cc: AL Regula; Towncouncil
Subject: RE: Storage
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We spend tens of thousands of dollars a year in storage. Taking advantage of unused space could help us with the budget and enable the town to use the funds for more important purposes. PAUL FEINER
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Howard Jacobs Sent: Thu 3/20/2008 6:08 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Storage
Paul... I can understand your motivation to secure storage areas for
records and would hope that such areas could be found. Perhaps when
the new facility opens, and we move from Town Hall and the Multi-
Purpose Center there should be room there for storage for the town.
Storage facilities at the Library will be limited. However, it will
be up to the Board of Trustees to decide how the facility will
operate and they will take any request for use under
consideration....Best, Howard
The new library, which will open up in October, is going to be very expensive. Heating, air conditioning the building will be a big expense. The building has lots of glass--we will have to hire cleaners to clean the windows of the building. Leasing some of the space (at least until the economy improves) will help us REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF CUTTING IMPORTANT LIBRARY SERVICES LIKE SUNDAY HOURS OR THE CYBERMOBILE
PAUL FEINER
From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Thu 3/20/2008 11:07 PM
To: Howard Jacobs
Cc: AL Regula; Towncouncil
Subject: RE: Storage
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We spend tens of thousands of dollars a year in storage. Taking advantage of unused space could help us with the budget and enable the town to use the funds for more important purposes. PAUL FEINER
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Howard Jacobs Sent: Thu 3/20/2008 6:08 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Storage
Paul... I can understand your motivation to secure storage areas for
records and would hope that such areas could be found. Perhaps when
the new facility opens, and we move from Town Hall and the Multi-
Purpose Center there should be room there for storage for the town.
Storage facilities at the Library will be limited. However, it will
be up to the Board of Trustees to decide how the facility will
operate and they will take any request for use under
consideration....Best, Howard
9A bypass needed--4th fatality on 9A today.
There was another fatality on 9A this morning – a head on accident with a tractor-trailer. The accident happened just south of Route 100 C, near Hunter Lane. This accident, the 4th fatality on 9A in recent months (the other accidents were pedestrian related hit and run accidents) highlights the need for safety improvements on 9 A. NYS is planning to construct a 9 A bypass. The bypass will increase safety on 9A and reduce congestion. A 9A bypass has been talked about for many years. It’s our hope that NYS will appropriate funds necessary so construction can start sooner rather than later. I am planning to contact the state DOT and will invite them to an upcoming Town Board meeting to provide the public with updates as to when construction will actually start. I will also invite our State Legislators to this meeting.
I'm sending a letter to the state DOT and to our representatives in Albany (Senator Cousins and ASsemblyman Brodsky) inviting them to a meeting on July 9th--the next Town Board meeting.
I'm sending a letter to the state DOT and to our representatives in Albany (Senator Cousins and ASsemblyman Brodsky) inviting them to a meeting on July 9th--the next Town Board meeting.
Monday, June 23, 2008
CYBERMOBILE COULD BE SAVED...WORK SESSION AGENDA FOR TOMORROW
The Library Board has decided to discontinue cybermobile service. A 3 month grant from a foundation has run out. Although I personally believe that there are ways to continue the cybermobile service (within the budget that was approved by the Town Board) –the NYS Education Dept has advised me that the Library Board is independent of the town and has the ability to shift funds WITHOUT the consent of the Town Board. The Library Board might want to consider the suggestion posted below: Another option would be to park the cybermobile at a few different locations during the week and to send a librarian to the location where the cybermobile is parked during the limited hours that it is open. In effect, the cybermobile would be a branch library…. We could use existing drivers for these limited runs.
PAUL FEINER
CITIZEN SUGGESTION---
Lacking funding, what is going to happen to the cybermobile?
I suggest that it be permanently tethered in Hartsdale, either at the parking garage (electricity) or on the street.
Hartsdale represents a central, densely populated area of unincorporated which is NOT within walking distance of the existing Library outposts.
Thus "stationed", it could be opened on a limited basis, as budget or grant affordable, and serve the Seniors domiciled along Hartsdale Avenue and those either using the train station or picking and dropping those that do.
Given that the only serious cost remaining (no repairs, gas) would be personnel.
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – June 24, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
2:00p.m. Agenda Review
2:15p.m. Paper Streets: Follow-up
2:45p.m. RFP for Vending Machines: Follow-up
2:55p.m. Town should invited Dobbs Ferry to participate in RFP re: 27 Main Street
Property – update Waterwheel
3:00p.m. Library Update: Budget, Construction
(Howard Jacobs, Marilyn Greiner, Al Regula, Triton)
3:40p.m. Schedule department meetings to discuss budget cuts - 2009
3:45p.m. Executive Session – Personnel
4:45p.m. Questions re: Westhab – Follow-up
5:00p.m. Interview: Walter Rivera – Ethics Board
5:30p.m. Adjourn
East Hartsdale Farmers Market Jazz Series – Performances to Date
June 28th –
July 5 –
July 12th – The Blues Dogs with Al Frankel
July 19th and September 6th – Westchester Harp Ensemble
August 2nd – Julie Corbalis
October 11th – Ceasar Cantori
We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 993-1500
July 1, 2008 Work Session – Tentative
Begin Budget Meetings with Department Heads
House calls / Community Outreach Meetings:
Monday, June 23rd 8pm – Juniper Hill (meet at Town Hall)
Monday, June 30th 7pm – Fulton Park (door-to-door)
Monday, July 7th – Stone Oaks, Poets Corner (time to be determined)
Monday, July 21st – Irvington (time to be determined)
Monday, July 28th – Valimar (time to be determined)
PAUL FEINER
CITIZEN SUGGESTION---
Lacking funding, what is going to happen to the cybermobile?
I suggest that it be permanently tethered in Hartsdale, either at the parking garage (electricity) or on the street.
Hartsdale represents a central, densely populated area of unincorporated which is NOT within walking distance of the existing Library outposts.
Thus "stationed", it could be opened on a limited basis, as budget or grant affordable, and serve the Seniors domiciled along Hartsdale Avenue and those either using the train station or picking and dropping those that do.
Given that the only serious cost remaining (no repairs, gas) would be personnel.
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – June 24, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
2:00p.m. Agenda Review
2:15p.m. Paper Streets: Follow-up
2:45p.m. RFP for Vending Machines: Follow-up
2:55p.m. Town should invited Dobbs Ferry to participate in RFP re: 27 Main Street
Property – update Waterwheel
3:00p.m. Library Update: Budget, Construction
(Howard Jacobs, Marilyn Greiner, Al Regula, Triton)
3:40p.m. Schedule department meetings to discuss budget cuts - 2009
3:45p.m. Executive Session – Personnel
4:45p.m. Questions re: Westhab – Follow-up
5:00p.m. Interview: Walter Rivera – Ethics Board
5:30p.m. Adjourn
East Hartsdale Farmers Market Jazz Series – Performances to Date
June 28th –
July 5 –
July 12th – The Blues Dogs with Al Frankel
July 19th and September 6th – Westchester Harp Ensemble
August 2nd – Julie Corbalis
October 11th – Ceasar Cantori
We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 993-1500
July 1, 2008 Work Session – Tentative
Begin Budget Meetings with Department Heads
House calls / Community Outreach Meetings:
Monday, June 23rd 8pm – Juniper Hill (meet at Town Hall)
Monday, June 30th 7pm – Fulton Park (door-to-door)
Monday, July 7th – Stone Oaks, Poets Corner (time to be determined)
Monday, July 21st – Irvington (time to be determined)
Monday, July 28th – Valimar (time to be determined)
Friday, June 20, 2008
WESTHAB HAS NEW DRAWINGS, REVISED PLANS, BUILDING DOWNSIZED TO 4 FLOORS
WESTHAB has submitted revised plans for their proposed affordable housing proposal in the Fulton Park section of town. The building has been downsized from 5 floors to 4. If you would like to review the new proposal visit our website: www.greenburghny.com and click on to forms/documents---screen down to community development and conservation.
Community Development and Conservation
View Archived
A) Westhab - 22 Tarrytown Road
Cover letter - Answers to Town Board questions
Deed and Part I Full EAF
Westhab - Traffic Study - Part 1
Westhab - Traffic Study - Part 2
Westhab - Traffic Study - Part 3
Westhab Drawings - Part 1
Westhab Drawings - Part 2
Westhab Drawings - Part 3
Community Development and Conservation
View Archived
A) Westhab - 22 Tarrytown Road
Cover letter - Answers to Town Board questions
Deed and Part I Full EAF
Westhab - Traffic Study - Part 1
Westhab - Traffic Study - Part 2
Westhab - Traffic Study - Part 3
Westhab Drawings - Part 1
Westhab Drawings - Part 2
Westhab Drawings - Part 3
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
HOUSECALLS--LIKE THE OLD FASHIONED DOCTOR, BEGINS!
The Greenburgh Town Board started our "house calls" to different neighborhoods on Wednesday night, June 18th. We met at the home of Ben & Ruth Armato of Hartsdale and exchanged ideas with the Armato's and their neighbors. What an interesting meeting!
Numerous issues were discussed between 7:15 PM and 9:30 PM. Neighbors advised us of some road obstructions (bush/tree overgrowth that may impact traffic safety-blind spots). We will follow up on those complaints. Some residents worried about aging trees that need to be checked for safety and debris in a creek.
We talked about an abandoned house on Joyce Road that will soon be demolished. Among other ideas that were discussed:
**Should the town sell non park land the town owns (9A & Secor--in back of the Greenburgh Housing Authority apartments on Secor) to a developer? If the property is sold some residents think that the property should be turned into affordable housing for seniors. Others suggested a medical office building.
**A suggestion was made: We need 'feeder' bus transportation that could take people from back roads (different neighborhoods) to major developments. Should developers of commercial properties be required, as part of their approvals, to provide shuttle service from their commercial property to different locations around town? The proposed Super Stop & Shop in Tarrytown was suggested as a possibility...
**One resident suggested that the town (to save money) change our curb rehabilitation policy-- the town would replace existing curbs with concrete curbs (less expensive). If people want the more expensive Belgium curbs that have been used --there would be a cost for the resident.
**A neighbor proposed that we look into using power concrete--less expensive.
**Suggestion: post a police officer at the Hartsdale train station during commuter rush hours.
**Revenue generator idea: Place a box at Town Hall --collect cell phones (some businesses will pay for old cell phones).
**Place electronic bulletin boards at key locations --many residents don't use internet, read newspapers to get local news. Last week I met with a philanthropist who offered to donate the electronic boards to the town--saving the town tens of thousands of dollars.
**We discussed streets that need repaving.
**Should the town require garbage to be picked up at the curb? Currently, residents can request non curb-side pickup which requires more employees and is more costly.
**We chatted about budget options. Most people seem to appreciate the level of services they receive and want more info about the impact proposed cuts will have on their taxes. In the coming weeks/months we will detail the impact every proposed cut will have on one's total tax bill.
The members of the Town Board and I (Sonja Brown, Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan, Francis Sheehan, Town Clerk Judith Beville and I ) will be knocking on doors, meeting with residents at least once a week (sometimes more frequently) until the 2009 budget is approved. We want your input.
If you would like the Town Board to stop by at your house please e mail townboard@greenburghny.com. We will meet with residents individually or in a group setting. Some house call meetings will last a few minutes. Other house calls will last a few hours.
One of the benefits of these house call meetings is that it provides the Town Board with input from people who normally do not attend meetings or participate in town government.
PAUL FEINER
on June 23rd the Town Board will have a neighborhood conversation with residents of Juniper HIll...
On June 30th we will meet with residents of Fulton Park...
on July 7th we will knock on doors at Stoneoaks/Poets Corner in Hartsdale.
In mid-July we will exchange ideas with residents of N Elmsford...
Numerous issues were discussed between 7:15 PM and 9:30 PM. Neighbors advised us of some road obstructions (bush/tree overgrowth that may impact traffic safety-blind spots). We will follow up on those complaints. Some residents worried about aging trees that need to be checked for safety and debris in a creek.
We talked about an abandoned house on Joyce Road that will soon be demolished. Among other ideas that were discussed:
**Should the town sell non park land the town owns (9A & Secor--in back of the Greenburgh Housing Authority apartments on Secor) to a developer? If the property is sold some residents think that the property should be turned into affordable housing for seniors. Others suggested a medical office building.
**A suggestion was made: We need 'feeder' bus transportation that could take people from back roads (different neighborhoods) to major developments. Should developers of commercial properties be required, as part of their approvals, to provide shuttle service from their commercial property to different locations around town? The proposed Super Stop & Shop in Tarrytown was suggested as a possibility...
**One resident suggested that the town (to save money) change our curb rehabilitation policy-- the town would replace existing curbs with concrete curbs (less expensive). If people want the more expensive Belgium curbs that have been used --there would be a cost for the resident.
**A neighbor proposed that we look into using power concrete--less expensive.
**Suggestion: post a police officer at the Hartsdale train station during commuter rush hours.
**Revenue generator idea: Place a box at Town Hall --collect cell phones (some businesses will pay for old cell phones).
**Place electronic bulletin boards at key locations --many residents don't use internet, read newspapers to get local news. Last week I met with a philanthropist who offered to donate the electronic boards to the town--saving the town tens of thousands of dollars.
**We discussed streets that need repaving.
**Should the town require garbage to be picked up at the curb? Currently, residents can request non curb-side pickup which requires more employees and is more costly.
**We chatted about budget options. Most people seem to appreciate the level of services they receive and want more info about the impact proposed cuts will have on their taxes. In the coming weeks/months we will detail the impact every proposed cut will have on one's total tax bill.
The members of the Town Board and I (Sonja Brown, Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan, Francis Sheehan, Town Clerk Judith Beville and I ) will be knocking on doors, meeting with residents at least once a week (sometimes more frequently) until the 2009 budget is approved. We want your input.
If you would like the Town Board to stop by at your house please e mail townboard@greenburghny.com. We will meet with residents individually or in a group setting. Some house call meetings will last a few minutes. Other house calls will last a few hours.
One of the benefits of these house call meetings is that it provides the Town Board with input from people who normally do not attend meetings or participate in town government.
PAUL FEINER
on June 23rd the Town Board will have a neighborhood conversation with residents of Juniper HIll...
On June 30th we will meet with residents of Fulton Park...
on July 7th we will knock on doors at Stoneoaks/Poets Corner in Hartsdale.
In mid-July we will exchange ideas with residents of N Elmsford...
WESTHAB to REDESIGN BUILDING IN FULTON PARK
Westhab will be filing revised plans for their proposed affordable housing in Fulton Park. The building will be downsized --the community room (which had been on the 5th floor) will be moved to a lower level. The building will be 4 stories, not 5. The papers should be filed with the planning dept on or before Friday.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
GOVERNING MAGAZINE -JUNE,2008 TALKS ABOUT LEASING OPTIONS FOR LIBRARIES
There is a very interesting article about libraries in the June, 2008 issue of Governing Magazine (www.governing.com)--"REVOLUTION IN THE STACKS". The article points out that libraries lease space for cafes, garden shops, comic book stores and other retailers--whose leases require them to host their own events aimed at drawing yet more people to the library.
Leasing space at the new library to appropriate retailers makes some sense, in my opinion. We can generate needed revenue and offset some of the additional costs that will be incurred once the library opens up.
Leasing space at the new library to appropriate retailers makes some sense, in my opinion. We can generate needed revenue and offset some of the additional costs that will be incurred once the library opens up.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
INFO ABOUT GREENBURGH LIBRARY FOUNDATION
The Greenburgh Public Library Foundation was created by community activists who wanted a state of the art library for the Town. The vision has been expanded and grows with each brick. The people involved are people who care about education, and the sense of community that a library brings to residents. Funds that are being raised are going to enhance the Library and build on a foundation that can continue to to grow and enhance the library experience.
More about the library if you go to greenburghlibraryfoundation.org.
All contributions for the Greenburgh Library should be made out the Greenburgh Public Library Foundation and mailed to the GPLF, PO Box 151, Elmsford, NY 10523. The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization and contributions are fully tax deductible. For more information about the Foundation contact the president, Judy Chriss at her office at 914.631.3334.
More about the library if you go to greenburghlibraryfoundation.org.
All contributions for the Greenburgh Library should be made out the Greenburgh Public Library Foundation and mailed to the GPLF, PO Box 151, Elmsford, NY 10523. The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization and contributions are fully tax deductible. For more information about the Foundation contact the president, Judy Chriss at her office at 914.631.3334.
Friday, June 13, 2008
New Jersey also looking at abolishing county gov
NJ looks to Massachusetts to map end of county government
Reformers seek Senator Moore’s guidance
MONTCLAIR, NJ, November 30, 3005 - Civic activists and municipal leaders in Essex County, New Jersey have been frustrated by the increasing burden of county government in their state. They organized the Essex County Committee to Change County Government, and they want to know how Massachusetts was able to eliminate or reform county government in all but six of the original fourteen counties in the late 1990’s.
The League of Women Voters of the Montclair Area and the Change County Government Steering Committee will co-sponsor an educational meeting entitled "The Massachusetts Experience: Ending County Government” on November 30th. Massachusetts State Senator Richard T. Moore will be the featured speaker at the forum in the Cedar Grove Township Town Hall sponsored by the League and the Committee to Change County Government. Senator Moore, who chaired the Legislature’s Committee on Counties in the late 1990’s was, along with then-Senate Ways and Means Chairman Stanley Rosenberg, the principal architect of legislative efforts to abolish county government in the Bay State.
Moore’s and Rosenberg’s efforts saved property taxpayers in many parts of Massachusetts hundreds of millions of dollars in unfunded pension liability and elimination of county spending. It eliminated an archaic and unnecessary level of government that dated back to colonial times. Since 1999, in addition to being relieved on millions of dollars in pension funding, the thirteen Worcester County towns in Moore’s Senate District have saved an estimated additional $170,000 that would have been assessed if county government was still in business. “This savings meant real reform for local property taxpayers in my district,” Senator Moore explained.
Senator Moore’s visit to New Jersey is part of that state’s efforts to reform or abolish county government. The Change County Government Steering Committee has been investigating the desirability and possibilities involved in effecting a change in county government. The formation of this committee was sparked by the recent ballot referendums to study secession from Essex County in the communities of Montclair, Milburn, Verona and Cedar Grove.
For the past year, official representatives and other leaders of several towns within Essex County, New Jersey have been meeting monthly to discuss how they can better coordinate efforts to stabilize taxes and improve services in the 21 Essex County municipalities with an emphasis on the size and cost of county government. Many of the towns have been looking at this issue via referendums and legal action.
The Massachusetts efforts at reform and the abolition of Worcester County are relevant issues for study by people in New Jersey. Essex County, New Jersey has about the same size population as Worcester County in Massachusetts. New Jersey is often compared in size and population to the Bay State.
In his remarks, Senator Moore will explain his leadership role in county government abolition. As the new Chairman of Counties after his election to the Senate in 1996, Senator Moore, a Democrat, joined with Republican Senator Arthur Chase in a bi-partisan push to abolish or reform county government. Encouraged by Senator Stanley C. Rosenberg (D-Amherst) then-Chair of the powerful Senate Ways and Means Committee, Senator Moore initiated the first serious efforts to abolish county government. The fact that Moore’s own Worcester County and neighboring Middlesex County were on the verge of bankruptcy added fuel to the fight.
Although Senator Chase left the Senate in an unsuccessful run for County Treasurer and Senator Moore moved to the chairmanship of another committee at the start of the 1997-1998 session, the issue of county government abolition had been firmly established. Senator Moore agreed to work with Senator Rosenberg to promote abolition of county government in the new session and newly- elected Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre), who succeeded Moore as chair of Counties Committee, agreed to work with Rosenberg and Moore on the reform initiative as the new term unfolded.
Subsequently, with Middlesex and Worcester Counties on the verge of bankruptcy, Senator Rosenberg decided to make abolition of counties a major theme of the Senate’s FY 1998 state budget. He used a bill filed by Senator Moore to abolish county government to provide a framework for the budget rider. Senator Moore, along with Senator Brewer, worked on refining the language of the budget sections dealing with county government reform.
After a long, and sometimes arduous, legislative battle, the political landscape was redrawn as all but three of the original 14 counties were abolished or dramatically changed. Middlesex, Worcester, Essex, Suffolk, Hamden, Berkshire, Dukes and Nantucket county governments were abolished. Franklin and Hampshire counties were reorganized into locally directed councils of government, Barnstable County government was converted to the Cape Cod Commission. Only Plymouth, Bristol and Norfolk counties were unchanged.
New Jersey leaders want to learn more about the effects of abolition of county government as well as the other forms that were created such as the council of government and the Cape Cod Commission. At the meeting, Senator Moore will also discuss a report that he prepared detailing the political process, the obstacles, and the options for reform.
More information on Senator Moore’s issues can be obtained by checking his web site www.senatormoore.com.
Adobe Acrobat required. Download the free reader, here
Senator Moore's Presentation: Usefulness Outlived - The Collapse of County Government in Massachusetts
Reformers seek Senator Moore’s guidance
MONTCLAIR, NJ, November 30, 3005 - Civic activists and municipal leaders in Essex County, New Jersey have been frustrated by the increasing burden of county government in their state. They organized the Essex County Committee to Change County Government, and they want to know how Massachusetts was able to eliminate or reform county government in all but six of the original fourteen counties in the late 1990’s.
The League of Women Voters of the Montclair Area and the Change County Government Steering Committee will co-sponsor an educational meeting entitled "The Massachusetts Experience: Ending County Government” on November 30th. Massachusetts State Senator Richard T. Moore will be the featured speaker at the forum in the Cedar Grove Township Town Hall sponsored by the League and the Committee to Change County Government. Senator Moore, who chaired the Legislature’s Committee on Counties in the late 1990’s was, along with then-Senate Ways and Means Chairman Stanley Rosenberg, the principal architect of legislative efforts to abolish county government in the Bay State.
Moore’s and Rosenberg’s efforts saved property taxpayers in many parts of Massachusetts hundreds of millions of dollars in unfunded pension liability and elimination of county spending. It eliminated an archaic and unnecessary level of government that dated back to colonial times. Since 1999, in addition to being relieved on millions of dollars in pension funding, the thirteen Worcester County towns in Moore’s Senate District have saved an estimated additional $170,000 that would have been assessed if county government was still in business. “This savings meant real reform for local property taxpayers in my district,” Senator Moore explained.
Senator Moore’s visit to New Jersey is part of that state’s efforts to reform or abolish county government. The Change County Government Steering Committee has been investigating the desirability and possibilities involved in effecting a change in county government. The formation of this committee was sparked by the recent ballot referendums to study secession from Essex County in the communities of Montclair, Milburn, Verona and Cedar Grove.
For the past year, official representatives and other leaders of several towns within Essex County, New Jersey have been meeting monthly to discuss how they can better coordinate efforts to stabilize taxes and improve services in the 21 Essex County municipalities with an emphasis on the size and cost of county government. Many of the towns have been looking at this issue via referendums and legal action.
The Massachusetts efforts at reform and the abolition of Worcester County are relevant issues for study by people in New Jersey. Essex County, New Jersey has about the same size population as Worcester County in Massachusetts. New Jersey is often compared in size and population to the Bay State.
In his remarks, Senator Moore will explain his leadership role in county government abolition. As the new Chairman of Counties after his election to the Senate in 1996, Senator Moore, a Democrat, joined with Republican Senator Arthur Chase in a bi-partisan push to abolish or reform county government. Encouraged by Senator Stanley C. Rosenberg (D-Amherst) then-Chair of the powerful Senate Ways and Means Committee, Senator Moore initiated the first serious efforts to abolish county government. The fact that Moore’s own Worcester County and neighboring Middlesex County were on the verge of bankruptcy added fuel to the fight.
Although Senator Chase left the Senate in an unsuccessful run for County Treasurer and Senator Moore moved to the chairmanship of another committee at the start of the 1997-1998 session, the issue of county government abolition had been firmly established. Senator Moore agreed to work with Senator Rosenberg to promote abolition of county government in the new session and newly- elected Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre), who succeeded Moore as chair of Counties Committee, agreed to work with Rosenberg and Moore on the reform initiative as the new term unfolded.
Subsequently, with Middlesex and Worcester Counties on the verge of bankruptcy, Senator Rosenberg decided to make abolition of counties a major theme of the Senate’s FY 1998 state budget. He used a bill filed by Senator Moore to abolish county government to provide a framework for the budget rider. Senator Moore, along with Senator Brewer, worked on refining the language of the budget sections dealing with county government reform.
After a long, and sometimes arduous, legislative battle, the political landscape was redrawn as all but three of the original 14 counties were abolished or dramatically changed. Middlesex, Worcester, Essex, Suffolk, Hamden, Berkshire, Dukes and Nantucket county governments were abolished. Franklin and Hampshire counties were reorganized into locally directed councils of government, Barnstable County government was converted to the Cape Cod Commission. Only Plymouth, Bristol and Norfolk counties were unchanged.
New Jersey leaders want to learn more about the effects of abolition of county government as well as the other forms that were created such as the council of government and the Cape Cod Commission. At the meeting, Senator Moore will also discuss a report that he prepared detailing the political process, the obstacles, and the options for reform.
More information on Senator Moore’s issues can be obtained by checking his web site www.senatormoore.com.
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Senator Moore's Presentation: Usefulness Outlived - The Collapse of County Government in Massachusetts
HI DE HO---SAVE CAB CALLOWAY'S HOUSE..work session agenda
Greenburgh Town Clerk Judith Beville and I met with Cab Calloway’s daughter yesterday. Cecelia Calloway is seeking assistance with a project to preserve the Cab Calloway house at 1040 Knollwood Road as a historical landmark. Greenburgh played an important role in music, jazz and the arts during the last century. It is our hope that we can prevent the house from being demolished. If you’re interested in working with us in our efforts to save the Calloway House and to preserve the property as a historic landmark please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com and Judith Beville at jbeville@greenburghny.com. The following is a letter received from Cecilia Lael Calloway today.
PAUL FEINER
Hi-De-Ho Paul Feiner,
I am Cecelia Lael Calloway, the daughter of Cab Calloway and I’m seeking your assistance with a project that I strongly believe will benefit the Town of Greenburgh in several ways. My father, Cab Calloway, called Greenburgh home for many years. He truly loved living in this town and he often said he would like to have his legacy kept alive here. I want to acquire the house on Knollwood Road and use it as base to celebrate his life, music, and legacy. I envision this location being used to preserve an important piece of Greenburgh’s history, provide many educational opportunities to learn about the cultural and musical history, and provide a location to feature jazz performances, dance, sculpture, display memorabilia from Dad’s life, photographs, story telling and a functioning recording studio.
Your support would be such a great honor to me, my family and dad. I believe it is imperative to save, preserve and operate the old Calloway home where I met so many great celebrities visiting Dad. My associates and I are embarking on preserving the energies and spirits of celebrities and friends of yesterday who visited dad in celebration at our old home.
Here are just a few of these legendary performers who spent time at the house:
Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., E. Simms Campbell. dinners with Dizzy Gillespie, Loentyne Price, Pearl Bailey, Slappy White, Gordon Parks, Eddie Haywood, Nipsie Russell, Michael Jackson, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, big parties with the Harlem Globe Trotters, Lionel Hampton, Panama Francis, Dave Brubeck, Billy Eckstine, Roy Campanalla and Cab’s band members; Milt Hinton, Fletcher Henderson, Chuck Berry, Cozy Cole, and the great producer of Hello Dolly, David Merrick.
The house is currently for sale and I understand developers have shown interest in acquiring the property for possible subdivision, meaning the demolition of this historically valuable location. We need to move quickly to make this dream happen. I believe the best vehicle for maintaining this location on a longterm basis would be to form a local charitable organization or foundation that would:
1. Operate exclusively for charitable, educational, and civic purposes as referred to in Sections 501(c) (3) and 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, generally referred to as “exempt purposes”.
2. To promote and fund the preservation of Cab Calloway name, likeness, music history and legacy locally and worldwide.
3. To produce fund raising events, activities and concerts for the Calloway house revival and preservation.
4. To purchase, renovate and expand the old Calloway home (1040 Knollwood Rd., White Plains, N.Y.) with showcase rooms, sound recording and music facility for continuous Calloway operations and projects
5. To sponsor multi-media, music and arts programs and projects for underprivileged youth, youth at risk, the school system, the local historical and arts organizations, and places of Higher learning such as colleges and universities.
Of course, these are preliminary ideas, but I think with your help, and the help of any interested groups and citizens, we can preserve this important piece of Greenburgh’s history. If this dream is to become reality, time is of the essence, the clock is ticking and the wrecker’s ball is looming nearby.
I hope you will join me in getting the word out to those who might be interested in making this happen.
Sincerely,
Cecelia Lael Calloway
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 3:27 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: agenda
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – June 17, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
2:00p.m. Special Meeting of the Town Board
2:15p.m. Nancy Gold – Historic Hudson River Towns
Frank Jazzo ---
CAB CALLOWAY HOUSE PRESERVATION EFFORTS
2:45p.m. Leslie Scheiblberg – Contracts for Sculptures Displayed at DeSanti Plaza
3:00p.m. Bob Reninger – Broadview Civic Association and Questions Related to
Library Construction, Traffic, etc. (Tim Lewis, Al Regula, Genie Contrata,
Chief Kapica)
3:45p.m. Greenburgh Housing Authority – Councilwoman Brown
4:15p.m. FAST Swim Team and TDYCC – Councilwoman Brown
4:45p.m. Executive Session
5:30p.m. Adjourn
East Hartsdale Farmers Market Jazz Series – Performances to Date
June 28th – Pete Benway and Members of Royalty
July 19th and September 6th – Westchester Harp Ensemble
August 2nd – Julie Corbalis
October 11th – Ceasar Cantori
We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 9931500
June 24, 2008 Work Session – Tentative
Paper Streets: Follow-up
RFP for Vending Machines
PAUL FEINER
Hi-De-Ho Paul Feiner,
I am Cecelia Lael Calloway, the daughter of Cab Calloway and I’m seeking your assistance with a project that I strongly believe will benefit the Town of Greenburgh in several ways. My father, Cab Calloway, called Greenburgh home for many years. He truly loved living in this town and he often said he would like to have his legacy kept alive here. I want to acquire the house on Knollwood Road and use it as base to celebrate his life, music, and legacy. I envision this location being used to preserve an important piece of Greenburgh’s history, provide many educational opportunities to learn about the cultural and musical history, and provide a location to feature jazz performances, dance, sculpture, display memorabilia from Dad’s life, photographs, story telling and a functioning recording studio.
Your support would be such a great honor to me, my family and dad. I believe it is imperative to save, preserve and operate the old Calloway home where I met so many great celebrities visiting Dad. My associates and I are embarking on preserving the energies and spirits of celebrities and friends of yesterday who visited dad in celebration at our old home.
Here are just a few of these legendary performers who spent time at the house:
Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., E. Simms Campbell. dinners with Dizzy Gillespie, Loentyne Price, Pearl Bailey, Slappy White, Gordon Parks, Eddie Haywood, Nipsie Russell, Michael Jackson, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, big parties with the Harlem Globe Trotters, Lionel Hampton, Panama Francis, Dave Brubeck, Billy Eckstine, Roy Campanalla and Cab’s band members; Milt Hinton, Fletcher Henderson, Chuck Berry, Cozy Cole, and the great producer of Hello Dolly, David Merrick.
The house is currently for sale and I understand developers have shown interest in acquiring the property for possible subdivision, meaning the demolition of this historically valuable location. We need to move quickly to make this dream happen. I believe the best vehicle for maintaining this location on a longterm basis would be to form a local charitable organization or foundation that would:
1. Operate exclusively for charitable, educational, and civic purposes as referred to in Sections 501(c) (3) and 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, generally referred to as “exempt purposes”.
2. To promote and fund the preservation of Cab Calloway name, likeness, music history and legacy locally and worldwide.
3. To produce fund raising events, activities and concerts for the Calloway house revival and preservation.
4. To purchase, renovate and expand the old Calloway home (1040 Knollwood Rd., White Plains, N.Y.) with showcase rooms, sound recording and music facility for continuous Calloway operations and projects
5. To sponsor multi-media, music and arts programs and projects for underprivileged youth, youth at risk, the school system, the local historical and arts organizations, and places of Higher learning such as colleges and universities.
Of course, these are preliminary ideas, but I think with your help, and the help of any interested groups and citizens, we can preserve this important piece of Greenburgh’s history. If this dream is to become reality, time is of the essence, the clock is ticking and the wrecker’s ball is looming nearby.
I hope you will join me in getting the word out to those who might be interested in making this happen.
Sincerely,
Cecelia Lael Calloway
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 3:27 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: agenda
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – June 17, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
2:00p.m. Special Meeting of the Town Board
2:15p.m. Nancy Gold – Historic Hudson River Towns
Frank Jazzo ---
CAB CALLOWAY HOUSE PRESERVATION EFFORTS
2:45p.m. Leslie Scheiblberg – Contracts for Sculptures Displayed at DeSanti Plaza
3:00p.m. Bob Reninger – Broadview Civic Association and Questions Related to
Library Construction, Traffic, etc. (Tim Lewis, Al Regula, Genie Contrata,
Chief Kapica)
3:45p.m. Greenburgh Housing Authority – Councilwoman Brown
4:15p.m. FAST Swim Team and TDYCC – Councilwoman Brown
4:45p.m. Executive Session
5:30p.m. Adjourn
East Hartsdale Farmers Market Jazz Series – Performances to Date
June 28th – Pete Benway and Members of Royalty
July 19th and September 6th – Westchester Harp Ensemble
August 2nd – Julie Corbalis
October 11th – Ceasar Cantori
We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 9931500
June 24, 2008 Work Session – Tentative
Paper Streets: Follow-up
RFP for Vending Machines
Thursday, June 12, 2008
RECYCLING APARTMENT VOLUNTEER WANTED
I MET WITH Peter Costa, Jr and Jack Lombardi of the Division of Solid Waste Management yesterday. The county is looking for one or two apartments to volunteer to be part of a pilot program for recycling. The county will supply (at no cost) recycling containers/bins. The county will monitor the facilities recycling. If you live in an apartment and would like to participate – please e mail me and Peter Costa.
Supervisor,
Thank you for your time today with Mr. Lombardi and myself.
As discussed Westchester County would like to conduct a Pilot Program for Recycling at 1 or 2 multi-family dwellings in your town.
Westchester County will supply recycling containers and or bins (attached samples) and we will conduct a building audit in which our staff will advise what containers / bins would work and where.
Westchester County will also supply the building owner/manger with educational materials to distribute to the residents combined with what the buildings policies will be (where the bins will be kept)
All we ask the town to do is in cooperation with the County monitor the facilities recycling.
Some suggestions in picking buildings;
3 plus family units but under 35 families. (+ -)
Once one or two buildings are chosen we will arrange the inspector to go out an conduct the audit.Thank you again for your assistance.
Peter
Peter D. Costa, Jr.
Environmental Project Coordinator
Westchester County
Department of Environmental Facilities
Division of Solid Waste Management / Recycling / Treasure Hunt Program
270 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10801
(914) 813-5427 Fax (914) 813-5460
ppc9@westchestergov.com
Supervisor,
Thank you for your time today with Mr. Lombardi and myself.
As discussed Westchester County would like to conduct a Pilot Program for Recycling at 1 or 2 multi-family dwellings in your town.
Westchester County will supply recycling containers and or bins (attached samples) and we will conduct a building audit in which our staff will advise what containers / bins would work and where.
Westchester County will also supply the building owner/manger with educational materials to distribute to the residents combined with what the buildings policies will be (where the bins will be kept)
All we ask the town to do is in cooperation with the County monitor the facilities recycling.
Some suggestions in picking buildings;
3 plus family units but under 35 families. (+ -)
Once one or two buildings are chosen we will arrange the inspector to go out an conduct the audit.Thank you again for your assistance.
Peter
Peter D. Costa, Jr.
Environmental Project Coordinator
Westchester County
Department of Environmental Facilities
Division of Solid Waste Management / Recycling / Treasure Hunt Program
270 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10801
(914) 813-5427 Fax (914) 813-5460
ppc9@westchestergov.com
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
REQUESTING AMENDMENT TO ETHICS LAW SO SUPERVISOR, TOWN BOARD MEMBERS CAN APPEAR BEFORE PLANNING BOARD/ZONING BOARD
The current Ethics laws should be amended. Currently, the law prohibits me --as Town Supervisor--from appearing before the Zoning Board or Planning Board to advocate or oppose a proposed development. These two Boards are independent of the Town Board. The members are appointed by Town Board members.
I feel that the law, as it currently is written, violates the first amendment. I also feel that as an elected official I should have the ability to express my views to both Boards on applications that impact the town. I met with the Town Board and Ethics Board today to discuss my concerns.
I feel that the law, as it currently is written, violates the first amendment. I also feel that as an elected official I should have the ability to express my views to both Boards on applications that impact the town. I met with the Town Board and Ethics Board today to discuss my concerns.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
HOUSECALLS TO DISCUSS BUDGET STARTING NEXT MONDAY
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, Council members Sonja Brown, Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan, Francis Sheehan will make housecalls at least once a week this summer –reaching out to residents to discuss budget options and quality of life concerns. The Board members will start their walking tour of the town at 7 PM on Monday evening, June 9th beginning on Joyce Road. They will meet in front of 22 Joyce Road, Hartsdale.
Greenburgh, like other communities in the region, is facing a difficult budget in 2009. The Supervisor has requested all departments to present to the Town Board (for consideration) two budgets for 2009----a budget that includes a zero percent spending increase (compared to 2008) and a budget that cuts spending by 5%. One of the goals of the door to door efforts is to find out what residents want. Would people prefer service cuts or tax hikes? What cuts are acceptable/unacceptable? We want to know.
The Board members will be going door to door to get some feedback from residents. We want to hear from people who normally do not speak out at Town Board meetings, people who may not be active in the community. We also are interested in obtaining feedback from activists. Residents who want to join the members of the Town Board on this walking tour are invited to participate.
Residents who are interested in meeting with the entire Town Board at their home should e mail townboard@greenburghny.com. You can also contact Supervisor Feiner at 438-1343 (cell) or 993-1545 (office). We will arrange to stop by and make a housecall. We will accommodate all requests in the coming months.
ON ANOTHER MATTER…
I’M CYCLING FROM NY TO VERMONT tomorrow to raise funds for the Westchester ARC Foundation and Special Olympics. This is a 200 mile bike trek. I have been cycling with this group since 1990. Our committee has raised $3,535,000 since we started the bike ride. The Special Olympics provides year round sports training programs to over 3,300 athletes and their families. WARC provides the developmentally disabled with places to live. I won’t be in the office tomorrow but can be reached by phone: 438-1343 or on my blackberry: pfeiner@greenburghny.com. If residents have any problems or concerns – please feel free to call me. I am looking for every excuse possible to get off my bicycle and walk up some hills, while taking calls.
Greenburgh, like other communities in the region, is facing a difficult budget in 2009. The Supervisor has requested all departments to present to the Town Board (for consideration) two budgets for 2009----a budget that includes a zero percent spending increase (compared to 2008) and a budget that cuts spending by 5%. One of the goals of the door to door efforts is to find out what residents want. Would people prefer service cuts or tax hikes? What cuts are acceptable/unacceptable? We want to know.
The Board members will be going door to door to get some feedback from residents. We want to hear from people who normally do not speak out at Town Board meetings, people who may not be active in the community. We also are interested in obtaining feedback from activists. Residents who want to join the members of the Town Board on this walking tour are invited to participate.
Residents who are interested in meeting with the entire Town Board at their home should e mail townboard@greenburghny.com. You can also contact Supervisor Feiner at 438-1343 (cell) or 993-1545 (office). We will arrange to stop by and make a housecall. We will accommodate all requests in the coming months.
ON ANOTHER MATTER…
I’M CYCLING FROM NY TO VERMONT tomorrow to raise funds for the Westchester ARC Foundation and Special Olympics. This is a 200 mile bike trek. I have been cycling with this group since 1990. Our committee has raised $3,535,000 since we started the bike ride. The Special Olympics provides year round sports training programs to over 3,300 athletes and their families. WARC provides the developmentally disabled with places to live. I won’t be in the office tomorrow but can be reached by phone: 438-1343 or on my blackberry: pfeiner@greenburghny.com. If residents have any problems or concerns – please feel free to call me. I am looking for every excuse possible to get off my bicycle and walk up some hills, while taking calls.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
INTERESTED IN HAVING LIBRARY NAMED FOR YOU?
The new Greenburgh Library will open in October, 2008. If you would like to have a room, collection section at the library named in your honor – that can be arranged--, if you make a major donation to the Library. The Greenburgh Library Board approved the following fundraising opportunities at a Board meeting. If you are interested in having a room, collection section named for you or a family member – please contact townboard@greenburghny.com. Genie Contrata is the Library director. We will forward all significant donation opportunities to Genie and the Library Board. If you are interested in making a donation and would like a pre-opening day tour of the library to see where your donation will go – a personalized tour can be arranged.
The Town Board is also interested in discussing, with possible large funders, naming the entire building for a significant financial donor.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
438-1343 (cell) 993-1545 (office) 478-1219 (home)
MAJOR FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES *
No. of items
Investment Level
Notes
Children’s Room – Furniture & Furnishings
1
$ 1,250,000
Meeting Room – Chairs, Carpet, Podium, Staging, Movie Screen, Multimedia Projection Equipment, Surround Sound Speakers, Room Darkening Window Coverings
1
$ 1,000,000
Technology – Color Laser Printer, Listening Stations, Flat Screen Televisions,
1
$ 500,000
Stop & Go* Library - Express Service – Shelving, Seating, Wireless Internet Access, Self-Check Computers, Welcome Desk Stations, Signage
$ 300,000
Sculpture & Art – for grounds and Library interior
$ 200,000
Computer Training Center – Patron Computers, Trainer’s Computer, Multimedia Projector, Color Laser Printer
$ 100,000
Audio Visual System throughout building – Public Address System, Security Cameras
$ 80,000
Teenburgh Gift – Shelving, Seating, Tables, Projection Equipment, Neon Teenburgh Sign
$ 75,000
Front Entrance Plaza – Benches, Foliage, Book Returns, Bike Rack, Trash and Recycling Receptacles, Lighting
$ 75,000
Internet Computer Area – Computers, Color Laser Printer,
$ 75,000
Children’s Garden – Seating, Signage, Sundial, Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Privacy/Security Fencing
$ 100,000
Young Adult Program Endowment – to sponsor outreach programs to teens
$ 50,000
Collection Enhancements –
Children’s Easy Reading Collection -
$ 30,000
Parenting Collection
$ 30,000
Music Compact Disk Collection
$ 30,000
Audio Book Collection
$ 30,000
Local History Collection
$ 30,000
DVD Collection
$ 30,000
Magazine and Periodical Collection
$ 30,000
Large Print Books Collection
$ 30,000
The Town Board is also interested in discussing, with possible large funders, naming the entire building for a significant financial donor.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
438-1343 (cell) 993-1545 (office) 478-1219 (home)
MAJOR FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES *
No. of items
Investment Level
Notes
Children’s Room – Furniture & Furnishings
1
$ 1,250,000
Meeting Room – Chairs, Carpet, Podium, Staging, Movie Screen, Multimedia Projection Equipment, Surround Sound Speakers, Room Darkening Window Coverings
1
$ 1,000,000
Technology – Color Laser Printer, Listening Stations, Flat Screen Televisions,
1
$ 500,000
Stop & Go* Library - Express Service – Shelving, Seating, Wireless Internet Access, Self-Check Computers, Welcome Desk Stations, Signage
$ 300,000
Sculpture & Art – for grounds and Library interior
$ 200,000
Computer Training Center – Patron Computers, Trainer’s Computer, Multimedia Projector, Color Laser Printer
$ 100,000
Audio Visual System throughout building – Public Address System, Security Cameras
$ 80,000
Teenburgh Gift – Shelving, Seating, Tables, Projection Equipment, Neon Teenburgh Sign
$ 75,000
Front Entrance Plaza – Benches, Foliage, Book Returns, Bike Rack, Trash and Recycling Receptacles, Lighting
$ 75,000
Internet Computer Area – Computers, Color Laser Printer,
$ 75,000
Children’s Garden – Seating, Signage, Sundial, Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Privacy/Security Fencing
$ 100,000
Young Adult Program Endowment – to sponsor outreach programs to teens
$ 50,000
Collection Enhancements –
Children’s Easy Reading Collection -
$ 30,000
Parenting Collection
$ 30,000
Music Compact Disk Collection
$ 30,000
Audio Book Collection
$ 30,000
Local History Collection
$ 30,000
DVD Collection
$ 30,000
Magazine and Periodical Collection
$ 30,000
Large Print Books Collection
$ 30,000
Sunday, June 01, 2008
OTHER TOWNS ARE ALSO CUTTING SPENDING...FROM JOURNAL NEWS
Drop in housing sales is hurting towns' bottom lines
By Elizabeth Ganga
The Journal News • June 1, 2008
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With the sharp drop in housing sales and lower prices cutting into mortgage-tax revenue, some towns are cutting their budgets with months left in the fiscal year and others are keeping a close eye on spending in case they need to cut them later.
North Castle has a goal of saving $500,000 by the end of the year and Supervisor Reese Berman has directed town departments to cut spending by 10 percent across the board. In addition, there is no more overtime except for emergency service workers and several open positions have been eliminated, including a part-time secretary to the supervisor.
Even with all that, the town hasn't reached its goal.
"All of the supervisors are looking for ways to cut back," Berman said.
Putnam County collected about $2.4 million in mortgage taxes from October through March, down from $3.13 million for the same period a year earlier. The county just recently passed out the checks to the towns.
"That's a pretty significant drop and that's obviously due to the economy," said county Finance Commissioner William Carlin.
Homeowners taking out new mortgages or refinancing pay a tax, part of which goes to municipalities. And with fewer homes being sold and house prices falling, fewer dollars are coming into the government. In the first quarter of the year, sales of single-family homes fell 34 percent in Rockland, 30.5 percent in Westchester and 9.2 percent in Putnam. Prices also dropped a few percentage points.
Heavily residential towns are probably hardest hit by the mortgage tax slide because they rely more on it than municipalities with more diverse tax bases.
The new tax year for villages begins today and many cut their mortgage tax estimates in response to the dire news as they prepared their budgets in April.
Though Westchester and Putnam have a sense of how the revenue from the tax is shaping up this year, Rockland towns get their payments in July. But anticipating a bad year, they also cut their projections.
Haverstraw Finance Director Mike Gamboli said he put a very conservative number on the budget line. For 2007, the town's estimate was $550,000, and the actual revenue was $1.2 million. For 2008, the town budgeted $700,000.
The town of Putnam Valley received $765,000 in mortgage tax revenue for 2007 and had budgeted $700,000 for 2008. But mid-year receipts came in at $288,195, said Finance Director Marianne DeSantis. In response, Supervisor Robert Tendy asked all department heads "to take measures to offset what could be a large revenue gap," in a May 29 memo.
Effective immediately all requests for office supplies must be made to the supervisor's office, no overtime is permitted until further notice except in emergency situations for highway staff, and Town Hall will no longer be open one Saturday a month for bulk item drop-offs. He said he was working on other cost-savings and revenue-generating measures.
In New Castle, department heads and administrators have found about $100,000 to cut so far.
"We've told each department head, 'Make believe it's not there,'" said Town Administrator Gennaro Faiella.
That includes cutting one town newsletter and $40,000 from the paving budget. The current estimates put the mortgage tax revenues at $1.42 million. The town budgeted $1.67 million and may need to make more cuts or dip into the fund balance to make up the difference.
Other communities are warily eyeing the revenue line.
Mamaroneck Town Administrator Stephen Altieri said officials think they will be able to meet their estimate of $1.2 million. Last year they took in about $1.9 million, he estimated.
New Rochelle also is on target, said Finance Commissioner Howard Rattner. Last year the city got about $4.6 million in mortgage tax revenue and this year it estimated $3.9 million.
"We lowered our budget, anticipating that the mortgage tax would be significantly lower than previous years," he said. The sale prices of homes are down about 6 percent, he said.
Greenburgh is tightening up this year and looking at a flat budget or a spending cut for next year, said Supervisor Paul Feiner.
Martha Dodge, the Ossining town supervisor, said she will decide next month whether cuts are necessary.
"We're not panicking yet," she said.
By Elizabeth Ganga
The Journal News • June 1, 2008
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With the sharp drop in housing sales and lower prices cutting into mortgage-tax revenue, some towns are cutting their budgets with months left in the fiscal year and others are keeping a close eye on spending in case they need to cut them later.
North Castle has a goal of saving $500,000 by the end of the year and Supervisor Reese Berman has directed town departments to cut spending by 10 percent across the board. In addition, there is no more overtime except for emergency service workers and several open positions have been eliminated, including a part-time secretary to the supervisor.
Even with all that, the town hasn't reached its goal.
"All of the supervisors are looking for ways to cut back," Berman said.
Putnam County collected about $2.4 million in mortgage taxes from October through March, down from $3.13 million for the same period a year earlier. The county just recently passed out the checks to the towns.
"That's a pretty significant drop and that's obviously due to the economy," said county Finance Commissioner William Carlin.
Homeowners taking out new mortgages or refinancing pay a tax, part of which goes to municipalities. And with fewer homes being sold and house prices falling, fewer dollars are coming into the government. In the first quarter of the year, sales of single-family homes fell 34 percent in Rockland, 30.5 percent in Westchester and 9.2 percent in Putnam. Prices also dropped a few percentage points.
Heavily residential towns are probably hardest hit by the mortgage tax slide because they rely more on it than municipalities with more diverse tax bases.
The new tax year for villages begins today and many cut their mortgage tax estimates in response to the dire news as they prepared their budgets in April.
Though Westchester and Putnam have a sense of how the revenue from the tax is shaping up this year, Rockland towns get their payments in July. But anticipating a bad year, they also cut their projections.
Haverstraw Finance Director Mike Gamboli said he put a very conservative number on the budget line. For 2007, the town's estimate was $550,000, and the actual revenue was $1.2 million. For 2008, the town budgeted $700,000.
The town of Putnam Valley received $765,000 in mortgage tax revenue for 2007 and had budgeted $700,000 for 2008. But mid-year receipts came in at $288,195, said Finance Director Marianne DeSantis. In response, Supervisor Robert Tendy asked all department heads "to take measures to offset what could be a large revenue gap," in a May 29 memo.
Effective immediately all requests for office supplies must be made to the supervisor's office, no overtime is permitted until further notice except in emergency situations for highway staff, and Town Hall will no longer be open one Saturday a month for bulk item drop-offs. He said he was working on other cost-savings and revenue-generating measures.
In New Castle, department heads and administrators have found about $100,000 to cut so far.
"We've told each department head, 'Make believe it's not there,'" said Town Administrator Gennaro Faiella.
That includes cutting one town newsletter and $40,000 from the paving budget. The current estimates put the mortgage tax revenues at $1.42 million. The town budgeted $1.67 million and may need to make more cuts or dip into the fund balance to make up the difference.
Other communities are warily eyeing the revenue line.
Mamaroneck Town Administrator Stephen Altieri said officials think they will be able to meet their estimate of $1.2 million. Last year they took in about $1.9 million, he estimated.
New Rochelle also is on target, said Finance Commissioner Howard Rattner. Last year the city got about $4.6 million in mortgage tax revenue and this year it estimated $3.9 million.
"We lowered our budget, anticipating that the mortgage tax would be significantly lower than previous years," he said. The sale prices of homes are down about 6 percent, he said.
Greenburgh is tightening up this year and looking at a flat budget or a spending cut for next year, said Supervisor Paul Feiner.
Martha Dodge, the Ossining town supervisor, said she will decide next month whether cuts are necessary.
"We're not panicking yet," she said.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Work Session Agenda 6/3 and summary of last week
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
2:00p.m. WestHab Follow-up: Janet Giris
2:30p.m. 2007 Town Financial Statements – Michael Kolesar
· Actuary’s Report on Post Retirement Medical Benefits (OPEB)
· Accrued Liability Related to Tax Certioraris
3:00p.m. Interview – Lorraine Cantori
Candidate for Appointment to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
3:15p.m. RFP for Vending Services / Follow-up – Marc McCrum
(The town should get commissions on machines.)
3:30p.m. Contracts for Sculptures Displayed at DiSanti Plaza
4:00p.m. Library
Work Session Summary – May 27, 2008
Leaf Blower Ban Laws
The Village of Dobbs Ferry and Hastings have both passed laws regarding leaf blowers. Both laws will be referred to the CAC for review. We will also seek input from the Building Inspector and Police Chief.
Paper Street Requests
Deferred to June 24, 2008.
Hevelyne Road
Ed Lieberman, attorney with the Office of the Town Attorney, discussed the court case involving Hevelyn Road. The question is this: Should the road be considered a town road? The Knollwood Country Club has threatened to litigate this matter if the town assumes ownership of the road Elmsford officials attended the meeting. They are also involved in litigation. The road conditions impact the ability of their fire department to respond to residents who have emergencies. Some residents want the town to take over the road. Other residents do not. The town will issue a summons to residents of the street. We hope the Judge will mediate the dispute.
Library Construction and Triton
Genie Contrata and Al Regula provided an update regarding the status of the library construction as well as the completion status of projects covered by specific grants. A follow-up discussion regarding the status of grants and funding requests to support the library will be held during the June 3rd Work Session. The town will discuss with the Library Foundation and Board an aggressive fundraising effort. Significant contributors can request to have the library named for themselves. Rooms at the library can also be named for significant donors.
Housing Action Council
Rosemary Noonan, Executive Director of the Housing Action Council discussed the SHORE affordable housing in Ardsley. Members of the Board expressed a desire that affordable housing be affordable in perpetuity. Rosemary Noonan and the Housing Action Council agreed to work with the Town Board and provide advice and direction regarding requests from all prospective developers who express a desire to build “affordable housing” in the Town of Greenburgh re: selection process for applicants re: affordable housing.
RFP for Vending Services
As a strategy for increasing revenue, the Town is moving forward -charging a commission on all vending machines. A follow-up to proposal will be addressed during the June 3rd Work Session.
Town Board Rules and Procedures
The rules and procedures were distributed and briefly discussed. Board members will continue to review the rules and procedures in preparation for adoption at the June 11th Board meeting.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
2:00p.m. WestHab Follow-up: Janet Giris
2:30p.m. 2007 Town Financial Statements – Michael Kolesar
· Actuary’s Report on Post Retirement Medical Benefits (OPEB)
· Accrued Liability Related to Tax Certioraris
3:00p.m. Interview – Lorraine Cantori
Candidate for Appointment to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
3:15p.m. RFP for Vending Services / Follow-up – Marc McCrum
(The town should get commissions on machines.)
3:30p.m. Contracts for Sculptures Displayed at DiSanti Plaza
4:00p.m. Library
Work Session Summary – May 27, 2008
Leaf Blower Ban Laws
The Village of Dobbs Ferry and Hastings have both passed laws regarding leaf blowers. Both laws will be referred to the CAC for review. We will also seek input from the Building Inspector and Police Chief.
Paper Street Requests
Deferred to June 24, 2008.
Hevelyne Road
Ed Lieberman, attorney with the Office of the Town Attorney, discussed the court case involving Hevelyn Road. The question is this: Should the road be considered a town road? The Knollwood Country Club has threatened to litigate this matter if the town assumes ownership of the road Elmsford officials attended the meeting. They are also involved in litigation. The road conditions impact the ability of their fire department to respond to residents who have emergencies. Some residents want the town to take over the road. Other residents do not. The town will issue a summons to residents of the street. We hope the Judge will mediate the dispute.
Library Construction and Triton
Genie Contrata and Al Regula provided an update regarding the status of the library construction as well as the completion status of projects covered by specific grants. A follow-up discussion regarding the status of grants and funding requests to support the library will be held during the June 3rd Work Session. The town will discuss with the Library Foundation and Board an aggressive fundraising effort. Significant contributors can request to have the library named for themselves. Rooms at the library can also be named for significant donors.
Housing Action Council
Rosemary Noonan, Executive Director of the Housing Action Council discussed the SHORE affordable housing in Ardsley. Members of the Board expressed a desire that affordable housing be affordable in perpetuity. Rosemary Noonan and the Housing Action Council agreed to work with the Town Board and provide advice and direction regarding requests from all prospective developers who express a desire to build “affordable housing” in the Town of Greenburgh re: selection process for applicants re: affordable housing.
RFP for Vending Services
As a strategy for increasing revenue, the Town is moving forward -charging a commission on all vending machines. A follow-up to proposal will be addressed during the June 3rd Work Session.
Town Board Rules and Procedures
The rules and procedures were distributed and briefly discussed. Board members will continue to review the rules and procedures in preparation for adoption at the June 11th Board meeting.
DOG PARK CONTRACT AWARDED
In 2007 the Town Board authorized the funding of the dog park at Rumbrook Park. On Wednesday night the Town Board unanimously approved the contract. The dog park will open this fall.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
ABANDONED PROPERTY TO BE DEMOLISHED
In recent years I have received many complaints about a property at 24 Joyce Road. It’s a big eyesore –a property owner started building a home but never completed the work. The abandoned property has been boarded up, impacting the quality of life for neighbors. It’s been frustrating . We’ve issued violations and summons over the years. The owner of the property requested that the town provide him with extensions so he could complete the work. We granted an extension a few years ago – but construction was never completed.
Today the case was scheduled for trial. This is what happened, according to the town atty:
The above captioned case was scheduled for trial today (5/28/08) and the defendants retained counsel to negotiate a plea. Both property owners pled guilty to violating several NYS Property Maintenance Codes. They agreed to demolish the structure that is presently at 24 Joyce Road after obtaining a demolition permit as well as any other necessary permits. They contend that they lacked the finances to complete the building so they opted to demolition it. They agreed to grade the property and plant grass seeds once the building is demolished. Judge Friedman granted them until September 1, 2008, to complete this work. The defendants were ordered to apply for the demolition permit within the next week and fully cooperate with town officials in completing the work. The defendants received a total fine of $7,500. The remaining summonses will not be disposed of until September 3, 2008 so as to assure compliance with this stipulation.
Over the years I have suggested that the town adopt an abandoned property law to enable the town to take quicker action to address these eyesores. Neighbors of 24 Joyce Road have been living next door to an eyesore for a number of years. Other people should not be placed in a similar situation.
Today the case was scheduled for trial. This is what happened, according to the town atty:
The above captioned case was scheduled for trial today (5/28/08) and the defendants retained counsel to negotiate a plea. Both property owners pled guilty to violating several NYS Property Maintenance Codes. They agreed to demolish the structure that is presently at 24 Joyce Road after obtaining a demolition permit as well as any other necessary permits. They contend that they lacked the finances to complete the building so they opted to demolition it. They agreed to grade the property and plant grass seeds once the building is demolished. Judge Friedman granted them until September 1, 2008, to complete this work. The defendants were ordered to apply for the demolition permit within the next week and fully cooperate with town officials in completing the work. The defendants received a total fine of $7,500. The remaining summonses will not be disposed of until September 3, 2008 so as to assure compliance with this stipulation.
Over the years I have suggested that the town adopt an abandoned property law to enable the town to take quicker action to address these eyesores. Neighbors of 24 Joyce Road have been living next door to an eyesore for a number of years. Other people should not be placed in a similar situation.
Friday, May 23, 2008
WORK SESSION-TUESDAY...MINUTES OF LAST WORK SESSION
Town of Greenburgh
Revised (5/19/08) Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32)
All Work Sessions are now streamed live.
2:00p.m. Leaf Blower Ban Laws
2:15p.m. Paper Street Requests – Follow-up
• Steve Xydas
• Debra Jaldane
2:45p.m. Hevelyne Road follow up
3:15p.m. Library Construction and Triton – Al Regula and Genie Contrata
3:30p.m. Rosemary Noonan – Executive Director of the Housing Action Council
(SHORE and Hastings Affordable Housing) – Supervisor Feiner and
Councilwoman Brown
4:00p.m. RFP for Vending Machine Services – town should get commissions on machines Marc McCrum
4:15p.m. Town Board Rules and Procedures – Councilman Morgan
4:45p.m. Executive Session – Personnel (committee appointments discussion)
5:30p.m. Adjourn -- This meeting will adjourn promptly at 5:30 PM
May 20, 2008 Work Session Summary
Greenville Fire District
Commissioners from the Greenville Fire District requested that the Town of Greenburgh provide them with one hundred thousand dollars to support their purchase of technical rescue equipment – equipment that is used throughout the Town. Supervisor Feiner recommended that the Greenville, Hartsdale and Fairview Fire Districts consider applying for a grant to explore sharing services (similar to the Dobbs Ferry/Greenburgh police sharing services study). Further discussion is required regarding the request for funding.
Library Construction and Triton
Deferred to May 27, 2008 Work Session.
Proposed Real Property Tax Committee
A proposed resolution was discussed and reviewed “…to form a committee, (to be initially co-chaired by Mr. Paul L. Sterne, private citizen of the Village of Dobbs Ferry and Ms. Edye McCarthy, Assessor, Town of Greenburgh,) to investigate the current system of real estate taxation on all types of property within the jurisdiction of the Town of Greenburgh and report on its findings to the Supervisor and Town Board…”
WestHab
WestHab developers, who propose to build an affordable housing residence at 22 Tarrytown Road and Old Kensico Road (near Verizon, Staples, County Center), presented a new design to the Town Board – their 3rd design. The building is being reduced from 5 floors to 4. The number of units has also been reduced. Residents and Town Board members suggested some additional design modification – using red bricks similar to the exterior of the Fulton Park apts. The May 28th scheduled public hearing will be postponed to June 11. WESTHAB will finalize their design and meet with the community prior to the 11th.
GHA Accounts Receivable
The Greenburgh Housing Authority members and attorney are disputing the amount of funds owed to the town for designated police presence at the Housing Authority sites. The Housing Authority agrees that they owe the town funds for 2007 but they claim that they do not owe the town money for services provided in 2006 and 2005 since they claim there was no contract. The GHA agreed to provide the town Attorney’s office with minutes of the Housing Authority meetings covering the last three years. The Town Board will follow up on this after the review of records is completed.
Capital Budget Presentation
The Town Supervisor submitted a proposed Capital Budget for the amount of $4,018,468 which reflects an adjustment of $3,802,059 between what was originally requested by Department Heads ($7,820,527) and what was saved due to a collective effort on the part of the Board to reduce spending in the Town.
End of Work Session
Revised (5/19/08) Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32)
All Work Sessions are now streamed live.
2:00p.m. Leaf Blower Ban Laws
2:15p.m. Paper Street Requests – Follow-up
• Steve Xydas
• Debra Jaldane
2:45p.m. Hevelyne Road follow up
3:15p.m. Library Construction and Triton – Al Regula and Genie Contrata
3:30p.m. Rosemary Noonan – Executive Director of the Housing Action Council
(SHORE and Hastings Affordable Housing) – Supervisor Feiner and
Councilwoman Brown
4:00p.m. RFP for Vending Machine Services – town should get commissions on machines Marc McCrum
4:15p.m. Town Board Rules and Procedures – Councilman Morgan
4:45p.m. Executive Session – Personnel (committee appointments discussion)
5:30p.m. Adjourn -- This meeting will adjourn promptly at 5:30 PM
May 20, 2008 Work Session Summary
Greenville Fire District
Commissioners from the Greenville Fire District requested that the Town of Greenburgh provide them with one hundred thousand dollars to support their purchase of technical rescue equipment – equipment that is used throughout the Town. Supervisor Feiner recommended that the Greenville, Hartsdale and Fairview Fire Districts consider applying for a grant to explore sharing services (similar to the Dobbs Ferry/Greenburgh police sharing services study). Further discussion is required regarding the request for funding.
Library Construction and Triton
Deferred to May 27, 2008 Work Session.
Proposed Real Property Tax Committee
A proposed resolution was discussed and reviewed “…to form a committee, (to be initially co-chaired by Mr. Paul L. Sterne, private citizen of the Village of Dobbs Ferry and Ms. Edye McCarthy, Assessor, Town of Greenburgh,) to investigate the current system of real estate taxation on all types of property within the jurisdiction of the Town of Greenburgh and report on its findings to the Supervisor and Town Board…”
WestHab
WestHab developers, who propose to build an affordable housing residence at 22 Tarrytown Road and Old Kensico Road (near Verizon, Staples, County Center), presented a new design to the Town Board – their 3rd design. The building is being reduced from 5 floors to 4. The number of units has also been reduced. Residents and Town Board members suggested some additional design modification – using red bricks similar to the exterior of the Fulton Park apts. The May 28th scheduled public hearing will be postponed to June 11. WESTHAB will finalize their design and meet with the community prior to the 11th.
GHA Accounts Receivable
The Greenburgh Housing Authority members and attorney are disputing the amount of funds owed to the town for designated police presence at the Housing Authority sites. The Housing Authority agrees that they owe the town funds for 2007 but they claim that they do not owe the town money for services provided in 2006 and 2005 since they claim there was no contract. The GHA agreed to provide the town Attorney’s office with minutes of the Housing Authority meetings covering the last three years. The Town Board will follow up on this after the review of records is completed.
Capital Budget Presentation
The Town Supervisor submitted a proposed Capital Budget for the amount of $4,018,468 which reflects an adjustment of $3,802,059 between what was originally requested by Department Heads ($7,820,527) and what was saved due to a collective effort on the part of the Board to reduce spending in the Town.
End of Work Session
Thursday, May 22, 2008
LUXURY RENTALS MAY BE COMING TO HARTSDALE -250 CENTRAL AVE
I had a pre-application meeting with a developer who advises that his company will be submitting plans to the town in the near future to build some luxury rental units at 250 Central Ave in Hartsdale. Will keep you posted...
15-16 PEOPLE LIVING AT 206 WARREN, SUMMONSES WERE ISSUED
IF YOU ARE AWARE OF ILLEGAL OVERCROWDING CONDITIONS YOU SHOULD E MAIL BUILDING@GREENBURGHNY.COM. THE FOLLOWING E MAIL WAS RECEIVED FROM THE BUILDING INSPECTOR, JOHN LUCIDO.
Paul Feiner
Last night, Code Enforcement Officers from the Building Department and officers from the Police Department went out on an inspection for overcrowding and illegal boarders at 206 Warren Avenue. They found evidence that although the owner does not live in the house, a one-family residence, approximately 15 to 16 people do reside there. We are processing approximately 30 to 40 summonses for various violations that were discovered. Recently, I forwarded a report to the Town Board revealing that in the 15 months since the Town Board approved the hiring of the Code Enforcement Officer, $134,000 was collected in fines for a range of quality of life violations, including harboring illegal boarders. The summonses were issued by all of the staff members but I used the window of the time since the new member of the department came on board. Last night’s accomplishment indicates to me that the public is not aware of the harsh fines now being meted out by Justice Friedman in these illegal and unsafe living circumstances. John Lucido, Building Inspector
Paul Feiner
Last night, Code Enforcement Officers from the Building Department and officers from the Police Department went out on an inspection for overcrowding and illegal boarders at 206 Warren Avenue. They found evidence that although the owner does not live in the house, a one-family residence, approximately 15 to 16 people do reside there. We are processing approximately 30 to 40 summonses for various violations that were discovered. Recently, I forwarded a report to the Town Board revealing that in the 15 months since the Town Board approved the hiring of the Code Enforcement Officer, $134,000 was collected in fines for a range of quality of life violations, including harboring illegal boarders. The summonses were issued by all of the staff members but I used the window of the time since the new member of the department came on board. Last night’s accomplishment indicates to me that the public is not aware of the harsh fines now being meted out by Justice Friedman in these illegal and unsafe living circumstances. John Lucido, Building Inspector
CAPITAL BUDGET RELEASED
have submitted to the Town Board the proposed Capital Budget for 2008 in the amount of $4,018,468 which excludes the last portion of the new Library construction project and the anticipated capital plans for years 2009 and 2010. In recent weeks members of the Town Board and I have spent some time meeting with all departments heads who requested funds from the capital budget The recommended capital budget is approximately 36% below the 2007 Adopted Capital Budget amount of $6,307,395 and approximately 51 % of the amounts requested by the various activities for 2008. As you know, the Town is facing a challenging fiscal environment related to many factors, some local and some national and international in nature. The 2008 Recommended Capital Budget is also less than the 2006 Adopted Capital Budget of$5,105,000 by approximately 21 %.
In addition to the format that has been used in prior years, this year's presentation includes a new section beginning on Page 17 created by the Town's Comptroller, Michael Kolesar, that aims to present this data in a clearer and more meaningful manner as well as present a forecast of the impact of this Recommended Capital Budget on the 2009 Debt Service Costs for both the Town Entire and Town Outside Villages funds. This projection indicates that debt service costs for the Town Entire will increase approximately $143,000 and contribute to an increase in the Town Entire 2009 tax rate of .24%. Debt service costs for the Town Outside Villages are anticipated to increase by approximately $350,000 and would contribute to an increase in the Town Outside Villages 2009 tax rate of 1.11 %. If the last portion of the Library project that must be funded this year were excluded, the debt service costs for the Town Outside Villages would project a decrease of approximately $ 207,000.
The entire capital budget in its entirety will be posted on the town’s web site (www.greenburghny.com---under forms). One can also obtain a copy by e mailing me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
In addition to the format that has been used in prior years, this year's presentation includes a new section beginning on Page 17 created by the Town's Comptroller, Michael Kolesar, that aims to present this data in a clearer and more meaningful manner as well as present a forecast of the impact of this Recommended Capital Budget on the 2009 Debt Service Costs for both the Town Entire and Town Outside Villages funds. This projection indicates that debt service costs for the Town Entire will increase approximately $143,000 and contribute to an increase in the Town Entire 2009 tax rate of .24%. Debt service costs for the Town Outside Villages are anticipated to increase by approximately $350,000 and would contribute to an increase in the Town Outside Villages 2009 tax rate of 1.11 %. If the last portion of the Library project that must be funded this year were excluded, the debt service costs for the Town Outside Villages would project a decrease of approximately $ 207,000.
The entire capital budget in its entirety will be posted on the town’s web site (www.greenburghny.com---under forms). One can also obtain a copy by e mailing me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
3 HIT AND RUN FATAL ACCIDENTS--TOWNS RESPONSE...SPECIAL MEETING OF TOWN BD THURSDAY...HEARING SET FOR WED NIGHT
The Greenburgh Town Board will be holding a special meeting on Thursday May 21 at 7:15 PM at Town Hall to set a public hearing for May 28th on the following resolution. THe hearing will be held at our Board meeting on the 28th. Last Friday there was another hit & run death on 9A--the 3rd fatal accident on 9A since January. We have been in touch with CDBG officials and have been working with the county CDBG program to fund sidewalks and other pedestrian safety initiatives.
These initiatives, if approved, could reduce the potential for another fatal accident on 9A.
PAUL FEINER
RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION
FOR 2009 – 2011 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING FOR SAW Mill River Road (Route 9A) improvement project
WHEREAS, the Town of Greenburgh is a member municipality of the Westchester Urban County Consortium and, as such is eligible to submit applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to Westchester County; and
WHEREAS, after meeting with the Community Development Advisory Committee, community members, as well as Town Agencies and non-profit organizations, the Town has developed a series of projects designed to address both the needs of low and moderate income citizens and the priorities for funding established by Westchester County (the development or maintenance of Affordable Housing Opportunities; Sustainable Investment; and Opportunities for Youth); and
WHEREAS, Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A) is located in the heart of the CDBG target area and serves as the primary pedestrian and vehicular traffic route into and out of the area for local residents including public housing tenants and others in the immediate vicinity; and
WHEREAS, New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) and determined that DOT would upgrade the pedestrian crossing signal and improve pedestrian crossing safety time; and
WHEREAS, the Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A) improvement project will include a sidewalks, curbs, drainage improvements and traffic calm devices that would be part of New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), to upgrade road access and pedestrian crossing along Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A); and
WHEREAS, the proposed project would compliment the redesign plans by NYSDOT for Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A) and would be a two phase project; and
WHEREAS, the first phase would include improvements from Payne Street to Old Country Road and the Second phase would include improvements from Old Country Road to Hunter Lane: and
WHEREAS, the proposed project would also include pedestrian scale lighting as lighting plays an important role in the overall character of any area. This type of lighting would be used along the sidewalks and pedestrian areas to illuminate and identify routes and provide safety at night; and
WHEREAS, the project will include but not be limited to sidewalks, trees, tree grates, tree guards, plants & planters, sidewalks, curbs, drainage improvements, traffic calm devices, and new pedestrian scale lighting; and
WHEREAS, local residents have requested additional sidewalks be installed in the interest of easier pedestrian access and enhanced safety; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh hereby endorses the submission of an application to Westchester County for $800,000 ($0.00 for the first year, $0.00 second year, and $800,000.00 for the third year) in CDBG funds for Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A) improvement project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Greenburgh will support the project with construction supervision and management, materials and labor in addition to the estimated cash amount of $200,000 ($0.00 for the first year, $50,000.00 for the second year and $200,000 for the third year).
These initiatives, if approved, could reduce the potential for another fatal accident on 9A.
PAUL FEINER
RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION
FOR 2009 – 2011 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING FOR SAW Mill River Road (Route 9A) improvement project
WHEREAS, the Town of Greenburgh is a member municipality of the Westchester Urban County Consortium and, as such is eligible to submit applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to Westchester County; and
WHEREAS, after meeting with the Community Development Advisory Committee, community members, as well as Town Agencies and non-profit organizations, the Town has developed a series of projects designed to address both the needs of low and moderate income citizens and the priorities for funding established by Westchester County (the development or maintenance of Affordable Housing Opportunities; Sustainable Investment; and Opportunities for Youth); and
WHEREAS, Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A) is located in the heart of the CDBG target area and serves as the primary pedestrian and vehicular traffic route into and out of the area for local residents including public housing tenants and others in the immediate vicinity; and
WHEREAS, New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) and determined that DOT would upgrade the pedestrian crossing signal and improve pedestrian crossing safety time; and
WHEREAS, the Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A) improvement project will include a sidewalks, curbs, drainage improvements and traffic calm devices that would be part of New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), to upgrade road access and pedestrian crossing along Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A); and
WHEREAS, the proposed project would compliment the redesign plans by NYSDOT for Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A) and would be a two phase project; and
WHEREAS, the first phase would include improvements from Payne Street to Old Country Road and the Second phase would include improvements from Old Country Road to Hunter Lane: and
WHEREAS, the proposed project would also include pedestrian scale lighting as lighting plays an important role in the overall character of any area. This type of lighting would be used along the sidewalks and pedestrian areas to illuminate and identify routes and provide safety at night; and
WHEREAS, the project will include but not be limited to sidewalks, trees, tree grates, tree guards, plants & planters, sidewalks, curbs, drainage improvements, traffic calm devices, and new pedestrian scale lighting; and
WHEREAS, local residents have requested additional sidewalks be installed in the interest of easier pedestrian access and enhanced safety; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh hereby endorses the submission of an application to Westchester County for $800,000 ($0.00 for the first year, $0.00 second year, and $800,000.00 for the third year) in CDBG funds for Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A) improvement project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Greenburgh will support the project with construction supervision and management, materials and labor in addition to the estimated cash amount of $200,000 ($0.00 for the first year, $50,000.00 for the second year and $200,000 for the third year).
FEINER TO CYCLE TO VERMONT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS AND WARC...WVOX RADIO PROGRAM THIS FRIDAY TO DISCUSS RIDE
Teresa Gilli of the Special Olympic, Hudson Valley Region will be the guest on Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner’s radio program this Friday May 23rd between 10 AM and 11 AM on WVOX Radio in New Rochelle (1460 AM). . Feiner and Gilli will discuss the June 6th Bresnan Bike tour from NY to Vermont to raise funds for the Special Olympics and Westchester Arc Foundation.
Supervisor Feiner has been cycling to Vermont with the tour since 1990. The ride is 200 miles. Each cyclist is asked to collect a minimum of $2,000 in pledges.
Last year the group raised over $410,000 for the two organizations. Since 1990 over $3,535,000 has been raised. In 1990 John Kennedy, Jr. and Robert Kennedy, Jr. participated in the weekend charity bike ride. The Special Olympics is a non profit organization providing programs and events to children and adults with disabilities. Year round sports training programs and athletic competitions are organized. Westchester Arc helps children and adults with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities live as independently and productively as possible.
Teresa Gilli is the coordinator of the event. The program is streamed live on the WVOX radio web site (www.wvox.com). People can call in at 636-0110. Bresnan Bike Tour Website: www.bresnanbiketour.com
Supervisor Feiner has been cycling to Vermont with the tour since 1990. The ride is 200 miles. Each cyclist is asked to collect a minimum of $2,000 in pledges.
Last year the group raised over $410,000 for the two organizations. Since 1990 over $3,535,000 has been raised. In 1990 John Kennedy, Jr. and Robert Kennedy, Jr. participated in the weekend charity bike ride. The Special Olympics is a non profit organization providing programs and events to children and adults with disabilities. Year round sports training programs and athletic competitions are organized. Westchester Arc helps children and adults with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities live as independently and productively as possible.
Teresa Gilli is the coordinator of the event. The program is streamed live on the WVOX radio web site (www.wvox.com). People can call in at 636-0110. Bresnan Bike Tour Website: www.bresnanbiketour.com
WESTHAB HEARING RESCHEDULED -TO BE REDESIGNED
The proposed WESTHAB workforce housing proposal was scheduled for a public hearing for May 28th. Yesterday, at our work session, some residents made some constructive suggestions re: design of the building. WESTHAB, which hopes to build 35 affordable housing units (down from the original 42) for working people, has agreed to re-design the building and will be having a dialogue with Fulton Park neighbors in advance of the hearing. The hearing will be rescheduled for June 11th at the Greenburgh Town Board meeting. This will be the 4th new design for the building.
PAUL FEINER
from the applicant
Thanks to you and the Town Board for meeting with us yesterday afternoon, and for accommodating our schedule. In light of our meeting, and the comments received from the Board and members of the public, I am requesting on behalf of Westhab that the public hearing be adjourned from May 28 to the Town Board's next meeting on June 11. This would allow Westhab and its architects more time to revisit the design of the building and to try to address the comments of the Board and those members of the community who were present at the meeting. It would also allow Westhab the opportunity to meet with the community in advance of the public hearing to discuss any revisions. We would also present any further revisions to the Board at a work session prior to June 11.
Since the beginning of the process, Westhab has tried to be a good neighbor, and has tried, at great expense, to be responsive to the comments and concerns raised by the Town Board, the Planning Board and the community. We look forward to working with you and the Town Board toward the conclusion of the process for this very important project for the Town of Greenburgh.
PAUL FEINER
from the applicant
Thanks to you and the Town Board for meeting with us yesterday afternoon, and for accommodating our schedule. In light of our meeting, and the comments received from the Board and members of the public, I am requesting on behalf of Westhab that the public hearing be adjourned from May 28 to the Town Board's next meeting on June 11. This would allow Westhab and its architects more time to revisit the design of the building and to try to address the comments of the Board and those members of the community who were present at the meeting. It would also allow Westhab the opportunity to meet with the community in advance of the public hearing to discuss any revisions. We would also present any further revisions to the Board at a work session prior to June 11.
Since the beginning of the process, Westhab has tried to be a good neighbor, and has tried, at great expense, to be responsive to the comments and concerns raised by the Town Board, the Planning Board and the community. We look forward to working with you and the Town Board toward the conclusion of the process for this very important project for the Town of Greenburgh.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
STUDY FOR 9A...3 FATALITIES ON ROAD...BICYCLE SAFETY RIDE TOMORROW ON CENTRAL AVE 6:30 pm
STUDY WANTED TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO ACTION STEPS THAT COULD/SHOULD BE TAKEN TO REDUCE POTENTIAL OF FUTURE FATALITIES ON 9A
3 FATALITIES SINCE JANUARY…SIDEWALKS NEEDED…WHAT ELSE SHOULD BE DONE?
There have been 3 fatal hit and run accidents on 9A this year. On Friday night a Hispanic victim was hit in the southbound lane while crossing the road just north of Payne Street around 10 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene. In March, 51-year-old Manuel Guaman Saca of Elmsford was found dead in the snow on Route 9A near Hunter Lane after being struck by a vehicle. On January 14 Harminder Singh died on Route 9A between Park Ave and Whitehouse Road. I am contacting the NYS Department of Transportation and Greenburgh Police Dept and will be asking for a pedestrian traffic safety study to be conducted for 9A. What action steps could be taken on 9A (a state road) that will reduce the possibility of another fatality? More sidewalks…crosswalks…signs advising pedestrians that there have been fatalities and warning them to be more careful… We need to be proactive and think of ways to reduce the possibility of another fatality.
What: Ride of Silence – 8 mile, slow-paced bicycle ride to honor all cyclists injured or killed on public roads, will also be filmed as part of a documentary film THE LONG BIKE BACK
When: Wednesday May 21st 2008, gather at 6:30pm for a 6:45pm start
Where: Central Avenue in Greenburgh – from Midway Shopping Center (1001 Central Ave just south of Ardsley Rd) to Pathmark (at Battle Ave) returning to Midway Shopping Center
Contact: Julia Wrona (914) 576-1727 julia@ailujon.com
www.longbikeback.com, www.rideofsilence.org
The Ride of Silence is a one day, one time, worldwide slow-paced, silent bicycle ride to honor all cyclists injured or killed on public roads. The ride's goal is to increase awareness of the rights of cyclists and peacefully ask all to share the roads. In New York State in 2006 5426 bicyclist were injured by motorists, 45 were killed. May is bicycle safety month.
This year the event will be filmed as part of the documentary THE LONG BIKE BACK (www.longbikeback.com). THE LONG BIKE BACK is about a local bicyclist's recovery from a crippling hit-and-run accident and his quest to ride across America to inspire bicycling and encourage road sharing. The cyclist, Pearson Constantino, was severely injured in a hit-and-run accident while riding his bicycle on Central Ave in June 2006 and he will lead this year’s ride.
Please contact Julia Wrona at (914) 576-1727 or Julia@ailujon.com for more information.
3 FATALITIES SINCE JANUARY…SIDEWALKS NEEDED…WHAT ELSE SHOULD BE DONE?
There have been 3 fatal hit and run accidents on 9A this year. On Friday night a Hispanic victim was hit in the southbound lane while crossing the road just north of Payne Street around 10 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene. In March, 51-year-old Manuel Guaman Saca of Elmsford was found dead in the snow on Route 9A near Hunter Lane after being struck by a vehicle. On January 14 Harminder Singh died on Route 9A between Park Ave and Whitehouse Road. I am contacting the NYS Department of Transportation and Greenburgh Police Dept and will be asking for a pedestrian traffic safety study to be conducted for 9A. What action steps could be taken on 9A (a state road) that will reduce the possibility of another fatality? More sidewalks…crosswalks…signs advising pedestrians that there have been fatalities and warning them to be more careful… We need to be proactive and think of ways to reduce the possibility of another fatality.
What: Ride of Silence – 8 mile, slow-paced bicycle ride to honor all cyclists injured or killed on public roads, will also be filmed as part of a documentary film THE LONG BIKE BACK
When: Wednesday May 21st 2008, gather at 6:30pm for a 6:45pm start
Where: Central Avenue in Greenburgh – from Midway Shopping Center (1001 Central Ave just south of Ardsley Rd) to Pathmark (at Battle Ave) returning to Midway Shopping Center
Contact: Julia Wrona (914) 576-1727 julia@ailujon.com
www.longbikeback.com, www.rideofsilence.org
The Ride of Silence is a one day, one time, worldwide slow-paced, silent bicycle ride to honor all cyclists injured or killed on public roads. The ride's goal is to increase awareness of the rights of cyclists and peacefully ask all to share the roads. In New York State in 2006 5426 bicyclist were injured by motorists, 45 were killed. May is bicycle safety month.
This year the event will be filmed as part of the documentary THE LONG BIKE BACK (www.longbikeback.com). THE LONG BIKE BACK is about a local bicyclist's recovery from a crippling hit-and-run accident and his quest to ride across America to inspire bicycling and encourage road sharing. The cyclist, Pearson Constantino, was severely injured in a hit-and-run accident while riding his bicycle on Central Ave in June 2006 and he will lead this year’s ride.
Please contact Julia Wrona at (914) 576-1727 or Julia@ailujon.com for more information.
Monday, May 19, 2008
MUSICIANS WANTED FOR E HARTSDALE AVE CONCERTS
A band stand has been placed at DeSanti Plaza (across from the Hartsdale train station). We’re looking for bands to perform during the summer/fall months—especially during the Saturday farmer’s market on Saturday mornings and early afternoon. We also want to explore the possibility of having outdoor concerts in the early evening, to help bring business to some of the restaurants serving our area. There is an electrical outlet at the park. Unfortunately, we don’t have any corporate sponsors to pay the musicians this season. However, musicians who are interested in showing off their musical talents can get some good visibility. We will put promotional posters around town, highlighting the band. And, will also promote the band on our web sites. Video’s of the concerts may also be broadcast on our public access channel.
If you are interested in performing please e mail pfeiner@greenburghny.com or the town clerk, Judith Beville at jbeville@greenburghny.com. You can call Supervisor Paul Feiner at 993-1540 or Town Clerk Judith Beville at 993-1501.
OUR GOAL—Make E Hartsdale Ave fun…a destination point…promote the talents of local residents who are musicians…provide a showcase for musicians to perform…help the businesses.
FARMER’S MARKET—JUNE 28 TO NOVEMBER 22 9 AM TO 2 PM----E Hartsdale Ave
If you are interested in performing please e mail pfeiner@greenburghny.com or the town clerk, Judith Beville at jbeville@greenburghny.com. You can call Supervisor Paul Feiner at 993-1540 or Town Clerk Judith Beville at 993-1501.
OUR GOAL—Make E Hartsdale Ave fun…a destination point…promote the talents of local residents who are musicians…provide a showcase for musicians to perform…help the businesses.
FARMER’S MARKET—JUNE 28 TO NOVEMBER 22 9 AM TO 2 PM----E Hartsdale Ave
Friday, May 16, 2008
TUESDAYS WORK SESSION...MINUTES OF LAST WORK SESSION
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32)
All Work Sessions are now streamed live.
1:45p.m Greenville Fire District – Helene Orce
2:00p.m. Executive Session – Tim Lewis / David Fried
2:45p.m. Executive Session – Ed Lieberman / Al Regula
3:15p.m. Library Construction and Triton – Al Regula
3:45p.m. Proposed Real Property Tax Committee – Paul Sterne
4:00p.m. WestHab – Request to Present Alterations – Janet Giris
4:30p.m. Capital Budget Presentation to the Board – Supervisor Feiner
5:00p.m. Executive Session – Boards and Commissions
5:30p.m. Adjourn
May 27, 2008 Work Session – Tentative
Leaf Blower Ban Laws
Town Board Rules and Procedures
Dept. Head Evaluations - Schedule
Paper Street Requests – Steve Xydas, Debra Jaldane
Hevelyne Road
June 4, 2008 7 PM Glenville Woods meeting
June 9, 2008 Town Board ‘housecalls’ walk – Secor Road
May 13, 2008 Work Session Summary
Proposed Real Property Tax Committee
Issue was deferred to next Work Session – May 20, 2008.
Richard Greenspan Property Bridge
The Town’s portion toward the necessary repair of this bridge will come from the capital budget.
Tappan Zee Bridge
Mr. Bodin has been closely monitoring decisions and actions taken by planners and state decision-makers regarding the Tappan Zee Bridge. He advised the Board to focus on attracting “…better bus service to the Town of Greenburgh. Thomas Madden, Commissioner for the Department of Community Development and Conservation, indicated that these concerns are being addressed through the Comprehensive Plan meetings/hearings.
Greenburgh Housing Authority May Visit
Members of the Town Board will visit Greenburgh Housing Authority sites on Saturday, May 31, 2008. They will convene at Town Hall at 10:00am and invite all anyone who is interested in joining them to arrive at Town Hall between 9:45am and 10:00am.
Bar Out List
At the request of Councilwoman Sonja Brown, Chief Kapica provided an overview of the “Bar Out” policy as it pertains to Housing Authority property. According to the Chief, the Town of Greenburgh currently does not have a Bar Out policy. The intent of such policy, however, is to target “undesirable” individuals (those with chronic criminal histories) for the purpose of barring such individuals from private or public Housing Authority properties.
Capital Budget Review
In an on-going effort to reduce spending, Supervisor Feiner and the Town Council approved nearly $600 thousand more dollars in cuts from the proposed Capital Budget. This actions reflects the Board’s commitment to continue to reduce spending without critically affecting the quality of services to town residents.
1st Quarter Financial Review and Internal Controls, Tax Certs Analysis: Period 2000 to date; 2009 Financial Model
Comptroller Michael Kolesar discussed overtime documentation, internal controls, tax cert’s and a proposed financial model.
End of Work Session
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32)
All Work Sessions are now streamed live.
1:45p.m Greenville Fire District – Helene Orce
2:00p.m. Executive Session – Tim Lewis / David Fried
2:45p.m. Executive Session – Ed Lieberman / Al Regula
3:15p.m. Library Construction and Triton – Al Regula
3:45p.m. Proposed Real Property Tax Committee – Paul Sterne
4:00p.m. WestHab – Request to Present Alterations – Janet Giris
4:30p.m. Capital Budget Presentation to the Board – Supervisor Feiner
5:00p.m. Executive Session – Boards and Commissions
5:30p.m. Adjourn
May 27, 2008 Work Session – Tentative
Leaf Blower Ban Laws
Town Board Rules and Procedures
Dept. Head Evaluations - Schedule
Paper Street Requests – Steve Xydas, Debra Jaldane
Hevelyne Road
June 4, 2008 7 PM Glenville Woods meeting
June 9, 2008 Town Board ‘housecalls’ walk – Secor Road
May 13, 2008 Work Session Summary
Proposed Real Property Tax Committee
Issue was deferred to next Work Session – May 20, 2008.
Richard Greenspan Property Bridge
The Town’s portion toward the necessary repair of this bridge will come from the capital budget.
Tappan Zee Bridge
Mr. Bodin has been closely monitoring decisions and actions taken by planners and state decision-makers regarding the Tappan Zee Bridge. He advised the Board to focus on attracting “…better bus service to the Town of Greenburgh. Thomas Madden, Commissioner for the Department of Community Development and Conservation, indicated that these concerns are being addressed through the Comprehensive Plan meetings/hearings.
Greenburgh Housing Authority May Visit
Members of the Town Board will visit Greenburgh Housing Authority sites on Saturday, May 31, 2008. They will convene at Town Hall at 10:00am and invite all anyone who is interested in joining them to arrive at Town Hall between 9:45am and 10:00am.
Bar Out List
At the request of Councilwoman Sonja Brown, Chief Kapica provided an overview of the “Bar Out” policy as it pertains to Housing Authority property. According to the Chief, the Town of Greenburgh currently does not have a Bar Out policy. The intent of such policy, however, is to target “undesirable” individuals (those with chronic criminal histories) for the purpose of barring such individuals from private or public Housing Authority properties.
Capital Budget Review
In an on-going effort to reduce spending, Supervisor Feiner and the Town Council approved nearly $600 thousand more dollars in cuts from the proposed Capital Budget. This actions reflects the Board’s commitment to continue to reduce spending without critically affecting the quality of services to town residents.
1st Quarter Financial Review and Internal Controls, Tax Certs Analysis: Period 2000 to date; 2009 Financial Model
Comptroller Michael Kolesar discussed overtime documentation, internal controls, tax cert’s and a proposed financial model.
End of Work Session
Thursday, May 15, 2008
HIGHLIGHTS FROM TOWN BD MEETING
TOWN BOARD APPLIES FOR ALMOST $900,000 IN GRANTS –INSTALLATION OF SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM, A BETTER AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM, PLAYGROUNDS, REVITALIZATION OF MANHATTAN AVE
NEW ENERGY CONSERVATION COORDINATOR NAMED—funding from building permit fee
RFP FOR WATERWHEEL PROPERTY APPROVED—POSSIBLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES!
HEARING ON WESTHAB WORKFORCE HOUSING SCHEDULED
BOARD STARTS REVIEW PROCESS FOR SUPER STOP N SHOP PROPOSAL ON 119
DECADE + REVIEW OF AVALON 440 UNITS OF HOUSING GETS ANOTHER REVIEW—SITE PLAN)
NEW FOOD CONCESSION AT POOL
Greenburgh participates in a CDBG program and is eligible for grants. At last nights Town Board meeting the Town Board unanimously voted to support the following grant requests. Although we are endorsing almost $900,000 worth of grants the county (which administers the program) will be screening each of these applications and will probably approve between $100,000 and $200,000 of the applications. A more detailed summary of the grants that we are seeking can be found on the town web site: www.greenburghny.com (look for resolutions, Town Board meeting). My personal favorites: the Solar Hot Water system, the expansion of the after school program (we’re going to model the expansion on a very successful program that exists in Brooklyn) and the initiative to revitalize Manhattan Ave. I thought that the Commissioner of Planning, Thomas Madden, did a first class job highlighting ways that the town can enhance the look of one of the most important streets in our town – Manhattan Ave.
Installation of a Solar Hot Water System at the Theodore D. Young Community Center
Requested CDBG Funds: $168,750 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $56,250 (cash)
Expansion of the After-school Program at the Theodore D. Young Community Center
Requested CDBG Funds: $120,000 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $300,000 (in-kind)
($40,000 per year) ($100,000 per year)
Department of Community Development & Conservation Manhattan Avenue Street Revitalization
Requested CDBG Funds: $250,000 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $50,000 (cash)
Greenburgh Parks and Recreation – Yosemite Park Play Equipment Replacement
Requested CDBG Funds: $150,000 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $50,000 (cash)
Greenburgh Police Department – Travis Hill Park Crime Suppression Video System
Requested CDBG Funds: $40,500 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $13,500 (in-kind)
Greenburgh Police Department – Youth and Senior Programs
Requested CDBG Funds: $31,500 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $13,500 (in-kind)
($10,500 per year) ($4,500 per year)
Town of Greenburgh – Mentoring and Leadership Development Program
Requested CDBG Funds: $67,500 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $22,500 (in-kind)
($22,500 per year) ($7,500 per year)
Greenburgh Public Library – Young Adult Technology Engagement Plan
Requested CDBG Funds: $16,680 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $5,560 (cash)
Greenburgh Nutrition Program – Double - Deck Convection Oven
Requested CDBG Funds: $9,150 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $3,050 (cash)
Theodore D. Young Community Center – 16 Passenger Bus
Requested CDBG Funds: $30,277 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $10,092 (cash)
The Town Board also appointed Allegra Dengler as our new energy conservation coordinator. She will replace Nikki Coddington. Her part time stipend will be split with an energy conservation outreach coordinator. That appointment will be made within the next month. The Board also voted to increase fees for building department permits to pay for all energy conservation initiatives. The combined stipend for our p/t energy conservation coordinator/outreach coordinator will be about $29,000 a year.
The Board also approved a resolution by the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh authorizing the Request For Proposal (RFP) for development opportunity for a mixed affordable housing and market rate multifamily development located at 330 Saw Mill River Road (commonly referred to as the Water Wheel Inn Property). This property is owned by the town due to a foreclosure but is located in the village of Ardsley. Approximately 15 homes may be built at this location. The town, working with Ardsley, will review various proposals and then decide who to sell the property to.
The Board voted to schedule a Public Hearing for Wednesday, May 28th at 8:30 PM, to consider a petition submitted by Westhab, Inc. for amendments to the Zoning Map and the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Greenburgh affecting property located at 22 Tarrytown Road, White Plains. WESTHAB is proposing to build 35 affordable apartments for working families. The building is proposed to be 4 stories high. The proposal has been downsized.
The Board voted to start the review process for the proposed super Stop N Shop on Route 119 in Tarrytown at 600 White Plains Road (next to the Sheraton). We will be scheduling many community meetings during the review process. The first community meeting is scheduled for June 4th at 7 PM. A zoning ordinance amendment is required.
The Board also referred the proposed Avalon Green II Site Plan Application and amended Avalon Town Green Site Plan Application to the Planning Board for review and recommendation. This proposal has been reviewed by the town for over a decade (440 units of housing)—we’re nearing the end of the review process!
There will be a new food concession at the town pool this summer. The Board authorized a license agreement with O’Neill’s Concession to operate a food concession at the Anthony F. Veteran Park Pool and Tennis Complex
We also promoted Glenn Bryan to Police Captain and appointed Bryan Ryan as Lt. Police Officers Norman Hall and Thomas Foltin are Sergeant and we have a new detective: Timothy Carroll.
We also honored two student interns: Chadwick Campbell and Victor Griffith, senior interns from Woodlands High School WISE programs.
These are some of the highlights from our Town Board meeting: May 14th.
NEW ENERGY CONSERVATION COORDINATOR NAMED—funding from building permit fee
RFP FOR WATERWHEEL PROPERTY APPROVED—POSSIBLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES!
HEARING ON WESTHAB WORKFORCE HOUSING SCHEDULED
BOARD STARTS REVIEW PROCESS FOR SUPER STOP N SHOP PROPOSAL ON 119
DECADE + REVIEW OF AVALON 440 UNITS OF HOUSING GETS ANOTHER REVIEW—SITE PLAN)
NEW FOOD CONCESSION AT POOL
Greenburgh participates in a CDBG program and is eligible for grants. At last nights Town Board meeting the Town Board unanimously voted to support the following grant requests. Although we are endorsing almost $900,000 worth of grants the county (which administers the program) will be screening each of these applications and will probably approve between $100,000 and $200,000 of the applications. A more detailed summary of the grants that we are seeking can be found on the town web site: www.greenburghny.com (look for resolutions, Town Board meeting). My personal favorites: the Solar Hot Water system, the expansion of the after school program (we’re going to model the expansion on a very successful program that exists in Brooklyn) and the initiative to revitalize Manhattan Ave. I thought that the Commissioner of Planning, Thomas Madden, did a first class job highlighting ways that the town can enhance the look of one of the most important streets in our town – Manhattan Ave.
Installation of a Solar Hot Water System at the Theodore D. Young Community Center
Requested CDBG Funds: $168,750 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $56,250 (cash)
Expansion of the After-school Program at the Theodore D. Young Community Center
Requested CDBG Funds: $120,000 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $300,000 (in-kind)
($40,000 per year) ($100,000 per year)
Department of Community Development & Conservation Manhattan Avenue Street Revitalization
Requested CDBG Funds: $250,000 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $50,000 (cash)
Greenburgh Parks and Recreation – Yosemite Park Play Equipment Replacement
Requested CDBG Funds: $150,000 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $50,000 (cash)
Greenburgh Police Department – Travis Hill Park Crime Suppression Video System
Requested CDBG Funds: $40,500 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $13,500 (in-kind)
Greenburgh Police Department – Youth and Senior Programs
Requested CDBG Funds: $31,500 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $13,500 (in-kind)
($10,500 per year) ($4,500 per year)
Town of Greenburgh – Mentoring and Leadership Development Program
Requested CDBG Funds: $67,500 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $22,500 (in-kind)
($22,500 per year) ($7,500 per year)
Greenburgh Public Library – Young Adult Technology Engagement Plan
Requested CDBG Funds: $16,680 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $5,560 (cash)
Greenburgh Nutrition Program – Double - Deck Convection Oven
Requested CDBG Funds: $9,150 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $3,050 (cash)
Theodore D. Young Community Center – 16 Passenger Bus
Requested CDBG Funds: $30,277 Matching Town Funds Proposed: $10,092 (cash)
The Town Board also appointed Allegra Dengler as our new energy conservation coordinator. She will replace Nikki Coddington. Her part time stipend will be split with an energy conservation outreach coordinator. That appointment will be made within the next month. The Board also voted to increase fees for building department permits to pay for all energy conservation initiatives. The combined stipend for our p/t energy conservation coordinator/outreach coordinator will be about $29,000 a year.
The Board also approved a resolution by the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh authorizing the Request For Proposal (RFP) for development opportunity for a mixed affordable housing and market rate multifamily development located at 330 Saw Mill River Road (commonly referred to as the Water Wheel Inn Property). This property is owned by the town due to a foreclosure but is located in the village of Ardsley. Approximately 15 homes may be built at this location. The town, working with Ardsley, will review various proposals and then decide who to sell the property to.
The Board voted to schedule a Public Hearing for Wednesday, May 28th at 8:30 PM, to consider a petition submitted by Westhab, Inc. for amendments to the Zoning Map and the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Greenburgh affecting property located at 22 Tarrytown Road, White Plains. WESTHAB is proposing to build 35 affordable apartments for working families. The building is proposed to be 4 stories high. The proposal has been downsized.
The Board voted to start the review process for the proposed super Stop N Shop on Route 119 in Tarrytown at 600 White Plains Road (next to the Sheraton). We will be scheduling many community meetings during the review process. The first community meeting is scheduled for June 4th at 7 PM. A zoning ordinance amendment is required.
The Board also referred the proposed Avalon Green II Site Plan Application and amended Avalon Town Green Site Plan Application to the Planning Board for review and recommendation. This proposal has been reviewed by the town for over a decade (440 units of housing)—we’re nearing the end of the review process!
There will be a new food concession at the town pool this summer. The Board authorized a license agreement with O’Neill’s Concession to operate a food concession at the Anthony F. Veteran Park Pool and Tennis Complex
We also promoted Glenn Bryan to Police Captain and appointed Bryan Ryan as Lt. Police Officers Norman Hall and Thomas Foltin are Sergeant and we have a new detective: Timothy Carroll.
We also honored two student interns: Chadwick Campbell and Victor Griffith, senior interns from Woodlands High School WISE programs.
These are some of the highlights from our Town Board meeting: May 14th.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND ON WVOX RADIO PROGRAM THIS FRIDAY AT 10
David Yarnold, executive director of the Environmental Defense Fund, will be the guest on Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner’s radio program this Friday, May 16th from 10 AM to 11 AM. The program, aired live on WVOX Radio (1460 AM), is also streamed live on the WVOX web site: www.wvox.com.
Yarnold, a resident of one of the villages in Greenburgh, won the Pulitzer Prize and spent 27 years at the San Jose Mercury News. He authored the Environmental Defense’s California Strategy and was a key leader in the passage of the nation’s most sweeping climate change legislation.
Yarnold, a resident of one of the villages in Greenburgh, won the Pulitzer Prize and spent 27 years at the San Jose Mercury News. He authored the Environmental Defense’s California Strategy and was a key leader in the passage of the nation’s most sweeping climate change legislation.
TZ BRIDGE GUEST COMMMENTARY
THE CONCERNED CITIZEN
Volume 2 Issue 3 May, 2008
CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT
It seems that the Department of Transportation has buried its head in the ground instead of burying our traffic (via a tunnel) in the ground.
Thus far there has been no credible explanation as to why a tunnel option has been eliminated as an alternative to replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge. Even the concept of a supplemental tunnel to compliment a refurbished bridge has been left out of the process. This tunnel could remove trucks and mass transport from the bridge greatly reducing wear and tear on the bridge thereby extending its lifespan and lowering annual maintenance cost. It also offers the best opportunity to remove highly toxic truck fumes from the air. A tunnel could give us quicker construction time and consequently, a less expensive and a more readily achievable project. It could be major step in mitigating our poor air quality rating and reducing noise pollution.
Following is a summary of the reasons given by the D.O.T. for eliminating any tunnel consideration:
D.O.T. 1. “Interchanges 9, 10, & 11 will be bypassed resulting in the need for back tracking.”
Facts: With a tunnel dedicated to trucks and trains and a refurbished bridge for cars, there would be no need for any changes to the above interchanges.
D.O.T. 2. “A tunnel would require long and steeper grades that exceed recommended highway standards.”
Facts: Grade requirements can be met with the building of a 7-mile long tunnel which will still offer a competitive cost advantage to a new, much larger bridge.
D.O.T. 3. “A tunnel would require relocation of the toll plaza to Rockland.”
Facts: The Tarrytown toll plaza would stay intact for cars with a supplemental tunnel. A truck toll can be built at one end of the tunnel.
D.O.T. 4. “Property acquisition.”
Facts: Premature argument since there is no bridge design with realistic foundations. It is highly unlikely that a tunnel would require more land taking.
D.O.T. 5. “A tunnel would require several large vertical shafts, some in the river.”
Facts: Tunnel technology has advanced a great deal and now does not require large, unsightly construction shafts
.D.O.T. 6. “Extraction, handling and disposal of more than 8 million cubic yards of soil, some of which would be contaminated.”
Facts: The excavated soil from a bored tunnel is often a valuable bi-product which can be sold to developers, thus defraying part of the costs. There is no expectation that soil from below the river bottom will be found to be contaminated.
D.O.T. 7. “Duration of construction (of a tunnel) that would be expected to be 2 to 3 years longer than a new bridge, even with work progressing on multiple tunnel tubes.”
Facts: New machinery for drilling tunnels is spectacularly fast. Modern tunnel technology would allow for a bored tunnel to be built faster and more quietly than a new bridge. Furthermore, this statement is premature since there is no bridge design available for comparison.
D.O.T. 8. “Disturbance of the river bottom at the rock/soil access shafts on both shores to an extent greater than for a bridge (up to 50 acres of underwater habitat could be affected).”
Facts: Premature argument to use for discarding tunnels without knowing basic bridge designs and foundations. There is a strong argument that a bored tunnel beneath the river bottom would have little effect on underwater habitat.
D.O.T. 9. “Displacement of 25 acres of wetlands in the Talleyrand Swamp in Westchester County.”
Facts: Depends on routing of tunnel and exit points.
D.O.T. 10. “Visual impacts of ventilation buildings, which would be large, conspicuous structures.”
Facts: See item 5 above. Again, no comparison can be made without knowing basic bridge designs and foundations.
D.O.T. 11. “Capital costs for the highway tunnel crossing would be 2 to 3 times that of a new bridge.”
Facts: It should be noted that tunnel construction, world wide, has been coming in at one quarter to one third less than bridges. Once again, without knowing basic bridge designs and foundations, this argument is without validity.
So why won’t the D.O.T. let the tunnel alternative have its day in court during the Environmental Impact Studies? It’s a question that cries out for an honest answer.
If you agree, please ask our governor, congressional representatives, county officials and the D.O.T. this question.
George Sherman, President, Rockland Branch,
Sherwood Chorost, President, Westchester Branch
E-mail: CCRDrockwest@aol.com
“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Volume 2 Issue 3 May, 2008
CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT
It seems that the Department of Transportation has buried its head in the ground instead of burying our traffic (via a tunnel) in the ground.
Thus far there has been no credible explanation as to why a tunnel option has been eliminated as an alternative to replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge. Even the concept of a supplemental tunnel to compliment a refurbished bridge has been left out of the process. This tunnel could remove trucks and mass transport from the bridge greatly reducing wear and tear on the bridge thereby extending its lifespan and lowering annual maintenance cost. It also offers the best opportunity to remove highly toxic truck fumes from the air. A tunnel could give us quicker construction time and consequently, a less expensive and a more readily achievable project. It could be major step in mitigating our poor air quality rating and reducing noise pollution.
Following is a summary of the reasons given by the D.O.T. for eliminating any tunnel consideration:
D.O.T. 1. “Interchanges 9, 10, & 11 will be bypassed resulting in the need for back tracking.”
Facts: With a tunnel dedicated to trucks and trains and a refurbished bridge for cars, there would be no need for any changes to the above interchanges.
D.O.T. 2. “A tunnel would require long and steeper grades that exceed recommended highway standards.”
Facts: Grade requirements can be met with the building of a 7-mile long tunnel which will still offer a competitive cost advantage to a new, much larger bridge.
D.O.T. 3. “A tunnel would require relocation of the toll plaza to Rockland.”
Facts: The Tarrytown toll plaza would stay intact for cars with a supplemental tunnel. A truck toll can be built at one end of the tunnel.
D.O.T. 4. “Property acquisition.”
Facts: Premature argument since there is no bridge design with realistic foundations. It is highly unlikely that a tunnel would require more land taking.
D.O.T. 5. “A tunnel would require several large vertical shafts, some in the river.”
Facts: Tunnel technology has advanced a great deal and now does not require large, unsightly construction shafts
.D.O.T. 6. “Extraction, handling and disposal of more than 8 million cubic yards of soil, some of which would be contaminated.”
Facts: The excavated soil from a bored tunnel is often a valuable bi-product which can be sold to developers, thus defraying part of the costs. There is no expectation that soil from below the river bottom will be found to be contaminated.
D.O.T. 7. “Duration of construction (of a tunnel) that would be expected to be 2 to 3 years longer than a new bridge, even with work progressing on multiple tunnel tubes.”
Facts: New machinery for drilling tunnels is spectacularly fast. Modern tunnel technology would allow for a bored tunnel to be built faster and more quietly than a new bridge. Furthermore, this statement is premature since there is no bridge design available for comparison.
D.O.T. 8. “Disturbance of the river bottom at the rock/soil access shafts on both shores to an extent greater than for a bridge (up to 50 acres of underwater habitat could be affected).”
Facts: Premature argument to use for discarding tunnels without knowing basic bridge designs and foundations. There is a strong argument that a bored tunnel beneath the river bottom would have little effect on underwater habitat.
D.O.T. 9. “Displacement of 25 acres of wetlands in the Talleyrand Swamp in Westchester County.”
Facts: Depends on routing of tunnel and exit points.
D.O.T. 10. “Visual impacts of ventilation buildings, which would be large, conspicuous structures.”
Facts: See item 5 above. Again, no comparison can be made without knowing basic bridge designs and foundations.
D.O.T. 11. “Capital costs for the highway tunnel crossing would be 2 to 3 times that of a new bridge.”
Facts: It should be noted that tunnel construction, world wide, has been coming in at one quarter to one third less than bridges. Once again, without knowing basic bridge designs and foundations, this argument is without validity.
So why won’t the D.O.T. let the tunnel alternative have its day in court during the Environmental Impact Studies? It’s a question that cries out for an honest answer.
If you agree, please ask our governor, congressional representatives, county officials and the D.O.T. this question.
George Sherman, President, Rockland Branch,
Sherwood Chorost, President, Westchester Branch
E-mail: CCRDrockwest@aol.com
“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
SUPER STOP AND SHOP PROPOSAL REVIEW STARTING
On November 29, 2007, the Town Board received a petition for amendments to the Zoning Code. If the Petition is granted and the requested amendments are adopted by the Town Board, White Hickory intends to construct an approximately 75,000 square foot Super Stop N SHop supermarket, approximately 50,000 square feet of office space, approximately 15,000 square feet of general retail uses, and approximately 8,600 square feet of other free-standing commercial space, which would most likely be used as a bank and/or restaurant space (the “Project”), on the property located at 600 White Plains Road (near the Sheraton Hotel on 119).
At tonights Town Board meeting the Board will formally start the review process. We will declare our intent to be lead agency for the review. We are also going to refer the petition to the Planning Board for a recommendation in accordance with our Zoning laws. Members of the community have been meeting with the applicant in recent months. A community meeting for residents of the Glenville section of town has been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th at 7 PM in Glenville (near the Tarrytown Boarder). There will be many additional meetings with the applicant and residents in the coming months to discuss community concerns.
At tonights Town Board meeting the Board will formally start the review process. We will declare our intent to be lead agency for the review. We are also going to refer the petition to the Planning Board for a recommendation in accordance with our Zoning laws. Members of the community have been meeting with the applicant in recent months. A community meeting for residents of the Glenville section of town has been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th at 7 PM in Glenville (near the Tarrytown Boarder). There will be many additional meetings with the applicant and residents in the coming months to discuss community concerns.
SUPER STOP AND SHOP PROPOSAL REVIEW STARTING
On November 29, 2007, the Town Board received a petition for amendments to the Zoning Code. If the Petition is granted and the requested amendments are adopted by the Town Board, White Hickory intends to construct an approximately 75,000 square foot Super Stop N SHop supermarket, approximately 50,000 square feet of office space, approximately 15,000 square feet of general retail uses, and approximately 8,600 square feet of other free-standing commercial space, which would most likely be used as a bank and/or restaurant space (the “Project”), on the property located at 600 White Plains Road (near the Sheraton Hotel on 119).
At tonights Town Board meeting the Board will formally start the review process. We will declare our intent to be lead agency for the review. We are also going to refer the petition to the Planning Board for a recommendation in accordance with our Zoning laws. Members of the community have been meeting with the applicant in recent months. A community meeting for residents of the Glenville section of town has been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th at 7 PM in Glenville (near the Tarrytown Boarder). There will be many additional meetings with the applicant and residents in the coming months to discuss community concerns.
At tonights Town Board meeting the Board will formally start the review process. We will declare our intent to be lead agency for the review. We are also going to refer the petition to the Planning Board for a recommendation in accordance with our Zoning laws. Members of the community have been meeting with the applicant in recent months. A community meeting for residents of the Glenville section of town has been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th at 7 PM in Glenville (near the Tarrytown Boarder). There will be many additional meetings with the applicant and residents in the coming months to discuss community concerns.
Monday, May 12, 2008
SENATOR COUSINS INVITES YOU TO A HEARING ON FUNDING OF EDUCATION
WHO: Residents are invited to attend a Public Town Hall Meeting, hosted by NY State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Present Oral/Written Testimony.
WHAT: A Public Town Hall Meeting hosted by NY State Senator, Andrea Stewart-Cousins ( 35th District) and her Task Force on Alternative Funding and Fiscal Reform for Public Education (AffirmEd) to hear public comment
on AFFIRM Ed’s mission of exploring public education funding alternatives
to alleviate the tax burden on individual and corporate real property owners, while preserving the goal of providing excellence in public education for children throughout Westchester County.
WHEN: Friday, May 16th 5:00-8:00pm
WHERE: Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Avenue, Greenburgh, NY
WHY: Funding public education is a priority of Senator Stewart-Cousins
resulting in her creation of the AFFIRM Ed task force. AFFIRM Ed will: explore alternative sources of school district funding to augment or replace funding through local property tax levies; explore measures by which school districts can contain and control costs; inform legislation proposed by the Governor’s Commission of Real Property Tax Fairness to ensure that any cap on property tax does not have the effect of reallocating, rather than alleviating the high tax burden of Westchester County Residents; and propose legislation that will help school districts in Westchester County and throughout NY State attain excellence in education for high needs school districts without sacrificing the quality of education that has already been attained in high performing school districts.
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WHAT: A Public Town Hall Meeting hosted by NY State Senator, Andrea Stewart-Cousins ( 35th District) and her Task Force on Alternative Funding and Fiscal Reform for Public Education (AffirmEd) to hear public comment
on AFFIRM Ed’s mission of exploring public education funding alternatives
to alleviate the tax burden on individual and corporate real property owners, while preserving the goal of providing excellence in public education for children throughout Westchester County.
WHEN: Friday, May 16th 5:00-8:00pm
WHERE: Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Avenue, Greenburgh, NY
WHY: Funding public education is a priority of Senator Stewart-Cousins
resulting in her creation of the AFFIRM Ed task force. AFFIRM Ed will: explore alternative sources of school district funding to augment or replace funding through local property tax levies; explore measures by which school districts can contain and control costs; inform legislation proposed by the Governor’s Commission of Real Property Tax Fairness to ensure that any cap on property tax does not have the effect of reallocating, rather than alleviating the high tax burden of Westchester County Residents; and propose legislation that will help school districts in Westchester County and throughout NY State attain excellence in education for high needs school districts without sacrificing the quality of education that has already been attained in high performing school districts.
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Sunday, May 11, 2008
SHOULD OFFICE PARKS BE USED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING?
An article in today's NY TIMES (REAL ESTATE) discusses using office parks as sites for new affordable housing. What do you think about the proposal?
ELSA BRENNER
Published: May 11, 2008
GENERATING both praise and criticism in a county with plenty of expensive housing but not much of the budget-friendly kind, a Department of Planning report urges towns and villages here to use land in existing office parks as sites for new housing, some of it for moderate-income families.
There are two big reasons that he believes the plan would work, Richard Hyman, an independent housing and planning consultant hired by the county for the study, says. To start with, office parks are typically created with more parking than they need, to meet standard zoning requirements. Additionally, the complexes are often built in campuslike settings, with room for more construction — in this case new residential buildings.
The recommendations came in response to a severe shortage of moderate-income housing in Westchester. Demand is expected to reach 19,083 units by 2015, yet between 2000 and 2005 only 970 units had been built, according to Deborah DeLong, the county’s housing director.
Because the roads and utilities in existing office parks are already in place, the study asserts, further development of those properties would not be as costly for developers.
Builders could afford to set aside as much as 15 percent of the housing for moderate-income families without relying on public funds, Mr. Hyman said.
Put another way, said Robert F. Weinberg, an Elmsford developer of mixed-use projects in Westchester: “Here we have already cut down all these trees, put in the sewer and water lines, so there’s no hole to be dug, no addition of parking lots and no extra runoff. It makes sense economically and environmentally.”
Mr. Weinberg, the president of the Robert Martin Company, is a shareholder in Mack-Cali Realty, which owns more than 25 office buildings and several office parks in Westchester. He was an adviser during the preparation of the report — one of several business executives whom the county interviewed, according to Mr. Hyman, who explained: “We didn’t want just an academic study. We wanted a report that was realistic.”
Five office parks in the county were cited in the report as examples of where the housing could be built.
One of them, Talleyrand Office Park, on White Plains Road in the village of Tarrytown — which is owned by Mack-Cali — has 178,000 square feet in two six-story office buildings and a restaurant, on a 75-acre wooded site. It also includes an apartment complex with 300 units, 60 of them designated as moderate-income.
Village officials in Tarrytown were less than receptive to the report’s suggestions. “On the surface it all sounds wonderful,” said Thomas T. Basher, the village’s deputy mayor, “but only if the office park has enough extra space for that. In our office park, it would be like squeezing 10 people into a Volkswagen, and I don’t mean a bus. It just won’t hold it.”
Mr. Basher also questioned why Tarrytown should shoulder more responsibility for moderate-income housing when “we’ve already done more than our share.”
During the 1990s, Tarrytown built 123 units of such housing, 56 more than the county had allocated for the village under a plan developed by a Housing Implementation Commission created by the County Board of Legislators.
But the panel issued a new plan in July 2005, updating the benchmarks for Westchester’s 43 municipalities to a 2015 timetable. According to that plan, Tarrytown has built only 6 of 111 additional allotted units.
Ms. DeLong, the county’s housing director, explained that the case studies in the report were meant only as examples of the feasibility of using office parks as sites for moderate-income houses and not directives for what any particular municipality should do.
She said the report would be circulated to other towns and villages throughout the county in the coming months. So far, only Tarrytown and Greenburgh have reviewed it.
Existing office parks are attractive sites for housing in part because they are already zoned for high-density development, although new regulations would be needed in some cases to permit residential use.
Additionally, the plan would enable municipalities to meet allocations established for moderate-income housing by the county without using undeveloped land, which is often in short supply.
The other four sites used as case studies are also along White Plains Road, but in the adjacent town of Greenburgh, where county officials met with Town Council members two months ago.
“There was no opposition here,” said Paul J. Feiner, the supervisor, “but no commitment either. In principle, though, if people can live close to where they work, they will spend less on gas, which is one of the reasons mixed-use developments make sense.”
The county’s plan to retrofit office parks is one of the first of its kind, Mr. Hyman said. Many mixed-use projects nationwide offer residential, office and commercial spaces, but they are mostly designed either from scratch on vacant land or as a major redevelopment project in a downtown area.
Mr. Hyman observed that local zoning laws governing small towns like those in Westchester — as opposed to downtown areas — were developed before the concept of mixed-use development was revived late in the 20th century.
Especially in suburban areas, zoning regulations enacted after World War II separated residential, commercial and industrial areas to protect property values, but at the same time increased dependence on automobiles.
The planning department hopes that as the report circulates, its ideas will gain favor. But because private companies own the office parks and municipalities control zoning, both groups must be convinced.
As Mr. Hyman noted, all the county can do is suggest and advise. “In the end,” he said, “zoning is the prerogative of the municipalities, so it’s going to be up to them.”
ELSA BRENNER
Published: May 11, 2008
GENERATING both praise and criticism in a county with plenty of expensive housing but not much of the budget-friendly kind, a Department of Planning report urges towns and villages here to use land in existing office parks as sites for new housing, some of it for moderate-income families.
There are two big reasons that he believes the plan would work, Richard Hyman, an independent housing and planning consultant hired by the county for the study, says. To start with, office parks are typically created with more parking than they need, to meet standard zoning requirements. Additionally, the complexes are often built in campuslike settings, with room for more construction — in this case new residential buildings.
The recommendations came in response to a severe shortage of moderate-income housing in Westchester. Demand is expected to reach 19,083 units by 2015, yet between 2000 and 2005 only 970 units had been built, according to Deborah DeLong, the county’s housing director.
Because the roads and utilities in existing office parks are already in place, the study asserts, further development of those properties would not be as costly for developers.
Builders could afford to set aside as much as 15 percent of the housing for moderate-income families without relying on public funds, Mr. Hyman said.
Put another way, said Robert F. Weinberg, an Elmsford developer of mixed-use projects in Westchester: “Here we have already cut down all these trees, put in the sewer and water lines, so there’s no hole to be dug, no addition of parking lots and no extra runoff. It makes sense economically and environmentally.”
Mr. Weinberg, the president of the Robert Martin Company, is a shareholder in Mack-Cali Realty, which owns more than 25 office buildings and several office parks in Westchester. He was an adviser during the preparation of the report — one of several business executives whom the county interviewed, according to Mr. Hyman, who explained: “We didn’t want just an academic study. We wanted a report that was realistic.”
Five office parks in the county were cited in the report as examples of where the housing could be built.
One of them, Talleyrand Office Park, on White Plains Road in the village of Tarrytown — which is owned by Mack-Cali — has 178,000 square feet in two six-story office buildings and a restaurant, on a 75-acre wooded site. It also includes an apartment complex with 300 units, 60 of them designated as moderate-income.
Village officials in Tarrytown were less than receptive to the report’s suggestions. “On the surface it all sounds wonderful,” said Thomas T. Basher, the village’s deputy mayor, “but only if the office park has enough extra space for that. In our office park, it would be like squeezing 10 people into a Volkswagen, and I don’t mean a bus. It just won’t hold it.”
Mr. Basher also questioned why Tarrytown should shoulder more responsibility for moderate-income housing when “we’ve already done more than our share.”
During the 1990s, Tarrytown built 123 units of such housing, 56 more than the county had allocated for the village under a plan developed by a Housing Implementation Commission created by the County Board of Legislators.
But the panel issued a new plan in July 2005, updating the benchmarks for Westchester’s 43 municipalities to a 2015 timetable. According to that plan, Tarrytown has built only 6 of 111 additional allotted units.
Ms. DeLong, the county’s housing director, explained that the case studies in the report were meant only as examples of the feasibility of using office parks as sites for moderate-income houses and not directives for what any particular municipality should do.
She said the report would be circulated to other towns and villages throughout the county in the coming months. So far, only Tarrytown and Greenburgh have reviewed it.
Existing office parks are attractive sites for housing in part because they are already zoned for high-density development, although new regulations would be needed in some cases to permit residential use.
Additionally, the plan would enable municipalities to meet allocations established for moderate-income housing by the county without using undeveloped land, which is often in short supply.
The other four sites used as case studies are also along White Plains Road, but in the adjacent town of Greenburgh, where county officials met with Town Council members two months ago.
“There was no opposition here,” said Paul J. Feiner, the supervisor, “but no commitment either. In principle, though, if people can live close to where they work, they will spend less on gas, which is one of the reasons mixed-use developments make sense.”
The county’s plan to retrofit office parks is one of the first of its kind, Mr. Hyman said. Many mixed-use projects nationwide offer residential, office and commercial spaces, but they are mostly designed either from scratch on vacant land or as a major redevelopment project in a downtown area.
Mr. Hyman observed that local zoning laws governing small towns like those in Westchester — as opposed to downtown areas — were developed before the concept of mixed-use development was revived late in the 20th century.
Especially in suburban areas, zoning regulations enacted after World War II separated residential, commercial and industrial areas to protect property values, but at the same time increased dependence on automobiles.
The planning department hopes that as the report circulates, its ideas will gain favor. But because private companies own the office parks and municipalities control zoning, both groups must be convinced.
As Mr. Hyman noted, all the county can do is suggest and advise. “In the end,” he said, “zoning is the prerogative of the municipalities, so it’s going to be up to them.”
Friday, May 09, 2008
work session agenda for tuesday..summary of last work session
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32)
All Work Sessions are now streamed live.
2:00p.m. Proposed Real Property Tax Committee
2:15p.m. Richard Greenspan Property Bridge Review – Gerry Byrne
2:30p.m. Tappan Zee Bridge – Murray Bodin
3:00p.m. Boards & Commissions – Review of Expired Terms:
Councilwoman Sonja Brown
. May Visit, Bar Out List – Councilwoman Sonja Brown
3:30p.m. Capital Budget
4:00p.m. Agenda Review
4:30p.m. 1st Quarter Financial Review and Internal Controls, Tax Certs Analysis: Period 2000 to date; 2009 Financial Model – Michael J. Kolesar
5:00p.m. Executive Session – Michael Kolesar
5:30p.m. Adjourn
May 6, 2008 Work Session Summary
Paper Street Purchase Requests and An Unsettled Property Tax Claim
Steve Xydas, an Ardsley resident, requested that the Town approve his request to purchase a paper street on Chestnut Street from the town. The property is currently open space. Mr. Xydas’ wants to clearthe area of rotting and termite infested wood and maintain it. He explicitly stated that he is not interested in developing the land.
Debra Jaldane, a resident of unincorporated Greenburgh, requested to purchase a paper street located on Dobbs Ferry Road near Downing Drive. The property is not developed and has attracted wild animals and rodents. She indicated that she is not interested in developing the land.
The Board intends to revisit these two items at the May 27th work session.
David Doynow, also a resident of unincorporated Greenburgh, has appeared before the Town Board on several previous occasions in an attempt to purchase property from the town that had been foreclosed on previously This matter is being investigated by the Board which plans to revisit the issue at the July 15th work session.
Philanthropy Department
Winsome Gordon, presented the following Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) proposals to the Board for their approval and agreement to support with the required matching funds, if approved by the County. Copies of the CDBG proposals are available at the Town Clerks office.
Solar Hot Water for TDYCC, Nutrition Kitchen Oven (for seniors nutrition program at TDYCC, Travis Hill Park Crime Suppression Video System, Police Department Youth and Senior Seminar, After School Program Expansion at TDYCC, Manhattan Avenue Revitalization (approved for a Town match substantially less than requested), Greenburgh Library Young Adult Engagement (computers) and the Town of Greenburgh Mentoring and Leadership Development Program.
A public hearing will be held during the May 14th Town Board meeting.
Hevelyn Road
For many years (decades) the town has plowed, sanded and fixed potholes on Hevelyn Road. This road is not a town road. The Village of Elmsford is encouraging the town to repave the road even though the road is not owned by the town. There are many large potholes on Hevelyn, creating hazardous conditions for emergency vehicles (police, ambulance, fire) that make calls . The Knollwood Country Club objects to the town taking over of the road.
The Board will reconvene this discussion at the May 27th work session.
Greenburgh Housing Authority (GHA) Accounts Receivable
The Town of Greenburgh maintains that the GHA owes the Town four hundred and thirty-three thousand dollars for police services rendered. This payment, according to the GHA, was waived due to the fact that their income potential was drastically reduced when they were, reportedly, “…mandated by the State of New York to take 40 units off line for renovations…” Board members Feiner, Sheehan and Juettner maintain that the GHA was only given a “postponement of payment, not a waiver.” Unless the GHA pays the dollars owed, the dedicated community police presence agreement for police at the Housing Authority sites will not be renewed.
The Board will further investigate this discrepancy and the matter will be revisited at the May 20th work session.
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32)
All Work Sessions are now streamed live.
2:00p.m. Proposed Real Property Tax Committee
2:15p.m. Richard Greenspan Property Bridge Review – Gerry Byrne
2:30p.m. Tappan Zee Bridge – Murray Bodin
3:00p.m. Boards & Commissions – Review of Expired Terms:
Councilwoman Sonja Brown
. May Visit, Bar Out List – Councilwoman Sonja Brown
3:30p.m. Capital Budget
4:00p.m. Agenda Review
4:30p.m. 1st Quarter Financial Review and Internal Controls, Tax Certs Analysis: Period 2000 to date; 2009 Financial Model – Michael J. Kolesar
5:00p.m. Executive Session – Michael Kolesar
5:30p.m. Adjourn
May 6, 2008 Work Session Summary
Paper Street Purchase Requests and An Unsettled Property Tax Claim
Steve Xydas, an Ardsley resident, requested that the Town approve his request to purchase a paper street on Chestnut Street from the town. The property is currently open space. Mr. Xydas’ wants to clearthe area of rotting and termite infested wood and maintain it. He explicitly stated that he is not interested in developing the land.
Debra Jaldane, a resident of unincorporated Greenburgh, requested to purchase a paper street located on Dobbs Ferry Road near Downing Drive. The property is not developed and has attracted wild animals and rodents. She indicated that she is not interested in developing the land.
The Board intends to revisit these two items at the May 27th work session.
David Doynow, also a resident of unincorporated Greenburgh, has appeared before the Town Board on several previous occasions in an attempt to purchase property from the town that had been foreclosed on previously This matter is being investigated by the Board which plans to revisit the issue at the July 15th work session.
Philanthropy Department
Winsome Gordon, presented the following Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) proposals to the Board for their approval and agreement to support with the required matching funds, if approved by the County. Copies of the CDBG proposals are available at the Town Clerks office.
Solar Hot Water for TDYCC, Nutrition Kitchen Oven (for seniors nutrition program at TDYCC, Travis Hill Park Crime Suppression Video System, Police Department Youth and Senior Seminar, After School Program Expansion at TDYCC, Manhattan Avenue Revitalization (approved for a Town match substantially less than requested), Greenburgh Library Young Adult Engagement (computers) and the Town of Greenburgh Mentoring and Leadership Development Program.
A public hearing will be held during the May 14th Town Board meeting.
Hevelyn Road
For many years (decades) the town has plowed, sanded and fixed potholes on Hevelyn Road. This road is not a town road. The Village of Elmsford is encouraging the town to repave the road even though the road is not owned by the town. There are many large potholes on Hevelyn, creating hazardous conditions for emergency vehicles (police, ambulance, fire) that make calls . The Knollwood Country Club objects to the town taking over of the road.
The Board will reconvene this discussion at the May 27th work session.
Greenburgh Housing Authority (GHA) Accounts Receivable
The Town of Greenburgh maintains that the GHA owes the Town four hundred and thirty-three thousand dollars for police services rendered. This payment, according to the GHA, was waived due to the fact that their income potential was drastically reduced when they were, reportedly, “…mandated by the State of New York to take 40 units off line for renovations…” Board members Feiner, Sheehan and Juettner maintain that the GHA was only given a “postponement of payment, not a waiver.” Unless the GHA pays the dollars owed, the dedicated community police presence agreement for police at the Housing Authority sites will not be renewed.
The Board will further investigate this discrepancy and the matter will be revisited at the May 20th work session.
BID, GET GOOD DEALS...TOWNS INTEREST EARNINGS DOWN BY 45%
You can bid on surplus equipment. We participate in on line auctions of surplus equipment (which includes vehicles). SAVE MONEY. GET GOOD DEALS. VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE...
For those of you that may want to track the progress of our ongoing online auction of surplus equipment I have included the link to the site ... Just click on it and then select the Town of Greenbugh item in the right column.
http://www.auctionsinternational.com/
As you know, with the national economy ailing, the Federal Reserve Bank has been consistently reducing the prime interest rate, which has the effect of lowering what the Town earns on its cash. tHE TOWN IS RECEIVING ABOUT 45% LESS OF LAST YEARS INTEREST INCOME, ACCORDING TO CMPTROLLER MIKE KOLESAR.
For those of you that may want to track the progress of our ongoing online auction of surplus equipment I have included the link to the site ... Just click on it and then select the Town of Greenbugh item in the right column.
http://www.auctionsinternational.com/
As you know, with the national economy ailing, the Federal Reserve Bank has been consistently reducing the prime interest rate, which has the effect of lowering what the Town earns on its cash. tHE TOWN IS RECEIVING ABOUT 45% LESS OF LAST YEARS INTEREST INCOME, ACCORDING TO CMPTROLLER MIKE KOLESAR.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
SEARCH COMMITTEE HOLDS FIRST MEETING FOR COMMUNITY CENTER DIRECTOR
The Search Committee for a new Commissioner of the Theodore Young Community Center held its first meeting tonight. The committee will be recommending 3 possible candidates to the Town Board.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
WHY DOES IT TAKE NY TWO YEARS TO BUILD A BRIDGE AND CALIFORNIA 4 MONTHS?
After the new residents reception tonight (which was very well attended--over 150 people), some of the new residents met to discuss our comprehensive plan. One comment made an impression:
The resident is from California. We were discussing the proposed two year reconstruction of the Ashford Ave bridge. This bridge connects Ardsley with Dobbs Ferry. In California, after the earthquakes, the bridges were rebuilt within 4 months. Why does it take so long for NY bridges to be re-built? 4 months vs. 2 years?
The resident is from California. We were discussing the proposed two year reconstruction of the Ashford Ave bridge. This bridge connects Ardsley with Dobbs Ferry. In California, after the earthquakes, the bridges were rebuilt within 4 months. Why does it take so long for NY bridges to be re-built? 4 months vs. 2 years?
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