EDGEMONT CIVIC LEADERS PROPOSE MORATORIUM ON RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON CENTRAL AVE

Edgemont civic leaders are encouraging the Greenburgh Town Board to approve a moratorium on residential development on Central Ave. Residential development does not generate the same amount of taxes as commercial development. Commercial development on Central Ave generates taxes for the Edgemont school system and no additional students to educate. What are your views?

Opposition to Indian Point Extension Mounting...

Entergy announced the day before Thanksgiving (when no one was paying attention) that they will seek permission from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to extend the license of Indian Point through 2035. The Town of Greenburgh was the first locality to approve a resolution a while back opposing the re-licensing. About 20 local governments have joined Greenburgh in opposing the re-licensing. Hundreds of elected officials from the Hudson Valley also oppose Indian Point. Governor-elect Spitzer, Congresswoman Lowey, Congressman Engel, Congressman-elect Hall also oppose Indian Point.
These are some concerns:
*** Indian Point continues to be a terrorist target. President Bush, in his State of the Nation Message shortly after 9/11, stated that maps of nuclear power plants were found in Afghan caves. Indian Point is a high profile location, just like the World Trade Center.
*** 20 million people live within 50 miles of Indian Point. A meltdown would have catastrophic consequences to the entire metropolitan area.
*** There is no viable evacuation plan for Indian Point. No where to run...no where to hide!
*** Radiocative water was found under Indian Point's power plant. The radioactive water has grown to the size of the Central Park reservoir.
*** Insurance companies won't cover damages from nuclear accidents.
*** Emergency sirens keep malfunctioning.
You can join the effort to close down Indian Point. Visit the web site: www.ipsecinfo.org or www.closedownindianpoint.org.
Entergy claims that Indian Point is safe. If they are wrong - the consequences would be enormous. We can't take a chance.

DURING THE HOLIDAYS HELP THE HUNGRY AND HOMELESS

During the holiday season lots of Greenburgh residents are interested in helping the hungry and homeless. This is a time to appreciate our good fortune. Bloggers may be concerned about leaves, A & B budgets, parks & zoning issues. These are important issues. Unfortunately, there are people out there who worry about issues that are evening more important: finding shelter in the evening and food for their children.
There are many organizations that provide help to the less fortunate. Here are a few:
*Union Baptist Church, Manhattan Ave, Greenburgh (948-6439)--the church has a food pantry for the hungry. They welcome donations.
*Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless - 48 Mamaroneck Ave, Suite 35-37, White Plains, NY 10601 Phone: 682-2737. The coalition has a long list of many organizations that seek donations.
*The Sharing Community, 1 Hudson Street, Yonkers serves a Thanksgiving Day meal on November 23rd at noon. Volunteers needed. Call 963-2326.
*YWCA of Yonkers (shelter and food pantry), 87 S Broadway, Yonkers -will distribute holiday food for Thanksgiving. Volunteers needed 963-0640 X 102
*El Centro Hispano (St Bernard's Church), 346 South Lexington Ave, White Plains distribute holiday foods to clients. Donations of spanish foods, rice and non perishable items are needed. Call 289- 0500.
* Grace Church Community Center, 33 Church Street, White Plains serve Thanksgiving meals. Donations welcome 949-3098 X 100
*ARCS Hawthorne 40 Saw Mill River road, Hawthorne --food donations welcome 785-8356
*Community Opportunity Center of the Tarrytown's, 105 Wildey Street, Tarrytown 631-7340. Food donations welcome.
The above is just a small sampling of groups. If you know of any other organization that is searching for volunteers or donations please post your comments on the blog.

ON another matter- a few weeks ago I reported that a Dobbs Ferry family faced eviction from a Greenburgh owned apartment that the town acquired due to foreclosure. The building is substandard and is unsafe. Good news---the family found a new apartment in Greenburgh and will be moving into their new new home on December 15th. We raised $1241 to help the family pay their one month security. Thank you for your help! This family will have a happy and stress free holiday season.

nature center suggests nature center as satellite library

The Town Board met tonight with representatives of the Greenburgh Nature Center. The center came up with an interesting suggestion: setting up a trailer at the nature center as a satellite library location. This concept is very interesting. After the library closes for construction the nature center (satellite library) might want to house books dealing with the environment, energy conservation, science, animal life, farming, etc... The nature center has a loyal following - lots of visitors. The satellite location at the nature center would probably be very popular. The nature center is conveniently located - on Central Ave and would provide Edgemont residents with a convenient library location. Many parents bring their children to the nature center year round. Some additional children library programs could be provided at the nature center.
During the summer months visitors to a nature center library satellite location could read a book and enjoy nature at the same time.
A very interesting and helpful idea...

East Hartsdale Ave gets holiday lights donation from Westchester Greenhouse Farm

In recent years I have received a number of complaints about the lack of holiday spirit on E Hartsdale Ave. The holiday decorations looked old and uninviting. Thanks to a generous donation form Westchester Greenhouse Farm (450 Secor) we have placed attractive new holiday lights on the avenue. The street looks very attractive. We're grateful for the donation and look forward to your additional suggestions - regarding ways we can make East Hartsdale Ave and the rest of the town more holiday friendly. Your comments and suggestions, as always, are welcome. In addition to decorations - your suggestions for additional holiday programs would also be appreciated.
Happy holidays!

REPORT: E HARTSDALE AVE SATELLITE LIBRARY ON HOLD

There is a report in today's Journal News (www.lohud.com) that the satellite library that was going to be placed at the E Hartsdale Ave parking site is on hold so the Library Board can study legal issues. The Parking Authority is expected to make a decision by late December. The parking authority had offered to absorb some of the costs associated with placing the satellite library at this location. Critics had expressed concern that the permit holders were subsidizing the library.
I think that an E Hartsdale Ave satellite branch library is very important and thought that this proposed location would have been one of the most successful temporary sites while construction of the library is taking place. It's my hope that this can be worked out. One possible compromise suggestion: If it is determined that the Parking Authority does not have the legal authority to absorb some of the costs - why can't the Library pay rent for the satellite location?
When the Library closes down for construction of the new & expanded library - there will be only a few very small satellite library locations. Current possible locations include small rooms at the Town Hall, Multipurpose Room - Veteran Town Park, Theodore Young Community Center. Over 70% of the library books will be placed in storage.
We need to find additional temporary locations so that library services can be provided for our residents. East Hartsdale Ave is a very important location!

TOWN BD DISCUSSES LIBRARY BIDS

Yesterday, the Town Board met with the Commissioner of Public Works and with representatives of TRITON & the library's architect to discuss the status of the library expansion. We were advised that bids were over what had been estimated.The architect indicated that the bids were not substantially over budget estimates so the project can proceed without re-bidding/major delays. The architect is currently reviewing the bids and will recommend sometime in the next few weeks whether the low bids should be accepted. Design alternates (cutbacks in the project) are being considered to keep the library expansion within budget. The current estimate is that construction won't start until mid to late December of this year or early 2007. The construction should take about 2 years once work starts. For over a year I have called for a project manager to oversee the library construction. This expansion is currently about 7 months behind schedule (before the construction starts).

Should the Town fine candidates for campaign signs that are not removed after an election is over?

Should the Town Board approve a new law that would require all campaign signs to be removed after a specific number of days after an election? If signs are not removed by the candidate - should town public works crews remove the sign and fine the candidates for each sign that we remove?
Your input would be appreciated.
How many days should we give candidates to have their signs removed?
What should the fine be?
In some communities candidates must provide the locality with a deposit at the beginning of the campaign -before any signs are placed at given locations. The deposit is refunded at the end of the campaign after the signs have been removed. Should we require deposits?
In other localities candidates are required to advise the locality where signs are going to be placed. Any thoughts?

leaf collection ideas --alternatives to proposed law

I have some concerns about the proposed new law that would authorize summons to be issued for leaf piles on streets/sidewalks. These are some concerns:
1)The law will pit neighbor against neighbor.
2)The proposed law could be costly - everytime a summons is issued the officer/town employee who issued the summons will have to appear in court (which could include overtime).
3)The proposed law is impossible to enforce fairly. How can one be sure that the person who gets the summons was responsible for placing leaf piles in front of his/her house? It's possible that a neighbor had their landscaper put the pile of leaves on the neighbors house. How can we make sure that we're giving summons to the right party.
4)If different town departments are asked to enforce the law (police, public works) it's possible that some people may receive multiple summons from different departments - which will get people real angry.
5) We should step up efforts to encourage property owners to be good neighbors and to voluntarily place leaves off the roads.
NEW IDEAS--------------WHAT CAN BE DONE-------------
1)We should consider doing what Scarsdale started doing a number of years ago: paying landscapers a dollar figure for every load they dump at the dumpsite. This will reduce the amount of leaves our own highway department has to pick up.
2)If this is done the Town Board should license landscapers who work within the town.
3)The town should immediately take steps to increase the leaf collection process. We should contact our work force and offer overtime --increase the number of hours for leaf duty. NEGATIVES: If we require our workers to work 7 days a week and there is a snow storm in December - will our overworked & tired employees be able to do their snow removal duties at the level we expect? I would like the Board to authorize more overtime for leaf collection.
4)If our full time employees are not able to work more hours on leaf duty or if we still need additional help we should issue an RFP to private contractors to help the town with leaf collection duties. The private sector could assist our town employees. In the past we have been told that most of the contractors are busy during this season -- however, if we issue an RFP and reach out to the private sector we will know for sure.
The above are just some thoughts that I have. I'm posting this on the blog because I want to do the right thing -- and want your input.

energy conservation coordinator saves taxpayers almost a million!

An article in today's Journal News (www.lohud.com) about the Town Board decision earlier this week to authorize the sale of a federally subsidized housing complex reported that "the company agreed to give up a request for a $1 million tax break, opting for a one year tax break worth about $50,000." Special thanks to Nikki Coddington, our energy conservation coordinator for her efforts. Nikki advised town officials and the new building owners that they could be eligible for technical and financial assistance through a state program for energy efficiency in multi family buildings. This informaiton addressed some of the building owners financial issues and was a major factor in their decision to drop the tax break request. The vote highlights the fact that energy efficiency technical and financial assistance is out there and can improve residents quality of life. For more information about our energy conservation initiatives call Nikki Coddington at 993-1649.
Hat's off to Nikki for her excellent work. This most recent accomplishment is just one of many contributions Nikki has made to our town.

Departmental Budget Review

The Town Board will be reviewing my proposed budget. This is the schedule of meetings with department heads:

November 9, 2006

To: Department Heads

From: Alfreda Williams

Re: Departmental Budget Review

Please note the following schedule for Budget Review by the Town Board. In addition, please have copies of your original budget request available for Town Board members.

November 14, 2006

4:15 PM Police

5:00 PM Building

5:30 PM Library

6:00 PM Planning

6:30 PM Town Comptroller

November 21, 2006

3:30 PM Public Works

4:45 PM Town Justices

5:45 PM Purchasing

6:15 PM Nature Center

6:45 PM Town Attorney

November 28, 2006

3:30 PM TDYCC

4:30 PM Parks & Recreation

5:30 PM Tax Receiver

6:00 PM Assessor

6:30 PM Town Clerk

Please notify my office if your appointment date needs adjustment.

CC: Paul Feiner, Superintendent

Town Council

Gil Kaminer

STATEMENT ON WESTHELP PARTNERSHIP

In recent days some people have expressed some concern about the way WestHELP funds have been treated in the town's budget. A number of people have expressed their views on this blog. I would like to address that question.
When we did the sublease it was agreed by everybody, including the entire Town Board, that grants would be made to the Valhalla School district, the Fairview Fire Department and the Mayfair Knollwood community. How this would be treated on the budget documents and accounted for is something we all left to the Town's Comptroller. None of us are accountants.
We were then told that the grant to the civic association was not legal and therefore we didn't pay it. But because the Town Board had unanimously approved an agreement and had approved a negotiated agreement commiting to help out the Mayfair-Knollwood neighborhood for supporting the 108 room homeless shelter, we decided to keep that money aside and looked for ways to honor our commitment to the community. For me it was simply a way to do what we all, the entire Town Board, had promised to do.
Now I am told that this was wrong. But two Comptrollers before Jim Heslop, and also Jim Heslop, handled it this way. I may be the chief financial officer of the town, but I don't maintain the books. This is done by a professional staff. I don't try to second-guess them. If it was the wrong way to do it, then it will be fixed. But no one can say that I did anything other than what the the entire Town Board agreed to do all along. The Town Board has looked at the budget in past years. The Town Board changes lots of things in the budget but they didn't change anything about the way the WestHelp money was treated.
As I have said often, I don't act alone and I am not a dictator. Everything that I know about this all the other members of the Town Board knew as well. If I made a mistake, the entire Town Board made a mistake. If I am accountable, the entire Town Board is accountable, as well as the Comptroller and the outside auditors who approved what had been done.
All payments and disbursements relating to WestHelp have been recorded, accounted for and audited annually. Only funds authorized by the Town Board in the form of resolutions, have been released to the Valhalla school district and Fairview Fire district. In addition to being audited by our independent auditors the Town provided the NY State Comptroller's office with all documents concerning WestHelp in the summer of 2004. We received a few telephone calls from the auditors in 2004 but heard nothing from them regarding our accounting of WestHelp funds in 2004 or in 2005. We received a draft report from the Comptroller's office regarding WestHelp this week and have not met with the Comptroller's office to discuss as of this writing.
I do not believe in closed government. Every aspect of the WestHelp partnership has been discussed publicly. All funds distributed have been approved at public meetings and citizens have had the opportunity to comment about the distribution of the WestHelp partnership at every meeting. There is no secrecy concerning WestHelp and the partnership.

SAT PREP CAMP AND BIZ CAMP INFO MEETING ATTENDED BY STUDENTS

Tonight, we held an SAT Preparation Review/College Prep Course/BizCamp Information meeting at Greenburgh Town Hall. About 25 Greenburgh students from different school attended the meeting and learned about the proposal - which is included in the 2007 proposed budget. Some of the students were so motivated about the program that they walked from their homes to Town Hall for the meeting. I was impressed with the students -who seem excited about their future. This proposed camp is designed to give our youth the training they need to achieve and exceed their goals. For more information about the camp please read my budget message which is posted on our web site: www.greenburghny.com (look at forms- budget).
If you have a son or daughter who is interested in signing up for the camp (assuming funding is approved in the 2007 budget) please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. We will provide you with the information you need.

TENANTS, TAXPAYERS WIN VICTORY AT AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON MANHATTAN AVE

Tenants who reside at 90 Manhattan Ave, 100 Manhattan Ave and 33 Oak Street won an important victory at a late night Town Board meeting on Tuesday/Wednesday (meeting ended at 1:15 AM). The Town Board unanimously approved a resolution consenting to Fairview Housing Development acquiring Fairview Manhattan Apartments.
The new property owner agreed to make capital improvements at the buildings in an amount not less than $8.25 million. Rents for tenants who do not qualify for voucher programs due to income, will not double -as tenants had feared. Over income tenants will see their rents increase by 12 and a half percent each year until the tenant pays portions of the rent that equals the then current HUD approved rents.
In the event that the federal government terminates the enhanced preservation voucher program the new buyer agrees to forego one hundred percent of the reduced amount of the voucher for the first 12 months, 50% for the 2nd 12 months and 25% for the 3rd 12 months.
Finally, the new agreement authorizes a one year tax break. For about 30 years the building had received tax breaks. At the end of the one year there will be no additional tax breaks for the building. This will save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Special thanks to Nikki Coddington, our energy conservation coordinator, for saving the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. She located energy conservation grants that enabled the buildings to be renovated without town tax dollars.
I am very pleased that this agreement was approved. Tenants had expressed concerns for over a year. We involved the tenants in the process. They attended numerous meetings. Instead of feeling neglected by the town - they partnered with us. This became a win-win for everyone. We will keep 3 buildings of affordable housing affordable. Tenants will see their lives enhanced as a result of major building improvements. Tax breaks for the building will end. Rent hikes won't result in tenants being forced out of their homes. We will maintain the diversity of the buildings.

SAFE TEEN DRIVING EDUCATION FAIR

On Tuesday, November 28 from 3- 7 PM the county is sponsoring a Safe Teen Driving Education Fair. The fair will be held at the Westchester Marriott, Tarrytown. This is an open house highlighting prevention programs and resources that schools and communities can use to help educate teens and their parents about safe driving. Featuring Driving simulator, Multi Media Presentation, SADD, MADD, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and more. Car crashes are the number one cause of death for 16-21 year olds in the United States. This fair is designed to prevent and reduce these tragedies in our communities. For more info call 995-4115.

New TZ bridge could lead to bus/train station in Greenburgh/Elmsford

An interesting article in today's Westchester County Business Journal (www.westchestercbj.com)indicated that if the Tappan Zee bridge is replaced that there will be up to 15 new transit stops along the way. Elmsford/Greenburgh was listed as a possible stop. This could include bus terminals or train stations. There are a variety of options: buses, commuter trains or small light rail trains. As the business Journal article pointed out - once an option is chosen there are other questions that must be answered. WHere will commuters park their cars? How many parking spots are needed near the planned stops? How many acres of property will need to be set aside for parking areas?
I have included $30,000 in my 2007 proposed budget for a consultant study to identify issues that will impact the town regarding the TZ bridge option. The study has the support of other local officials and the Conservation Advisory Council. We want to make sure that your interests are advocated before the state finalizes any decision.

SHOULD TOWN INCREASE FUNDS OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STUDY FROM $50,000 TO $300,000 FOR 2007?

In my proposed 20007 budget I included $50,000 in funds to commence the updating of the Town's Comprehensive Master Plan. The plan update will provide a framework for future development in Greenburgh. The updating of the comprehensive plan has the support of the 3 land use Boards in the town - the Planning Board, Zoning Board and Conservation Advisory Council.
The issue as I see it is whether the plan should be done all at once - the cost would be a minimum of $300,000 in 2007---perhaps as much as $600,000 over the course of the review, according to town officials. I prefer studying a section of the town at a time, reviewing the recommendations, implementing the suggestions and then moving on to another section of town. Obviously, if the study is done in segments the costs associated with the study will be less in 2007.
I think that this is the more fiscally prudent option. Consider a homeowner who wants to renovate a house. Most people do one room at a time and live with it. Then, when more funds are available they do another room. In addition, while a master plan is important - we have to recognize that unforseen events or laws passed elsewhere by a nearby community can negate the recommendations of our consultant. We can anticipate the future - we can't guarantee that our predictions will take place. Look at Ridge Hill - in Yonkers. 10 years ago no one in Greenburgh anticipated a Ridge Hill development. If we had completed a master plan 9 years ago that did not include Ridge Hill it would be outdated today. 10 years ago no one even considered the possibility that the Tappan Zee bridge would be replaced. Now, a master plan has to incorporate the impacts of a new TZ bridge on Greenburgh.
I believe that this will be a major discussion during the budget process and welcome your thoughts and feedback.

CENTRAL AVE CHANGES: TURCOS SOLD TO MORT WILLIAMS

Turco's food market on Central Ave has been sold to Morton Williams. Morton Williams sells similar high quality/fine foods in NYC. Turco's has been one of the major food stores and destination locations on Central Ave in Hartsdale since 1976. Welcome Morton Williams. Thank you for the memories, Turco's.

SANITATION TRUCKS TO HAVE BACK UP SAFETY CAMERA'S

In the capital budget that I submitted to the Town Board this year I included funding for sanitation back up safety cameras. This project will place cameras on the back of the refuse trucks allowing the driver to view activities behind the truck. This safety feature is a benefit to employees that work on the back of the truck and the public. There have been major accidents around the region and nation. This is an important safety enhancement. The Greenburgh Town Board, this past week, awarded a bid for 19 Safety Vision Rear Vision Camera Systems to Tri State Equipment Rebuilding for $11,305.

WHAT % OF GOVERNMENT STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS GET IMPLEMENTED?

In the 1990s the town completed an open space study. The study led to the acquisition of parkland, a new steep slope and wetlands ordinance. Other recommendations were made. At last nights Town Board meeting I requested Mark Stellato, Commissioner of Planning, to provide the town with a detailed analysis highlighting what recommendations have been implemented, what suggestions have not been implemented, what is under active consideration. I also believe that the public deserves to know if any of the recommendations were rejected.
That study cost the taxpayers over $250,000 to complete. It's important that when the town completes a major study that its recommendations not be allowed to gather dust. I also believe that the Town Board should require annual post reports to be issued after consultant reports are commissioned.