REPORT OF THE CITIZENS INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Citizens Insurance Advisory Committee was formed to assess the town’s current insurance coverage and to make recommendations to the Town Board for obtaining optimal levels and quality of insurance in as cost effective a manner as possible. The report, in its entirety, is posted in our comments. Special thanks to Richard Liskov, chair; Joi Mayhawk, Eugene Pepe, Ben Palancia; Jim Reese; Lisa Geoghegan and R. trieff as well as Comptroller Jim Heslop, Assistant Comptroller Pauline Kirkland and representatives of the town’s current broker, Arthur J. Gallagher.

The full report is viewable in the Comments section.

TOWN BD MEETING LASTED TILL 12:40 AM

Last night the Town Board met till around 12:40 AM. We started our meeting at 7:15 PM. We held a discussion on a proposed comprehensive plan close to midnight. We heard citizen comments about issues of importance (100 Manhattan Ave) after midnight.
Is this fair to the public? Are members of the council at our listening best during the midnight hour? Is it unreasonable to expect commissioners and dept heads to stay till the end of every town board meeting -especially if meetings continue so late?
Should the Town Board consider holding a 3rd meeting each month - with the understanding that meetings end no later than 10:30 PM?
Last nights Town Board meeting ended relatively early - the meeting before that ended around 2 AM.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT OUR PARKS...

Next Monday I will be releasing my proposed 2007 budget. The Town Board will be reviewing the budget during the months of November and will be approving a budget document in December. During the next few weeks I will be sharing with readers of this site some interesting info about each department. It’s important to know where your money goes….

PAUL FEINER

PS: Don’t worry. Any 2007 tax increase proposed will be BELOW the cost of living..

The facts are listed in the comments section.

HATS OFF TO LONGVIEW CIVIC ASSOCIATION AND PARKS DEPT

Hat's off to the Longview Civic Association and to the Parks Dept. During the past few months Stacey Silberzweig, who is active in the association, worked hard--trying to beautify the islands in this section of Greenville/Edgemont. She joined our new beautification committee. She met with Mike Nestler of the parks dept a number of times. The islands look beautiful---many residents of Greenville are delighted. This is a perfect example of neighbors working together -- in cooperation with the town--to enhance our quality of life.
We have a beautification committeee. Next meeting: Tuesday, November 14th, Town Hall. You are invited to help us enhance your neighborhood... Please participate in our committee's activities.

LEAF LAW PROPOSED TO BAN LEAVES ON STREETS

The Town Board will be holding a hearing on Wednesday on a proposed law to ban the piling of leaves on any streets or sidewalks. Residents have been complaining about safety hazards each fall when leaves are placed on public streets, roads, sidewalks. The proposed law will make our neighborhoods safer by keeping them clear of dangerous piles of leaves. The proposed law indicates that a leaf pile located on any street shall create a rebuttable presumption that the landowner permitted the leaves to be placed at the location. Summonses and violation notices will be issued. Fines: up to $500 per infraction.

ON ANOTHER MATTER-- the Greenburgh Health Center received final approval to build their new health center building on Knollwood Road.

BLOG ABOUT THE BLOG

Today I received a few e mails from residents who have been critical of me in the past expressing concern about the continued operation of this blog. I have been advised that they are encouraging Town Board members to take action steps to limit my ability to post advisories on the bottom of my e mails about the blog. This is unfortunate. If this blog is going to be successful we need to encourage lots of people to participate -to join the dialogue and discussion of town issues.
This blog represents democracy at its best -- We're encouraging citizen participation. We're encouraging dialogue. We're exchanging ideas. If people give us their name that is great. If they prefer to be anonymous that's fine too. Some comments made on the blog are funny. Other comments are angry. We've received good suggestions from citizen bloggers. My supporters are welcome to use the blog. People who wouldn't vote for me for dog catcher are encouraged to post blog comments on this site.
THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE BLOG POSTS ARE THE PERSONAL VIEWS OF THOSE WHO POST THE BLOGS AND NOT THOSE OF THE TOWN GOVERNMENT, TOWN EMPLOYEES, ELECTED TOWN OFFICIALS (OTHER THAN MYSELF).
It's my hope that the members of the Town Board will welcome the blog and participate in it. We should take every step possible to make Greenburgh the most open government in the nation.

JOURNAL NEWS ARTICLE ON SCHOOL SAFETY-question: should more schools use community police officers in the schools?

An article in the Journal News today (October 22) "Security Tightened Across Region at Local Schools" talks about school safety issues. School shootings across the country have rekindled fears of parents, teachers, children. You should read the article on the www.lohud.com web site.
A number of years ago the town of Greenburgh partnered with the Central 7 School district. Both the town and Central 7 school districts share the expense of a community police resource officer who patrols the schools and provides additional services to the district (read the Greenburgh police dept's web site: www.greenburghny.com for more info on the many services offered to school districts via the community police resource officer). The program at Central 7 is a success.
The question of the day is this: Should more school districts have policing in the schools? What do you think?

HELP WANTED-town may evict tenants on foreclosed property

Your help wanted...The town has taken ownership of an apartment building on Main Street in Dobbs Ferry due to a foreclosure. The building inspector has advised the Town Board that there are structural/safety issues at the building. As a result, the town is in the process of evicting a few remaining tenants who remain at the building we now own. I am helping one of the families find an apartment. So far-- no luck! The couple can afford about $1300 a month. The wife works. The husband has a diability. They have a child. If you know of any apartments in the area please contact me at 993-1540 (my home number is 478 1219) or at my e mail address: pfeiner@greenburghny.com. In addition, if you would like to assist the family financially please advise and I will let you know how you can go about doing so. The family can afford the rent but they can't afford the extra charges: the one months rent, security and additional realtors fee that is usually charged.
Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

TUESDAY HEARING ON LIBRARY CONTRACT

This Tuesday the Westchester Library System will be holding a hearing at 6 PM at the WLS headquarters - 540 White Plains Road, Tarrytown to discuss the proposed Elmsford/Ardsley library contract. The town will be losing a million dollars+ over 4 years because Elmsford was able to shop around for library services at a reduced price. The Ardsley/Elmsford agreement won't necessarily mean that Elmsford residents will use the Ardsley library. Under the terms of the WLS library agreement anyone can use a library card at any library in Westchester. Many Elmsford residents will continue to use the services of the Greenburgh Library because they have an Ardsley card.
I think that this agreement will create long term problems for the library system. Smaller libraries will probably close down their operations --these communities will shop around Westchester for discounted library card prices. There will be price wars -- communities will compete with each other to sell library cards to other localities at cheap rates.
This is not about Ardsley-- this is not about Elmsford. This is about the future of the Westchester Library System.

cablevision & cable box charges...

Have been receiving lots of calls from residents who are angry that customers are being charged by cablevision for cable boxes to watch programs that previously didn't require boxes (and the associated $6 box fee). This is for TCM service.
I asked the Town Attorney if the town can take any legal action. He provided me with an opinion which said that "Federal law preempts state and local governments from regulating rates for services above basic. Therefore, the town cannot regulate this rate in any way."
Glad we now will be getting cable TV competition with Verizon ( Greenburgh was the first locality in Westchester to approve competition)!

2007 budget suggestions wanted

Before the end of the month I have to submit a proposed budget for 2007 to the Town Board. The Town Board has till the end of December to approve the final document.
There are some challenges we face: How do we contain costs and maintain the high quality of life and services that people enjoy? We must keep Greenburgh affordable so you and your neighbors can continue to reside here. I invite you to look at last years budget on line (www.greenburghny.com) and to provide me with your thoughts. I'd also be willing to meet with neighborhood groups in the coming days/weeks to discuss various budget options.

library needs to follow up offer re: temporary space

A few weeks ago, after Frank's Nurserywas rejected as a temporary library location, the Library Board suggested that the Town Board move the expansion project forward by placing the temporary library at satellite locations. Among the locations: 2 small rooms at the Town Hall. Another location: a small room at the Multipurpose Center, Veteran Park. I did not want to be blamed for slowing down the library expansion efforts and did what the library board representatives requested.
I feel that the proposed satellite locations for the library is inadequate. In effect, we will have a very inadequate library while construction takes place.I have requested the library and town board consider renting a storefront somewhere in unincorporated Greenburgh for the library. Vic Weinstein, who has experience in real estate, offered to help with the lease. But, the Library Board prohibited the library director from meeting with him. They indicated that the Library Board should be involved in the search and negotiations.
I have sent e mails and letters to the Library Board asking for follow up to this matter -- I feel that a storefront library makes good sense for the library during construction: More locations...more service...less stored items during construction...better use of library staff. Currently, more than 70% of the books, equipment will be placed in storage.
I hope that the Library Board will give this their attention. I can't move forward without their help. The Town Board needs to know if we should include funds for rent in our 2007 budget--which will be released by the end of October.

Join In The Feiner Foot-Fest FORM

Join In The Feiner Foot-Fest For Flora and Fauna!

Support The Greenburgh Nature Center
and Help Motivate Paul Feiner’s Feet To Finish
The New York City Marathon

Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner is running in this year’s NY City Marathon. He’s asked for your help in motivating him to finish the 26.2-mile course.

Paul wants you to contribute to the Greenburgh Nature Center, his favorite charity. Make your contribution of an amount per mile to “pump him up!”

You can make your contribution in cash, check or charge. The minimum per mile contribution is $.50, which would be a contribution of $13.00. All contributions are tax deductible. Your support will help the Center carry out its mission of conserving wildlife habitat through education, research and cultural enrichment activities for people of all ages and backgrounds.



Name: ________________________________________________________



Address: _________________________________________________________



City/State/Zip ______________________________________________________



Amount of Pledge/Mile: ___________ Total Contribution: ____________



Pay by: (circle 1) Cash Check Credit card (MC/Visa/Amex)



Credit card: exp date: _____ ______



CC#:__________________________________________________________________



Mail or bring to: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale, NY 10583

www.greenburghnaturecenter.org 914 723-3470

John Mancuso
Director of Naturalist Education and Graphics
Greenburgh Nature Center
99 Dromore Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
914-813-1833
FAX - 725-6599
www.greenburghnaturecenter.org

SCHOOL SAFETY ISSUES- PEDESTRIAN SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS

Earlier this year members of the Town Board approved a resolution directing me to propose a sidewalk policy by September. I complied with the request. The Town Board held a community discussion on the proposal but hasn't made any changes in the draft proposal and hasn't approved any sidewalk policy. It's a difficult issue - people want sidewalks placed on other people's property. The following information (posted in the comments section) might be of interest to those of you who are concerned about school/pedestrian safety. I'd like to credit the NY Bicycling Coalition for the info.
In the comments section:
TEXAS Study: Bike lanes reduce weaving on roads...
National Center for Safe Routes to Schools Web site....
Transportation Alternatives Study

-Paul Feiner

TAX BREAKS FOR MANHATTAN AVE

I am scheduling a meeting with tenants who reside at 100 Manhattan Ave for Wednesday, November 1 at 8PM at 100 Manhattan Ave to discuss the proposed tax breaks offered to the building owners. This complex provides affordable housing to tenants. The complex is older - and the building needs capitol improvements. Some tenants have expressed concern about the proposed tax breaks.
At yesterdays Town Board work session Board members discussed a requirement to tie the existence of tax breaks to capitol improvements. There should be a permanent reserve so we know that the maintenance will take place as needed. Previous pilot agreements, according to tenants, promised capitol improvements. But- these promises were not kept. Will there be a maintenance capitol improvement account?
I think that a meeting is important to clarify what's in the final version of the proposal and to hear from those most impacted by the decisions.

STUDENT BLOGGERS WANTED FOR NEW STUDENT VIEWS

Our new blog is very successful. Hundreds of people are visiting our site daily. I want to create a student blog report --written by students. This new student viewpoint will be posted on our blog site regularly. Readers and those of us in government will get insight from students about issues of concern. Students will learn more about government...about issues...about the importance of participation in government and in democracy. They'll meet periodically as well to discuss their blog report.
No one will tell them what to say --this is the spirit of internet democracy!
If you know of a student interested in being part of the student blog report please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. Or, call 914 993-1540.
By the way - this blog site was developed by a student, Marc Herman who attends the Valhalla schools.

? What action steps should Greenburgh take re: TZ BRidge?

THE QUESTION OF THE DAY: WHAT ACTION STEPS SHOULD GREENBURGH TAKE REGARDING THE PROPOSED TZ BRIDGE?
New York State officials have been studying various options regarding the TZ Bridge. Among the options: replacing the TZ Bridge with another bridge. Establishing East-West rail service connections. Where will the local stations be located? How will this impact traffic/ development? The decision regarding the bridge will impact our community. What role should the town be playing during this review process? Should we hire a consultant...should we organize additional community meetings...what are your thoughts?

GREENBURGH TOWN BD MAY NOT HONOR CONTRACT WITH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Paul,
It should be pointed out that this 2004 WestHelp contract was in direct
conjunction with the approval of the Volunteers of America shelter across
the street from Greenburgh on the Grasslands Reservation at theWestchester
County Campus. That shelter is technically in the Town of Mount Pleasant,
but is not near any of their residents, only our own. The 2004 issue was not
just renewing the WestHelp lease, but the concentration of shelters in the
I-287 area. The VOA shelter appeased two other County areas - the airport
shelter in Armonk was closed and the Yorktown shelter on Route 202 was
shuttered. The issue of the Valhalla school money was to appease the
Mayfair-Knollwood area, otherwise VOA with its questionable County contract
could have been held up. But the problem of too much shelter concentration
in the I-287 area affects other Greenburgh neighborhoods not in the Valhalla
school district. Neither your e-mail nor the Sunday Journal News lead story pointed this omission out. I was on-board for the approval of this agreement both in 1991 and in 2004, am not in the Valhalla school district, and am on the VOA Community Advisory Board.

-Alice Morone

? OF THE DAY:SHOULD LIBRARY BE INDEPENDENT

Question of the Day: Should the Library be an independent Library district? (question submitted by Hal Samis)
The Greenburgh Library Board is appointed by the members of the Greenburgh Town Board. The budget for the library must be approved by the members of the Town Board.
In some communities around the state there is a totally independent Library Board that does not answer to the Greenburgh Town Board. The Board members are elected by the people. The budget process is independent of the town's budget process. The voters approve or reject library budgets each year.
Should a referendum be held in 2007 to establish an independent library district? What do you think? A few years ago (prior to the Library expansion referendum) members of the Library Board discussed this option with members of the Town Board. What do you think?

BARNES & NOBLE CLOSURE EXPLANATION FROM EXCLUSIVE LEASING BROKERS OF BUILDING OCCUPIED BY BARNES & NOBLE ON CENTRAL AVE

-Mr. Feiner:

We are the exclusive leasing brokers for the Barnes & Noble building. We have had strong expressions of interest from several national furniture and sporting goods firms.

I believe to closing of Barnes & Noble is the result of that company's business problems. Similarly the closing of Treasure Island, Fine Arts Cinema, and Gourmet Garage are products of industry change not a poor reflection of Central Ave.

The chain expanded aggressively in the 1990's. The book business then became competitive. Amazon and other Internet sales and download services, Costco, Target, BJ's, Wal-Mart, Supermarkets and drug stores expanded their book and music departments and steeply discounted prices.

The book stores became hangouts with too much browsing and not enough purchasing. Now the retail book industry is going through a time of consolidation.

As a retail leasing broker I can attest there is a strong interest in retail space on Central Ave. Michaels, Christmas Tree Shops, Commerce Bank, Chase Bank, E-Trade, Fidelity, Panera Bread, Bo Concept Furniture, Mattress chains, T-Mobile, Verizon, are new or expanding tenants open or planning opening. Several new furniture stores also opened on the Yonkers end recently.

High rents are being set by financial tenants, pharmacies, wireless stores and service stores. Rent sensitive retailers like apparel, furniture and services have also expanded. Landlords have dollar signs in their eyes when they hear what the banks have been paying. Eventually owners settle down to make a deal when they realize their have tested the market. This is despite some of the highest real estate taxes and energy costs for roadside retail centers in the nation.

The greatest obstacle to retail leasing in Central Ave. is the unrealistic parking ratio required by restaurants to enter major centers where there is plenty of parking. We have to turn away a huge number of food inquiries from these centers. As a result White Plains, Port Chester, the River towns and New Rochelle have blossomed with trendy new restaurants. People eat out more than ever and Central Ave. has very few choices for a retail corridor of it size.

I am pleased the Town is making an effort to control speeding on Central Ave. I suggest visible police cars do more to deter speeding than a more profitable radar trap. More traffic lights and readable street and storefront signs are also needed to slow traffic and facilitate safe turns. Many customers pass their destinations and have to make U-turns due to poorly visible storefront or retail center signage. Lack of clear street signage, visible storefront address numbers and obstructions contribute to motorist confusion and accidents.

Barry Endelson
Aries Deitch & Endelson, Inc.

Paul,

my partner Barry is absolutely correct.

We are actively filling all Central Ave vacancies. We are negotiating deals on all the remaining space at Midway S.C.,and have active interest on the Barnes Building. Everything else on the Ave is leased except the Treasure Island building-so the vacancy rate is very low.

As to Barnes closing. Concerned Greenburgh residents can travel 5 minutes,2.6 miles to Crossroads S.C. to do their bookshopping. Barnes has already saturated our area w/ stores. The Hartsdale store is redundant.

Furthermore,notwithstanding the good intentions of Greenburgh residents, most savvy retailers will go to an area that they perceive needs their business. The market dictates!! And you can put both our responses on your web site.

Bill Hesse

President

Aries Deitch & Endelson