AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMITTEE BEING FORMED...SUGGESTIONS ENCOURAGED

The Greenburgh Town Board is moving forward --creating an affordable housing committee. Last year the Town Board approved a resolution authorizing the committee to be formed but no appointments were made. That should change --soon!

Suggestion are welcome? Last night I was at a meeting in Hastings. Hastings Trustee Peter Swiderski discussed his views on the topic yesterday. In Hastings there is a requirement (similar to Greenburgh) that 10% of multifamily housing that is built be affordable. He proposes that the percentage increase to 15%. What do you think?

Other suggestions that have been made in the past include --retrofitting old homes and turning these existing homes into affordable housing. Another proposal: foreclosed property should be designated for affordable housing. A third suggestion made by a blogger on this blog a few months ago: Create a fund. Developers who purchase land owned by the town (foreclosed property) would be required to put funds in an account. The funds would be used to help volunteer firefighters, municipal workers purchase housing in a community. Perhaps --anytime a developer builds commercial or multifamily developments, a contribution towards an affordable housing account could be required --to help volunteer firefighters, municipal workers and others move into affordable units.Other suggestions: the county/state could provide localities that build affordable housing units additional grants for schools/open space.

The purpose of this blog is not to endorse or oppose any of the above suggestions --just to encourage more people to think about the problem and to help us come up with good, creative ideas.

January: Miscellaneous

The purpose of this Miscellaneous topic is to discuss any town related issues you feel are important. Please post any issues you wish to discuss in the comments section of this post. Thanks!

TOWN TO ISSUE TICKETS TO THOSE PARKING IN DISABLED PARKING SPOTS AT TOWN HALL

The Greenburgh Town Board decided at our work session meeting today to increase the number of disabled parking spots at Town Hall (satellite library). We expect to adopt a local law in February authorizing the police to issue tickets to those who park at the spots without a valid disabled parking permit.
The Board also agreed to reserve short term parking (30 minutes or less) spots at the locations closest to Town Hall. This will encourage more people to visit the library - especially senior citizens who might be reluctant to walk from the back of the parking lot to the Town Hall.

TOWN WINS LAWSUIT RE HAMPSHIRE MANAGEMENT-QUALITY OF LIFE

Good news for the town and residents of the Colony in Hartsdale! Judge Robert DiBella dismissed Hampshire Management's Article 78 petition and upheld the Town Board's April 6, 2006 Amended site plan approval requiring Hampshire Management to relocate a Knox lock, chains and an electrical transformer to a location approved on the approved 2003 amended site plan. This was a major quality of life issue for some residents of the Colony in Hartsdale. I am very pleased with the decision. Want a copy of the decision? e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com
PAUL FEINER

LIBRARY CONTRACT UPDATE...PARKING SUGGESTION

The Town Attorney has provided me with an update on the status of the library construction contracts. Copies of the standard contract, as modified by our construction law attorney, will be e mailed to those interested in looking at the contract. Later on in the week I will receive addenda approved by the construction law attorney (one of which is the PLA) and a list of drawings and specifications from each contractor. E mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com if you'd like the contract sent to you before I sign the documents.
Each of the prime contractors, which include general construction, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and geothermal driilling services, are at various stages of compiling the requisite contract documents and having them executed. All have been informed that time is of the essence. We have encouraged them to sign the documents and forwarded to the town by the end of the business day on Friday.

PARKING SUGGESTION--RESERVE SPOTS FOR LIBRARY PATRONS, PARENTS WITH SMALL CHILDREN, DISABLED AT FRONT OF PARKING AREA
Many library patrons have complained about the lack of parking at the front of Town Hall - now that the satellite library has moved to Town Hall. Some people are frustrated because they have to park at the back of the lot.
I am suggesting that the Town dedicate more spots for library patrons closer to the Town Hall. My proposal: The first section of our parking area should be reserved for the disabled/senior citizens. We should have dedicated spots reserved at the front of the building for those people who plan to spend a half hour or less at Town Hall - to visit the library or town departments. We might even want to have a designated area up front for parents with small children.
The library is known for it's reputation: customer service. Addressing the parking problems is important.

HASTINGS ON HUDSON REPLACING METERS WITH PAY STATIONS

Hastings on Hudson has replaced pay stations at Boulanger Plaza parking lot. The old, mechanical meters have been placed with more pleasing pay stations. Pay stations are replacing meters at locations in White Plains, New York City and other locations around the region. Some initial problems are being worked out in Hastings.
I mention this because last week we started having a dialogue about E Hartsdale Ave parking meters. Should Hartsdale follow Hastings lead?

CITIZEN SUGGESTION OF THE DAY: DAVID SLOANE--10 MINUTE FREE PARKING ON EAST HARTSDALE AVE

Hartsdale resident David Sloane has the citizen suggestion of the day: He proposes 10 minutes of free parking on East Hartsdale Ave. Mr. Sloane reports that Yonkers offers shoppers this convenience in their downtown business area. 10 minutes of free parking would offer people a chance to stop quickly at a store on E Hartsdale Ave. Merchants would benefit. The street would benefit. And, people would be more inclined to consider our E Hartsdale Ave businesses as places to shop at. Meters can be programmed to provide cars with 10 minutes of free parking. I like this idea!

library contract still hasn't been given to me to review

A number of people have asked to see the contracts with the library construction. I was advised earlier this week that I would have the contracts by the end of the week. I have still not seen the documents or been presented with contracts to sign so have not been able to sign the documents as of this moment. Furthermore, when I do get the contract, I would like to review the document and will do so promptly. Even though we have retained a lawyer who specializes in construction contracts to advise us : the language in the contract, there may be issues he is unaware of. Past history has shown that it would be irresponsible not to allow members of the community to also take a look at the contract before it is signed. If you are interested in being advised when I am given copies of the contracts to review, please let me know and I will immediately get back to you.
Again, I want to make it clear that as of this writing I have not been given any library construction contracts to review or sign. I also want to emphasize that my review will be done quickly because I do not want to delay the project. I just want to make sure that we are exposing the town to unnecesary and unanticipated problems/costs.

SATELLITE LIBRARY NEEDS CHAIRS, READING AREA- --LIBRARY STAFF DOING A TERRIFIC JOB

The library staff is working very hard. I'm impressed with their dedication and hard work - trying to make the satellite library at Town Hall work.
There is one big problem, however. Inadequate space for people to read, relax.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: The STAR office at Greenburgh Town Hall is moving to the Assessor's office. The STAR office is located down the hall from the satellite library and is a nice size room. I think this room would make an excellent reading room for the library. We can place comfortable chairs/tables in the room. This room can be the satellite periodical section -with magazines, newspapers.
I am asking the Town Board to consider dedicating this room to the library for a reading room. What do you think? The library should be a place for people to come to for relaxation purposes. We might even be able to put some computers in the room and make it WIFI accessible.

Residents Ask Town Bd to Re-Negotiate WESTHELP partnership

At last night's Town Board meeting a number of residents asked the Town Board to renegotiate the WESTHELP partnership with Mayfair Knollwood residents and the Valhalla school district. The NY State Comptroller's office has advised the Town Board that the partnership can continue--provided that the Town Board is willing to re-negotiate the terms. WESTHELP can legally give funds to the Valhalla school district.
The residents who spoke at last nights Town Board meeting stated that the Town Board had approved an agreement with the Mayfair Knollwood community a few years back. The community agreed to support the continued operation of a large homeless facility in their back yard. The town/county/WESTHELP agreed to give the Valhalla school district $650,000 a year in return.
Members of the Town Board who voted for the WESTHELP partnership were Steve Bass, Diana Juettner, Eddie Mae Barnes myself and former councilperson Timmy Weinberg.
The issue --as I see it is this--can residents trust promises made by elected officials?
The town must comply with state law. The state comptroller's office provided us with a means to continue the partnership----legally.

OOPS--wrong web site: FIXEHAPARKING.COM

The web site I listed below should read FIXEHAPARKING.COM

new citizen web site created to promote residential parking on e hartsdale ave

A group of citizens have started a new web site: www.fixhaparking.com. The goal: Address a growing problem for residents of East Hartsdale Ave---the lack of parking on the avenue. East Hartdale Ave is attracting many younger families -- who have two cars. The problem will get worst, unless we come up with some creative suggestions. A committee is being formed to develop short term and long term suggestions. Your thoughts are welcome.

CITIZEN IDEA OF THE DAY: CHANGE MACHINE ON E HARTSDALE AVE FOR PARKERS

I was speaking to Susan Hansel, a resident of E Hartsdale Ave today. She came up with a great suggestion: The parking authority should place change machines on the avenue for parkers. I have received a bunch of parking tickets over the years because I didn't have change on me. Others have had similar experiences.Merchants don't like to give people change if they are not buying anything from them. This suggestion could help people avoid parking tickets because a change machine would be just around the corner.

SATELLITE LIBRARY OPEN AT TOWN HALL

The satellite library at Greenburgh Town Hall is open to the public. The cafeteria on the ground floor of Town Hall has been converted into a library. On the 2nd floor there is a children's library. Part of the lobby is also being used.
I continue to hope that an additional satellite library location will be found for East Hartsdale Ave and/or the Greenburgh Nature Center.
Please visit our new satellite library (other satellite locations are at the Theodore Young Community Center and at the Multipurpose Center, AF Veteran Town Park.

On another matter...the town received the $450,000 check from Yonkers to reimburse the town for our legal costs re: Ridge Hill lawsuit. We settled the case earlier this month (along with Ardsley and Hastings). In addition, the town, Ardsley & Hastings will receive $5 million to enhance road/intersections within the town.

SAVE THE DATE: 2/15 meeting with con ed 7:30 --let's take proactive steps to reduce potential for power outages

Save the date: Last year there were a number of power outages in Greenburgh. Some homeowners had power outages 4, 5 or 6 times. I have scheduled a meeting with Con Ed officials for Feb 15th at 7:30 PM at the Greenville School in Edgemont. The purpose: to discuss proactive steps that can be taken by Con Ed and the town to reduce the potential for future outages.
This meeting is not going to be a meeting where we point fingers at each other - the goal of the meeting is to look ahead, to take action steps so we can avoid a repeat of the problems of 2006.
If your neighborhood had numerous outages last year please advise. My e mail is pfeiner@greenburghny.com.

CENTRAL AVE MORATORIUM ON RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT-SHOULD IT EXCLUDE ADULT RESIDENCES..STUDIO OR ONE BEDROOM APTS?

Readers of this blog might want to read todays Journal News (Business section). An article, which is on their web site (www.lohud.com)--Vasectomy Housing.
School districts in New Jersey are experiencing similar problems to the concerns articuled by Edgemont residents -- high taxes. Residential developments mean more students to educate and more expenses for school districts.
A number of New Jersey communities have approved zoning restrictions allowing for age restrictions on residential developments. Housing can only be built for seniors. Other communities restrict housing to studio apartments, one bedroom apartments. This enables school districts to expand the tax base without the expense of higher enrollment in the schools.
The question: If the Town Board proceeds with a moratorium on residential development should we exempt senior citizen housing or studio apartments from the moratorium? A moratorium on development is not a permanent ban on development. Commercial development will generate more taxes but it will also generate much more traffic, which also has been a concern of many people.
I am asking this question hoping that we can have a dialogue and a disussion about this important issue. I am open minded on this topic.

SENATOR COUSINS ENLISTS HIGH RANKING STATE OFFICIALS TO HELP SAVE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AT DOBBS FERRY

I joined Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins, other officials and the Minority Leader of the NY State Senate, Malcolm Smith on a bus tour of St John's Riverside Hospital & the Community Hospital of Dobbs Ferry. Senator Cousins deserves credit for encouraging high ranking NYS officials to tour the Community Hospital. If they see the hospital in person it is more likely that the hospital will be saved.
Senator Smith seemed supportive of Senator Cousins efforts. This was an important day for the efforts to save the hospital. On the bus we discussed the fact that there are 296 jobs at the community hospital at Dobbs Ferry. If the hospital closes the largest breast cancer program in Westchester (serving 6,000 patients) will also close. 9,000 emergency room patients will now travel 15-30 minutes further (longer in rush hours) resulting in lost lives. Regional emergency rooms, which are already overburdened and have waits of 3-5 hours will have an increase in wait time. The hospital is actually PROFIT MAKING. Why should the state close down a profit making hospital? This hospital is the fastest growing health care facility in the region. The hospital is also the most efficient and lowest cost facility in the region.
Senator Cousins indicated that she will work hard to save the hospital and that she is in constant communication with high level appointed and elected officials. With her help I think we stand a reasonable chance of being successful! Her approach: Inviting state officials to visit the hospital is the way to go.

OSSINING JUST APPROVED LEGISLATION REGULATING TREE REMOVAL AND PROTECTING AGAINST CLEAR CUTTING OF TREES

The village of Ossining, according to OSSINING.COM has adopted legislation regulating tree removal and the protection against clear cutting of trees. More than a few years ago the Greenburgh Town Board asked the Conservation Advisory Council to recommend tree legislation that would provide residents with the same protections. This was done after trees were cleared from a large property in Edgemont.The CAC spent hundreds of hours analyzing the law and made recommendations. A public hearing was held, some people did not like the law. What happened? Nothing. No vote. The proposal is gathering dust.
Should the Town Board vote on the law?
Should the Town Board approved a modified law if no vote will be cast?
Should the modified law have a sunset provision (meaning that the compromise legislation will die at the end of a year or two and have to be re-voted on). If this would be done we could include a provision that the CAC evaluate the new law and provide us with recommendations at the end of the year as to whether additional modifications would be worthwhile.
What do you think?
What kind of tree protection law would you support?

Implement state comptroller's recommendations re: A & B budgets

Last week the State Comptroller's office presented the Town Board with a report regarding the A & B budget allocations. The report included recommendations re: allocation of funds in the A & B budget. I am requesting that the Town Board implement the recommendations of the state comptroller's office before the 2007 tax bills are sent out. The Town Board should make the appropriate modifications in the budget within the next few weeks to comply with the State Comptroller's report.

LIBRARY UPDATE: GEOTHERMAL

Robert Reninger, chair of the Broadview Civic Association, and others have asked about the status of geothermal wells at the new Greenburgh Library. He and others want to know if there is an application on file with the DEC. We received a response from Sal Coco (our architect). Mr. Coco advises that "NY state will not accept the application until we have approval from NYC. The architect for the library is setting up a meeting with NYC to review their concerns. Once the NY City concerns are addressed we will file with NYS."