I received an e mail from Robert Freedman (RFreedman@mkirealtors.com) advising me that he has full/part time jobs available. His firm manages luxury cooperative and condo buildings throughout the NY metropolitan area. Currently these buildings are located on the upper eastside and downtown areas of Manhattan and are looking to hire mature, doorpersons, concierge staff and porters for various time slots. If you know of anyone who is looking for a position with union benefits -Local 32BJ please advise. He also has summer jobs for students--the average take home pay is about $600 a week.
Another constituent contacted me--his mother passed away. He has a motorized, electronic hospital bed he is willing to donate. If interested in obtaining this bed please e mail Richwagner242536@aol.com
IF YOU WANT TO SHARE INFO RE:JOB OPENINGS, AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES, ETC.. THAT COULD BE HELPFUL TO GREENBURGH RESIDENTS PLEASE E MAIL ME AND I'LL POST ON THIS BLOG SITE. MY GOAL: NEIGHBORS SHOULD HELP NEIGHBORS.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
CITIZEN SUGGESTION: CLEAN UP LITTER: POST LICENSE PLATS ON WWW.LITTERBUTT.COM
Litter is frequently thrown on Greenburgh roads by passing drivers. Merrill Cassell, a resident of Greenburgh, sent me an e mail advising of a web site: www.litterButt.com. This web site posts license plates of littering drivers. Mr.Cassell advises that this is one approach that can help keep Greenburgh streets clean. Mr. Cassell also suggests that the town consider raising fines for street litter and place large signs at key locations advising that there are heavy penalties for littering in the streets. It is difficult to catch offfenders, but fines and notices are a good deterrence.
We send out our crews to remove litter from some key locations --within hours the litter returns.
Another suggestion: place camera's at key locations --maybe that would act as a deterrent.
What are your thoughts?
We send out our crews to remove litter from some key locations --within hours the litter returns.
Another suggestion: place camera's at key locations --maybe that would act as a deterrent.
What are your thoughts?
Monday, January 15, 2007
AN ANNUAL TRADITION-SERIOUS CRIME LOWEST IN HISTORY. CRIME KEEPS GOING DOWN...DOWN...DOWN...
It seems like the police chief makes the same announcement every year --or almost every year. Serious crime keeps going down in Greenburgh. Today the chief issued another announcement: serious crime in 2006 is the lowest in recorded history. We haven't hit bottom yet!
Calls to the police department were up, serious crime is down. We should all be thankful that our police dept does such a great job protecting us.
Calls to the police department were up, serious crime is down. We should all be thankful that our police dept does such a great job protecting us.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
library closed while construction begins..satellite libraries open on 1/24...SUGGESTION: ANOTHER SATELLITE AT EAST HARTSDALE AVE AND NATURE CENTER
The Greenburgh Library has closed its doors so that construction can start on the new 20 million library expansion that was approved in 2005 by the voters. 3 satellite libraries will open on 1/24--two rooms will be used by the library at our Town Hall; a room at the multipurpose center, AF Veteran Park will be converted into a satellite library. And the young adult collection will be placed at the Theodore Young Community Center.
I am suggesting that the town look hard to find another one or two locations: East Hartsdale Ave and the Greenburgh Nature Center are my choices, because both are destination locations for many residents.
Greenburgh residents deserve a functioning library during the 2 year construction project --additional library satellites will provide residents with the services we expect to receive from Greenburgh.
I am suggesting that the town look hard to find another one or two locations: East Hartsdale Ave and the Greenburgh Nature Center are my choices, because both are destination locations for many residents.
Greenburgh residents deserve a functioning library during the 2 year construction project --additional library satellites will provide residents with the services we expect to receive from Greenburgh.
CENTRAL AVE RESIDENTIAL MORATORIUM UPDATE: HEARING ON JAN 24
The Town Board unanimously voted to schedule a hearing on the proposed moratorium on residential development on Central Ave for Wednesday, January 24th at 7:15 PM at Town Hall. The moratorium will not be approved on the 24th --the proposal first has to be discussed by the town's Planning Board. I anticipate that a moratorium will be approved in the near future. Edgemont leaders have expressed concern about the impact additional residential development on Central Ave will have on the Edgemont school district. Commercial development generates more revenue for the school district and no additional school children.
MONDAY IS MARTIN LUTHER KINGS BIRTHDAY-SUGGESTION: COUNTY BUSES SHOULD DEDICATE FIRST ROW IN HONOR OF ROSA PARKS
A few weeks ago I visited my in laws in Florida. I rode the Miami bus line. The buses in Miami designate a first row seat in honor of Rosa Parks. A sticker honoring Rosa Parks is placed on the seat. Rosa Parks stood for freedom. Her acts of protect jump started the civil rights movement. In 1955 she was ordered to give up her seat to a white person. She refused to move out of her front of the bus seat. Her decision led to the disintegration of segregation.
I am urging the Westchester County government & Liberty bus lines to follow the lead of Miami transit and to place stickers honoring Rosa Parks on the front row of all buses. Hopefully, these stickers will motivate others to also have the courage to fight for equal rights and an end to all forms of discrimination.
I am urging the Westchester County government & Liberty bus lines to follow the lead of Miami transit and to place stickers honoring Rosa Parks on the front row of all buses. Hopefully, these stickers will motivate others to also have the courage to fight for equal rights and an end to all forms of discrimination.
Friday, January 12, 2007
State Comptroller's report on web re: WESTHELP
The State Comptroller's opinion regarding the WESTHELP partnership has been released and can be read on the town web site: www.greenburghny.com. The draft report, which had been leaked to the media against the wishes of the comptroller's office, had contained some inaccurate information and comments. The inaccuracies have been corrected in the final report. The comptroller's report does not say that WESTHELP cannot pass money to the Valhalla school district -- they recommend that the pass through be set up differently, without the town being used as a pass along. I believe that it is important for the town to re-negotiate the agreement that members of the Town Board (Steve Bass, Diana Juettner, Eddie Mae Barnes & I) had previously voted for. HELP USA has agreed to participate in any re-negotiations.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SENATOR LOSES AN ELECTION- GRANTS AWARDED ARE TAKEN BACK
I just received a disturbing call from Kim Conklin of the the NYS Department of State. $125,000 that had previously been awarded to the town by Senator Nick Spano in 2006 was withdrawn. We had received a pre-election day grant from the Senator for a generator and a program at the Theodore Young Community Center. All grants given to local governments and non profits by the Senator in 2006 have been withdrawn.
This is politics at its worst. Grants should not be tied to politics or campaigns. Once a grant is announced and awarded the promises made should be kept.
The check was in the mail -- until Senator Spano lost his re-election bid to Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins. I will be reaching out to Senator Cousins and will ask for her assistance regarding those two important grant awards. We relied on the promise.
We desperately need to reform Albany! This is disgusting!
This is politics at its worst. Grants should not be tied to politics or campaigns. Once a grant is announced and awarded the promises made should be kept.
The check was in the mail -- until Senator Spano lost his re-election bid to Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins. I will be reaching out to Senator Cousins and will ask for her assistance regarding those two important grant awards. We relied on the promise.
We desperately need to reform Albany! This is disgusting!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
16 acres of parkland in E Irvington could be dedicated
A few years ago the Unification Church donated 16 acres of land to the town. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board has approved a resolution urging the Town Board to dedicate the land as parkland. At the Town Board meeting on January 24th the Board will be asked to vote on a resolution I intend to introduce dedicating 16 acres along Taxter Road as parkland. The intent was always to use the property as open space.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
RIDGE HILL LAWSUIT SETTLED- TOWN TO BE REIMBURSED FOR LEGAL/CONSULTANT FEES
The Greenburgh Town Board joined Yonkers, Ardsley & Hastings in voting to settle the Ridge Hill lawsuit. Yonkers will reimburse Greenburgh $450,000 as reimbursement for legal/consultant costs incurred with fighting the project. Yonkers will make available to Ardsley, Greenburgh and Hastings $5 million to be used for road improvements. A task force will be created to explore the feasibility of direct access from the Sprain.
I would have preferred density reduction. We were told that our chances of winning a lawsuit were slim. We were also advised that if we had pursued litigation we would be spending another $300,000+ or more on legal fees. Does it make sense to spend $800,000 on legal fees for a losing battle? Now, we're getting reimbursed for our legal costs - and getting 5 million for traffic improvements. I also hope that the task force will result in more regional planning/dialogue between Yonkers and Greenburgh.
I would have preferred density reduction. We were told that our chances of winning a lawsuit were slim. We were also advised that if we had pursued litigation we would be spending another $300,000+ or more on legal fees. Does it make sense to spend $800,000 on legal fees for a losing battle? Now, we're getting reimbursed for our legal costs - and getting 5 million for traffic improvements. I also hope that the task force will result in more regional planning/dialogue between Yonkers and Greenburgh.
69 Performance based goals announced
I have released 69 performance based goals today. The goals will be posted on the town web site: www.greenburghny.com. Every year, since 1999, I have voluntarily placed $5000 of my salary in an escrow account. At the end of the year the Board evaluates my performance, based on implementation of goals. I return part of the salary back to the taxpayers.
The New York Times last year wrote an editorial stating that the "concept of performance base pay feels right. It respects the voters' desire for accountability in spending and provides a useful reminder of promises made, kept, broken or deferred." Last year I returned to the taxpayers $1,029.41. I achieved 79.41% of the goals.
This years goals are very ambitious and exciting. Among goals: Updating GIS...saving the community hospital at Dobbs Ferry...starting an SAT summer camp...conducting an actuarial review to determine the cost of projected post employment benefits, other than pension benefits, as required by GASB...holding meetings with Con Ed and residents who have experienced frequent power outages...courthouse funding..improving security at Hartsdale Parking...addressing parking needs for E Hartsdale Ave residents...increasing the number of farmers at the farmers market...improving leaf collection...oversight of the library...landscaping Webb Field...a children's garden at Hartsbrook Park & Preserve..installation generator at Town Hall...etc.
The New York Times last year wrote an editorial stating that the "concept of performance base pay feels right. It respects the voters' desire for accountability in spending and provides a useful reminder of promises made, kept, broken or deferred." Last year I returned to the taxpayers $1,029.41. I achieved 79.41% of the goals.
This years goals are very ambitious and exciting. Among goals: Updating GIS...saving the community hospital at Dobbs Ferry...starting an SAT summer camp...conducting an actuarial review to determine the cost of projected post employment benefits, other than pension benefits, as required by GASB...holding meetings with Con Ed and residents who have experienced frequent power outages...courthouse funding..improving security at Hartsdale Parking...addressing parking needs for E Hartsdale Ave residents...increasing the number of farmers at the farmers market...improving leaf collection...oversight of the library...landscaping Webb Field...a children's garden at Hartsbrook Park & Preserve..installation generator at Town Hall...etc.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
A or B--State Comptroller's Office issues opinion on budget allocations
The Office of the NY State Comptroller has sent me an opinion concerning allocation of funds re: A & B budget. Should the villages and unincorporated Greenburgh receive income from rent, interest on investments or should only unincorporated Greenburgh receive the income...who should be charged for various services (such as costs related to broadcasting of Town Board meetings)? The entire town or just unincorporated Greenburgh?
If you would like a copy of the entire report e mailed to you please e mail: pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
REMINDER: Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins will hold her swearing in ceremony on Wednesday, January 10th at 7 PM. A reception will be held at 6:15 PM. Please wish the Senator good luck!
If you would like a copy of the entire report e mailed to you please e mail: pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
REMINDER: Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins will hold her swearing in ceremony on Wednesday, January 10th at 7 PM. A reception will be held at 6:15 PM. Please wish the Senator good luck!
Monday, January 08, 2007
WHY A MORATORIUM ON RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT MAKES SENSE FOR CENTRAL AVE
Mark Stellato, Commissioner of Planning, has presented the Town Board with a memo highlighting the need for a moratorium on development on Central Ave. Some reasons...
***The portion of Central Ave served by the Edgemont school district includes 909 apartments in various multifamily dwellings, representing 32% of total residential component of the school district, and a 60% increase in the number of residential units from the time the plan was developed.
***In the last 15 years the district's enrollment has increased from 1,355 to 1,923 - an increase in 42%. The increase in school population has required the need for additional educational facilities not contemplated when the plan was first developed and the zoning enacted.
***The increase in school district enrollment has exceeded even the districts demographic reports prepared in preparation for its capital project to expand the facilities. For example, elementary enrollment - expected tor each a high of 928 in 2003, now stands at 1,005. Class sizes have been growing at all grades, overcrowding is becoming an issue.
***THe Edgemont school district undertook a capital improvement program which expanded facilities at all 3 schools. Upon completion, these facilities were immediately at full capacity.
The town is currently revisiting its zoning code. A moratorium on development in the Central AVe mixed use impact district will enable the town to fully study the matter and make recommendations re: zoning changes.
The Town Board will meet this Wednesday evening. It's my hope that a hearing on the proposed moratorium can be scheduled quickly--hopefully at our next meeting in 2 weeks.
***The portion of Central Ave served by the Edgemont school district includes 909 apartments in various multifamily dwellings, representing 32% of total residential component of the school district, and a 60% increase in the number of residential units from the time the plan was developed.
***In the last 15 years the district's enrollment has increased from 1,355 to 1,923 - an increase in 42%. The increase in school population has required the need for additional educational facilities not contemplated when the plan was first developed and the zoning enacted.
***The increase in school district enrollment has exceeded even the districts demographic reports prepared in preparation for its capital project to expand the facilities. For example, elementary enrollment - expected tor each a high of 928 in 2003, now stands at 1,005. Class sizes have been growing at all grades, overcrowding is becoming an issue.
***THe Edgemont school district undertook a capital improvement program which expanded facilities at all 3 schools. Upon completion, these facilities were immediately at full capacity.
The town is currently revisiting its zoning code. A moratorium on development in the Central AVe mixed use impact district will enable the town to fully study the matter and make recommendations re: zoning changes.
The Town Board will meet this Wednesday evening. It's my hope that a hearing on the proposed moratorium can be scheduled quickly--hopefully at our next meeting in 2 weeks.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
SHOULD THE TOWN BD PURSUE A TOWN SIDEWALK POLICY OR SIDEWALK DISTRICT?
Last spring the Town Board unanimously approved a resolution directing me to submit a proposed sidewalk policy to the Town Board by September. I complied with the request and submitted a proposal to the Board. So far - no action. I hope that the Town Board will hold a public hearing on the proposal in 2007 and adopt a modified sidewalk policy. One of the goals that I am considering proposing on Wednesday is for the town to pursue the creation of a sidewalk district for unincorporated Greenburgh. This proposal, if implemented, will enable the town to build new sidewalks around town. The district will be the entire unincorporated Greenburgh. Any thoughts?
Saturday, January 06, 2007
MOMENTUM BUILDING FOR ACQUISISTION OF OPEN SPACE IN EDGEMONT- CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL ENDORSES ACQUISITION
Momentum is building for the acquisition of Dromore Road property as open space. The CAC voted to recommend to the town that every effort be made to assist the Greenburgh Nature Center in acquiring the Dromore Road property. While small this parcel is a link between two larger open spaces, the Nature Center and Edgemont High School campus. When the town established its open space plan, the importance to local fauna of connecting open space was recognized as an element in identifying land to be acquired. The CAC also pointed out that the land would provide direct access from the Edgemont High School to the Nature Center. The high school and the nature center run joint programs.
Earlier this week Legislator Tom Abinanti expressed interest in working to persuade county officials to share in the expense of this acquisition. A number of Edgemont residents have also contacted me supporting this open space acquisition.
Earlier this week Legislator Tom Abinanti expressed interest in working to persuade county officials to share in the expense of this acquisition. A number of Edgemont residents have also contacted me supporting this open space acquisition.
LIBRARY EMPLOYEE SUGGESTION...IN EVENT THAT SATELLITE LIBRARIES DO NOT GENERATE TRAFFIC, TRANSFER SOME STAFF TO OTHER DEPTS
The Greenburgh Library will be closing soon and will be moving to satellite libraries. Most of the books, video's, etc.. will be in storage during the next two years. The new satellite locations (2 small rooms at Town Hall, a room at the multipurpose center) are much smaller than the old library.
The Library Board and Town Board made a decision to keep our full time staff employed. The employees do an outstanding job and we don't want to lose them. When we open up the new library in about 2 years we want to have outstanding, trained and dedicated librarians and staff serving you.
I have suggested additional satellite locations (E Hartsdale Ave/Nature Center). In the event that the satellite library locations do not generate much traffic and use I propose that the staff be assigned, temporarily, to other town departments.
We must make sure that employees who receive a pay check are actually working.
The Library Board and Town Board made a decision to keep our full time staff employed. The employees do an outstanding job and we don't want to lose them. When we open up the new library in about 2 years we want to have outstanding, trained and dedicated librarians and staff serving you.
I have suggested additional satellite locations (E Hartsdale Ave/Nature Center). In the event that the satellite library locations do not generate much traffic and use I propose that the staff be assigned, temporarily, to other town departments.
We must make sure that employees who receive a pay check are actually working.
Friday, January 05, 2007
library closing for construction January 14th
The Greenburgh Library will close for construction on January 14th. The temporary satellite libraries at Town Hall and at the Multipurpose Center, Veteran Town Park, will open on January 24th at 9 AM. I continue to believe that the satellite library locations are inadequate (very small space) and that we need to rent space elsewhere. Over 70% of the books will be placed in storage during the construction, I have been told. In the past, I have suggested that we consider opening up satellite locations on East Hartsdale Ave and at the Greenburgh Nature Center.
During the construction of the library I will be asking for periodic accountings re: how many people are using the satellite libraries...the number of books being taken out from the satellite libraries. I believe that library patrons deserve a functioning library during the next two years -when construction is taking place. We should aggressively pursue additional space.
During the construction of the library I will be asking for periodic accountings re: how many people are using the satellite libraries...the number of books being taken out from the satellite libraries. I believe that library patrons deserve a functioning library during the next two years -when construction is taking place. We should aggressively pursue additional space.
UNFUNDED LIABILITIES: COULD BE COSTLY
One of the goals I will be announcing on Wednesday is the following: conducting an actuarial review to determine the cost of projected postemployment benefits, other than pension benefits, as required by the GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board).
Thousands of government bodies and school districts around the nation have been promising generous medical benefits to millions of employees. Yet, virtually none of these governments keep track of the mounting price tag. The usual practice: budget for health care a year at a time, and to leave the rest for the future.
As an article in the NY Times (12/11/2005) indicated, "off the government balance sheets- out of sight and out of mind - these obligations have been ballooning as health care costs have spiraled and as the baby boom generation has approached retirement."
The GASB will soon require governments and school districts to report this to the taxpayers. This could be very costly to the town. It will be costly to every school, fire district, municipality. Localities will have a few decades to pay off the unfunded liabilities. Nationally, it is estimated that the total will be one trillion dollars.
I am pleased that we are taking an important step to address this problem. I also believe that the Town Board MUST ADOPT A FUND BALANCE POLICY in 2007. This past year the Town Board was able to cut taxes by relying on fund balance.
Thousands of government bodies and school districts around the nation have been promising generous medical benefits to millions of employees. Yet, virtually none of these governments keep track of the mounting price tag. The usual practice: budget for health care a year at a time, and to leave the rest for the future.
As an article in the NY Times (12/11/2005) indicated, "off the government balance sheets- out of sight and out of mind - these obligations have been ballooning as health care costs have spiraled and as the baby boom generation has approached retirement."
The GASB will soon require governments and school districts to report this to the taxpayers. This could be very costly to the town. It will be costly to every school, fire district, municipality. Localities will have a few decades to pay off the unfunded liabilities. Nationally, it is estimated that the total will be one trillion dollars.
I am pleased that we are taking an important step to address this problem. I also believe that the Town Board MUST ADOPT A FUND BALANCE POLICY in 2007. This past year the Town Board was able to cut taxes by relying on fund balance.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
YOU'LL BE ABLE TO WATCH LENO AND LETTERMAN INSTEAD OF THE TOWN BOARD--MEETINGS OF TOWN BD TO END BY 11:15 pm
I have asked the Town Board to agree to a Board rules change. All meetings of the Town Board should end no later than 11:15 PM, unless there is unanimous consent to extend the time. Public comments should close by 11 PM. Department heads who are currently required to attend all Town Board meetings should be able to leave and go home to their families after 10:45 PM.
When members of the Board vote on important laws - we should all be awake and concentrating.
When members of the Board vote on important laws - we should all be awake and concentrating.
PUBLIC HEARING REQUESTED ON CENTRAL AVE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT MORATORIUM
In recent months Edgemont civic associations have requested a moratorium on residential development along the Central Ave corridor. The concern: Residential development will have more of an impact on the school district than commercial development. During a moratorium a study of the Central Ave corridor would take place. At the conclusion of the study a determination would be made whether a zoning change should be approved.
I believe that the Town Board should schedule a public hearing on this requested moratorium and have placed the item on the agenda for next Wednesday, January 10th at 7:00 PM. I am requesting the Town Board to direct the Town Attorney/Commissioner of Planning to draft a resolution and to schedule the hearing within 30 days.
Some people do not support the moratorium. Holding a public hearing on this matter will provide all residents of Edgemont and Greenburgh with the opportunity to express their views.
I believe that the Town Board should schedule a public hearing on this requested moratorium and have placed the item on the agenda for next Wednesday, January 10th at 7:00 PM. I am requesting the Town Board to direct the Town Attorney/Commissioner of Planning to draft a resolution and to schedule the hearing within 30 days.
Some people do not support the moratorium. Holding a public hearing on this matter will provide all residents of Edgemont and Greenburgh with the opportunity to express their views.
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