2011 YEAR IN REVIEW Paul Feiner
. I looked at the archives of my reports and my files and was pleasantly surprised at the many happenings that occurred during the year.
Since last December I have personally read or written 41,194 e mails (sent to or from my town e mail account according to my computer). Many of the e mail correspondence pertained to the hurricane and storms we had earlier this year --and the power outages. Received alot of e mails from residents about leaf collection and flooding. Send out frequent updates about job opportunities to the unemployed. I personally read every e mail sent to me and try to respond quickly to every question, complaint, suggestion. Here are some of the highlights of 2011.
· TOWN COMPLIES WITH TAX CAP The town approved a budget that complies with the new tax cap approved by the NYS Legislature and signed into law by the Governor. A Citizens Budget Oversight Commission, consisting of about 25 dedicated volunteers, worked day, night, and weekends all year long helping the town identify ways to save money.
· FLOODING-REMOVING DEBRIS FROM RIVER. Greenburgh and the Village of Elmsford public works departments cleared debris from the Saw Mill River to reduce flooding problems in the future. United States Senator Chuck Schumer came to Greenburgh and endorsed our initiative to clear debris from the river. Our hazardous mitigation plan was approved by FEMA and the state - enabling the town to become eligible for flood mitigation efforts (elevating homes, buyouts, drainage enhancements). We hired a consultant to help us apply for grants. Other communities are following our lead and are also clearing debris from both the Saw Mill River & Bronx River
· CREWS CLEARING UP DEBRIS AFTER HURRICANE, STORM. After Hurricane Irene our town cleared significant debris from our roads. 6000 people were out of power. The Theodore Young Community Center’s first floor and gym flooded. In 2011 Senator Gillibrand helped the town secure over a million dollars in FEMA reimbursement for the 2010 storm - money we had hoped to receive but hadn't. We hope to get reimbursed for the 2011 storms. Our CERT volunteers volunteered their time during the storm and opened up emergency shelters for neighbors who needed a warm place to stay overnight.
· ARTS BEING FUNDED PRIVATELY. The Lanza Foundation will be donating private dollars to pay for many town programs. The entire arts and culture budget in 2012 will be paid for by the Lanza Foundation. In the past the arts program was paid for by taxpayer dollars.
· EQUAL RIGHTS. Greenburgh was one of the first localities in NYS to comply with the new state law providing same sex couples with the right to marry. Marriage ceremonies were held at Town Hall on the first day (a Sunday).
· 911 WALL RESTORED. We restored the 911 Memorial Wall on Central Ave. 1,711 tiles painted by individual artists from around the county are located on the wall. An artifact from the World Trade Center will soon be placed on the wall. The tiles that had been placed at the wall after 9/11 had fallen. The wall restoration was paid for by private donations.
· WESTHELP. Westchester ended the contract with WESTHELP, the homeless shelter that provided transitional services to 108 families, in September. WESTHELP was built by Andrew Cuomo in the 1980s. The town had received $1.2 million a year from the contract (we're the landlord). We are currently negotiating a lease with Ferncliff (an organization that provides housing and educational services to the developmentally disabled). It is anticipated that the town could receive close to a million dollars a year in revenue if the lease with Ferncliff falls into place. However- we probably won't receive the rent dollars until 2013.
· NEW BUSINESSES. During the past year we've attracted some new businesses to town. Among them: Blinds to Go, Bio Med, Acorda Therapeutics and new bio tech companies, Shoprite (Stop & Shop is under construction), Captain Lawrence, 5th Ave. Chocolatiere, a new green energy store on Central Ave. near the A & P, the Yoga Station, Cari Blue Cafe, Bosphorus Restaurant on E. Hartsdale Ave., Weight Watchers at Crossroads Shopping Center and much more! H Mart will be replacing Pathmark on Central Ave. and is expected to open in February.
· NEW RENTALS. Avalon II on Taxter Road is building over 400 new apartments. They have already started renting their apartments.
· ENERGY CONSERVATION. We have a new website: www.renewgreenburgh.org, a one-stop resource for energy conservation tips and incentives to reduce home and business energy expenses. Country Club Ridge in Hartsdale is saving $200,000 a year in energy consumption.
· VETERANS. Over 60 veterans of World War II have been interviewed for our living history project by Alan Hochberg (Steve Wittenberg has helped produce the shows).. Their stories will be remembered for generations to come. The Greenburgh library is archiving the living history videos. We sponsored our 2nd annual veterans appreciation barbeque this summer.
· FISHER LANE BRIDGE. We re-opened the Fisher Lane Bridge which connects commuters to the North White Plains train station. Bridge was closed for many months and had to be replaced.
· NEW FARMER'S MARKET. After the A & P closed on Tarrytown Road we set up a new farmer's market at the location. The A & P building remains vacant.
· PROPOSED NEW REZONE COULD CREATE 1,000 TEMPORARY JOBS. The owners of the Landmark at Eastview want to rezone their property for a hotel, stores, retail. 100 acres of vacant land. The proposed development, if approved, would create $2 million in taxes, 1000 new construction jobs and 250 permanent jobs. We are reviewing the application.
· SHARING SERVICES. The Town Assessor assesses properties in the six villages. The villages also have their own assessment unit. A number of the villages in Greenburgh decided to eliminate the duplication and to have the town assume the responsibility for this service.
· LICENSE PLATE READERS. We secured from the District Attorney's office a license plate reader to help us reduce the possibility of burglaries from taking place. the readers are placed on major roads and provides the police with license plate numbers of cars driving on the road. The Town Board is supportive of a funding request for additional license plate readers that can be placed around town.
· NEW ELECTED OFFICIALS. In 2011 Greenburgh voters elected two new Judges (Delores Brathwaite, Walter Rivera), a new Town Councilman (S. Ken Jones), and a new Receiver of Taxes (Anne Povella). Michael Smith will represent part of Greenburgh as a County Legislator. Kevin Morgan was re-elected to the Town Board. Judith Beville as Town Clerk. Arlene Gordon-Oliver as Town Judge. Thank you for re-electing me as your Supervisor.
· FEDERAL LAWSUIT DISMISSED. A federal lawsuit by a former department head who lost his job was dismissed, shortly after a series of depositions.
· LOIS BRONZ CHILDREN’S CENTER WON’T CLOSE. The Lois Bronz Children's Center won't close. Early in the year there was a good possibility that the center would be forced to close. I participated in a campaign to keep this center open - one of the first child care centers in the county geared to low income families.
· STUDENT INTERNS-BERKELEY COLLEGE. Student interns from Berkeley College have helped the town collect back tickets and have helped the court increase revenue. Other student interns work in other departments. This initiative is being run out of the Citizens Budget Oversight Commission. The students are paid for by a federal grant and provide the town with 20 hours of free service a week.
· FRANK'S NURSERY. The town acquired Frank's Nursery and we plan to generate revenue from the property. After we issued a request for proposals for plans for the property from the business community - we expressed interest in leasing the property to a sports facility (indoor sports/dome).
· SNN. During the first six months of the year a new initiative was started: SNN-Student News Network. Students learned about journalism and produced their own show. Alan Brody, a resident of Edgemont, organized the initiative.
· TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE. President Obama and state officials announced that they will be expediting the construction of a new Tappan Zee Bridge. I have proposed that the old bridge be saved and used as a suburban version of the NYC high line or walkway across the Hudson (Poughkeepsie). I also suggested that wind turbines and solar panels be placed on the bridge, an initiative previously proposed for bridges by NYC Mayor Bloomberg.
· VALHALLA LOSES LAWSUIT AGAINST TOWN. A Supreme Court decision denied the Valhalla School District’s request for funding from WESTHELP. The Judge ruled that the school district owes the town $1.8 million. This decision is being appealed by the school district.
· POPHAM ROAD BRIDGE PROGRESS REPORT. The Popham Road Bridge, which links Edgemont to Scarsdale, has been under construction for the year. Have been working with Scarsdale officials trying to minimize overnight noise and construction related problems.
· DOBBS FERRY ROAD/WEST HARTSDALE AVE. TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS AND SIDEWALK COMPLETED. The sidewalk, drainage and road improvements finally were completed this year.
· GELSPRAIN. Construction started on a new housing development off of Ardsley Road. 24 new homes to be built.
· MULCHING-LOVE ‘EM AND LEAVE ‘EM. The town is working with the Nature Center and Irvington environmentalists trying to encourage people to mulch their leaves. This would save the town significant dollars. It is anticipated that In 2012 the town will change our leaf collection policy and require bagging of leaves.
· NATURE CENTER. We approved the construction of a pre-k playground at the Nature Center (using developer escrow funds, not taxpayer dollars). We're supportive of an initiative of the nature center--to build a high tech trail for disabled adults.
· PLASTIC CAPS ON JARS/BOTTLES NOW ACCEPTED FOR RECYCLING.
· NEW YORK SCHOOL FOR DEAF WON'T CLOSE. At the beginning of the year there were reports that the state would not fund the New York School for the Deaf and the school, located in Greenburgh, would close. I helped the school with their lobbying efforts and the school has been saved.
· JOB CLUB. Over 3 years ago I started a job club. Almost every day I send residents who are out of work job leads. I estimate that I have helped over 80 people find employment during the past few years. I have also set up a site: www.linkedin.com (greenburgh jobs group) with job postings.
· HELPING VICTIMS OF JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE. After the Japanese earthquake the Town Clerk, Judith Beville, organized a fundraiser to help the victims of the earthquake.
A special thank you to the members of the Town Board for their help during the year: Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan, Francis Sheehan and Sonja Brown. Councilwoman Brown will be ending her tenure as Councilwoman on December 31st. Good luck and good health to you! Thanks to the department heads, our employees, our volunteers, members of the Boards and Commissions that help make Greenburgh a great place to live in and work at.
PAUL FEINER
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
town board to appoint court administrator...swearing in tomorrow..statement by judges
The Greenburgh Town Board will meet tomorrow morning in executive session to interview three finalists for Court Administrator. We anticipate making a decision on before the swearing in ceremony.
Theodore Jones, an Associate Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals (New York’s highest court—the equivalent of the US Supreme Court for New York State) will officiate at the swearing in ceremonies of the three new Town Judges—Arlene Gordon-Oliver, Walter Rivera and Delores Scott Brathwaite this Thursday at 5 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall.
Our goal: to make Greenburgh the best local court in New York State. Hope to see you at the ceremony.
STATEMENT FROM OUR THREE NEW JUDGES:
Judge Arlene Gordon-Oliver, newly elected Judge Delores Brathwaite and newly elected Judge Walter Rivera have already begun working in a collaborative manner to address the issues facing the Greenburgh Town Court. They have issued this joint statement:
“We have met with the Hon. Charles Apotheker, Supervising Judge of the 9th Judicial District, to discuss the current state of affairs of the Greenburgh Town Court, court personnel and protocols going forward.
We have also met with Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, Town Council Members and Court Administrator Regina Hill to review and discuss the budget for 2012 insofar as it applies to the Greenburgh Town Court.
We agree that with the departure of Regina Hill our first joint task is to select a new Court Administrator and to that end we have already begun the interview process.
We have agreed to add additional night court sessions to tackle the backlog of Vehicle & Traffic Law cases.
The three Town Justices are looking forward to the new term of office commencing on January 1, 2012 and are honored to serve the Town of Greenburgh in this capacity.
We renew our pledge and commitment to work diligently and as a team to address the legal and administrative issues that are before us. ”
Theodore Jones, an Associate Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals (New York’s highest court—the equivalent of the US Supreme Court for New York State) will officiate at the swearing in ceremonies of the three new Town Judges—Arlene Gordon-Oliver, Walter Rivera and Delores Scott Brathwaite this Thursday at 5 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall.
Our goal: to make Greenburgh the best local court in New York State. Hope to see you at the ceremony.
STATEMENT FROM OUR THREE NEW JUDGES:
Judge Arlene Gordon-Oliver, newly elected Judge Delores Brathwaite and newly elected Judge Walter Rivera have already begun working in a collaborative manner to address the issues facing the Greenburgh Town Court. They have issued this joint statement:
“We have met with the Hon. Charles Apotheker, Supervising Judge of the 9th Judicial District, to discuss the current state of affairs of the Greenburgh Town Court, court personnel and protocols going forward.
We have also met with Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, Town Council Members and Court Administrator Regina Hill to review and discuss the budget for 2012 insofar as it applies to the Greenburgh Town Court.
We agree that with the departure of Regina Hill our first joint task is to select a new Court Administrator and to that end we have already begun the interview process.
We have agreed to add additional night court sessions to tackle the backlog of Vehicle & Traffic Law cases.
The three Town Justices are looking forward to the new term of office commencing on January 1, 2012 and are honored to serve the Town of Greenburgh in this capacity.
We renew our pledge and commitment to work diligently and as a team to address the legal and administrative issues that are before us. ”
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
2012 budget approved
The Greenburgh Town Board approved the 2012 budget today and also approved the capital budget for 2012. The budget complies with the tax cap which was approved by the New York State Legislature earlier this year. The tax hike that was approved will be 3.3% for residents of unincorporated Greenburgh and 3.5% for residents of the villages. New York State law allows localities to factor in pension contributions to the tax cap calculation. A number of government entities around the state have voted to overturn the tax cap. The Town Board decided to comply.
When the budget was initially proposed in October we anticipated 6 layoffs. The Board reduced the layoffs to two positions. Four employees in the parks department who were slated to lose their jobs will be transferred to vacant positions that we were planning to fill in 2012. We are eliminating other positions by attrition. There will be a night court on Wednesday evenings. The additional night court should result in the collection of significant additional revenue in 2012 --reducing the backlog of uncollected tickets. We decided to ask the part time prosecutor to work full time for the town --so we can aggressively pursue collections of back tickets and dispose of court cases in a timely manner.
Most of the departments within the town made cuts to their budget. Some recreation/community center programs are being eliminated. Cuts have also been made in the library budget. Fees are increasing for town programs. And, we're going to require bagging of leaves in 2012. The town had been receiving $1.2 million a year from the county/WESTHELP in revenue. Westchester County terminated the contract with WESTHELP at the end of September --causing the town to lose the revenue. We are negotiating (but have not yet finalized) a contract with Ferncliff (an organization that provides services to the developmentally disabled). We won't be able to count on the significant revenue until approvals are granted--which could take us into 2013.
We also approved a capital budget. $1.5 million dollars will be spent on road resurfacing in 2012. $69,000 will be spent for license plate readers which will help the police catch people who commit crimes. Our phone system is being replaced --at a cost of $200,000. We're spending $500,000 for a new software system. We have obtained a $169,000 grant for LED lighting installations (energy efficient lighting).
The budget, in its entirety, should be posted on the town website: www.greenburghny.com tomorrow.
Although the budge has been approved all the Board members recognize the fact that we have to work very hard to tighten up --to make government more efficient and leaner. The economy is still bad. If further cuts are not made additional layoffs may have to be made a year from now.
To help keep the pressure on to find additional cost savings measures---I will be meeting with the CSEA leadership twice a month to provide them with updates on financial matters and to hear their suggestions--starting in January. I hope to meet regularly with the Teamsters and PBA. Our employees need to be included in the budget process. We can learn from their suggestions. Members of the Town Board have requested to be part of the budget process year round. A new citizens budget oversight commission will be formed to follow up on the recommendations made earlier this year. The commission will also study options (consolidations, restructuring, privatization,increasing health care contributions of employees)--that could lead to additional savings.
Special thanks to the Town Board, Comptroller, department heads members of the Citizens Budget Oversight Commission, employees and citizens who testified at the budget hearings for your feedback and participation. We need to have a strong partnership in the coming year. The challenge: to turn budget difficulties into an opportunity---reinventing government.
PAUL FEINER
When the budget was initially proposed in October we anticipated 6 layoffs. The Board reduced the layoffs to two positions. Four employees in the parks department who were slated to lose their jobs will be transferred to vacant positions that we were planning to fill in 2012. We are eliminating other positions by attrition. There will be a night court on Wednesday evenings. The additional night court should result in the collection of significant additional revenue in 2012 --reducing the backlog of uncollected tickets. We decided to ask the part time prosecutor to work full time for the town --so we can aggressively pursue collections of back tickets and dispose of court cases in a timely manner.
Most of the departments within the town made cuts to their budget. Some recreation/community center programs are being eliminated. Cuts have also been made in the library budget. Fees are increasing for town programs. And, we're going to require bagging of leaves in 2012. The town had been receiving $1.2 million a year from the county/WESTHELP in revenue. Westchester County terminated the contract with WESTHELP at the end of September --causing the town to lose the revenue. We are negotiating (but have not yet finalized) a contract with Ferncliff (an organization that provides services to the developmentally disabled). We won't be able to count on the significant revenue until approvals are granted--which could take us into 2013.
We also approved a capital budget. $1.5 million dollars will be spent on road resurfacing in 2012. $69,000 will be spent for license plate readers which will help the police catch people who commit crimes. Our phone system is being replaced --at a cost of $200,000. We're spending $500,000 for a new software system. We have obtained a $169,000 grant for LED lighting installations (energy efficient lighting).
The budget, in its entirety, should be posted on the town website: www.greenburghny.com tomorrow.
Although the budge has been approved all the Board members recognize the fact that we have to work very hard to tighten up --to make government more efficient and leaner. The economy is still bad. If further cuts are not made additional layoffs may have to be made a year from now.
To help keep the pressure on to find additional cost savings measures---I will be meeting with the CSEA leadership twice a month to provide them with updates on financial matters and to hear their suggestions--starting in January. I hope to meet regularly with the Teamsters and PBA. Our employees need to be included in the budget process. We can learn from their suggestions. Members of the Town Board have requested to be part of the budget process year round. A new citizens budget oversight commission will be formed to follow up on the recommendations made earlier this year. The commission will also study options (consolidations, restructuring, privatization,increasing health care contributions of employees)--that could lead to additional savings.
Special thanks to the Town Board, Comptroller, department heads members of the Citizens Budget Oversight Commission, employees and citizens who testified at the budget hearings for your feedback and participation. We need to have a strong partnership in the coming year. The challenge: to turn budget difficulties into an opportunity---reinventing government.
PAUL FEINER
Monday, December 19, 2011
should tax exempt properties pay for sanitation services?
Not for profit properties are exempt from property taxes. Some communities in the region have created a separate enterprise fund and charge everyone a fee for sanitation services. The comptroller, Bart Talamani, has been looking into this concept for some time. If we collect a fee for sanitation services (instead of a tax), tax exempt properties would be charged for sanitation services--revenue that would keep taxes down. the town of Greenburgh is currently researching the number of tax exempts in town and are trying to determine the additional revenue that we would receive if this initiative is approved. An enterprise fund would also provide residents and businesses with choices: possible competition down the road. Residents and businesses would be able to easily compare the cost of our sanitation services to the private sector. What do you think? The property tax cap, which the NYS Legislature and Governor approved earlier this year, should motivate all officials to think out of the box --to look for new ways to manage government. The six villages in the town have their own sanitation services and would not be impacted by the decision of the town. However- they may be interested in this concept as well.
Thursday, December 08, 2011
eat, party, go to Greenburgh's holiday party Wed and on Friday join Weight Watcher's in Greenburgh
You are invited to join us at our annual Holiday party on Wednesday, December 14th. If you're going to lots of holiday parties and adding some extra pounds that you want to lose you'll be happy to note that Weight Watchers is opening a new store at 433 Tarrytown Road (Crossroads Shopping Center). Eat this week, go to your parties, don't feel guilty about attending and eating at the Greenburgh Holiday celebration on 12/14, and next Friday stop by at the grand open celebration of one of our town's newest additions--WEIGHT WATCHERS. I am pleased that in these difficult economic times our town is attracting some interesting new stores --replacing vacant buildings. Have a great, healthy and happy holiday season!
PAUL FEINER
A Multi-Cultural Holiday Celebration at
Greenburgh Town Hall
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
6:00pm
Come to Town Hall and celebrate the Holiday Season with Merriment and Mirth!
Enjoy hearing about how the holidays are celebrated from speakers and guest artists representing the many cultures that comprise the cultural tapestry of our town!
Information
Please contact Judith Beville,
Town Clerk at 993-1504
Greenburgh Residents Have A Brand New Resource To Develop A Healthier Lifestyle!
Weight Watchers Unveils Its Contemporary New Store Design to Greenburgh.
Weight Watchers is unveiling a newly designed store in Greenburgh with a contemporary, yet welcoming and comfortable environment. The store, located at 433 Tarrytown Road, will be open during regular retail hours, so people can stop in anytime to learn more about Weight Watchers, ask questions, purchase memberships, or simply shop for Weight Watchers products designed to support a healthier lifestyle. Members can also weigh in at their convenience in a way that is more discrete than ever before. This new store is one of 400 being opened across the country this year.
Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, December 16th at 9 AM
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 914-649-0517 or email psd4ww@verizon.net.
PAUL FEINER
A Multi-Cultural Holiday Celebration at
Greenburgh Town Hall
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
6:00pm
Come to Town Hall and celebrate the Holiday Season with Merriment and Mirth!
Enjoy hearing about how the holidays are celebrated from speakers and guest artists representing the many cultures that comprise the cultural tapestry of our town!
Information
Please contact Judith Beville,
Town Clerk at 993-1504
Greenburgh Residents Have A Brand New Resource To Develop A Healthier Lifestyle!
Weight Watchers Unveils Its Contemporary New Store Design to Greenburgh.
Weight Watchers is unveiling a newly designed store in Greenburgh with a contemporary, yet welcoming and comfortable environment. The store, located at 433 Tarrytown Road, will be open during regular retail hours, so people can stop in anytime to learn more about Weight Watchers, ask questions, purchase memberships, or simply shop for Weight Watchers products designed to support a healthier lifestyle. Members can also weigh in at their convenience in a way that is more discrete than ever before. This new store is one of 400 being opened across the country this year.
Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, December 16th at 9 AM
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 914-649-0517 or email psd4ww@verizon.net.
Monday, December 05, 2011
Ardsley Village Board approves waterwheel housing
Over a year ago the Greenburgh Town Board approved an initiative to create a workforce -affordable housing opportunity in the village of Ardsley. The town owns the foreclosed Waterwheel property on Saw Mill River Road and agreed with Ardsley officials that the property should be converted into affordable workforce homes. We decided to partner with the village and to turn foreclosed land into an opportunity for a better life for others.
I attended the Ardsley Village Board of Trustees meeting tonight. I was very pleased to watch the Village Board vote --the final approvals for the 22 unit condo development. The village of Ardsley is part of the federal housing lawsuit. These affordable homes will help the village comply with the federal stipulation. Some of the units will be the new home for volunteer firefighters, ambulance corp members or police!
I would also like to congratulate Ardsley's new Mayor, Peter Porcino, on his first meeting. And would like to congratulate Larry Nardecchia Jr on his new term and welcome Ardsley Trustee Nicole Minore to village government.
A special tribute to former Ardsley Mayor Jay Leon who worked very hard on the waterwheel affordable housing meeting. He lobbied members of the Greenburgh Town Board to use the property for affordable housing. He worked with Volunteer Firefighters, ambulance corp members and with residents of Ardsley -- encouraging them to support the project. Without the enthusiastic support of the Mayor it would have been difficult for the project to have obtained all the approvals and for this affordable housing condo to be built.
It is anticipated that construction will start in 2012.
PAUL FEINER
I attended the Ardsley Village Board of Trustees meeting tonight. I was very pleased to watch the Village Board vote --the final approvals for the 22 unit condo development. The village of Ardsley is part of the federal housing lawsuit. These affordable homes will help the village comply with the federal stipulation. Some of the units will be the new home for volunteer firefighters, ambulance corp members or police!
I would also like to congratulate Ardsley's new Mayor, Peter Porcino, on his first meeting. And would like to congratulate Larry Nardecchia Jr on his new term and welcome Ardsley Trustee Nicole Minore to village government.
A special tribute to former Ardsley Mayor Jay Leon who worked very hard on the waterwheel affordable housing meeting. He lobbied members of the Greenburgh Town Board to use the property for affordable housing. He worked with Volunteer Firefighters, ambulance corp members and with residents of Ardsley -- encouraging them to support the project. Without the enthusiastic support of the Mayor it would have been difficult for the project to have obtained all the approvals and for this affordable housing condo to be built.
It is anticipated that construction will start in 2012.
PAUL FEINER
Friday, December 02, 2011
work session agenda holiday party
The Town Board has until December 20 to approve the 2012 budget. We will hold our 2nd public hearing on the budget Tuesday evening at 8:30 PM (or after the library budget presentation). We will hold a 3rd public hearing on the proposed budget on Wednesday evening, December 14th at our regular Town Board meeting. Town Clerk Judith Beville is organizing her annual holiday party on December 14th--right before the Town Board meeting. You are invited to join us for entertainment, music and good food (ALL DONATED).
PAUL FEINER
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session of the Greenburgh Town Board
Agenda: Tuesday – December 6, 2011 – 9:30 AM
(Work Sessions begin at 9:30AM except where schedule changes are made by the Board.)
(Please note that, although the Work Session Agenda is shared with the public prior to each Work Session, the Agenda may be revised at any point up to the start of the meeting as well as during the meeting, if necessary.)
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 35 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours
depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT PERSONNEL ISSUES PERTAINING TO ANY DEPARTMENT WILL BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
· 09:30 AM: Budget Meeting: Building Inspector
· 10:00 AM: Budget Meeting: Town Assessor
· 10:30 AM: Budget Meeting: Courts
· 10:45 AM: Motion for Executive Session by____2nd by____Aye____
· (Personnel/ Legal-Contractual)
· 01:00 PM: Adjourn
· 07:00 PM: Budget Meeting: Library
PAUL FEINER
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session of the Greenburgh Town Board
Agenda: Tuesday – December 6, 2011 – 9:30 AM
(Work Sessions begin at 9:30AM except where schedule changes are made by the Board.)
(Please note that, although the Work Session Agenda is shared with the public prior to each Work Session, the Agenda may be revised at any point up to the start of the meeting as well as during the meeting, if necessary.)
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 35 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours
depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT PERSONNEL ISSUES PERTAINING TO ANY DEPARTMENT WILL BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
· 09:30 AM: Budget Meeting: Building Inspector
· 10:00 AM: Budget Meeting: Town Assessor
· 10:30 AM: Budget Meeting: Courts
· 10:45 AM: Motion for Executive Session by____2nd by____Aye____
· (Personnel/ Legal-Contractual)
· 01:00 PM: Adjourn
· 07:00 PM: Budget Meeting: Library
Saturday, November 19, 2011
valhalla loses WESTHELP lawsuit
On April 26, 1990, Westchester County (County) entered into a 30-Year “Ground and Facilities Lease Agreement” (Master Lease) with the Town of Greenburgh (Town) that would commence upon the expiration of a 10-year lease agreement between the County and the Westchester Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged (WestHELP) for a homeless housing facility. At the end of the 10-year lease term the homeless housing program would end and the County would lease the facility to the Town for a period of 30 years. The facility was to be used for low-to-moderate income family/senior citizen housing.
Near the impending expiration of the original lease agreement, the County continued to have a need for the homeless housing facility. The County requested a modification of the “Ground and Facilities Lease Agreement” with the Town, and asked the Town to sublease the facilities to WestHELP for another 10 years. Under the terms of the contract WestHELP would pay rent to the Town. On September 18, 2001, the County, Town and WestHELP entered into a “Sublease and Homeless Housing Facilities Agreement” (Sublease). The Town subleased the facilities to WestHELP for another 10 years. In consideration, the Town would receive rental payments of $1,200,000 for the initial period from September 18, 2001 to September 30, 2002, and $1,222,844 each year for the remaining term of the agreement.
In order to alleviate some of the perceived financial burden supposedly placed on the community in which the homeless housing facility was located, the Town entered into an “Educational Grant Agreement” with the Valhalla Union Free School District (District) to provide up to $650,000 annually for the development and implementation of enhanced educational programs. The “Educational Grant Agreement” stipulates that grant monies may not be used to supplement or pay for the standard educational activities engaged in by the District, but rather must be used to fund academic programs, the purpose of which is to provide educational benefits not otherwise available in the District.
The State Comptroller's office determined that the town agreement with the school district was invalid. The town immediately stopped paying the school district the dollars that had been agreed to--after we were advised that the agreement was not authorized by state law. The Comptroller stated that
The Town can only fund programs that are for Town purposes. The general function of providing education to children is a school district, not a town, purpose.1 Since the 2003-04 school year, the Town has provided more than $1.8 million of funding to the District. The programs funded by the educational grant that the Town makes to the District do not further Town purposes, but rather further the purposes only of the District. Therefore, the grant cannot be made in the manner that the Town currently follows. Moreover, even if the funding had furthered proper Town purposes, none of the funded programs are made available to the surrounding communities within the Town and, consequently, benefit only those Town residents who coincidentally reside within the District.
The Valhalla School district filed a lawsuit in NY State Supreme Court--objecting to the fact that the town was complying with the state comptroller's decision. In a decision just released, a NYS Supreme Court Judge denied Valhalla's claim in the decision--(link to decision is below). The court indicated that the town is entitled to recover monies previously paid to the Valhalla School district. Over $1.8 million had been paid out to the Valhalla schools previously.
link to decision below:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/16989909/Decision%20on%20Summ.%20Judgment.pdf
PAUL FEINER
Near the impending expiration of the original lease agreement, the County continued to have a need for the homeless housing facility. The County requested a modification of the “Ground and Facilities Lease Agreement” with the Town, and asked the Town to sublease the facilities to WestHELP for another 10 years. Under the terms of the contract WestHELP would pay rent to the Town. On September 18, 2001, the County, Town and WestHELP entered into a “Sublease and Homeless Housing Facilities Agreement” (Sublease). The Town subleased the facilities to WestHELP for another 10 years. In consideration, the Town would receive rental payments of $1,200,000 for the initial period from September 18, 2001 to September 30, 2002, and $1,222,844 each year for the remaining term of the agreement.
In order to alleviate some of the perceived financial burden supposedly placed on the community in which the homeless housing facility was located, the Town entered into an “Educational Grant Agreement” with the Valhalla Union Free School District (District) to provide up to $650,000 annually for the development and implementation of enhanced educational programs. The “Educational Grant Agreement” stipulates that grant monies may not be used to supplement or pay for the standard educational activities engaged in by the District, but rather must be used to fund academic programs, the purpose of which is to provide educational benefits not otherwise available in the District.
The State Comptroller's office determined that the town agreement with the school district was invalid. The town immediately stopped paying the school district the dollars that had been agreed to--after we were advised that the agreement was not authorized by state law. The Comptroller stated that
The Town can only fund programs that are for Town purposes. The general function of providing education to children is a school district, not a town, purpose.1 Since the 2003-04 school year, the Town has provided more than $1.8 million of funding to the District. The programs funded by the educational grant that the Town makes to the District do not further Town purposes, but rather further the purposes only of the District. Therefore, the grant cannot be made in the manner that the Town currently follows. Moreover, even if the funding had furthered proper Town purposes, none of the funded programs are made available to the surrounding communities within the Town and, consequently, benefit only those Town residents who coincidentally reside within the District.
The Valhalla School district filed a lawsuit in NY State Supreme Court--objecting to the fact that the town was complying with the state comptroller's decision. In a decision just released, a NYS Supreme Court Judge denied Valhalla's claim in the decision--(link to decision is below). The court indicated that the town is entitled to recover monies previously paid to the Valhalla School district. Over $1.8 million had been paid out to the Valhalla schools previously.
link to decision below:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/16989909/Decision%20on%20Summ.%20Judgment.pdf
PAUL FEINER
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
new bagel store...popham road closure...budget meetings schedule
Eileen Rivilis of Seville Realty gave me some good news. SUNSHINE BAGEL (they own a great bagel store in Ardsley) has signed a lease and will be taking over the abandoned Dunkin Donuts store at 47 North Central Ave. They are trying to get Con Ed to provide them with gas service. Khangri, a Japanese food store, is going to open at the end of the month on Central Ave. And Chef Depot, a restaurant supply store open to the public will open in early December (perhaps a bit earlier) at 65 Tarrytown Road by the Loehman’s shopping plaza.
Popham Road Bridge Closure Notice FRIDAY
The Village of Scarsdale’s Popham Road Bridge Contractor is scheduled for a complete closure of the Popham Road Bridge and a portion of Scarsdale Avenue to vehicular and pedestrian traffic from 9:00pm on Friday, November 18th to 6:00am on Saturday, November 19th. A traffic detour will be implemented to accommodate those who are unable to avoid this area during these times. Drivers are highly encouraged to use alternate routes and avoid Popham Road, Garth Road, and Scarsdale Avenue areas during the bridge closure period. Efforts to minimize the inconvenience and delays to adjacent home owners and motorists have been coordinated by the Village and other project stakeholders. Additional advisories will be issued in the event of a change in the bridge closure schedule. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and we appreciate your patience during this temporary inconvenience.
BUDGET 2012 SCHEDULE
Revised Schedule The Town Board met with the Commissioner of Planning and Town Attorney today during our work session to discuss the proposed budget. The following is the meeting schedules with other department heads. A public hearing on the budget will be held on November 30th at 7:30 PM. Meetings are televised live and streamed live on the town website: www.greenburghny.com. Work sessions are also archived. Since layoffs are being considered – all personnel discussions will be in executive session.
This is a difficult budget. The proposed budget complies with the new property tax cap (which limits tax hikes). However—cuts have to be made. Your feedback is appreciated.
November 22nd
9:30am – Police Department
11:00am – Tax Receiver
11:30am – Comptroller
November 29th
9:30am – DPW
10:30am – Town Clerk
11:00am – Purchasing
7:00pm – TDYCC
8:00pm – Parks & Recreation
December 6th
9:30am – Courts
11:00am – Building Inspector
7:30pm – Library
Paul Feiner
Popham Road Bridge Closure Notice FRIDAY
The Village of Scarsdale’s Popham Road Bridge Contractor is scheduled for a complete closure of the Popham Road Bridge and a portion of Scarsdale Avenue to vehicular and pedestrian traffic from 9:00pm on Friday, November 18th to 6:00am on Saturday, November 19th. A traffic detour will be implemented to accommodate those who are unable to avoid this area during these times. Drivers are highly encouraged to use alternate routes and avoid Popham Road, Garth Road, and Scarsdale Avenue areas during the bridge closure period. Efforts to minimize the inconvenience and delays to adjacent home owners and motorists have been coordinated by the Village and other project stakeholders. Additional advisories will be issued in the event of a change in the bridge closure schedule. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and we appreciate your patience during this temporary inconvenience.
BUDGET 2012 SCHEDULE
Revised Schedule The Town Board met with the Commissioner of Planning and Town Attorney today during our work session to discuss the proposed budget. The following is the meeting schedules with other department heads. A public hearing on the budget will be held on November 30th at 7:30 PM. Meetings are televised live and streamed live on the town website: www.greenburghny.com. Work sessions are also archived. Since layoffs are being considered – all personnel discussions will be in executive session.
This is a difficult budget. The proposed budget complies with the new property tax cap (which limits tax hikes). However—cuts have to be made. Your feedback is appreciated.
November 22nd
9:30am – Police Department
11:00am – Tax Receiver
11:30am – Comptroller
November 29th
9:30am – DPW
10:30am – Town Clerk
11:00am – Purchasing
7:00pm – TDYCC
8:00pm – Parks & Recreation
December 6th
9:30am – Courts
11:00am – Building Inspector
7:30pm – Library
Paul Feiner
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
NY TIMES GREEN BLOG (NOV 8)...WIND POWER ON TZ BRIDGE
November 8, 2011, 8:13 am
Tapping the Tappan Zee for Wind
By MATTHEW L. WALD
Cassi Alexander for The New York Times
The Tappan Zee Bridge, which bears far more traffic than it was designed for and is due to be replaced.Replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge, which carries the New York State Thruway across the Hudson River between Westchester and Rockland Counties, is expected to be one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the New York region in coming years. Some experts have suggested including some green features, like tracks for commuter trains or a bus rapid transit lane.
Paul Feiner, the town supervisor in Greenburgh in Westchester County, also has a green idea: wind turbines.
Mr. Feiner says he wants a bridge that would “generate excitement.” Wind turbines would inspire the thousands of people who use it daily to conserve energy or embrace renewable energy, he suggests. It could even be a tourist destination.
The idea of replacing the bridge has been around for years, but the prospects for getting it done improved significantly last month when President Obama designated it, along with a handful of other projects nationwide, for “fast track” environmental approval.
In theory, that could allow work to start in about a year. Mr. Obama was less concerned with the bridge’s perennial traffic jams, with about 45 million vehicles using it last year, than with the thousands of jobs that the construction project would create.
Adding wind turbines would run counter to the approach supported by some New York State officials, who want to strip the proposal down to the bare bones to minimize costs in this fiscally dicey period, forgoing the addition of train tracks, for example, but leaving open the possibility of adding them later.
Asked about the wind turbine idea, a spokesman for Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Matt Wing, simply replied, “We are in the process of taking comments and feedback from the public on the Tappan Zee Bridge project and we will be considering them as they are submitted.”
They might get a large number of comments from an unexpected quarter: Mr. Feiner recently sent a letter to the heads of science departments at high schools and middle schools around the county and to some colleges as well, asking them to have their students evaluate the idea.
He included a photo of a somewhat fanciful design for a viaduct in Italy that incorporates wind machines.
Is it practical?
Probably not, given that big wind machines are generally planted on ridge lines around the United States, not bridges. Their blades accumulate ice in cold weather and tend to shed the ice in great showers, making them unsafe to approach (or drive under) during many hours of the year.
Still, there is a booming business in small wind, meaning machines that generate a few kilowatts – enough, say, to run a house or several houses. The American Wind Energy Association said that sales of such small machines jumped 53 percent in 2010, with about 800 units sold.
Asked about such a project’s practicality, 3TIER, a company that evaluates potential wind sites around the country for their suitability, suggested that the wind might be adequate, although it has no detailed information on the Tappan Zee.
A key factor is how high the wind machine is placed, given that winds 100 or 200 feet above the surface are usually far stronger than those on the ground.
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Tapping the Tappan Zee for Wind
By MATTHEW L. WALD
Cassi Alexander for The New York Times
The Tappan Zee Bridge, which bears far more traffic than it was designed for and is due to be replaced.Replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge, which carries the New York State Thruway across the Hudson River between Westchester and Rockland Counties, is expected to be one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the New York region in coming years. Some experts have suggested including some green features, like tracks for commuter trains or a bus rapid transit lane.
Paul Feiner, the town supervisor in Greenburgh in Westchester County, also has a green idea: wind turbines.
Mr. Feiner says he wants a bridge that would “generate excitement.” Wind turbines would inspire the thousands of people who use it daily to conserve energy or embrace renewable energy, he suggests. It could even be a tourist destination.
The idea of replacing the bridge has been around for years, but the prospects for getting it done improved significantly last month when President Obama designated it, along with a handful of other projects nationwide, for “fast track” environmental approval.
In theory, that could allow work to start in about a year. Mr. Obama was less concerned with the bridge’s perennial traffic jams, with about 45 million vehicles using it last year, than with the thousands of jobs that the construction project would create.
Adding wind turbines would run counter to the approach supported by some New York State officials, who want to strip the proposal down to the bare bones to minimize costs in this fiscally dicey period, forgoing the addition of train tracks, for example, but leaving open the possibility of adding them later.
Asked about the wind turbine idea, a spokesman for Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Matt Wing, simply replied, “We are in the process of taking comments and feedback from the public on the Tappan Zee Bridge project and we will be considering them as they are submitted.”
They might get a large number of comments from an unexpected quarter: Mr. Feiner recently sent a letter to the heads of science departments at high schools and middle schools around the county and to some colleges as well, asking them to have their students evaluate the idea.
He included a photo of a somewhat fanciful design for a viaduct in Italy that incorporates wind machines.
Is it practical?
Probably not, given that big wind machines are generally planted on ridge lines around the United States, not bridges. Their blades accumulate ice in cold weather and tend to shed the ice in great showers, making them unsafe to approach (or drive under) during many hours of the year.
Still, there is a booming business in small wind, meaning machines that generate a few kilowatts – enough, say, to run a house or several houses. The American Wind Energy Association said that sales of such small machines jumped 53 percent in 2010, with about 800 units sold.
Asked about such a project’s practicality, 3TIER, a company that evaluates potential wind sites around the country for their suitability, suggested that the wind might be adequate, although it has no detailed information on the Tappan Zee.
A key factor is how high the wind machine is placed, given that winds 100 or 200 feet above the surface are usually far stronger than those on the ground.
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Monday, November 07, 2011
sports dome at frank's nursery--town to generate revenue
TOWN BOARD MOST INTERESTED IN PROPOSAL TO RENT OUT OLD FRANKS NURSERY PROPERTY FOR PREMIER INDOOR SPORTS DOME
Earlier this summer the Town Board invited developers to submit proposals for the redevelopment of Frank’s nursery (a property we acquired due to foreclosure). We publicized the RFPs in newspapers, on the town website and even placed a sign at the property. Six potential applicants visited the property. Three submitted bids. All the bids will be posted on the town website.
There were two proposals from developers who wanted to purchase the property. The Board is most interested in a third proposal: to rent out the property for the first premier indoor sports dome in Westchester. The proposals are posted on the town website: www.greenburghny.com.
The town will receive monthly rent based on an annual amount of $260,000 a year. There will be regular annual increases each year.
The goal of Game On’s plan is to bring world class sports instruction and year round field space to residents. There will be health, wellness and physical activities for residents of all ages (including pilates, yoga, dance, cross fit and cardio). Adult sport leagues, coaching clinics for Greenburgh Recreation, AYSO and WYSL, senior programs, youth rec nights for 5 - 12 year olds and tutoring classes will also be offered.
I think this concept could be exciting—we’re adding recreation to the town at no cost to the taxpayers. Good for quality of life—good for property values, in my opinion.
Feel free to call me if you have any questions. The Town Board hopes to make a final decision before the end of the year. Your feedback is always welcome.
Paul Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
PS: We will discuss this at our Town Board meeting on Wednesday evening beginning at 7:30 PM.
Earlier this summer the Town Board invited developers to submit proposals for the redevelopment of Frank’s nursery (a property we acquired due to foreclosure). We publicized the RFPs in newspapers, on the town website and even placed a sign at the property. Six potential applicants visited the property. Three submitted bids. All the bids will be posted on the town website.
There were two proposals from developers who wanted to purchase the property. The Board is most interested in a third proposal: to rent out the property for the first premier indoor sports dome in Westchester. The proposals are posted on the town website: www.greenburghny.com.
The town will receive monthly rent based on an annual amount of $260,000 a year. There will be regular annual increases each year.
The goal of Game On’s plan is to bring world class sports instruction and year round field space to residents. There will be health, wellness and physical activities for residents of all ages (including pilates, yoga, dance, cross fit and cardio). Adult sport leagues, coaching clinics for Greenburgh Recreation, AYSO and WYSL, senior programs, youth rec nights for 5 - 12 year olds and tutoring classes will also be offered.
I think this concept could be exciting—we’re adding recreation to the town at no cost to the taxpayers. Good for quality of life—good for property values, in my opinion.
Feel free to call me if you have any questions. The Town Board hopes to make a final decision before the end of the year. Your feedback is always welcome.
Paul Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
PS: We will discuss this at our Town Board meeting on Wednesday evening beginning at 7:30 PM.
Friday, November 04, 2011
please be patient..
Please be patient. There are many tree branches and debris all over town. We have crews out every day. I have authorized overtime for tomorrow (Saturday) so we can address storm damage. Bring branches/debris to curb. If you bag the leaves they will be picked up quicker. The entire sanitation and highway departments are working on addressing this problem.
However…it is important to recognize the fact that there is so much out there that it is impossible to clear up everything immediately. We hope that you’ll notice a significant difference next week at this time but it probably will take a few weeks to get all the debris.
Because the phones are ringing off the hook it is better to e mail me or the department of public works (dpw@greenburghny.com) your concerns. In the event of emergencies call the police.
Again—please be patient. We will do the best we can. I PROMISE YOU THAT WE WILL WORK VERY HARD TRYING TO CLEAN UP THE STORM DAMAGE
However…it is important to recognize the fact that there is so much out there that it is impossible to clear up everything immediately. We hope that you’ll notice a significant difference next week at this time but it probably will take a few weeks to get all the debris.
Because the phones are ringing off the hook it is better to e mail me or the department of public works (dpw@greenburghny.com) your concerns. In the event of emergencies call the police.
Again—please be patient. We will do the best we can. I PROMISE YOU THAT WE WILL WORK VERY HARD TRYING TO CLEAN UP THE STORM DAMAGE
DURING MS BIKE RIDE-CYCLISTS BIKE OVER TZ BRIDGE
The Tappan Zee bridge could be converted into a suburban version of the NYC high line. Cyclists enjoy the bike ride across the TZ bridge annually--the MS bike ride. Let's save the old bridge when the new bridge is built.
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
put power lines underground when major road work is being done
GREENBURGH TOWN BD DISCUSSES BURYING POWER LINES UNDERGROUND AT BOARD MEETING--SUGGESTS THAT THIS BE DONE WHENEVER MAJOR STATE/COUNTY ROAD WORK IS BEING DONE
Five years ago I recommended that Con Ed put their wires underground (see NY Times article below). Con Ed rejected the recommendation-stating that the costs were prohibitive. Since 2006 there have been numerous power outages in Greenburgh. Many residents have experienced power outages three times a year. Is this a 3rd world country?
The frequent power outages have caused a loss of productivity, financial problems for businesses that have experienced power outages and significant expenses for Con Ed (hiring out of state crews to restore power and paying their own employees overtime during storms. Local governments like Greenburgh have had to assume the cost of cleanup.
IS IT MORE EXPENSIVE NOT TO PUT THE POWER LINES UNDERGROUND?
At the Greenburgh Town Board work session members of the Town Board discussed whether power lines should be placed underground. A suggestion was made that makes good sense. Whenever the state/county/town is involved in a major road project the government entity that is doing the road project should work with Con Ed to bury the lines on that street. In addition...fiber optics could be placed underground --helping the locality keep up with the latest technology.
An example: NYS just completed a major road/drainage/sidewalk project off of Dobbs Ferry Road and W Hartsdale Ave. There are currently outages in this section of town. If wires had been placed underground during the construction we might have avoided significant outages.
The federal and state governments, as part of a stimulus job creation initiative, could provide local governments and Con Ed with financial help when roads are repaved and milled.
If the above suggestion is implemented we will be moving in the right direction...there will be fewer outages and the cost of placing wires underground will not be prohibitive since the work will be done gradually. Fewer outages will mean that when there are storms- those who experience outages will get their power restored quicker.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
For Con Ed, It May Be Time to Go Underground
By JOSEPH BERGER
Published: September 24, 2006
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AT first there was something charmingly old-fashioned about it: Dad, Mom and the children gathered around, reading by candlelight and flashlight; people idling with neighbors they scarcely knew before; lunches and dinners cooked on outdoor grills.
But the charm of a plague of darkness like the kind that struck Westchester three times this summer wears thin in today's ultra-wired universe. The children want to watch a DVD rather than turn the pages of a book or play gin rummy. They don't even know what gin rummy is. Husbands and wives need to check their e-mail 24/7, even on lazy holiday weekends. Cellphones and iPods need to be recharged. Trader Joe's frozen jasmine rice goes bad when the refrigerator dies.
The power failures that Westchester had -- from Ernesto on Labor Day weekend, a tornado and lesser windstorm in July and powerful storms earlier in the year -- were not the kind of encompassing grid failures that blacked out New York City in 1965, 1977 and 2003. Lights then were restored in a day or two.
But with Ernesto blowing down 1,300 trees and weekend utility crews spread exceedingly thin, whole neighborhoods had to cope without electricity for five or six days. The romance faded very quickly.
The supervisor of Greenburgh, Paul J. Feiner, who compared the ineffective response with that of a Third World country, has asked the utility to explore the merits of gradually burying power lines underground, where they won't be a subject to the whims of weather. He suggested that overhead lines might be as outdated as rotary-dial phones.
''People have no confidence the power is going to stay on,'' he said. ''I've had constituents who had five, six and seven outages this year alone.''
Mr. Feiner comes up with proposals as often as Mickey Rooney once did, though his are not aimed at prospective brides. But this time he may be right: burying cables may be an idea whose time has come. The suburbs have matured from quaint bedroom communities to places where one-third of Americans live. In 1950, just before Con Edison took over county power, Westchester had 625,000 people, or 1,445 per square mile. It now has 923,459, or 2,134 per square mile. While it once had 25,000 acres of farmland, it is down to 9,900, mostly plant nurseries enabling suburbanites to adorn backyards.
Americans live far differently than they did in the 1950's or even the 90's. More work out of their homes because they can, as long as computers and fax machines keep working. Children raised on Super Mario Brothers cannot spend four days by flashlight.
William J. McGrath, Con Edison's vice president for the Bronx and Westchester electric operations, marshals some compelling arguments for keeping the present system. It costs $100,000 a mile to string a line overhead, but $1 million to bury it, which would mean $5 billion for the entire county. Those figures don't include the costs of repeatedly restringing lines after storms, but Mr. McGrath said repairs on underground cables, though less frequent, are much more expensive and take much longer than lifting workers to the top of a pole in a bucket truck.
Con Edison, he said, runs underground cable in downtowns like White Plains and Yonkers where the density of population and the density of cables required justify the costs. But homeowners in more spread-out villages, he argued, would not want to see their bills raised to pay for burying cables, including the $2,000 to $10,000 per home for new metering equipment.
But what Con Edison doesn't seem to factor in is the cost of lost days of work, spoiled food, hotels for orphans of the storm -- and shattered equanimity. If predictions of global warming and its consequences are to be trusted, Westchester residents can expect more seasons of fierce storms and hair-pulling disruptions -- true inconveniences, not just inconvenient truths.
Yes, less well-to-do homeowners will recoil at the cost of submerging power lines, but discussion can begin with state and local governments about ways to have wealthier homeowners pick up more of the tab, perhaps by tying the bill for construction to the assessed value of houses. The state can also provide subsidies.
Chris Olert, a Con Ed spokesman, said the company would soon evaluate its performance, as it does after every big storm. One question that should be studied is why there were not more crews on call for the Labor Day weekend. But readiness is a management problem; the bigger issue is where power lines should be. Many frustrated county residents are saying that gradually burying them in more teeming suburban areas -- over dozens of years so the bills don't pinch -- should be at the top of the agenda.
Photo (Photo by Alan Zale for The New York Times)
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Five years ago I recommended that Con Ed put their wires underground (see NY Times article below). Con Ed rejected the recommendation-stating that the costs were prohibitive. Since 2006 there have been numerous power outages in Greenburgh. Many residents have experienced power outages three times a year. Is this a 3rd world country?
The frequent power outages have caused a loss of productivity, financial problems for businesses that have experienced power outages and significant expenses for Con Ed (hiring out of state crews to restore power and paying their own employees overtime during storms. Local governments like Greenburgh have had to assume the cost of cleanup.
IS IT MORE EXPENSIVE NOT TO PUT THE POWER LINES UNDERGROUND?
At the Greenburgh Town Board work session members of the Town Board discussed whether power lines should be placed underground. A suggestion was made that makes good sense. Whenever the state/county/town is involved in a major road project the government entity that is doing the road project should work with Con Ed to bury the lines on that street. In addition...fiber optics could be placed underground --helping the locality keep up with the latest technology.
An example: NYS just completed a major road/drainage/sidewalk project off of Dobbs Ferry Road and W Hartsdale Ave. There are currently outages in this section of town. If wires had been placed underground during the construction we might have avoided significant outages.
The federal and state governments, as part of a stimulus job creation initiative, could provide local governments and Con Ed with financial help when roads are repaved and milled.
If the above suggestion is implemented we will be moving in the right direction...there will be fewer outages and the cost of placing wires underground will not be prohibitive since the work will be done gradually. Fewer outages will mean that when there are storms- those who experience outages will get their power restored quicker.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
For Con Ed, It May Be Time to Go Underground
By JOSEPH BERGER
Published: September 24, 2006
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AT first there was something charmingly old-fashioned about it: Dad, Mom and the children gathered around, reading by candlelight and flashlight; people idling with neighbors they scarcely knew before; lunches and dinners cooked on outdoor grills.
But the charm of a plague of darkness like the kind that struck Westchester three times this summer wears thin in today's ultra-wired universe. The children want to watch a DVD rather than turn the pages of a book or play gin rummy. They don't even know what gin rummy is. Husbands and wives need to check their e-mail 24/7, even on lazy holiday weekends. Cellphones and iPods need to be recharged. Trader Joe's frozen jasmine rice goes bad when the refrigerator dies.
The power failures that Westchester had -- from Ernesto on Labor Day weekend, a tornado and lesser windstorm in July and powerful storms earlier in the year -- were not the kind of encompassing grid failures that blacked out New York City in 1965, 1977 and 2003. Lights then were restored in a day or two.
But with Ernesto blowing down 1,300 trees and weekend utility crews spread exceedingly thin, whole neighborhoods had to cope without electricity for five or six days. The romance faded very quickly.
The supervisor of Greenburgh, Paul J. Feiner, who compared the ineffective response with that of a Third World country, has asked the utility to explore the merits of gradually burying power lines underground, where they won't be a subject to the whims of weather. He suggested that overhead lines might be as outdated as rotary-dial phones.
''People have no confidence the power is going to stay on,'' he said. ''I've had constituents who had five, six and seven outages this year alone.''
Mr. Feiner comes up with proposals as often as Mickey Rooney once did, though his are not aimed at prospective brides. But this time he may be right: burying cables may be an idea whose time has come. The suburbs have matured from quaint bedroom communities to places where one-third of Americans live. In 1950, just before Con Edison took over county power, Westchester had 625,000 people, or 1,445 per square mile. It now has 923,459, or 2,134 per square mile. While it once had 25,000 acres of farmland, it is down to 9,900, mostly plant nurseries enabling suburbanites to adorn backyards.
Americans live far differently than they did in the 1950's or even the 90's. More work out of their homes because they can, as long as computers and fax machines keep working. Children raised on Super Mario Brothers cannot spend four days by flashlight.
William J. McGrath, Con Edison's vice president for the Bronx and Westchester electric operations, marshals some compelling arguments for keeping the present system. It costs $100,000 a mile to string a line overhead, but $1 million to bury it, which would mean $5 billion for the entire county. Those figures don't include the costs of repeatedly restringing lines after storms, but Mr. McGrath said repairs on underground cables, though less frequent, are much more expensive and take much longer than lifting workers to the top of a pole in a bucket truck.
Con Edison, he said, runs underground cable in downtowns like White Plains and Yonkers where the density of population and the density of cables required justify the costs. But homeowners in more spread-out villages, he argued, would not want to see their bills raised to pay for burying cables, including the $2,000 to $10,000 per home for new metering equipment.
But what Con Edison doesn't seem to factor in is the cost of lost days of work, spoiled food, hotels for orphans of the storm -- and shattered equanimity. If predictions of global warming and its consequences are to be trusted, Westchester residents can expect more seasons of fierce storms and hair-pulling disruptions -- true inconveniences, not just inconvenient truths.
Yes, less well-to-do homeowners will recoil at the cost of submerging power lines, but discussion can begin with state and local governments about ways to have wealthier homeowners pick up more of the tab, perhaps by tying the bill for construction to the assessed value of houses. The state can also provide subsidies.
Chris Olert, a Con Ed spokesman, said the company would soon evaluate its performance, as it does after every big storm. One question that should be studied is why there were not more crews on call for the Labor Day weekend. But readiness is a management problem; the bigger issue is where power lines should be. Many frustrated county residents are saying that gradually burying them in more teeming suburban areas -- over dozens of years so the bills don't pinch -- should be at the top of the agenda.
Photo (Photo by Alan Zale for The New York Times)
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budget message 2012
This is my budget message for the 2012 budget. The entire budget has been filed with the Town Clerk's office and will be posted on the town website: www.greenburghny.com on Tuesday.
PAUL FEINER
GREENBURGH COMPLIES WITH STATE TAX CAP/PREPARES FOR FUTURE
A BUDGET: $15.6 million in 2012 (a $0.1 million increase)
- Tax cap limit met
- Tax levy up 2.0%
- Tax rate up 3.6%*
B BUDGET: $66.6 million in 2012 (a $1.4 million decrease in appropriations)
- Tax cap limit met
- Tax levy up 2.0%
- Tax rate up 3.3%*
Note: Inflation rate in the past 12 months: 3.9%
*The tax rate differs from the tax levy due to changes in assessed property values and the exclusion from the calculation of pension increases over 2%. See the attachments for a full explanation of the tax cap.
Greenburgh complies with NYS Tax Cap Law
The 2012 proposed budget complies with the State tax levy cap approved by the Governor and members of the New York State Legislature earlier this year. Unlike many communities around the State that have or are expected to overturn the cap, I want Greenburgh to operate within the State’s guidelines. The proposed tax hikes are also below the inflation rate.
Fewer Employees if no Union Concessions
One reason there will be fewer employees working for the Town in 2012 is our continuing policy of not filling most vacated positions. In addition, skyrocketing benefit costs are forcing the Town to lay off approximately a half dozen current employees. Benefits add approximately 40% in costs beyond employee salaries. The figure is approximately 50% for each police officer. Further, we project benefit costs will double within the next five years.
I have and will continue to meet with the unions representing the employees in positions identified for layoff. I indicated that I would be able to recommend no 2012 layoffs if the unions will offset the costs by agreeing to concessions similar to that recently approved by New York State union employees.
Painful Cuts
The 2012 budget is personally my most painful. There are Town employees who will have to leave their jobs because of the difficult choices the Town is facing. This is the first time I have proposed parting with valued Town employees in my 20 years as Supervisor. It is heartbreaking to lay off employees.
Our employees are known for their responsiveness and dedication to the Town. I appreciate their service. The positions eliminated are those I determined would have the least impact on essential services.
The layoffs in this budget are additionally painful to me because I have been devoting many hours over the past few years helping to reduce unemployment—not add to it. I pledge to work hard to help the town employees who lose their jobs find other employment.
No Salary Increases Budgeted in 2012 for CSEA, Teamsters, Management and Elected Officials
CSEA Members, Teamster Members, Management and your Elected Officials work hard for the Town, but have not received salary increases for several years. I am recommending that the employee unions agree to contracts that are similar to the contracts recently accepted by state employees.
No Fund Balance Used in A Budget... $1.8 million Used in B Budget
The A Budget, which serves the entire Town (unincorporated Greenburgh and Villages), will spend no more than we take in. No fund balance is being used to balance the A Budget. The B Budget (which serves unincorporated Greenburgh), relies on the use of $1.8 million in fund balance. We are working toward a future point when no fund balance will be used to subsidize programs in the B Budget.
Sacrifices/Preparing for More Difficult Times Ahead
This budget further reinforces the need for government to do more with less. We will continue to rethink government. This effort supports our goal of maintaining the most important quality of life services that residents enjoy, even in the face of cutbacks. So far, Town budget cuts have not reached the more severe levels we see at the National, State or County levels. However, we can virtually guarantee dramatic cuts in future budgets unless we can turn around out-of-control benefit costs.
Budget Cuts/Library Surpluses
Some budget cutting examples include reducing the use of Outside Legal Consultants ($175,000) and funding the Arts Council with private donations ($52,000). Elsewhere, we cut over a dozen positions, both occupied and vacated, reducing total Personnel costs by $1.1 million.
We expect no Library services decrease even though the Town is reducing its annual payment by $320,000. This is because the Library has an excessively large reserve fund (over $500,000) due to significant budget surpluses in recent years. The Library can further reduce costs by bringing its expenditures in line with the other 38 libraries in Westchester.
Revenue Enhancements
I am recommending changes in the way we bill for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). We have improved the way we collect information and pursue health insurers for reimbursement. We have started billing for calls when an ambulance arrives but is not used for hospital transport, which is also reimbursable by health insurers. In addition, I recommend we update billing letters to better prompt payments from individuals. However, the Town will prohibit our billing contractor from communicating with credit agencies about non-payers. The Citizens Budget Commission estimates that these changes could generate about $240,000 or more annually in extra revenue.
Additionally, cost-saving and revenue generation efforts have grown out of a collaboration established earlier this year with Berkeley College. Berkeley has provided seven interns who are paid from a Federal Work-Study Grant, not by Greenburgh Taxpayers. These interns will raise an additional $100,000 in revenue for the Town in 2011 and an estimated $400,000 in 2012 by processing the traffic ticket backlog uncovered in 2010. Additionally, the Court Administrator has spoken so highly of her interns that several other Town agencies have requested them.
Other Ways We May Cut Expenses and Increase Revenue
I am always searching for cost reduction opportunities. For example, we have found significant cost differences between our own EMS and that of outside providers. We are reviewing the suitability of substituting highly trained Emergency Medical Technicians for the much more highly paid police officers. These officers would then be able to increase their direct duties within the Police Department.
We are currently negotiating new revenue possibilities for the WESTHELP property and the old Frank’s Nursery. The Town lost $1.2 million per year after the County recently discontinued their relationship with WESTHELP.
We are also working to streamline the business applications process and spread the word that Greenburgh is business-friendly. New businesses will bring much needed new revenue to the Town.
In addition, we expect significant savings in 2012 as we complete a detailed review of Town insurance costs.
Stronger Fiscal Oversight, Better Cost Controls
The 2012 budget cuts are only the beginning of an aggressive initiative to improve the way we run government. I am proposing to add a part-time budget officer and part-time internal auditor to enhance the monitoring and control of expenses across all departments. I expect this to generate savings far greater than the cost of these positions. We will also create and partner with a new citizens commission that will work with these professionals to maximize the benefits of comprehensive operational reviews.
Greenburgh Needs Greater Flexibility in Managing Its Workforce
Our Town needs relief from stifling State controls over the Town’s business. For example, the State mandates arbitration to resolve impasses between the Town and police unions, forcing the Town to give hefty pay increases while the rest of the Town’s workforce receives nothing. The State also dictates pension costs, which will go up by 25% in 2012.
A New Kind of Relationship with Unions
Employee benefits are the Town’s only significant expense that is virtually certain to continue increasing by double digits every year. This problem is literally compounding our fiscal struggles as surely as high credit card rates drive some individuals into bankruptcy. These costs are accelerating, pushing the cost of municipal employees beyond what Taxpayers can afford.
Until the larger State issues mentioned above are resolved, the Town will face deteriorating choices--unsustainably large layoffs and/or double-digit tax hikes. In the interim, we need solutions to extend the period during which the Town can sustain a workforce sufficient to serve our residents. This challenge cannot be resolved unilaterally. It may be addressable in part through a realistic and serious good faith partnership between the Town and the employee unions. The Town needs to better control costs by increasing flexibility in deploying its workforce and redefining work standards. Our workers want a financially stable and reliable employer. A partnership with the unions is in our mutual interests.
We must act now before unmanageably large budget gaps force the Town to drastically terminate employees and overwhelm Taxpayers. Greenburgh’s challenges are national in scope. We will prepare for the future by addressing them now.
Team Effort/GBOC
I want residents to know that fiscal strength is only possible with the combined efforts of everyone working for the Town. It starts with those on the front lines who provide services essential to our well-being and quality of life. It continues with the agency heads that find and implement innovations and manage their complex organizations. Of course, none of this would be possible without leadership from the Town Council.
In addition, I want to tell you about an innovative and powerful new tool we have added. Early in 2011, I created a commission to do what has never been done before in Greenburgh and was virtually unheard of in government. The Greenburgh Budget Oversight Commission (GBOC) is a group of twenty-five (25) Town citizens formed to analyze the Town’s fiscal matters, evaluate the operations of Town agencies and provide an additional perspective on how to strengthen Greenburgh.
With my backing, support from the Comptroller and exceptional cooperation from each department, the GBOC met with agency heads, analyzed their operations and developed recommendations for improving efficiency and reducing expenses. Their energy helped motivate us to dig even deeper for solutions. The GBOC developed a solid starting point for the development of my 2012 budget. Their longer-term recommendations will serve the Town well for many years to come. I have identified these members on the page that immediately follows this message.
Conclusion
Financial challenges for government are growing at an accelerated pace. Greenburgh will meet and overcome these challenges with one goal in mind – maintaining a strong quality of life for all the residents of our community.
PAUL FEINER
MEMBERS OF THE GREENBURGH
BUDGET ADVISORY COMMISSION
ALAN HOCHBERG
BILL LOSAPIO
DANIEL R. MARTIN
DAVID SEAL
DON BLUM
DON CANNON
FELICE HARRIS
HOWARD HIRSCH
JOHN MALONE
KEN PATEL
LECH PORADOWSKI
LLOYD CORT
LUIS POLIT
MICHAEL GOLDSTEIN
MILT HOFFMAN
MONA FRATAG
NAT FEDERICI
NEAL CROMWELL
RICH BOBBE
VICTOR WEINSTEIN
VICTOR ALLEYNE
VIOLA TALIAFERROW
GLEN GORDON
PAUL FEINER
GREENBURGH COMPLIES WITH STATE TAX CAP/PREPARES FOR FUTURE
A BUDGET: $15.6 million in 2012 (a $0.1 million increase)
- Tax cap limit met
- Tax levy up 2.0%
- Tax rate up 3.6%*
B BUDGET: $66.6 million in 2012 (a $1.4 million decrease in appropriations)
- Tax cap limit met
- Tax levy up 2.0%
- Tax rate up 3.3%*
Note: Inflation rate in the past 12 months: 3.9%
*The tax rate differs from the tax levy due to changes in assessed property values and the exclusion from the calculation of pension increases over 2%. See the attachments for a full explanation of the tax cap.
Greenburgh complies with NYS Tax Cap Law
The 2012 proposed budget complies with the State tax levy cap approved by the Governor and members of the New York State Legislature earlier this year. Unlike many communities around the State that have or are expected to overturn the cap, I want Greenburgh to operate within the State’s guidelines. The proposed tax hikes are also below the inflation rate.
Fewer Employees if no Union Concessions
One reason there will be fewer employees working for the Town in 2012 is our continuing policy of not filling most vacated positions. In addition, skyrocketing benefit costs are forcing the Town to lay off approximately a half dozen current employees. Benefits add approximately 40% in costs beyond employee salaries. The figure is approximately 50% for each police officer. Further, we project benefit costs will double within the next five years.
I have and will continue to meet with the unions representing the employees in positions identified for layoff. I indicated that I would be able to recommend no 2012 layoffs if the unions will offset the costs by agreeing to concessions similar to that recently approved by New York State union employees.
Painful Cuts
The 2012 budget is personally my most painful. There are Town employees who will have to leave their jobs because of the difficult choices the Town is facing. This is the first time I have proposed parting with valued Town employees in my 20 years as Supervisor. It is heartbreaking to lay off employees.
Our employees are known for their responsiveness and dedication to the Town. I appreciate their service. The positions eliminated are those I determined would have the least impact on essential services.
The layoffs in this budget are additionally painful to me because I have been devoting many hours over the past few years helping to reduce unemployment—not add to it. I pledge to work hard to help the town employees who lose their jobs find other employment.
No Salary Increases Budgeted in 2012 for CSEA, Teamsters, Management and Elected Officials
CSEA Members, Teamster Members, Management and your Elected Officials work hard for the Town, but have not received salary increases for several years. I am recommending that the employee unions agree to contracts that are similar to the contracts recently accepted by state employees.
No Fund Balance Used in A Budget... $1.8 million Used in B Budget
The A Budget, which serves the entire Town (unincorporated Greenburgh and Villages), will spend no more than we take in. No fund balance is being used to balance the A Budget. The B Budget (which serves unincorporated Greenburgh), relies on the use of $1.8 million in fund balance. We are working toward a future point when no fund balance will be used to subsidize programs in the B Budget.
Sacrifices/Preparing for More Difficult Times Ahead
This budget further reinforces the need for government to do more with less. We will continue to rethink government. This effort supports our goal of maintaining the most important quality of life services that residents enjoy, even in the face of cutbacks. So far, Town budget cuts have not reached the more severe levels we see at the National, State or County levels. However, we can virtually guarantee dramatic cuts in future budgets unless we can turn around out-of-control benefit costs.
Budget Cuts/Library Surpluses
Some budget cutting examples include reducing the use of Outside Legal Consultants ($175,000) and funding the Arts Council with private donations ($52,000). Elsewhere, we cut over a dozen positions, both occupied and vacated, reducing total Personnel costs by $1.1 million.
We expect no Library services decrease even though the Town is reducing its annual payment by $320,000. This is because the Library has an excessively large reserve fund (over $500,000) due to significant budget surpluses in recent years. The Library can further reduce costs by bringing its expenditures in line with the other 38 libraries in Westchester.
Revenue Enhancements
I am recommending changes in the way we bill for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). We have improved the way we collect information and pursue health insurers for reimbursement. We have started billing for calls when an ambulance arrives but is not used for hospital transport, which is also reimbursable by health insurers. In addition, I recommend we update billing letters to better prompt payments from individuals. However, the Town will prohibit our billing contractor from communicating with credit agencies about non-payers. The Citizens Budget Commission estimates that these changes could generate about $240,000 or more annually in extra revenue.
Additionally, cost-saving and revenue generation efforts have grown out of a collaboration established earlier this year with Berkeley College. Berkeley has provided seven interns who are paid from a Federal Work-Study Grant, not by Greenburgh Taxpayers. These interns will raise an additional $100,000 in revenue for the Town in 2011 and an estimated $400,000 in 2012 by processing the traffic ticket backlog uncovered in 2010. Additionally, the Court Administrator has spoken so highly of her interns that several other Town agencies have requested them.
Other Ways We May Cut Expenses and Increase Revenue
I am always searching for cost reduction opportunities. For example, we have found significant cost differences between our own EMS and that of outside providers. We are reviewing the suitability of substituting highly trained Emergency Medical Technicians for the much more highly paid police officers. These officers would then be able to increase their direct duties within the Police Department.
We are currently negotiating new revenue possibilities for the WESTHELP property and the old Frank’s Nursery. The Town lost $1.2 million per year after the County recently discontinued their relationship with WESTHELP.
We are also working to streamline the business applications process and spread the word that Greenburgh is business-friendly. New businesses will bring much needed new revenue to the Town.
In addition, we expect significant savings in 2012 as we complete a detailed review of Town insurance costs.
Stronger Fiscal Oversight, Better Cost Controls
The 2012 budget cuts are only the beginning of an aggressive initiative to improve the way we run government. I am proposing to add a part-time budget officer and part-time internal auditor to enhance the monitoring and control of expenses across all departments. I expect this to generate savings far greater than the cost of these positions. We will also create and partner with a new citizens commission that will work with these professionals to maximize the benefits of comprehensive operational reviews.
Greenburgh Needs Greater Flexibility in Managing Its Workforce
Our Town needs relief from stifling State controls over the Town’s business. For example, the State mandates arbitration to resolve impasses between the Town and police unions, forcing the Town to give hefty pay increases while the rest of the Town’s workforce receives nothing. The State also dictates pension costs, which will go up by 25% in 2012.
A New Kind of Relationship with Unions
Employee benefits are the Town’s only significant expense that is virtually certain to continue increasing by double digits every year. This problem is literally compounding our fiscal struggles as surely as high credit card rates drive some individuals into bankruptcy. These costs are accelerating, pushing the cost of municipal employees beyond what Taxpayers can afford.
Until the larger State issues mentioned above are resolved, the Town will face deteriorating choices--unsustainably large layoffs and/or double-digit tax hikes. In the interim, we need solutions to extend the period during which the Town can sustain a workforce sufficient to serve our residents. This challenge cannot be resolved unilaterally. It may be addressable in part through a realistic and serious good faith partnership between the Town and the employee unions. The Town needs to better control costs by increasing flexibility in deploying its workforce and redefining work standards. Our workers want a financially stable and reliable employer. A partnership with the unions is in our mutual interests.
We must act now before unmanageably large budget gaps force the Town to drastically terminate employees and overwhelm Taxpayers. Greenburgh’s challenges are national in scope. We will prepare for the future by addressing them now.
Team Effort/GBOC
I want residents to know that fiscal strength is only possible with the combined efforts of everyone working for the Town. It starts with those on the front lines who provide services essential to our well-being and quality of life. It continues with the agency heads that find and implement innovations and manage their complex organizations. Of course, none of this would be possible without leadership from the Town Council.
In addition, I want to tell you about an innovative and powerful new tool we have added. Early in 2011, I created a commission to do what has never been done before in Greenburgh and was virtually unheard of in government. The Greenburgh Budget Oversight Commission (GBOC) is a group of twenty-five (25) Town citizens formed to analyze the Town’s fiscal matters, evaluate the operations of Town agencies and provide an additional perspective on how to strengthen Greenburgh.
With my backing, support from the Comptroller and exceptional cooperation from each department, the GBOC met with agency heads, analyzed their operations and developed recommendations for improving efficiency and reducing expenses. Their energy helped motivate us to dig even deeper for solutions. The GBOC developed a solid starting point for the development of my 2012 budget. Their longer-term recommendations will serve the Town well for many years to come. I have identified these members on the page that immediately follows this message.
Conclusion
Financial challenges for government are growing at an accelerated pace. Greenburgh will meet and overcome these challenges with one goal in mind – maintaining a strong quality of life for all the residents of our community.
PAUL FEINER
MEMBERS OF THE GREENBURGH
BUDGET ADVISORY COMMISSION
ALAN HOCHBERG
BILL LOSAPIO
DANIEL R. MARTIN
DAVID SEAL
DON BLUM
DON CANNON
FELICE HARRIS
HOWARD HIRSCH
JOHN MALONE
KEN PATEL
LECH PORADOWSKI
LLOYD CORT
LUIS POLIT
MICHAEL GOLDSTEIN
MILT HOFFMAN
MONA FRATAG
NAT FEDERICI
NEAL CROMWELL
RICH BOBBE
VICTOR WEINSTEIN
VICTOR ALLEYNE
VIOLA TALIAFERROW
GLEN GORDON
Monday, October 31, 2011
halloween report..update con ed restoration
Every Halloween night, for 20 years, I have spent time with the Police Chief patrolling the neighborhoods of Greenburgh. Early in my tenure as an elected official Halloween evening was difficult. Lots of vandalism. Property damage. Pranks. Families were scared. We tried to address this problem by assigning lots of police to different neighborhoods around the town. In recent years Halloween has been relatively quiet.
Tonight, when I went on my patrol with Chief of Police Joseph DeCarlo, it was very quiet. The police radio was silent while I was driving around town, very few complaints. There were some kids walking around their neighborhoods---but no major problems. A few reasons: 1) the police did a great job; 2)the October storm --families understood the dangerous post storm conditions of our streets. Wires are still down. So are some trees. And large tree branches continue to fall. The police chief showed me a very scary photo of a large pole that went right into a car. The car owner is probably one of the luckiest individuals around. Had he been in the car--he would not be alive.
MORE HOMES ARE GETTING POWER RESTORED--OLD FRANK'S NURSERY OFF OF DOBBS FERRY ROAD LOOKS LIKE A MILITARY BASE---WITH MANY CON ED REPAIR TRUCKS GETTING READY TO GET THE POWER BACK FOR THE POWERLESS
The Police Chief took me to the command center at police headquarters. Con Ed liaisons are working with the police and public works department trying to restore power. Con Ed is trying to restore power to large clusters of powerless homes first, If they can repair a transformer and restore power to a few hundred people --that takes priority over a neighborhood with one or two outages.
We then drove past Frank's nursery off of Dobbs Ferry Road. The nursery looked like a military camp---I estimate that sixty or more repair trucks were parked at the old nursery, ready to get to work restoring power. My guess is that many people without power will see their power restored sometime tomorrow. The trucks include repair teams from out of state.
PAUL FEINER
Tonight, when I went on my patrol with Chief of Police Joseph DeCarlo, it was very quiet. The police radio was silent while I was driving around town, very few complaints. There were some kids walking around their neighborhoods---but no major problems. A few reasons: 1) the police did a great job; 2)the October storm --families understood the dangerous post storm conditions of our streets. Wires are still down. So are some trees. And large tree branches continue to fall. The police chief showed me a very scary photo of a large pole that went right into a car. The car owner is probably one of the luckiest individuals around. Had he been in the car--he would not be alive.
MORE HOMES ARE GETTING POWER RESTORED--OLD FRANK'S NURSERY OFF OF DOBBS FERRY ROAD LOOKS LIKE A MILITARY BASE---WITH MANY CON ED REPAIR TRUCKS GETTING READY TO GET THE POWER BACK FOR THE POWERLESS
The Police Chief took me to the command center at police headquarters. Con Ed liaisons are working with the police and public works department trying to restore power. Con Ed is trying to restore power to large clusters of powerless homes first, If they can repair a transformer and restore power to a few hundred people --that takes priority over a neighborhood with one or two outages.
We then drove past Frank's nursery off of Dobbs Ferry Road. The nursery looked like a military camp---I estimate that sixty or more repair trucks were parked at the old nursery, ready to get to work restoring power. My guess is that many people without power will see their power restored sometime tomorrow. The trucks include repair teams from out of state.
PAUL FEINER
Sunday, October 30, 2011
snow updates--central 7 closed..sanitation pickup tomorrow..tdycc warming center
The Theodore Young Community Center will be open tonight as a warming center--if you're cold and want to sleep in a warm facility. The center is located on Manhattan Ave (off of Route 119--near Crossroads shopping Center).
Central 7 school district has posted on their website that the schools are closed. Check your school district's website tomorrow morning if you are in another school district and if you want to know if the schools are open.
Sanitation pick up --normal schedule tomorrow.
QUESTION-- WHICH HOTELS ARE GIVING POWERLESS FAMILIES THE BEST RATES?
Some residents have advised me that they are staying in hotels tonight since their power has not been restored. In the event that power is not restored to everyone tomorrow, I'd like to advise people who ask me--what hotels in the area are offering guests the best deals and not taking advantage of the outages. Please advise me of your experiences. I'll keep the info in my files and will share with others the next time there is a storm... Or, if people call me tomorrow and want some advice.
Central 7 school district has posted on their website that the schools are closed. Check your school district's website tomorrow morning if you are in another school district and if you want to know if the schools are open.
Sanitation pick up --normal schedule tomorrow.
QUESTION-- WHICH HOTELS ARE GIVING POWERLESS FAMILIES THE BEST RATES?
Some residents have advised me that they are staying in hotels tonight since their power has not been restored. In the event that power is not restored to everyone tomorrow, I'd like to advise people who ask me--what hotels in the area are offering guests the best deals and not taking advantage of the outages. Please advise me of your experiences. I'll keep the info in my files and will share with others the next time there is a storm... Or, if people call me tomorrow and want some advice.
five years ago I suggested that con ed wires go underground
For Con Ed, It May Be Time to Go Underground
By JOSEPH BERGER
Published: September 24, 2006
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Print
AT first there was something charmingly old-fashioned about it: Dad, Mom and the children gathered around, reading by candlelight and flashlight; people idling with neighbors they scarcely knew before; lunches and dinners cooked on outdoor grills.
But the charm of a plague of darkness like the kind that struck Westchester three times this summer wears thin in today's ultra-wired universe. The children want to watch a DVD rather than turn the pages of a book or play gin rummy. They don't even know what gin rummy is. Husbands and wives need to check their e-mail 24/7, even on lazy holiday weekends. Cellphones and iPods need to be recharged. Trader Joe's frozen jasmine rice goes bad when the refrigerator dies.
The power failures that Westchester had -- from Ernesto on Labor Day weekend, a tornado and lesser windstorm in July and powerful storms earlier in the year -- were not the kind of encompassing grid failures that blacked out New York City in 1965, 1977 and 2003. Lights then were restored in a day or two.
But with Ernesto blowing down 1,300 trees and weekend utility crews spread exceedingly thin, whole neighborhoods had to cope without electricity for five or six days. The romance faded very quickly.
The supervisor of Greenburgh, Paul J. Feiner, who compared the ineffective response with that of a Third World country, has asked the utility to explore the merits of gradually burying power lines underground, where they won't be a subject to the whims of weather. He suggested that overhead lines might be as outdated as rotary-dial phones.
''People have no confidence the power is going to stay on,'' he said. ''I've had constituents who had five, six and seven outages this year alone.''
Mr. Feiner comes up with proposals as often as Mickey Rooney once did, though his are not aimed at prospective brides. But this time he may be right: burying cables may be an idea whose time has come. The suburbs have matured from quaint bedroom communities to places where one-third of Americans live. In 1950, just before Con Edison took over county power, Westchester had 625,000 people, or 1,445 per square mile. It now has 923,459, or 2,134 per square mile. While it once had 25,000 acres of farmland, it is down to 9,900, mostly plant nurseries enabling suburbanites to adorn backyards.
Americans live far differently than they did in the 1950's or even the 90's. More work out of their homes because they can, as long as computers and fax machines keep working. Children raised on Super Mario Brothers cannot spend four days by flashlight.
William J. McGrath, Con Edison's vice president for the Bronx and Westchester electric operations, marshals some compelling arguments for keeping the present system. It costs $100,000 a mile to string a line overhead, but $1 million to bury it, which would mean $5 billion for the entire county. Those figures don't include the costs of repeatedly restringing lines after storms, but Mr. McGrath said repairs on underground cables, though less frequent, are much more expensive and take much longer than lifting workers to the top of a pole in a bucket truck.
Con Edison, he said, runs underground cable in downtowns like White Plains and Yonkers where the density of population and the density of cables required justify the costs. But homeowners in more spread-out villages, he argued, would not want to see their bills raised to pay for burying cables, including the $2,000 to $10,000 per home for new metering equipment.
But what Con Edison doesn't seem to factor in is the cost of lost days of work, spoiled food, hotels for orphans of the storm -- and shattered equanimity. If predictions of global warming and its consequences are to be trusted, Westchester residents can expect more seasons of fierce storms and hair-pulling disruptions -- true inconveniences, not just inconvenient truths.
Yes, less well-to-do homeowners will recoil at the cost of submerging power lines, but discussion can begin with state and local governments about ways to have wealthier homeowners pick up more of the tab, perhaps by tying the bill for construction to the assessed value of houses. The state can also provide subsidies.
Chris Olert, a Con Ed spokesman, said the company would soon evaluate its performance, as it does after every big storm. One question that should be studied is why there were not more crews on call for the Labor Day weekend. But readiness is a management problem; the bigger issue is where power lines should be. Many frustrated county residents are saying that gradually burying them in more teeming suburban areas -- over dozens of years so the bills don't pinch -- should be at the top of the agenda.
By JOSEPH BERGER
Published: September 24, 2006
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AT first there was something charmingly old-fashioned about it: Dad, Mom and the children gathered around, reading by candlelight and flashlight; people idling with neighbors they scarcely knew before; lunches and dinners cooked on outdoor grills.
But the charm of a plague of darkness like the kind that struck Westchester three times this summer wears thin in today's ultra-wired universe. The children want to watch a DVD rather than turn the pages of a book or play gin rummy. They don't even know what gin rummy is. Husbands and wives need to check their e-mail 24/7, even on lazy holiday weekends. Cellphones and iPods need to be recharged. Trader Joe's frozen jasmine rice goes bad when the refrigerator dies.
The power failures that Westchester had -- from Ernesto on Labor Day weekend, a tornado and lesser windstorm in July and powerful storms earlier in the year -- were not the kind of encompassing grid failures that blacked out New York City in 1965, 1977 and 2003. Lights then were restored in a day or two.
But with Ernesto blowing down 1,300 trees and weekend utility crews spread exceedingly thin, whole neighborhoods had to cope without electricity for five or six days. The romance faded very quickly.
The supervisor of Greenburgh, Paul J. Feiner, who compared the ineffective response with that of a Third World country, has asked the utility to explore the merits of gradually burying power lines underground, where they won't be a subject to the whims of weather. He suggested that overhead lines might be as outdated as rotary-dial phones.
''People have no confidence the power is going to stay on,'' he said. ''I've had constituents who had five, six and seven outages this year alone.''
Mr. Feiner comes up with proposals as often as Mickey Rooney once did, though his are not aimed at prospective brides. But this time he may be right: burying cables may be an idea whose time has come. The suburbs have matured from quaint bedroom communities to places where one-third of Americans live. In 1950, just before Con Edison took over county power, Westchester had 625,000 people, or 1,445 per square mile. It now has 923,459, or 2,134 per square mile. While it once had 25,000 acres of farmland, it is down to 9,900, mostly plant nurseries enabling suburbanites to adorn backyards.
Americans live far differently than they did in the 1950's or even the 90's. More work out of their homes because they can, as long as computers and fax machines keep working. Children raised on Super Mario Brothers cannot spend four days by flashlight.
William J. McGrath, Con Edison's vice president for the Bronx and Westchester electric operations, marshals some compelling arguments for keeping the present system. It costs $100,000 a mile to string a line overhead, but $1 million to bury it, which would mean $5 billion for the entire county. Those figures don't include the costs of repeatedly restringing lines after storms, but Mr. McGrath said repairs on underground cables, though less frequent, are much more expensive and take much longer than lifting workers to the top of a pole in a bucket truck.
Con Edison, he said, runs underground cable in downtowns like White Plains and Yonkers where the density of population and the density of cables required justify the costs. But homeowners in more spread-out villages, he argued, would not want to see their bills raised to pay for burying cables, including the $2,000 to $10,000 per home for new metering equipment.
But what Con Edison doesn't seem to factor in is the cost of lost days of work, spoiled food, hotels for orphans of the storm -- and shattered equanimity. If predictions of global warming and its consequences are to be trusted, Westchester residents can expect more seasons of fierce storms and hair-pulling disruptions -- true inconveniences, not just inconvenient truths.
Yes, less well-to-do homeowners will recoil at the cost of submerging power lines, but discussion can begin with state and local governments about ways to have wealthier homeowners pick up more of the tab, perhaps by tying the bill for construction to the assessed value of houses. The state can also provide subsidies.
Chris Olert, a Con Ed spokesman, said the company would soon evaluate its performance, as it does after every big storm. One question that should be studied is why there were not more crews on call for the Labor Day weekend. But readiness is a management problem; the bigger issue is where power lines should be. Many frustrated county residents are saying that gradually burying them in more teeming suburban areas -- over dozens of years so the bills don't pinch -- should be at the top of the agenda.
con ed updates...
Finally...answered all the emails I received from last night to now. My power at home is out (just like many others). And, my blackberry lost it's connection too (around midnight last night). There are many outages around Greenburgh. Downed trees, downed wires. Burning wires. But---received some good news from two residents of Edgemont: their power was recently restored. Hopefully will continue to receive good news reports from others soon.
There are many thousands of people without power. I anticipate (based on previous outages) that it will take a few days before power is restored to all. Will keep you updated.
Hi Paul...I hope you are advising your constituents to call
1800.752.6633. Email is not the way to get their outages on record.
There are many thousands of people without power. I anticipate (based on previous outages) that it will take a few days before power is restored to all. Will keep you updated.
Hi Paul...I hope you are advising your constituents to call
1800.752.6633. Email is not the way to get their outages on record.
Friday, October 28, 2011
If wind turbines were placed on the new Tappan Zee bridge this is how it could look...
A few years ago I proposed that wind turbines be placed on the new Tappan Zee bridge. This is how it could look.
Digg..Attractive Italian Viaduct Has Wind Turbines Built In By Rebecca Boyle
Posted 02.02.2011 at 2:02 pm 19 Comments
Wind Turbine Viaduct via New Italian Blood
A new bridge concept incorporates wind and solar energy into its design, generating 40 million kilowatt-hours per year — and looking pretty slick to boot.
The Solar Wind concept would use the space between an existing viaduct in southern Italy to install 26 wind turbines, which designers Francesco Colarossi, Giovanna Saracino and Luisa Saracino say could provide 36 million kilowatt hours of electricity every year.
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Technology, Rebecca Boyle, architecture, bridges, italy, roads, solar panels, solar roads, wind power, wind turbinesThe design team conceived the Solar Wind project for a contest that aims to repurpose some old, unused viaducts near Calabria, a region in the toe of Italy. It would cost about $55 million to demolish the viaducts, so town officials held a contest for proposals that would re-use them in an environmentally friendly way. The wind turbine bridge took second place.
The proposal also includes a solar-paneled roadway to provide another 11.2 million kilowatt hours, Colarossi and colleagues say. It turns the entire viaduct into a park, with spaces to pull over and take in the view off the Italian coast. Travelers could stop and buy fresh produce grown in solar-powered greenhouses located along the bridge. The whole roadway would be covered in a dense grid of solar cells coated in a thin, transparent plastic, the designers say.
All in all, the system would be capable of generating 40 million kWh each year, enough to power 15,000 homes.
Viaduct Top View: via New Italian Blood
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