Nikki Coddington, Greenburgh's energy conservation coordinator, has been appointed to the NYS Renewable Energy Task Force by Lt. Governor David Paterson. The goal of the Task Force is to identify and recommend ways of expanding the state's use of renewable energy and alternative fuels.
This is an honor not only to Nikki but also to Greenburgh. We are the first locality in the region to have an energy conservation coordinator.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
TZ MUSIC FESTIVAL TONIGHT--FREE MUSIC
the Tappan Zee Music Festival opened last night at the Reform Church of the Tarrytowns. The festival continues at the church (located on Broadway) tonight and during the week.
July 2 6 to 10 PM ART SONG MARATHON
July 5 8 PM Four Good Reeds Saxophone Enssemble
July 6 7:30 PM Chamber Music Concert by Candlelight
July 7 Opera Gala Concert
INFO 591 6226 or TZMF.ORG
excellent music, outstanding opera, great voices and musicians
Celebrate the anniversaries of Grieg, Sibelius and Korngold
Thank you Dominique Hellsten of Irvington for organizing this program
July 2 6 to 10 PM ART SONG MARATHON
July 5 8 PM Four Good Reeds Saxophone Enssemble
July 6 7:30 PM Chamber Music Concert by Candlelight
July 7 Opera Gala Concert
INFO 591 6226 or TZMF.ORG
excellent music, outstanding opera, great voices and musicians
Celebrate the anniversaries of Grieg, Sibelius and Korngold
Thank you Dominique Hellsten of Irvington for organizing this program
GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY-WEEK OF JULY 2ND ..POST YOUR COMMENTS
Please feel free to post your comments about town issues.
FIREWORKS-- DOBBS FERRY, TARRYTOWN-----JULY 4th
CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY!
FIREWORKS-- DOBBS FERRY, TARRYTOWN-----JULY 4th
CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Hartsdale Farms to open today...sports club gets permit...farmer's market opens Saturday
Hartsdale Farms is the latest E Hartsdale Ave store to re-open. The building dept has advised me that they expect the store to re-open today.
The fitness center has filed a building permit with the Building Dept last week so we expect them to re-open soon.
No information from K Fung's or the Bakery.
Farmer's market opens Saturday from 9-2. One additional farmer!
The fitness center has filed a building permit with the Building Dept last week so we expect them to re-open soon.
No information from K Fung's or the Bakery.
Farmer's market opens Saturday from 9-2. One additional farmer!
ETHICS BD NEEDS 5 MEMBERS, ONLY HAS 3
The town statute requires the Ethics Board to have 5 members. Currently, there are only 3 members. I have been urging the Town Board for weeks to make the other two appointments. Months ago we interviewed qualified candidates. Some of the individuals we interviewed are recognized nationally for their work on ethics issues. However - the Board has not gotten back to those previously interviewed.
The 3 members of the Ethics Board are working hard. They deserve to have a full Board working with them.
The 3 members of the Ethics Board are working hard. They deserve to have a full Board working with them.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
WIFI E HARTSDALE AVE
I have proposed that the town WIFI E Hartsdale Ave. We should provide free WIFI access to the avenue --a suggestion that could help the merchants on the avenue. WOuldn't it be great to be able to bring your computer to the pizzeria...to Harry's...to Lia's or Starbucks? Wouldn't some commuters appreciate having WIFI access at the train station or at the parking area?
THe proposal will be forwarded to the town MIS committee.
THe proposal will be forwarded to the town MIS committee.
ONE WAY TO HELP THE CENTRAL 7 SCHOOL DISTRICT
I have heard reports that the Central 7 School district is considering reducing the hours of the fitness center at Woodlands. This may be done because of the recent school budget defeat. This fitness center, which is open to residents of the Central 7 School district, is world class -- one of the best fitness centers around. Non students can use the fitness facilities after hours.
I have written to the school district asking if they would be interested in having the town take over the operation after hours. The fitness center would then be open to all residents of unincorporated Greenburgh - not just residents of Central 7.
Central 7 has wonderful facilities -- it's important that they be used.
I have written to the school district asking if they would be interested in having the town take over the operation after hours. The fitness center would then be open to all residents of unincorporated Greenburgh - not just residents of Central 7.
Central 7 has wonderful facilities -- it's important that they be used.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
TOWN BD WORK SESSIONS SHOULD BE TELEVISED
Francis Sheehan states in his latest gblist e mail that the last Town Board work session was audiotaped by a member of the public. The person who audiotaped the meeting is a long time supporter of Mr. Sheehan. There is no way of knowing if the recording that he is transcribing includes statements made during the entire meeting.
What is needed is for the Town Board to learn from this incident. WE NEED TO TELEVISE ALL OUR WORK SESSIONS--IN ITS ENTIRETY.
The public has a right to know what is happening during our work sessions--who said what, what comments were made. What questions are being asked.
IN ADDITION-- the work session agendas should be released to the public a few days before each work session (the Friday before the Tuesday meeting). Currently, work session agendas are posted only a few hours before each work session--providing the public with no time to plan to attend the work session if they they are interested in attending the meeting.
Finally-- the personal accusations and attacks must stop. Leave the politics to the campaign.
What is needed is for the Town Board to learn from this incident. WE NEED TO TELEVISE ALL OUR WORK SESSIONS--IN ITS ENTIRETY.
The public has a right to know what is happening during our work sessions--who said what, what comments were made. What questions are being asked.
IN ADDITION-- the work session agendas should be released to the public a few days before each work session (the Friday before the Tuesday meeting). Currently, work session agendas are posted only a few hours before each work session--providing the public with no time to plan to attend the work session if they they are interested in attending the meeting.
Finally-- the personal accusations and attacks must stop. Leave the politics to the campaign.
Monday, June 25, 2007
RESPONSE TO SHEEHANS SMEARS RE: WESTHELP FUNDS
Two years ago Francis Sheehan indulged in character assassination for which he was criticized by the Fair Elections Campaign Committee. He is doing it again and you can expect more of the same.
Today, Francis Sheehan, a councilman, sent out an e mail on the glist that is not true. I know that it is campaign season but that doesn't excuse Mr. Sheehan's smear about the WESTHELP funds. He says that $1,448,000 is in the bank to be used by me for "flexible purposes." A falsehood is the nicest way I can describe the statement.
The $1,448,000 includes the money originally scheduled for the civic associations which was never paid to them. The Town Board, NOT ONLY ME, had held the money back in the fund balance because we thought that we could use it for a WESTHELP related purpose, like extra police protection, but the Board decided to add it to the regular budget. The balance of the $1,448,000 had been held in the fund balance to be paid to the Valhalla School district and the Fire Department. The Town Board knew about these funds. Until late last year when the State Comptroller said that the grant to Valhalla was illegal unless the contract was renegotiated we all assumed that these funds would be disbursed to the Valhalla School district as planned. The amount for the Fire District was also expected to be disbursed to the Fire District. We learned that the funds can't be given to the school district, unless the contract is re-negotiated. We are still investigating whether the Fire District serves a town wide purpose and if they do then they are entitled to that money.
I urged that these funds be placed in the A budget because that is what the State Comptroller said was necessary. But, the Town Council wouldn't agree. Only last Tuesday at the work session the Council wanted to put this money into the B budget despite the State Comptroller's opinion. That is when I said that I would direct the Comptroller to put the money into the A budget and I did exactly that. The difference between us is that I wanted to put it into the A budget, where the law requires it, and Sheehan and others wanted to put it into the B budget, in violation of the law.
Why is Sheehan now complaining and saying that the funds should go into the A budget? Probably he has been told by someone (maybe our outside auditors, that this is where the funds have to go. So rather than admit that he was wrong in the first place he writes with self righteousness and adopts the very position I urged only last Tuesday.
Today, Francis Sheehan, a councilman, sent out an e mail on the glist that is not true. I know that it is campaign season but that doesn't excuse Mr. Sheehan's smear about the WESTHELP funds. He says that $1,448,000 is in the bank to be used by me for "flexible purposes." A falsehood is the nicest way I can describe the statement.
The $1,448,000 includes the money originally scheduled for the civic associations which was never paid to them. The Town Board, NOT ONLY ME, had held the money back in the fund balance because we thought that we could use it for a WESTHELP related purpose, like extra police protection, but the Board decided to add it to the regular budget. The balance of the $1,448,000 had been held in the fund balance to be paid to the Valhalla School district and the Fire Department. The Town Board knew about these funds. Until late last year when the State Comptroller said that the grant to Valhalla was illegal unless the contract was renegotiated we all assumed that these funds would be disbursed to the Valhalla School district as planned. The amount for the Fire District was also expected to be disbursed to the Fire District. We learned that the funds can't be given to the school district, unless the contract is re-negotiated. We are still investigating whether the Fire District serves a town wide purpose and if they do then they are entitled to that money.
I urged that these funds be placed in the A budget because that is what the State Comptroller said was necessary. But, the Town Council wouldn't agree. Only last Tuesday at the work session the Council wanted to put this money into the B budget despite the State Comptroller's opinion. That is when I said that I would direct the Comptroller to put the money into the A budget and I did exactly that. The difference between us is that I wanted to put it into the A budget, where the law requires it, and Sheehan and others wanted to put it into the B budget, in violation of the law.
Why is Sheehan now complaining and saying that the funds should go into the A budget? Probably he has been told by someone (maybe our outside auditors, that this is where the funds have to go. So rather than admit that he was wrong in the first place he writes with self righteousness and adopts the very position I urged only last Tuesday.
GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY( week of June 25) -PLEASE COMMENT ON TOWN ISSUES
Please feel free to comment on town issues. The Town Board will be meeting this Wednesday night at 7:15 PM.
***UPDATE ON E HARTSDALE AVE FLOODING--AND STUDY OF CAUSES OF FLOODING
***UPDATE ON LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION
***UPDATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMITTEE-- WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH WATERWHEEL PROPERTY IN ARDLEY? WILL TOWN WORK WITH VILLAGE AND TURN PROPERTY INTO AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS?
***UPDATE ON E HARTSDALE AVE FLOODING--AND STUDY OF CAUSES OF FLOODING
***UPDATE ON LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION
***UPDATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMITTEE-- WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH WATERWHEEL PROPERTY IN ARDLEY? WILL TOWN WORK WITH VILLAGE AND TURN PROPERTY INTO AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS?
Saturday, June 23, 2007
BAGELS & MORE RE-OPENS ON EAST HARTSDALE AVE
East Hartsdale is slowly coming back to life. Bagels & More, one of the most popular stores on the avenue, re-opened today (Saturday). The store was closed for many weeks- due to the flood. Please give them your business. Their bagels are delicious!
Yesterday, at 4 PM, the town received over a half dozen proposals from qualified consultants who are bidding for the opportunity to study the causes of the flood on E Hartsdale Ave and to make recommendations. I am urging the Town Board to select a consultant quickly - so we can take steps to reduce the potential for another major disaster on the avenue in the event of a future major storm.
The County Clerk, Tim Idoni will be sending his mobile van to the avenue this Tuesday. Call 995 4287 for information about hte services that are being offered. You can apply for a passport, for example.
AND REMEMBER-- jazz concerts begin on the avenue July 7th from noon to 2 at DeSanti Plaza.
Yesterday, at 4 PM, the town received over a half dozen proposals from qualified consultants who are bidding for the opportunity to study the causes of the flood on E Hartsdale Ave and to make recommendations. I am urging the Town Board to select a consultant quickly - so we can take steps to reduce the potential for another major disaster on the avenue in the event of a future major storm.
The County Clerk, Tim Idoni will be sending his mobile van to the avenue this Tuesday. Call 995 4287 for information about hte services that are being offered. You can apply for a passport, for example.
AND REMEMBER-- jazz concerts begin on the avenue July 7th from noon to 2 at DeSanti Plaza.
Friday, June 22, 2007
WESTHELP PARTNERSHIP-TOWN BD TO PROVIDE WESTHELP PARTNERSHIP FUNDS TO FAIRVIEW
The Town Board will vote at the July Town Board meeting to release funds from the WESTHELP partnership to the Fairview Fire district! We made a promise to the district. I'm pleased that the Town Council will keep that part of the promise.
LAST DAY TO FILE FOR FLOOD EMERGENCY HELP ON MONDAY
The last day to file a flood related application with FEMA is Monday, June 25th. Jeff Adelman of FEMA (337-281-4448) suggested that I remind flood victims.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
TOWN BD SHOULD AMEND RULES TO ALLOW RESIDENTS TO SPEAK AT WORK SESSIONS
At the last Town Board work session, some members of the Board refused to let citizens in attendance speak at the work session.
I would like to see the rules amended so that citizens who take the time to attend Board work sessions can participate, ask question, express their views.
I would like to see the rules amended so that citizens who take the time to attend Board work sessions can participate, ask question, express their views.
AUTOCAP AUTOMOTIVE CONSUMER ACTION PROGRAM
I received an interesting letter today from AUTOCAP-- this is a free consumer dispute resolution service. AUTOCAP brings customers and car dealers together to resolve customer's complaints. AUTOCAP can help with new and used car customer complaints and answer questions regarding sales, leasing, service, warranties and the NYS Lemon law. Call 1-800-522-3881 if you need their help.
E HARTSDALE AVE FLOOD STUDY- RFPs due tomorrow
We will receive requests for proposals from consultants tomorrow for a flood study on E Hartsdale Ave --to determine the causes and to make recommendations. We will then interview the firms and make a selection.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
CENTRAL 7 BUDGET REJECTED--WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO TURN AROUND SCHOOL DISTRICTS REPUTATION?
Central 7 school district residents rejected the school budget yesterday. The Central 7 school district is independent of the town government. The district has their own governing body (school board) and administration.
What would you do to turn around the school districts reputation? How can the town help the district?
Your suggestions are appreciated. A few months ago Vic Leviatin (founder of the nationally recognized WISE program & a former teacher at Central 7) and Harry Phillips of Hartsdale (a Regent with the NY State Education Dept) formed a citizens committee to work with the school district to enhance the quality of education students receive. I have expressed interest in serving on the committee.
What would you do to turn around the school districts reputation? How can the town help the district?
Your suggestions are appreciated. A few months ago Vic Leviatin (founder of the nationally recognized WISE program & a former teacher at Central 7) and Harry Phillips of Hartsdale (a Regent with the NY State Education Dept) formed a citizens committee to work with the school district to enhance the quality of education students receive. I have expressed interest in serving on the committee.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
TOWN BD AUTHORIZES SIDEWALK SALES...PASSES LAWS REGULATING CON ED TREE CUTTING
The Greenburgh Town Board approved a local law to allow for the designation of additional dates where sidewalk sales will be permitted when deemed warranted by the Town Board. This law will allow more sidewalk sales on E Hartsdale Ave.
The Board also approved a law amending the town code entitled tree cutting, topping and removal on distribution lines rights of way. The law,drafted by Mike Sigal and Dan Rosenblum of the Conservation Advisory Board, recognizes the need to preserve trees. Trees provide benefits to communities--flood prevention, water purification, reduced soil erosion,etc. The purpose of this law is to require that trees be cut and maintained in compliance with certain nationally recognized standards. When tree removal is necessary that reasonable efforts be made to mitigate the loss of trees by replanting of trees.
Con Ed will be required to follow the tree maintenance practices for utilities established by the National Arbor Day Foundation unless otherwise authorized in writing by the town's consulting arborist.
This legislation could become a model for other communities around the region.
The Board also approved a law amending the town code entitled tree cutting, topping and removal on distribution lines rights of way. The law,drafted by Mike Sigal and Dan Rosenblum of the Conservation Advisory Board, recognizes the need to preserve trees. Trees provide benefits to communities--flood prevention, water purification, reduced soil erosion,etc. The purpose of this law is to require that trees be cut and maintained in compliance with certain nationally recognized standards. When tree removal is necessary that reasonable efforts be made to mitigate the loss of trees by replanting of trees.
Con Ed will be required to follow the tree maintenance practices for utilities established by the National Arbor Day Foundation unless otherwise authorized in writing by the town's consulting arborist.
This legislation could become a model for other communities around the region.
WEEK OF JUNE 18 GREENBURGH DEMOCRACY POST YOUR COMMENTS
Please post your comments about town issues.
TODAY-- Town Bd to address Con Ed tree cutting 5 PM, Town Hall
WESTHELP AUDIT---TOWN BD HIRED AUDITOR IN DECEMBER... STATUS REPORT 3:45 PM
why has it taken so long for review to be completed? Very little work done between December and end of May
TODAY-- Town Bd to address Con Ed tree cutting 5 PM, Town Hall
WESTHELP AUDIT---TOWN BD HIRED AUDITOR IN DECEMBER... STATUS REPORT 3:45 PM
why has it taken so long for review to be completed? Very little work done between December and end of May
Sunday, June 17, 2007
IS THERE ENOUGH SHADE AT THE POOL?
I make it a practice to stop by at the town pool weekly - soliciting feedback. Yesterday some residents expressed a wish that we have more shaded areas at the pool. What do you think? Where should the shaded areas be located?
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