I am pleased to report that a large vacant building on Central Ave will no longer be vacant! The former Office Depot on Central Avenue will be replaced with a large tile store named “The Tile Shop. They have filed a permit for alterations.
WESTHAB will start demolishing the old King's Inn very soon. Workforce housing will replace the former homeless shelter and hotel.
And...the town has asked the county to approve a lease agreement to convert the WESTHELP homeless transitional facility off of Knollwood Road (which the county shut down last year) into housing/services for the developmentally disabled. The town would like to enter into a contractual agreement with Ferncliff, an outstanding non profit organization that has a great track record dealing with the developmentally disabled population. The town would receive close to a million a year in rent. If the county rejects the request the town has entered into an agreement with the Greenburgh Housing Authority to use the property for affordable housing purposes. The Town Board approved a resolution last night authorizing an extension of an affordable housing facilities agreement with the Greenburgh Housing Authority. If the property is used for affordable housing the town would not receive the same revenue as we would if the property is leased to Ferncliff.
PAUL FEINER
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
town discussion on allowing private company to put tennis bubble on tennis court at park--big revenue for town
TOWN CAN GENERATE SIGNIFICANT REVENUE IF NEW YORK STATE AMENDS FINNERAN LAW....
SPORTTIME IS AGAIN INTERESTED IN PUTTING TENNIS BUBBLE AT TOWN TENNIS COURTS.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON AMENDMENT TO FINNERAN LAW--WEDNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 11TH AT 7:30 PM GREENBURGH TOWN HALL
In 2005 Sporttime proposed to lease the tennis courts at AF Veteran park during the off season months when the park is not used by the public. The town would have received significant revenue from Sporttime. A minimum of $125,000 the first year. By the 15th year the revenue to the town would have exceeded $271,645 dollars. In addition, Sporttime offered to pay for the reconstruction and resurfacing of five existing hard tennis courts…construct 2 har tru tennis courts to replace the existing hard tennis courts…install outdoor lighting for the two newly constructed tennis courts, new drainage around the tennis courts and a sidewalk form the parking area to the clubhouse with connecting paths to the tennis courts. They also had offered, at their expense, to resurface one outdoor basketball court and two handball courts and re-tile the existing tennis court restrooms.
They offered to construct a clubhouse building at their expense of about 3600 square feet on two levels, to provide an indoor viewing patio, a lounge, locker rooms, a pro shop and reception and office facilities.
Sportime offered free programs for junior and adult residents---a pre scheduled tennis camp for junior residents featuring free introductory tennis instructions during December and winter breaks…free racquets for junior residents- a minimum of 500 free tennis racquets valued at $15,000 to be given away per year…one free introductory group tennis lesson to interested junior and adult residents (based on availability). And---membership in Sportime at $0 per month with a valid unicard. Residents of Greenburgh will have access to Sportime tennis facilities in Mamaroneck, Westchesterand in Manhattan.
Why DID THIS LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN NEVER HAPPEN?
A resident complained that the agreement would have violated the Finneran law, a law adopted decades ago by the NYS Legislature that made it difficult for the town to allow non residents to use the AF Veteran park.
WHAT COULD BE DONE IN 2012?
The Town Board will have a public discussion on amending the Finneran Law at our Wednesday evening, April 11th Town Board meeting -at 7:30 PM. We think our best chance of getting the legislation approved is to propose a narrow amendment that would only apply to the tennis courts. The wording of the proposed legislation follows...
Proposed Finneran Law amendment addressing only the proposed use of tennis facilities at Anthony Veteran Park. The proposed legislation will have to be approved by the Greenburgh Town Board, New York State Senate, New York State Senate and signed into law by the Governor. The Board has had some preliminary discussions with our State Legislators about the proposal.
PROPOSED WORDING
§ 2. Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, but subject to the provisions of section three hereof, all costs of acquisition by the Town of Greenburgh, Westchester County, of any public park, playground or recreational facility heretofore or hereafter made, all costs of construction or acquisition of any improvement at any such town public park, playground or recreational facility heretofore or hereafter made, and all costs of operation and maintenance of any such facility, shall be raised by the levy of a tax upon the lots and parcels of land within said town located in the area outside of incorporated villages and such public park, playground and recreational facilities of said town shall, subject to any agreements contained in any grant contract between said Town and the United States government, New York State or Westchester County and, except as may be otherwise determined by the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh after a public hearing with respect to tennis facilities at Anthony F. Veteran Park located in the area outside of incorporated villages, be restricted in use to residents of said town residing in the area of said town outside of incorporated villages. Taxes heretofore raised through the levy upon the lots and parcels of land within said town located in the area of said town outside of incorporated villages to pay said costs are hereby legalized, ratified, validated and confirmed.
Paul Feiner
SPORTTIME IS AGAIN INTERESTED IN PUTTING TENNIS BUBBLE AT TOWN TENNIS COURTS.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON AMENDMENT TO FINNERAN LAW--WEDNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 11TH AT 7:30 PM GREENBURGH TOWN HALL
In 2005 Sporttime proposed to lease the tennis courts at AF Veteran park during the off season months when the park is not used by the public. The town would have received significant revenue from Sporttime. A minimum of $125,000 the first year. By the 15th year the revenue to the town would have exceeded $271,645 dollars. In addition, Sporttime offered to pay for the reconstruction and resurfacing of five existing hard tennis courts…construct 2 har tru tennis courts to replace the existing hard tennis courts…install outdoor lighting for the two newly constructed tennis courts, new drainage around the tennis courts and a sidewalk form the parking area to the clubhouse with connecting paths to the tennis courts. They also had offered, at their expense, to resurface one outdoor basketball court and two handball courts and re-tile the existing tennis court restrooms.
They offered to construct a clubhouse building at their expense of about 3600 square feet on two levels, to provide an indoor viewing patio, a lounge, locker rooms, a pro shop and reception and office facilities.
Sportime offered free programs for junior and adult residents---a pre scheduled tennis camp for junior residents featuring free introductory tennis instructions during December and winter breaks…free racquets for junior residents- a minimum of 500 free tennis racquets valued at $15,000 to be given away per year…one free introductory group tennis lesson to interested junior and adult residents (based on availability). And---membership in Sportime at $0 per month with a valid unicard. Residents of Greenburgh will have access to Sportime tennis facilities in Mamaroneck, Westchesterand in Manhattan.
Why DID THIS LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN NEVER HAPPEN?
A resident complained that the agreement would have violated the Finneran law, a law adopted decades ago by the NYS Legislature that made it difficult for the town to allow non residents to use the AF Veteran park.
WHAT COULD BE DONE IN 2012?
The Town Board will have a public discussion on amending the Finneran Law at our Wednesday evening, April 11th Town Board meeting -at 7:30 PM. We think our best chance of getting the legislation approved is to propose a narrow amendment that would only apply to the tennis courts. The wording of the proposed legislation follows...
Proposed Finneran Law amendment addressing only the proposed use of tennis facilities at Anthony Veteran Park. The proposed legislation will have to be approved by the Greenburgh Town Board, New York State Senate, New York State Senate and signed into law by the Governor. The Board has had some preliminary discussions with our State Legislators about the proposal.
PROPOSED WORDING
§ 2. Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, but subject to the provisions of section three hereof, all costs of acquisition by the Town of Greenburgh, Westchester County, of any public park, playground or recreational facility heretofore or hereafter made, all costs of construction or acquisition of any improvement at any such town public park, playground or recreational facility heretofore or hereafter made, and all costs of operation and maintenance of any such facility, shall be raised by the levy of a tax upon the lots and parcels of land within said town located in the area outside of incorporated villages and such public park, playground and recreational facilities of said town shall, subject to any agreements contained in any grant contract between said Town and the United States government, New York State or Westchester County and, except as may be otherwise determined by the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh after a public hearing with respect to tennis facilities at Anthony F. Veteran Park located in the area outside of incorporated villages, be restricted in use to residents of said town residing in the area of said town outside of incorporated villages. Taxes heretofore raised through the levy upon the lots and parcels of land within said town located in the area of said town outside of incorporated villages to pay said costs are hereby legalized, ratified, validated and confirmed.
Paul Feiner
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
CHEAPER GAS PRICES COULD BE COMING TO EDGEMONT...LET'S GET RID OF ABANDONED EYESORES
The following article appears in www.thedailygreenburgh.com. I was very surprised at some people last night. Robert Bernstein, former head of the Edgemont Community Council, and Madelon O'Shea (who is also involved in Edgemont civic activities) objected to the proposal to allow a former gas station to reopen as a gas station/convenience store. Among their objections: THEY DON'T LIKE THE FACT THAT A CUMBERLAND FARMS WILL HAVE CHEAP GAS! They think it will be unfair for existing gas stations.
I like competition. And, I think most Edgemont residents would prefer paying CHEAPER rates at the gas pumps. If this application is not approved the abandoned eyesore will continue to be an eyesore...boarded up...no additional ratables...I do not understand the logic of the opposition.
PAUL FEINER
the article about the meeting can be found below
Greenburgh Gas Station Zoning Ignites Debate
by Matt Bultman (email)
Email
× Share this article: Greenburgh Gas Station Zoning Ignites Debate
Email(s)######## Message Your Info:
Your Name Your Email Send me a copy ...
The boarded-up lot at Old Army Road and Central Park Avenue is at the center of a zoning debate in Greenburgh.
Photo credit: Matt Bultman GREENBURGH, N.Y. – A proposed Edgemont gas station has sparked a debate of business competition versus local loyalty.
Several residents are speaking out against the town’s attempts to update its zoning code, a move that, if approved, would clear the way for a Cumberland Farms convenience store and gas station to be rebuilt at Old Amry Road and Central Park Avenue.
Opponents to the plan argue the out-of-state retailer will undersell local businesses and run small gas station owners into the ground.
“Is this board going to accept responsibility for the closing of a gas station or convenience store because the large corporation froze out the small Greenburgh operator?” Madelon O'Shea asked the council during its meeting Tuesday. “Doesn't loyalty to Greenburgh mean anything?”
Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, however, is touting the move as a plus for cash-strapped Greenburg motorists.
“Competition is good,” Feiner said. “I want to see gas prices going down and the average person likes to have choices.”
The debate stems from a zoning law prohibiting gas stations on Central Park Avenue. The code was created as part of an effort to rid the street of pumps years ago.
That means the several existing gas stations along the avenue don’t comply with town code, Council member Francis Sheehan said.
In what he says is an effort to get these stations up to code and allow the development of other stations, the town is working to change town law and allow gas stations along Central Avenue with a special use permit.
While existing stations won't be required to apply for the permit in order to remain open, they must do so if they want to expand or improve their building in the future. They will have 180 days to do so. Otherwise they will be left stuck, potentially unable to make building expansions or improvements.
That deadline has left several Edgemont residents, including Gerard O’Shea, questioning the town’s commitment to local business owners.
“You’ve gone out to change the zoning code of the town for a special interest, for one person selling gas,” he said. “What have you done for the people that have been helping you for 30, 40 years?”
But according to Feiner, the vocal group opposing the plan is in the minority.
An overwhelming number of Edgemont residents have expressed their support for the plan, through emails and conversations, he said.
The boarded up, abandoned gas station currently sitting along Central Park Avenue is creating an eyesore, Feiner said.
“This is not the south Bronx,” he said. “This is Edgemont.”
The Greenburgh Town Council is expected to vote on the resolution in the upcoming weeks.
I like competition. And, I think most Edgemont residents would prefer paying CHEAPER rates at the gas pumps. If this application is not approved the abandoned eyesore will continue to be an eyesore...boarded up...no additional ratables...I do not understand the logic of the opposition.
PAUL FEINER
the article about the meeting can be found below
Greenburgh Gas Station Zoning Ignites Debate
by Matt Bultman (email)
× Share this article: Greenburgh Gas Station Zoning Ignites Debate
Email(s)######## Message Your Info:
Your Name Your Email Send me a copy ...
The boarded-up lot at Old Army Road and Central Park Avenue is at the center of a zoning debate in Greenburgh.
Photo credit: Matt Bultman GREENBURGH, N.Y. – A proposed Edgemont gas station has sparked a debate of business competition versus local loyalty.
Several residents are speaking out against the town’s attempts to update its zoning code, a move that, if approved, would clear the way for a Cumberland Farms convenience store and gas station to be rebuilt at Old Amry Road and Central Park Avenue.
Opponents to the plan argue the out-of-state retailer will undersell local businesses and run small gas station owners into the ground.
“Is this board going to accept responsibility for the closing of a gas station or convenience store because the large corporation froze out the small Greenburgh operator?” Madelon O'Shea asked the council during its meeting Tuesday. “Doesn't loyalty to Greenburgh mean anything?”
Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, however, is touting the move as a plus for cash-strapped Greenburg motorists.
“Competition is good,” Feiner said. “I want to see gas prices going down and the average person likes to have choices.”
The debate stems from a zoning law prohibiting gas stations on Central Park Avenue. The code was created as part of an effort to rid the street of pumps years ago.
That means the several existing gas stations along the avenue don’t comply with town code, Council member Francis Sheehan said.
In what he says is an effort to get these stations up to code and allow the development of other stations, the town is working to change town law and allow gas stations along Central Avenue with a special use permit.
While existing stations won't be required to apply for the permit in order to remain open, they must do so if they want to expand or improve their building in the future. They will have 180 days to do so. Otherwise they will be left stuck, potentially unable to make building expansions or improvements.
That deadline has left several Edgemont residents, including Gerard O’Shea, questioning the town’s commitment to local business owners.
“You’ve gone out to change the zoning code of the town for a special interest, for one person selling gas,” he said. “What have you done for the people that have been helping you for 30, 40 years?”
But according to Feiner, the vocal group opposing the plan is in the minority.
An overwhelming number of Edgemont residents have expressed their support for the plan, through emails and conversations, he said.
The boarded up, abandoned gas station currently sitting along Central Park Avenue is creating an eyesore, Feiner said.
“This is not the south Bronx,” he said. “This is Edgemont.”
The Greenburgh Town Council is expected to vote on the resolution in the upcoming weeks.
water district board proposed
I will be introducing a resolution before the Town Board creating a Water District Board at our next Town Board meeting—next Wednesday, March 28th. I have had discussions with the Commissioner of Public Works. He feels that the Board could be helpful to his department. Coca Cola, Greenburgh’s largest water user, has agreed to designate a qualified member who will serve as a member of the Board.
In recent weeks I have had discussions with the Governor’s office and with high level state officials. They have expressed an interest in also identifying programs that the town might be eligible for –to assist with our capital infrastructure program.
If you are interested in being considered for membership on the Water District Board, once it is created, please e mail your resume to townboard@greenburghny.com.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
GREENBURGH CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMISSION REPORT FOR THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FORMATION OF A TOWN OF GREENBURGH WATER DISTRICT BOARD
MARCH 20, 2012
Introduction
The Town of Greenburgh through the Town Board has requested that the Greenburgh Citizens’ Advisory Commission (GCAC) investigate the need for a Town of Greenburgh Water District Board. The Town Board has recognized the urgency of the Town of Greenburgh Water District’s current position in that it faces continued pressures both internal and external in setting repeated annual increases in existing water usage rates for both its residential and non-residential ratepayers. The existing infrastructure, which includes approximately 130 miles of water mains, several pump stations, and 6 water tanks, is currently functioning but in need of both immediate and longer term repairs in order to sustain the continued delivery of drinking water to the nearly 40,000 Town residents that rely on the District for its water supply- approximately 7 million gallon per day (mgd). Additionally, the District provides the primary water source for the Village of Irvington (approximately 1.2 mgd with a capacity of 3 mgd), as well as being the emergency water source for several neighboring Villages and entities.
Realities Pertaining to the District’s Existing Conditions
Currently, the Town and the District are facing much public scrutiny as they contend with:
• higher water rate costs as passed through New York City, the source of the District’s water supply through 2 separate New York City Aqueduct connections-the Delaware and the Catskill water systems
• the need to replace the aging District water conveyance and distribution systems, some of which go back to the 1950’s, and have certainly surpassed their intended and designed useful life
• the need to replace the existing water meters town-wide, which are over 25 years old and well beyond the useful life expectancy. New meters will provide greater accuracy, automated reading, and real-time consumption information. The automation of meter reading and processing will reduce future personnel costs
• the need to install critical infrastructure in order to comply with several upcoming changes upstream of the Town’s water supply:
o In Fall 2012, New York City is scheduled to put into service a new water supply disinfection facility, the CAT/DEL UV Plant. This facility will be upstream of the District’s water sources. How this will affect the Town is not totally known at this time. One potential impact may be that a higher chlorination dosage be implemented by the District, since New York City will not be adding chlorine to the raw water before it comes to the District’s aqueduct taps. The current District chlorination system needs to be evaluated to determine if it is sufficient to meet the Fall 2012 demand. This evaluation and potential infrastructure implementation is critical and should be addressed as soon as possible.
o As early as 2020, New York City will be shutting down the Delaware Aqueduct, which is the primary water source for the District. The shutdown is necessary in
2 3/20/12
order for the City to implement necessary repairs to its over 100 year old aqueduct and to install the necessary by-pass tunnel. The Delaware system may be shut down for several years. Currently, the District does not have the necessary infrastructure to provide the entire District’s ratepayers water demands from the secondary source, the Catskill Aqueduct. While there is time to implement the necessary infrastructure for the District to reliably supply the entire demand, the evaluation and studies need to begin in the short term.
• the need for a short and a long–term Capital Plan for the District’s assets and infrastructure. There is currently no 2, 5, or 10 year plan to replace infrastructure or even to assess the current state of good repair.
These are some of the realities that the Town and the District must address in the very near future in order to continue to provide and sustain its public water system.
GCAC Recommendations for the Greenburgh Water District Board Formation
Pursuant to our findings as outlined above, the GCAC strongly recommends the formation of a Greenburgh Water District Board in order to help steer the Town and the District in addressing the existing and future issues and concerns facing the Town’s water supply needs, help educate the ratepayers of the necessary and vital infrastructure requirements, set water rates, and help to provide for a safe and sustainable water supply and delivery infrastructure for the future.
The recommendations that follow are grouped under these three sections:
• Mission Statement
• Performance Goals and Measurements
• Membership Requirements and Make-up
Town of Greenburgh Water Board Mission Statement
Reporting to the Town Board, the Town of Greenburgh Water Board’s (GWB) Mission is to recommend water rates for the Town of Greenburgh.
In the process of determining the water rates, GWB should proactively consider the optimal rate level to achieve efficient financing of the Greenburgh Water District’s (District) infrastructure and sustainable provision of high-quality service at a fair price to the Town ratepayers. In fulfilling its mission, the GWB will actively take into account drivers affecting the financial condition of the District, such as the operating and capital needs of the infrastructure, protection of the water supply source(s), compliance with regulatory requirements, and other relevant factors.
The GWB will continue to benchmark the Town of Greenburgh water rate with other neighboring and County-wide water Districts within New York State. The GWB will regularly advise the Town Board on the capital needs of the District, considering the sustainability, modernization and efficiency of the District water system infrastructure with the ultimate goal to promote health and safety of the water system to the ratepayers. 3 3/20/12
Town of Greenburgh Water Board Performance Goals and Measurements
The following is a list of recommended GWB’s performance goals and metrics on how the achievement of the goals is to be measured over the course of an annual performance period.
1. Performance Goal – Recommend the setting of rates at a level for which revenue collections will satisfy revenue requirements of the District.
o Measurement – Were the fiscal year’s revenue requirements met?
o Measurement – Were the previously set rates more than 10 percent too high or low in meeting the District’s fiscal requirements? If, yes, why?
2. Performance Goal – Effectively seek input on District water rates.
o Measurement – Did the GWB conduct effective rate evaluations and include broad public participation though Public Hearings?
3. Performance Goal – Recommend rates that are fair and affordable.
o Measurement – How do water rate increases compare to other consumer cost increases?
o Measurement - How do water charges track as a percentage of household income?
o Measurement - How do water charges track as a percentage of a building’s total operating costs?
4. Performance Goal – Recommend rates at a level that provides for sustainable, high-quality delivery of water services.
o Measurement – Have rates resulted in sufficient, stable and predictable revenue streams that have enabled favorable financing terms and allowed for operations and maintenance of the District at a level that will ensure the District’s long-term sustainability?
5. Performance Goal – Educate the Town residents and businesses about what goes into determining a Town water rate, what the water fees collected provide, and how to promote water conservation.
o Measurement – Through regular public hearings aimed at educating the Public as to how each fiscal year’s water rates are determined. Preparing the information on easy-to-read pamphlets and placing the information on the Greenburgh website.
Town of Greenburgh Water Board Membership
The Town of Greenburgh Water Board should consist of a minimum of seven members, who once having been nominated and qualified by the Town Board, are appointed by the Town Board for terms of two years. The Chairman is appointed by the Supervisor from among the appointees. The GWB members should be representative of the Town residents and businesses and include the following professions and areas of expertise:
• The Town Commissioner of Public Works,
• A Licensed New York State Professional Engineer qualified in public water systems and infrastructure needs,
• A Certified Public Accountant,
• A Public Health Professional,
• A Business Process Professional,
• At least one member representative of the Town’s Commercial / Industrial Businesses
All members should continue to hold office until their successors are qualified and appointed.
Conclusions
Water is the most vital resource that the Town provides. Without a reliable, sustainable water system, public welfare and health would be jeopardized. This is the stark reality. The Town of Greenburgh water infrastructure, like most municipal systems in the U.S., is aging rapidly and silently, buried below and not plainly visible. These systems that treat, distribute, collect, and clean water, some built close to a century ago, have provided the Town the very foundation for economic prosperity and quality of life that we as residents have all come to enjoy. Water infrastructure suffering from age, exponential population growth threatening our watersheds, and near future changing conditions to our water supply, demands our immediate attention. Without careful planning and re-investment, we are headed for a crisis.
The Town of Greenburgh will best serve its residents and uphold its public contract by investing wisely in this most critical, irreplaceable infrastructure. The formation of a Water District Board, as outlined above, is a necessary step that the Town should take to help ensure that the Town water supply is safe, sustainable, and be capable of meeting the future demands of the ratepayers both reliably and as efficiently as possible.
In recent weeks I have had discussions with the Governor’s office and with high level state officials. They have expressed an interest in also identifying programs that the town might be eligible for –to assist with our capital infrastructure program.
If you are interested in being considered for membership on the Water District Board, once it is created, please e mail your resume to townboard@greenburghny.com.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
GREENBURGH CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMISSION REPORT FOR THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FORMATION OF A TOWN OF GREENBURGH WATER DISTRICT BOARD
MARCH 20, 2012
Introduction
The Town of Greenburgh through the Town Board has requested that the Greenburgh Citizens’ Advisory Commission (GCAC) investigate the need for a Town of Greenburgh Water District Board. The Town Board has recognized the urgency of the Town of Greenburgh Water District’s current position in that it faces continued pressures both internal and external in setting repeated annual increases in existing water usage rates for both its residential and non-residential ratepayers. The existing infrastructure, which includes approximately 130 miles of water mains, several pump stations, and 6 water tanks, is currently functioning but in need of both immediate and longer term repairs in order to sustain the continued delivery of drinking water to the nearly 40,000 Town residents that rely on the District for its water supply- approximately 7 million gallon per day (mgd). Additionally, the District provides the primary water source for the Village of Irvington (approximately 1.2 mgd with a capacity of 3 mgd), as well as being the emergency water source for several neighboring Villages and entities.
Realities Pertaining to the District’s Existing Conditions
Currently, the Town and the District are facing much public scrutiny as they contend with:
• higher water rate costs as passed through New York City, the source of the District’s water supply through 2 separate New York City Aqueduct connections-the Delaware and the Catskill water systems
• the need to replace the aging District water conveyance and distribution systems, some of which go back to the 1950’s, and have certainly surpassed their intended and designed useful life
• the need to replace the existing water meters town-wide, which are over 25 years old and well beyond the useful life expectancy. New meters will provide greater accuracy, automated reading, and real-time consumption information. The automation of meter reading and processing will reduce future personnel costs
• the need to install critical infrastructure in order to comply with several upcoming changes upstream of the Town’s water supply:
o In Fall 2012, New York City is scheduled to put into service a new water supply disinfection facility, the CAT/DEL UV Plant. This facility will be upstream of the District’s water sources. How this will affect the Town is not totally known at this time. One potential impact may be that a higher chlorination dosage be implemented by the District, since New York City will not be adding chlorine to the raw water before it comes to the District’s aqueduct taps. The current District chlorination system needs to be evaluated to determine if it is sufficient to meet the Fall 2012 demand. This evaluation and potential infrastructure implementation is critical and should be addressed as soon as possible.
o As early as 2020, New York City will be shutting down the Delaware Aqueduct, which is the primary water source for the District. The shutdown is necessary in
2 3/20/12
order for the City to implement necessary repairs to its over 100 year old aqueduct and to install the necessary by-pass tunnel. The Delaware system may be shut down for several years. Currently, the District does not have the necessary infrastructure to provide the entire District’s ratepayers water demands from the secondary source, the Catskill Aqueduct. While there is time to implement the necessary infrastructure for the District to reliably supply the entire demand, the evaluation and studies need to begin in the short term.
• the need for a short and a long–term Capital Plan for the District’s assets and infrastructure. There is currently no 2, 5, or 10 year plan to replace infrastructure or even to assess the current state of good repair.
These are some of the realities that the Town and the District must address in the very near future in order to continue to provide and sustain its public water system.
GCAC Recommendations for the Greenburgh Water District Board Formation
Pursuant to our findings as outlined above, the GCAC strongly recommends the formation of a Greenburgh Water District Board in order to help steer the Town and the District in addressing the existing and future issues and concerns facing the Town’s water supply needs, help educate the ratepayers of the necessary and vital infrastructure requirements, set water rates, and help to provide for a safe and sustainable water supply and delivery infrastructure for the future.
The recommendations that follow are grouped under these three sections:
• Mission Statement
• Performance Goals and Measurements
• Membership Requirements and Make-up
Town of Greenburgh Water Board Mission Statement
Reporting to the Town Board, the Town of Greenburgh Water Board’s (GWB) Mission is to recommend water rates for the Town of Greenburgh.
In the process of determining the water rates, GWB should proactively consider the optimal rate level to achieve efficient financing of the Greenburgh Water District’s (District) infrastructure and sustainable provision of high-quality service at a fair price to the Town ratepayers. In fulfilling its mission, the GWB will actively take into account drivers affecting the financial condition of the District, such as the operating and capital needs of the infrastructure, protection of the water supply source(s), compliance with regulatory requirements, and other relevant factors.
The GWB will continue to benchmark the Town of Greenburgh water rate with other neighboring and County-wide water Districts within New York State. The GWB will regularly advise the Town Board on the capital needs of the District, considering the sustainability, modernization and efficiency of the District water system infrastructure with the ultimate goal to promote health and safety of the water system to the ratepayers. 3 3/20/12
Town of Greenburgh Water Board Performance Goals and Measurements
The following is a list of recommended GWB’s performance goals and metrics on how the achievement of the goals is to be measured over the course of an annual performance period.
1. Performance Goal – Recommend the setting of rates at a level for which revenue collections will satisfy revenue requirements of the District.
o Measurement – Were the fiscal year’s revenue requirements met?
o Measurement – Were the previously set rates more than 10 percent too high or low in meeting the District’s fiscal requirements? If, yes, why?
2. Performance Goal – Effectively seek input on District water rates.
o Measurement – Did the GWB conduct effective rate evaluations and include broad public participation though Public Hearings?
3. Performance Goal – Recommend rates that are fair and affordable.
o Measurement – How do water rate increases compare to other consumer cost increases?
o Measurement - How do water charges track as a percentage of household income?
o Measurement - How do water charges track as a percentage of a building’s total operating costs?
4. Performance Goal – Recommend rates at a level that provides for sustainable, high-quality delivery of water services.
o Measurement – Have rates resulted in sufficient, stable and predictable revenue streams that have enabled favorable financing terms and allowed for operations and maintenance of the District at a level that will ensure the District’s long-term sustainability?
5. Performance Goal – Educate the Town residents and businesses about what goes into determining a Town water rate, what the water fees collected provide, and how to promote water conservation.
o Measurement – Through regular public hearings aimed at educating the Public as to how each fiscal year’s water rates are determined. Preparing the information on easy-to-read pamphlets and placing the information on the Greenburgh website.
Town of Greenburgh Water Board Membership
The Town of Greenburgh Water Board should consist of a minimum of seven members, who once having been nominated and qualified by the Town Board, are appointed by the Town Board for terms of two years. The Chairman is appointed by the Supervisor from among the appointees. The GWB members should be representative of the Town residents and businesses and include the following professions and areas of expertise:
• The Town Commissioner of Public Works,
• A Licensed New York State Professional Engineer qualified in public water systems and infrastructure needs,
• A Certified Public Accountant,
• A Public Health Professional,
• A Business Process Professional,
• At least one member representative of the Town’s Commercial / Industrial Businesses
All members should continue to hold office until their successors are qualified and appointed.
Conclusions
Water is the most vital resource that the Town provides. Without a reliable, sustainable water system, public welfare and health would be jeopardized. This is the stark reality. The Town of Greenburgh water infrastructure, like most municipal systems in the U.S., is aging rapidly and silently, buried below and not plainly visible. These systems that treat, distribute, collect, and clean water, some built close to a century ago, have provided the Town the very foundation for economic prosperity and quality of life that we as residents have all come to enjoy. Water infrastructure suffering from age, exponential population growth threatening our watersheds, and near future changing conditions to our water supply, demands our immediate attention. Without careful planning and re-investment, we are headed for a crisis.
The Town of Greenburgh will best serve its residents and uphold its public contract by investing wisely in this most critical, irreplaceable infrastructure. The formation of a Water District Board, as outlined above, is a necessary step that the Town should take to help ensure that the Town water supply is safe, sustainable, and be capable of meeting the future demands of the ratepayers both reliably and as efficiently as possible.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
STOP & SHOP TO OPEN THIS WEEK
The super Stop & Shop supermarket behind the Tarrytown Sheraton will open towards the end of this coming week. This is exciting news--the 67,500 foot supermarket will provide residents of the Tarrytowns, Irvington, unincorporated Greenburgh and our region with new shopping options.
Unlike many development application projects that experience significant opposition from the community - this supermarket had an enthusiastic group of immediate residents behind it from day one. I received many calls and e mails from residents expressing a desire for a quality new supermarket.
The existing Stop & Shop store in the Bridge Plaza Shopping Center will soon be replaced by a CVS/pharmacy store with an expanded convenience food department. The CVS pharmacy on Broadway in Tarrytown will stay open.
H MART WILL OPEN SOON-- H Mart is also close to opening. The supermarket will replace the vacant Pathmark on Central Ave.
...and the Town Board has started to review plans for an assisted living facility near the new super Stop & Shop.
PAUL FEINER
Unlike many development application projects that experience significant opposition from the community - this supermarket had an enthusiastic group of immediate residents behind it from day one. I received many calls and e mails from residents expressing a desire for a quality new supermarket.
The existing Stop & Shop store in the Bridge Plaza Shopping Center will soon be replaced by a CVS/pharmacy store with an expanded convenience food department. The CVS pharmacy on Broadway in Tarrytown will stay open.
H MART WILL OPEN SOON-- H Mart is also close to opening. The supermarket will replace the vacant Pathmark on Central Ave.
...and the Town Board has started to review plans for an assisted living facility near the new super Stop & Shop.
PAUL FEINER
Friday, March 16, 2012
auditorium style chairs wanted for town court (donations!)
TOWN COURT NEEDS AUDITORIUM/THEATER STYLE CHAIRS FOR COURT ROOM---anyone know of a business that wants to get rid of auditorium chairs and make donation to town?....
A few weeks ago I shared info with community residents: a conference room, used by the Town Board, Zoning and Planning Boards desperately needed new conference room chairs. Linda Garfunkel heard our request. Her business didn't need some excess conference room chairs (in good condition). We saved thousands of dollars when she donated the chairs to the town.
I visited the Town Court today. The Town Court needs auditorium/theater style chairs for their court room. If you know of any business that wants to get rid of excess chairs in good condition that we could use in the court room--please advise by e mailing me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
ANOTHER REQUEST---VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR TV ANGEL PROGRAM
The town highway department does not pick up old TVs or electronics. At times senior citizens and disabled residents need help. I'm compiling a list of volunteers who would be willing to transport old TVs to the highway garage for recycling. We don't receive many requests for help. When I do receive requests for help - it would be nice if I could reach out to a list of volunteers. E mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
Out of work? I have helped over 80 people find work during the past three and a half years. I share job openings with residents who subscribe to a job club list. Have organized another website with job openings on www.linkedin.com (greenburgh jobs club). And- meet individually with constituents out of work trying to be of help with contact info. Let me know if you'd like to receive job e mail alerts.
PAUL FEINER
A few weeks ago I shared info with community residents: a conference room, used by the Town Board, Zoning and Planning Boards desperately needed new conference room chairs. Linda Garfunkel heard our request. Her business didn't need some excess conference room chairs (in good condition). We saved thousands of dollars when she donated the chairs to the town.
I visited the Town Court today. The Town Court needs auditorium/theater style chairs for their court room. If you know of any business that wants to get rid of excess chairs in good condition that we could use in the court room--please advise by e mailing me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
ANOTHER REQUEST---VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR TV ANGEL PROGRAM
The town highway department does not pick up old TVs or electronics. At times senior citizens and disabled residents need help. I'm compiling a list of volunteers who would be willing to transport old TVs to the highway garage for recycling. We don't receive many requests for help. When I do receive requests for help - it would be nice if I could reach out to a list of volunteers. E mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
Out of work? I have helped over 80 people find work during the past three and a half years. I share job openings with residents who subscribe to a job club list. Have organized another website with job openings on www.linkedin.com (greenburgh jobs club). And- meet individually with constituents out of work trying to be of help with contact info. Let me know if you'd like to receive job e mail alerts.
PAUL FEINER
artifact from world trade center placed on 911 wall
The Greenburgh Parks department, thanks to Michael Nestler and his excellent staff, installed an artifact from the World Trade Center on the 911 memorial wall --which is located on Central Ave near the Hartsdale/White Plains border. The wall is special---over 1700 individual painted tiles from artists around the county (including artists from Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, Irvington & Tarrytown)--are displayed on the wall. The artwork was part of a project organized by the Arts Council of Westchester. The large wall was built - thanks to financial donations of the Rotary Clubs.The Port Authority had donated the artifact from the World Trade Center. A few weeks ago I received a letter from the authority asking for a photo showing the artifact. They have donated similar artifacts from the World Trade Center to communities around the country. Nick Scazafave, park foreman who is also a photographer donated his time and personal equipment to take a numberof photos of the artifact.PAUL FEINER
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
NYS WASTING TAXPAYER DOLLARS--3 PRIMARY ELECTION DATES...ONE NEW ADDED LAWMAKER
To the Editor
Last year the NYS Legislature cut back many important programs. And they made it difficult for counties, school districts and local governments to maintain services by imposing a tax cap on everyone. The reason: NYS was running out of money. And, our property taxes are too high.
This year they are misusing taxpayer dollars in the following ways...
The Republican controlled State Senate has decided to increase the number of State Senators from 62 members to 63. New York State doesn't need another State Senator. In fact, we would be better off with a one house Legislature - like Nebraska. My guess is that every State Senator costs taxpayers (salaries, staff, rent for district offices, other expenses) a million dollars or more. How does the average New Yorker benefit with another lawmaker added to the payroll?
Another major waste of taxpayer dollars: having three primary election dates: April for President, June for members of Congress and September for members of the NYS Legislature. Every time there is a primary election there is a big election day cost: election inspectors, rent. State-wide, we're not talking about thousands of dollars in duplicative costs. We're not talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars in unnecessary spending. We're going to be wasting millions of dollars --just to oversee three primary elections. And, having three separate primary election dates won't increase voter turnout --it's confusing and probably will result in fewer voters participating in the election process.
In 2009 the NYS Legislature passed legislation encouraging municipalities to consolidate governments-- to merge localities, fire districts, special districts. Shouldn't NYS lawmakers lead by example: merge primary election dates as a starting point?
The millions of dollars that is being spent on adding a new State Senator to the payroll and on having three separate primary election dates --could have been spent much better. Would you prefer 3 primaries or funding for your local schools?
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
914 438 1343
Last year the NYS Legislature cut back many important programs. And they made it difficult for counties, school districts and local governments to maintain services by imposing a tax cap on everyone. The reason: NYS was running out of money. And, our property taxes are too high.
This year they are misusing taxpayer dollars in the following ways...
The Republican controlled State Senate has decided to increase the number of State Senators from 62 members to 63. New York State doesn't need another State Senator. In fact, we would be better off with a one house Legislature - like Nebraska. My guess is that every State Senator costs taxpayers (salaries, staff, rent for district offices, other expenses) a million dollars or more. How does the average New Yorker benefit with another lawmaker added to the payroll?
Another major waste of taxpayer dollars: having three primary election dates: April for President, June for members of Congress and September for members of the NYS Legislature. Every time there is a primary election there is a big election day cost: election inspectors, rent. State-wide, we're not talking about thousands of dollars in duplicative costs. We're not talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars in unnecessary spending. We're going to be wasting millions of dollars --just to oversee three primary elections. And, having three separate primary election dates won't increase voter turnout --it's confusing and probably will result in fewer voters participating in the election process.
In 2009 the NYS Legislature passed legislation encouraging municipalities to consolidate governments-- to merge localities, fire districts, special districts. Shouldn't NYS lawmakers lead by example: merge primary election dates as a starting point?
The millions of dollars that is being spent on adding a new State Senator to the payroll and on having three separate primary election dates --could have been spent much better. Would you prefer 3 primaries or funding for your local schools?
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
914 438 1343
Monday, March 12, 2012
SUPPORT TARRYTOWNS INITIATIVE--NEW BUS/RAIL TRANSFER STATION ON THE NEW TZ BRIDGE
Tarrytown Mayor Drew Fixell has proposed a very innovative idea for the Tappan Zee bridge-- a concept that could help make the TZ bridge construction initiative a world class accomplishment. The Mayor and Village Board has suggested that when the new bridge is built that a a new bus/rail transfer station be added into the new bridge’s toll plaza.
Such a facility (the “TZB Station”) would allow bus passengers headed to Grand Central to quickly transfer to a new platform below. And aside from offering a quick congestion-free link, the TZB Station would also enable busses to seamlessly continue on, without delay, to other locations throughout Westchester.
This proposal would reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, and save time by providing pedestrian and more convenient automobile drop-off access to Metro-North for the many commuters living nearby who now crowd the already congested streets leading to the Tarrytown train station. Second, by providing residents in the immediate vicinity of the new bridge with walking distance access to the Metro-North trains, the facility would add enormous value to properties next to the bridge.
Third, the TZB Station would provide both broad environmental and financial added value by enabling reverse commuters, i.e., those taking the Hudson Line to Tarrytown, to walk and/or to significantly shorten their post-train commutes to the many nearby employment destinations, such as the office buildings and hotels along Routes 119 and Broadway. Similarly, the TZB station, unlike the ramp, comes with no need to condemn valuable properties in the vicinity of the existing train station, and would, by removing busses, improve traffic flow in that heavily congested area.
I support this initiative and will be writing to the Governor, our State Legislators, Tappan Zee bridge construction team members and our federal representatives to give this great idea serious consideration. It is important that the bridge is built right. It would be sad if we look back years from now and wonder why we did not take advantage of opportunities to construct a great bridge --not an outdated bridge. Mass transportation on the bridge, having a Tappanbridge park (saving the existing bridge and not spending over 150 million dollars to demolish the bridge) can contribute to a great construction initiative. If we do this right - the bridge construction project can become a national model. If we don't act now, we won't be able to make the corrections later on. If you agree with this suggestion, e mail:
tzbsite@dot.state.ny.us. I'd like to know what you think...
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
Such a facility (the “TZB Station”) would allow bus passengers headed to Grand Central to quickly transfer to a new platform below. And aside from offering a quick congestion-free link, the TZB Station would also enable busses to seamlessly continue on, without delay, to other locations throughout Westchester.
This proposal would reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, and save time by providing pedestrian and more convenient automobile drop-off access to Metro-North for the many commuters living nearby who now crowd the already congested streets leading to the Tarrytown train station. Second, by providing residents in the immediate vicinity of the new bridge with walking distance access to the Metro-North trains, the facility would add enormous value to properties next to the bridge.
Third, the TZB Station would provide both broad environmental and financial added value by enabling reverse commuters, i.e., those taking the Hudson Line to Tarrytown, to walk and/or to significantly shorten their post-train commutes to the many nearby employment destinations, such as the office buildings and hotels along Routes 119 and Broadway. Similarly, the TZB station, unlike the ramp, comes with no need to condemn valuable properties in the vicinity of the existing train station, and would, by removing busses, improve traffic flow in that heavily congested area.
I support this initiative and will be writing to the Governor, our State Legislators, Tappan Zee bridge construction team members and our federal representatives to give this great idea serious consideration. It is important that the bridge is built right. It would be sad if we look back years from now and wonder why we did not take advantage of opportunities to construct a great bridge --not an outdated bridge. Mass transportation on the bridge, having a Tappanbridge park (saving the existing bridge and not spending over 150 million dollars to demolish the bridge) can contribute to a great construction initiative. If we do this right - the bridge construction project can become a national model. If we don't act now, we won't be able to make the corrections later on. If you agree with this suggestion, e mail:
tzbsite@dot.state.ny.us. I'd like to know what you think...
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
Saturday, March 10, 2012
BUFFALO RESIDENTS EXPLORING--DO WE NEED COUNTY GOVERNMENT?
BUFFALO LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOLDING FORUM ON WHETHER COUNTY GOVERNMENT IS NEEDED
NY SHOULD AMEND 2009 LAW THAT ENABLES VOTERS TO PETITION FOR CONSOLIDATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS--LET THE VOTERS PETITION TO ELIMINATE OR CONSOLIDATE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS TOO...
I received this e mail from a resident of Buffalo advising that the LWV in Buffalo is holding a forum on whether county government is needed. I'm pleased that the topic of whether county government should be eliminated is being debated. NY has more layers of government than any state in the nation. I have always believed that county government (the most invisible form of government) would be the easiest layer of government to eliminate or consolidate with other regional governments.
In 2009 the NYS Legislature approved a law that authorized voters to petition for a public vote on government consolidation. So far the law has not been a big success. There have been a few consolidation petitions filed. I have been advised that only one consolidation took place in the entire state as a result of the new law.
I would like to see the law amended to provide voters with the opportunity to petition for the abolishment or consolidation of county government. NYS may have more success with their consolidation petition laws if they included county governments in the law.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Paul Wolf [paulwolf2@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2012 9:51 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Eliminating County Government
Mr. Feiner:
I have followed your advocacy for eliminating county government and agree with your sentiment. On March 22nd a discussion is taking place in the Buffalo area about whether county government is needed. I plan to attend and express my thoughts on the issue.
Just wanted to make you aware of this forum. See link below.
http://www.lwvbn.org/#lwv1
Paul Wolf, Esq.
www.paulwolfideas.com
NY SHOULD AMEND 2009 LAW THAT ENABLES VOTERS TO PETITION FOR CONSOLIDATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS--LET THE VOTERS PETITION TO ELIMINATE OR CONSOLIDATE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS TOO...
I received this e mail from a resident of Buffalo advising that the LWV in Buffalo is holding a forum on whether county government is needed. I'm pleased that the topic of whether county government should be eliminated is being debated. NY has more layers of government than any state in the nation. I have always believed that county government (the most invisible form of government) would be the easiest layer of government to eliminate or consolidate with other regional governments.
In 2009 the NYS Legislature approved a law that authorized voters to petition for a public vote on government consolidation. So far the law has not been a big success. There have been a few consolidation petitions filed. I have been advised that only one consolidation took place in the entire state as a result of the new law.
I would like to see the law amended to provide voters with the opportunity to petition for the abolishment or consolidation of county government. NYS may have more success with their consolidation petition laws if they included county governments in the law.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Paul Wolf [paulwolf2@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2012 9:51 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Eliminating County Government
Mr. Feiner:
I have followed your advocacy for eliminating county government and agree with your sentiment. On March 22nd a discussion is taking place in the Buffalo area about whether county government is needed. I plan to attend and express my thoughts on the issue.
Just wanted to make you aware of this forum. See link below.
http://www.lwvbn.org/#lwv1
Paul Wolf, Esq.
www.paulwolfideas.com
students invited to produce their own public service announcements to air on tv
This Wednesday, March 14th students from Greenburgh are invited to produce and tape their own one minute public service announcement that will air on public access TV during the spring. The taping will take place from 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Ave, White Plains.
The Public Service Announcements are part of an 8 week program (Student News Network) being organized by Town Clerk Judith Beville and me. The goal of the program: to encourage young people to learn about the media and government and to get involved in community service.
We decided to provide students with the opportunity to produce their own shows and short public service announcements. At our first session some students expressed interest in producing a PSA on recycling. Other students may choose different topics.
We are inviting reporters, editors, former journalists to share their experiences with the students each week.
If you know of any student who would like to produce a one minute public service announcement that will air on cable TV this spring - please invite them to attend our next Student News Network meeting: WEDNESDAY, March 14th from 4:15 to 5:15 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall. Since the PSAs will be aired on TV, parents MUST consent to their airing. Written permission letters signed by a parent will be required.
For more info e mail jbeville@greenburghny.com or pfeiner@greenburghny.com. Town Clerk Beville's phone is 993-1504. My cell is 438 1343 and my office: 993 1545.
PAUL FEINER
The Public Service Announcements are part of an 8 week program (Student News Network) being organized by Town Clerk Judith Beville and me. The goal of the program: to encourage young people to learn about the media and government and to get involved in community service.
We decided to provide students with the opportunity to produce their own shows and short public service announcements. At our first session some students expressed interest in producing a PSA on recycling. Other students may choose different topics.
We are inviting reporters, editors, former journalists to share their experiences with the students each week.
If you know of any student who would like to produce a one minute public service announcement that will air on cable TV this spring - please invite them to attend our next Student News Network meeting: WEDNESDAY, March 14th from 4:15 to 5:15 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall. Since the PSAs will be aired on TV, parents MUST consent to their airing. Written permission letters signed by a parent will be required.
For more info e mail jbeville@greenburghny.com or pfeiner@greenburghny.com. Town Clerk Beville's phone is 993-1504. My cell is 438 1343 and my office: 993 1545.
PAUL FEINER
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
MEETING THURSDAY NIGHT NEXTg...WE CLEANED UP E IRVINGTON NATURE PRESERVE
The Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh will hold a Special Work Session at Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Avenue, Greenburgh, New York 10607 on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 9:15 PM. The purpose of the Special Work Session is to consider possible next steps with respect to the application of NextG Networks for a Special Permit from the Town Board pursuant to section 285-37 of the Town Code We will be meeting with members of the Conservation Advisory Council to discuss.
WE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE GREAT WEATHER AND CLEARED DEBRIS FROM THE E IRVINGTON NATURE PRESERVE. This is a memo I received from Victor Carosi, Commissioner of Public Works.
Supervisor Feiner and Town Council Members,
Please note the Town Parks and Recreation Department in cooperation with the Highway Department, under the guidance of Rich Fon completed another great and long overdue task of clearing debris from the East Irvington Nature Preserve. The warm winter weather continues to enable the Highway Department and Parks Department to focus on outdoor maintenance tasks that otherwise would not be possible.
Over the past two weeks, crews from both Parks and Highway worked cooperatively and cleared many yards of debris from pathways and access ways within the preserve. Treading carefully to respect the environment, tree debris from our past years of storms was removed, the trails were tended to and the tree canopy trimmed following our on-staff Arborists’ recommendations in selected areas.
We encourage you to stop by the Park and see first-hand the great work both Highway and Parks were able to do to enhance the experience for our residents that visit this park.
Victor G. Carosi, P.E.
Commissioner of Public Works
Town of Greenburgh
WE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE GREAT WEATHER AND CLEARED DEBRIS FROM THE E IRVINGTON NATURE PRESERVE. This is a memo I received from Victor Carosi, Commissioner of Public Works.
Supervisor Feiner and Town Council Members,
Please note the Town Parks and Recreation Department in cooperation with the Highway Department, under the guidance of Rich Fon completed another great and long overdue task of clearing debris from the East Irvington Nature Preserve. The warm winter weather continues to enable the Highway Department and Parks Department to focus on outdoor maintenance tasks that otherwise would not be possible.
Over the past two weeks, crews from both Parks and Highway worked cooperatively and cleared many yards of debris from pathways and access ways within the preserve. Treading carefully to respect the environment, tree debris from our past years of storms was removed, the trails were tended to and the tree canopy trimmed following our on-staff Arborists’ recommendations in selected areas.
We encourage you to stop by the Park and see first-hand the great work both Highway and Parks were able to do to enhance the experience for our residents that visit this park.
Victor G. Carosi, P.E.
Commissioner of Public Works
Town of Greenburgh
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
chair angel...book sale...student news network
CHAIR ANGEL-- Conference room chairs at Town Hall were in horrible shape. Replacing the chairs would have cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. Linda Garfunkel, a resident of the town and office manager at Charlesbank Capital Partners learned of our needs and contacted me offering to donate the chairs to the town. Thanks to Linda's help and generous donation our conference room now has 12 new beautiful chairs. And--taxpayers saved thousands of dollars. We didn't spend a penny on the chairs.
We're trying to think out of the box when it comes to saving dollars. And-we're grateful to Linda for helping us.
Big Two-Day Book Sale, Mar. 9-10
Greenburgh Library Friends Book Store
WHAT: Massive Two-Day Only Half-Price Book Clearance SALE at Greenburgh Library Friends’ Book Store
WHEN: Friday and Saturday only, March 9 and 10 during library hours (10 am - 4:30 pm)
DETAILS: Thousands of books $2 for $1; children’s books, 4 for $1
WHERE: The Greenburgh Public Library Lobby
Friends of the Greenburgh Library Book Store, 300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford, NY 10523
Further information: www.greenburghlibrary.org
The Sale is Presented by the Friends of the Greenburgh Library, a Nonprofit Organization.
Proceeds Benefit the Library
REMINDER--STUDENT NEWS NETWORK---first meeting: Wednesday, March 7th at 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM. Greenburgh Town Hall. Students to produce and host their own cable TV news program at end of 8 week program. Town Clerk Judith Beville & I are organizing this initiative--for the second year. If you know of any student who may be interested in joining us- encourage them to stop by at Town Hall on Wednesday, March 7th.
PAUL FEINER
We're trying to think out of the box when it comes to saving dollars. And-we're grateful to Linda for helping us.
Big Two-Day Book Sale, Mar. 9-10
Greenburgh Library Friends Book Store
WHAT: Massive Two-Day Only Half-Price Book Clearance SALE at Greenburgh Library Friends’ Book Store
WHEN: Friday and Saturday only, March 9 and 10 during library hours (10 am - 4:30 pm)
DETAILS: Thousands of books $2 for $1; children’s books, 4 for $1
WHERE: The Greenburgh Public Library Lobby
Friends of the Greenburgh Library Book Store, 300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford, NY 10523
Further information: www.greenburghlibrary.org
The Sale is Presented by the Friends of the Greenburgh Library, a Nonprofit Organization.
Proceeds Benefit the Library
REMINDER--STUDENT NEWS NETWORK---first meeting: Wednesday, March 7th at 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM. Greenburgh Town Hall. Students to produce and host their own cable TV news program at end of 8 week program. Town Clerk Judith Beville & I are organizing this initiative--for the second year. If you know of any student who may be interested in joining us- encourage them to stop by at Town Hall on Wednesday, March 7th.
PAUL FEINER
Thursday, March 01, 2012
NEW LED LIGHTS IN GREENBURGH TO SAVE MONEY AND ENERGY
New LED Lights in Greenburgh. Let Us Know What You Think!
Starting on March 13, 2012 the Town of Greenburgh will replace street lights along six streets in the Town with new energy efficient LED light fixtures. Working with consultants from Parsons Brinkerhoff, and in cooperation with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) the Town will evaluate the current state of LED technology as it relates to roadway lighting and determine its financial implications as a replacement for current roadway lighting luminaires. The test locations are selected to evaluate the performance and cost effectiveness of these LED fixtures.
This pilot project involves six (6) streets across the Town as follows:
Manhattan Avenue
Dobbs Ferry Road - From 9A to Park Avenue
Columbia Avenue
Joyce Road
South Road
Whittington Road
The project is at NO COST to the Town. It is entirely funded through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) of 2009. The Town is allocated $156,000 from this program to procure, install, and evaluate the new LED roadway lighting technology.
The EECBG Program is intended to assist U.S. cities, counties, states, territories, and Indian tribes to develop, promote, implement, and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs designed to:
· Reduce fossil fuel emissions;
· Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities;
· Improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building, and other appropriate sectors; and
· Create and retain jobs.
Through formula and competitive grants, the Program empowers local communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation's long-term goals for energy independence and leadership on climate change.
Over the last few years, the Town of Greenburgh has been exploring energy efficient sources for street lighting. As early as 2009, the Town began installing new LED fixtures emerging in the market to further evaluate these luminaires before identifying a preferred LED luminaire for use in Greenburgh. While cost continues to be an issue, LED technology, already in use for many traffic signals since 2003, has evolved greatly and is now considered more appropriate for street light applications.
Please let us know what you think of the light levels, quality of light, visibility on the sidewalk, or any other thoughts about the new lighting on the streets listed. Please send comments to Town Supervisor Paul Feiner at pfeiner@greenburghny.com and Commissioner of Public Works, Victor Carosi, P.E. at vcarosi@greenburghny.com
Paul Feiner
Starting on March 13, 2012 the Town of Greenburgh will replace street lights along six streets in the Town with new energy efficient LED light fixtures. Working with consultants from Parsons Brinkerhoff, and in cooperation with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) the Town will evaluate the current state of LED technology as it relates to roadway lighting and determine its financial implications as a replacement for current roadway lighting luminaires. The test locations are selected to evaluate the performance and cost effectiveness of these LED fixtures.
This pilot project involves six (6) streets across the Town as follows:
Manhattan Avenue
Dobbs Ferry Road - From 9A to Park Avenue
Columbia Avenue
Joyce Road
South Road
Whittington Road
The project is at NO COST to the Town. It is entirely funded through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) of 2009. The Town is allocated $156,000 from this program to procure, install, and evaluate the new LED roadway lighting technology.
The EECBG Program is intended to assist U.S. cities, counties, states, territories, and Indian tribes to develop, promote, implement, and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs designed to:
· Reduce fossil fuel emissions;
· Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities;
· Improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building, and other appropriate sectors; and
· Create and retain jobs.
Through formula and competitive grants, the Program empowers local communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation's long-term goals for energy independence and leadership on climate change.
Over the last few years, the Town of Greenburgh has been exploring energy efficient sources for street lighting. As early as 2009, the Town began installing new LED fixtures emerging in the market to further evaluate these luminaires before identifying a preferred LED luminaire for use in Greenburgh. While cost continues to be an issue, LED technology, already in use for many traffic signals since 2003, has evolved greatly and is now considered more appropriate for street light applications.
Please let us know what you think of the light levels, quality of light, visibility on the sidewalk, or any other thoughts about the new lighting on the streets listed. Please send comments to Town Supervisor Paul Feiner at pfeiner@greenburghny.com and Commissioner of Public Works, Victor Carosi, P.E. at vcarosi@greenburghny.com
Paul Feiner
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
ADVISORY COMMITTEE WANTED TO PREPARE FOR TZ BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION--TO INCLUDE RESIDENTS CLOSEST TO BRIDGE
GREENBURGH SUPERVISOR CALLS FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS QUALITY OF LIFE CONCERNS OF RESIDENTS WHO RESIDE ALONG PATH OF TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE
NOISE, CONSTRUCTION ISSUES, INCONVENIENCES, EVENING WORK--ISSUES NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY STATE, LOCAL OFFICIALS AND RESIDENTS WHO LIVE CLOSEST TO THE BRIDGE
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE GOVERNOR FOR SUPPORTING PLANS TO TURN TZ BRIDGE INTO PARK...TOWN BOARD VOTES TO SUPPORT MASS TRANSIT ON BRIDGE
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner will be asking NYS officials to create an advisory committee of local officials and residents who reside along the path of the Tappan Zee bridge at Thursday's public hearing to be held at the Marriott Hotel.
The state is focusing its attention on the impacts the bridge will have for the larger community -- commuters, visitors, people who use the bridge for business purposes -interstate commerce, etc... There is another community that deserves attention: people who reside closest to the bridge.
When construction starts there will be tremendous quality of life issues - impacting residents who live closest to the bridge and to neighborhoods along the path to the bridge. It would be great if we could start the dialogue and address ways to mitigate the quality of life disruptions caused by the long construction process. Noise issues, construction related problems, inconveniences, evening work --these are issues that need to be addressed.
Feiner is recommending that NYS officials involved in the bridge planning initiatives schedule a preliminary meeting as soon as possible. And-- that we start the dialogue so that a new bridge construction project could have the least negative impact on the quality of life of residents. There are strategies and recommendations that could be discussed by this advisory group. Representatives of neighborhood associations closest to the bridge, elected officials, public safety officials could participate and join the advisory committee.
Feiner will also thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for supporting the proposal to study the possibility of preserving the old Tappan Zee bridge and turning it into a park. "We can make the Tappan Zee bridge a world class destination point. The state should explore some public/private opportunities that could generate revenue for the state - revenue that could be used to help support the maintenance of the bridge."
Feiner is also a part of a coalition of elected officials and environmentalists pushing for mass transit on the bridge. The Greenburgh Town Board, at their February 28th Town Board meeting, unanimously approved a resolution urging the state to restore dedicated public transportation infrastructure to any and all plans for the replacement of the Tappan Zee bridge, connecting businesses in Rockland and Westchester Counties.
NOISE, CONSTRUCTION ISSUES, INCONVENIENCES, EVENING WORK--ISSUES NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY STATE, LOCAL OFFICIALS AND RESIDENTS WHO LIVE CLOSEST TO THE BRIDGE
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE GOVERNOR FOR SUPPORTING PLANS TO TURN TZ BRIDGE INTO PARK...TOWN BOARD VOTES TO SUPPORT MASS TRANSIT ON BRIDGE
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner will be asking NYS officials to create an advisory committee of local officials and residents who reside along the path of the Tappan Zee bridge at Thursday's public hearing to be held at the Marriott Hotel.
The state is focusing its attention on the impacts the bridge will have for the larger community -- commuters, visitors, people who use the bridge for business purposes -interstate commerce, etc... There is another community that deserves attention: people who reside closest to the bridge.
When construction starts there will be tremendous quality of life issues - impacting residents who live closest to the bridge and to neighborhoods along the path to the bridge. It would be great if we could start the dialogue and address ways to mitigate the quality of life disruptions caused by the long construction process. Noise issues, construction related problems, inconveniences, evening work --these are issues that need to be addressed.
Feiner is recommending that NYS officials involved in the bridge planning initiatives schedule a preliminary meeting as soon as possible. And-- that we start the dialogue so that a new bridge construction project could have the least negative impact on the quality of life of residents. There are strategies and recommendations that could be discussed by this advisory group. Representatives of neighborhood associations closest to the bridge, elected officials, public safety officials could participate and join the advisory committee.
Feiner will also thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for supporting the proposal to study the possibility of preserving the old Tappan Zee bridge and turning it into a park. "We can make the Tappan Zee bridge a world class destination point. The state should explore some public/private opportunities that could generate revenue for the state - revenue that could be used to help support the maintenance of the bridge."
Feiner is also a part of a coalition of elected officials and environmentalists pushing for mass transit on the bridge. The Greenburgh Town Board, at their February 28th Town Board meeting, unanimously approved a resolution urging the state to restore dedicated public transportation infrastructure to any and all plans for the replacement of the Tappan Zee bridge, connecting businesses in Rockland and Westchester Counties.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
advocating public transportation on new bridge
New York State is moving ahead with plans to build a new Tappan Zee bridge. A public hearing will be held this Thursday at the Marriott in Tarrytown and Tuesday (today) in West Nyack. Please attend one of the hearings (I'll be at the Marriott on Thursday).
The Greenburgh Town Board will be voting on a resolution encouraging the state to dedicate public transportation on the new bridge (see following resolution). Last week Governor Cuomo announced that he will explore the possibility of maintaining the old Tappan Zee bridge as a park when the new bridge is built. The Journal News endorsed the study (see following editorial).
We have started an on line petition effort for the tappanbridgepark.com concept. Please consider signing the petition at www.tappanbridgepark.com
PAUL FEINER
Rockland County
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Palisades Center
4th Floor Community Rooms
1000 Palisades Center Drive
West Nyack, New York 10994
4:00—9:00 p.m.
Westchester County
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Westchester Marriott
Grand Ballroom
670 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, New York 10591
4:00—9:00 p.m.
In addition to the information available for review at the hearings, there will be a project presentation at 5:00 and repeated again at 7:00 p.m.
Based on the findings of the DEIS and the written and oral comments received during the public hearings, as well as during the DEIS document public comment period (ending on March 15, 2012), FHWA, NYSDOT and NYSTA will prepare a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). Comments received during the public comment period, including those received at the public hearings, will be addressed in the FEIS.
FHWA, NYSDOT and NYSTA invite interested individuals, organizations, and Federal, State and local agencies to comment on the DEIS. During the public comment period, the DEIS document will be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the locations on the enclosed list. In addition, the document can be downloaded from the project website at www.tzbsite.com. Comments can be submitted at any time during the public comment period. Remember, the period for submitting comments ends on March 15, 2012. There are many ways to provide comments:
Verbally or in writing at the public hearings listed above.
Via email: tzbsite@dot.state.ny.us
Via fax: 845-454-7443
Via mail:
Michael P. Anderson
Project Director
New York State Dept. of Transportation
4 Burnett Boulevard
Poughkeepsie, New York 12603
Telephone: 877-892-3685
Resolution Greenburgh Town Board will be voting on promoting public transportation on the new bridge....
TB-2 – 02/28/12
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH ECHOING THE SENTIMENT OF THE NORTHERN WESTCHESTER ENERGY ACTION CONSORTIUM, THE TRI-STATE TRANSPORTATION CAMPAIGN AND OVER 25 ENVIRONMENTAL, GOOD GOVERNMENT AND LABOR GROUPS CALLING ON GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO TO RESTORE DEDICATED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE TO ANY AND ALL PLANS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE, CONNECTING COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES IN ROCKLAND AND WESTCHESTER COUNTIES
WHEREAS, the inclusion of public transportation has been a central feature of the Tappan Zee Bridge Replacement Project (the “TZB Replacement”) since the launch of formal environmental review in 2002 and, after receiving detailed public input in 280 meetings and data generated over 10 years, all five alternatives, other than the “No Build” alternative, for the TZB Replacement included rapid transit; and
WHEREAS, New York State and the federal government, after years of public input and broad consensus on the inclusion of public transportation in the TZB Replacement, have abruptly decided to pursue a replacement without transit and have re-started the environmental review process based on an alternative lacking public transportation; and
WHEREAS, approximately 138,000 vehicles travel across the Tappan Zee Bridge every day, which is far more than the bridge was designed to handle when it was built in 1955 and this number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years and, without public transportation, the TZB Replacement would not result in increases in peak-direction capacity or long term operational changes to traffic patterns; and
WHEREAS, the development of public transportation as part of the TZB Replacement is central to relieving congestion in the corridor and local arterials, improving air quality, achieving sustainability goals, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, improving pedestrian safety, and improving motorist travel time in Westchester and New York State; and
WHEREAS, residents of the Town of Greenburgh and other communities in the TZB service area would be burdened by many years of unnecessarily increasing traffic if transit infrastructure is not included in the TZB Replacement; and
WHEREAS, Westchester County is planning its own Bus Rapid Transit (“BRT”) routes along Central Avenue which would benefit by and become more effective by eventually interconnecting to BRT or other public transportation on the TZB; and
WHEREAS, New York State and the Federal Highway Administration should not repeat the mistakes of the past by locking in automobile and truck-only infrastructure in this important Corridor for decades to come; and
WHEREAS, if not built as part of the current plans for the TZB Replacement, public transportation is very unlikely to be added in the future and the State, Federal government and local communities, as a practical matter, face a “now or never” decision; and
WHEREAS, failure to build public transportation now when billions of dollars are being dedicated to the TZB Replacement would be penny wise and pound foolish: the estimated cost of replacing the bridge for motor vehicles only is $5.2 billion; adding a BRT system is estimated to cost an additional $1 billion; and
WHEREAS including public transportation in the TZB Replacement is consistent with and advances the purposes of numerous State, County and Federal government policies aimed at reducing dependence on foreign oil, air pollution and the emission of greenhouse gases, including the New York State Climate Action Plan, the Westchester Action Plan for Climate Change and federal goals enshrined in the Clean Air Act, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, Executive Order 13514 and elsewhere;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh hereby (1) calls upon Governor Cuomo, the New York State Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Authority to restore dedicated public transportation infrastructure to its long-held place in any and all plans for the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge; (2) calls upon other affected communities and municipalities to let their opinion be known to Governor Cuomo and the relevant agencies and representatives of New York State and the federal government on this critical decision that will impact quality of life for decades to come and (3) pledges to join with other affected municipalities to participate fully in the TZP Replacement planning process to ensure that the TZB Replacement when built will be fully consistent with the important concerns and objectives clearly expressed by the citizenry over the many years of the TZB Replacement planning process.
JOURNAL NEWS EDITORIAL ABOUT TAPPANZEEPARK INITIATIVE
Editorial: Why not turn Tappan Zee Bridge into park?
10:37 PM, Feb. 23, 2012 |
Comments
Written by
A Journal News editorial
Filed Under
Opinion
There doubtless are quite a few Hudson Valley commuters still coming to terms with the notion there actually will be a new Tappan Zee Bridge, and quite possibly before they draw their last breath. Now comes word, from the Thruway Authority and governor no less, that another seemingly farfetched idea — turning the existing bridge into a crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists — is gaining real attention. They are tearing the nay right out of naysaying.
Facing the prospect of a $150 million bill for demolishing the three-mile span, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas Madison said Wednesday they are exploring the possibility of turning the Tappan Zee into a greenway for pedestrians and bicyclists. “Could you leave it up and what are the economics and the practicalities of that?” Cuomo said during a cabinet meeting in Albany. “It’s an exciting option.”
Well, we guess it is when he says so. When Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner suggested the same last fall, in a Community View on the Opinion page and also in a New York Times article, one could almost hear strains from “Man of La Mancha,” critics thought the endeavor so quixotic.
Wrote Feiner: “The proposal to turn the bridge into a park like the High Line (in Manhattan) would be a big boost to the local economy, promoting tourism and helping local businesses on both sides of the river.” He pledged to form a committee to press state officials on the matter. (Feiner and White Plains Councilwoman Milagros Lecuona co-chair the local effort; visit www.TappanBridgePark.com to learn more.)
If it sounds like Feiner was out on a limb, consider Tarrytown resident Jean Schneider. She started down the bridge-as-park route more than a decade ago, making her pitch to then-Gov. George Pataki. In a 2002 news article, Schneider called hers a “wild, wild dream.” In a letter to the editor just weeks ago, Schneider recalled the early effort. She wrote: “What inspired me was that I felt so deeply that we have lost the art of walking, communicating face to face enjoying nature at its finest, enjoying the seasons while savoring the ever-changing moods and rhythm of the river.”
Being spared that $150 million demolition bill would be nice as well — to go along with the satisfaction of making a smart, adaptive use out of something otherwise destined for the scrap heap. Communities are getting better at seeing the possibilities — consider waterfront makeovers up and down the East Coast; Bankside Power Station in London; Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco; Reading Terminal in Philadelphia; New York’s High Line and Meatpacking District; and the so-called “Low Line” park in Gotham, a virtually impossible (and amazing) plan for an abandoned trolley terminal.
Often it’s visionaries who move such projects along, until they gain official notice and favor — and private and public support; these individuals see opportunity where others cannot begin to imagine windmills.
Ours would be dull and wasteful places without them.
Now, if we could only get them to build this new bridge we have been hearing so much about ...
The Greenburgh Town Board will be voting on a resolution encouraging the state to dedicate public transportation on the new bridge (see following resolution). Last week Governor Cuomo announced that he will explore the possibility of maintaining the old Tappan Zee bridge as a park when the new bridge is built. The Journal News endorsed the study (see following editorial).
We have started an on line petition effort for the tappanbridgepark.com concept. Please consider signing the petition at www.tappanbridgepark.com
PAUL FEINER
Rockland County
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Palisades Center
4th Floor Community Rooms
1000 Palisades Center Drive
West Nyack, New York 10994
4:00—9:00 p.m.
Westchester County
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Westchester Marriott
Grand Ballroom
670 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, New York 10591
4:00—9:00 p.m.
In addition to the information available for review at the hearings, there will be a project presentation at 5:00 and repeated again at 7:00 p.m.
Based on the findings of the DEIS and the written and oral comments received during the public hearings, as well as during the DEIS document public comment period (ending on March 15, 2012), FHWA, NYSDOT and NYSTA will prepare a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). Comments received during the public comment period, including those received at the public hearings, will be addressed in the FEIS.
FHWA, NYSDOT and NYSTA invite interested individuals, organizations, and Federal, State and local agencies to comment on the DEIS. During the public comment period, the DEIS document will be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the locations on the enclosed list. In addition, the document can be downloaded from the project website at www.tzbsite.com. Comments can be submitted at any time during the public comment period. Remember, the period for submitting comments ends on March 15, 2012. There are many ways to provide comments:
Verbally or in writing at the public hearings listed above.
Via email: tzbsite@dot.state.ny.us
Via fax: 845-454-7443
Via mail:
Michael P. Anderson
Project Director
New York State Dept. of Transportation
4 Burnett Boulevard
Poughkeepsie, New York 12603
Telephone: 877-892-3685
Resolution Greenburgh Town Board will be voting on promoting public transportation on the new bridge....
TB-2 – 02/28/12
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH ECHOING THE SENTIMENT OF THE NORTHERN WESTCHESTER ENERGY ACTION CONSORTIUM, THE TRI-STATE TRANSPORTATION CAMPAIGN AND OVER 25 ENVIRONMENTAL, GOOD GOVERNMENT AND LABOR GROUPS CALLING ON GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO TO RESTORE DEDICATED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE TO ANY AND ALL PLANS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE, CONNECTING COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES IN ROCKLAND AND WESTCHESTER COUNTIES
WHEREAS, the inclusion of public transportation has been a central feature of the Tappan Zee Bridge Replacement Project (the “TZB Replacement”) since the launch of formal environmental review in 2002 and, after receiving detailed public input in 280 meetings and data generated over 10 years, all five alternatives, other than the “No Build” alternative, for the TZB Replacement included rapid transit; and
WHEREAS, New York State and the federal government, after years of public input and broad consensus on the inclusion of public transportation in the TZB Replacement, have abruptly decided to pursue a replacement without transit and have re-started the environmental review process based on an alternative lacking public transportation; and
WHEREAS, approximately 138,000 vehicles travel across the Tappan Zee Bridge every day, which is far more than the bridge was designed to handle when it was built in 1955 and this number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years and, without public transportation, the TZB Replacement would not result in increases in peak-direction capacity or long term operational changes to traffic patterns; and
WHEREAS, the development of public transportation as part of the TZB Replacement is central to relieving congestion in the corridor and local arterials, improving air quality, achieving sustainability goals, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, improving pedestrian safety, and improving motorist travel time in Westchester and New York State; and
WHEREAS, residents of the Town of Greenburgh and other communities in the TZB service area would be burdened by many years of unnecessarily increasing traffic if transit infrastructure is not included in the TZB Replacement; and
WHEREAS, Westchester County is planning its own Bus Rapid Transit (“BRT”) routes along Central Avenue which would benefit by and become more effective by eventually interconnecting to BRT or other public transportation on the TZB; and
WHEREAS, New York State and the Federal Highway Administration should not repeat the mistakes of the past by locking in automobile and truck-only infrastructure in this important Corridor for decades to come; and
WHEREAS, if not built as part of the current plans for the TZB Replacement, public transportation is very unlikely to be added in the future and the State, Federal government and local communities, as a practical matter, face a “now or never” decision; and
WHEREAS, failure to build public transportation now when billions of dollars are being dedicated to the TZB Replacement would be penny wise and pound foolish: the estimated cost of replacing the bridge for motor vehicles only is $5.2 billion; adding a BRT system is estimated to cost an additional $1 billion; and
WHEREAS including public transportation in the TZB Replacement is consistent with and advances the purposes of numerous State, County and Federal government policies aimed at reducing dependence on foreign oil, air pollution and the emission of greenhouse gases, including the New York State Climate Action Plan, the Westchester Action Plan for Climate Change and federal goals enshrined in the Clean Air Act, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, Executive Order 13514 and elsewhere;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh hereby (1) calls upon Governor Cuomo, the New York State Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Authority to restore dedicated public transportation infrastructure to its long-held place in any and all plans for the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge; (2) calls upon other affected communities and municipalities to let their opinion be known to Governor Cuomo and the relevant agencies and representatives of New York State and the federal government on this critical decision that will impact quality of life for decades to come and (3) pledges to join with other affected municipalities to participate fully in the TZP Replacement planning process to ensure that the TZB Replacement when built will be fully consistent with the important concerns and objectives clearly expressed by the citizenry over the many years of the TZB Replacement planning process.
JOURNAL NEWS EDITORIAL ABOUT TAPPANZEEPARK INITIATIVE
Editorial: Why not turn Tappan Zee Bridge into park?
10:37 PM, Feb. 23, 2012 |
Comments
Written by
A Journal News editorial
Filed Under
Opinion
There doubtless are quite a few Hudson Valley commuters still coming to terms with the notion there actually will be a new Tappan Zee Bridge, and quite possibly before they draw their last breath. Now comes word, from the Thruway Authority and governor no less, that another seemingly farfetched idea — turning the existing bridge into a crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists — is gaining real attention. They are tearing the nay right out of naysaying.
Facing the prospect of a $150 million bill for demolishing the three-mile span, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas Madison said Wednesday they are exploring the possibility of turning the Tappan Zee into a greenway for pedestrians and bicyclists. “Could you leave it up and what are the economics and the practicalities of that?” Cuomo said during a cabinet meeting in Albany. “It’s an exciting option.”
Well, we guess it is when he says so. When Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner suggested the same last fall, in a Community View on the Opinion page and also in a New York Times article, one could almost hear strains from “Man of La Mancha,” critics thought the endeavor so quixotic.
Wrote Feiner: “The proposal to turn the bridge into a park like the High Line (in Manhattan) would be a big boost to the local economy, promoting tourism and helping local businesses on both sides of the river.” He pledged to form a committee to press state officials on the matter. (Feiner and White Plains Councilwoman Milagros Lecuona co-chair the local effort; visit www.TappanBridgePark.com to learn more.)
If it sounds like Feiner was out on a limb, consider Tarrytown resident Jean Schneider. She started down the bridge-as-park route more than a decade ago, making her pitch to then-Gov. George Pataki. In a 2002 news article, Schneider called hers a “wild, wild dream.” In a letter to the editor just weeks ago, Schneider recalled the early effort. She wrote: “What inspired me was that I felt so deeply that we have lost the art of walking, communicating face to face enjoying nature at its finest, enjoying the seasons while savoring the ever-changing moods and rhythm of the river.”
Being spared that $150 million demolition bill would be nice as well — to go along with the satisfaction of making a smart, adaptive use out of something otherwise destined for the scrap heap. Communities are getting better at seeing the possibilities — consider waterfront makeovers up and down the East Coast; Bankside Power Station in London; Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco; Reading Terminal in Philadelphia; New York’s High Line and Meatpacking District; and the so-called “Low Line” park in Gotham, a virtually impossible (and amazing) plan for an abandoned trolley terminal.
Often it’s visionaries who move such projects along, until they gain official notice and favor — and private and public support; these individuals see opportunity where others cannot begin to imagine windmills.
Ours would be dull and wasteful places without them.
Now, if we could only get them to build this new bridge we have been hearing so much about ...
Monday, February 27, 2012
JOURNAL NEWS EDITORIAL ON TAPPANZEEPARK.COM
Editorial: Why not turn Tappan Zee Bridge into park?
10:37 PM, Feb. 23, 2012 |
Comments
Written by
A Journal News editorial
Filed Under
Opinion
There doubtless are quite a few Hudson Valley commuters still coming to terms with the notion there actually will be a new Tappan Zee Bridge, and quite possibly before they draw their last breath. Now comes word, from the Thruway Authority and governor no less, that another seemingly farfetched idea — turning the existing bridge into a crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists — is gaining real attention. They are tearing the nay right out of naysaying.
Facing the prospect of a $150 million bill for demolishing the three-mile span, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas Madison said Wednesday they are exploring the possibility of turning the Tappan Zee into a greenway for pedestrians and bicyclists. “Could you leave it up and what are the economics and the practicalities of that?” Cuomo said during a cabinet meeting in Albany. “It’s an exciting option.”
Well, we guess it is when he says so. When Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner suggested the same last fall, in a Community View on the Opinion page and also in a New York Times article, one could almost hear strains from “Man of La Mancha,” critics thought the endeavor so quixotic.
Wrote Feiner: “The proposal to turn the bridge into a park like the High Line (in Manhattan) would be a big boost to the local economy, promoting tourism and helping local businesses on both sides of the river.” He pledged to form a committee to press state officials on the matter. (Feiner and White Plains Councilwoman Milagros Lecuona co-chair the local effort; visit www.TappanBridgePark.com to learn more.)
If it sounds like Feiner was out on a limb, consider Tarrytown resident Jean Schneider. She started down the bridge-as-park route more than a decade ago, making her pitch to then-Gov. George Pataki. In a 2002 news article, Schneider called hers a “wild, wild dream.” In a letter to the editor just weeks ago, Schneider recalled the early effort. She wrote: “What inspired me was that I felt so deeply that we have lost the art of walking, communicating face to face enjoying nature at its finest, enjoying the seasons while savoring the ever-changing moods and rhythm of the river.”
Being spared that $150 million demolition bill would be nice as well — to go along with the satisfaction of making a smart, adaptive use out of something otherwise destined for the scrap heap. Communities are getting better at seeing the possibilities — consider waterfront makeovers up and down the East Coast; Bankside Power Station in London; Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco; Reading Terminal in Philadelphia; New York’s High Line and Meatpacking District; and the so-called “Low Line” park in Gotham, a virtually impossible (and amazing) plan for an abandoned trolley terminal.
Often it’s visionaries who move such projects along, until they gain official notice and favor — and private and public support; these individuals see opportunity where others cannot begin to imagine windmills.
Ours would be dull and wasteful places without them.
Now, if we could only get them to build this new bridge we have been hearing so much about ...
View Commen
10:37 PM, Feb. 23, 2012 |
Comments
Written by
A Journal News editorial
Filed Under
Opinion
There doubtless are quite a few Hudson Valley commuters still coming to terms with the notion there actually will be a new Tappan Zee Bridge, and quite possibly before they draw their last breath. Now comes word, from the Thruway Authority and governor no less, that another seemingly farfetched idea — turning the existing bridge into a crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists — is gaining real attention. They are tearing the nay right out of naysaying.
Facing the prospect of a $150 million bill for demolishing the three-mile span, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas Madison said Wednesday they are exploring the possibility of turning the Tappan Zee into a greenway for pedestrians and bicyclists. “Could you leave it up and what are the economics and the practicalities of that?” Cuomo said during a cabinet meeting in Albany. “It’s an exciting option.”
Well, we guess it is when he says so. When Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner suggested the same last fall, in a Community View on the Opinion page and also in a New York Times article, one could almost hear strains from “Man of La Mancha,” critics thought the endeavor so quixotic.
Wrote Feiner: “The proposal to turn the bridge into a park like the High Line (in Manhattan) would be a big boost to the local economy, promoting tourism and helping local businesses on both sides of the river.” He pledged to form a committee to press state officials on the matter. (Feiner and White Plains Councilwoman Milagros Lecuona co-chair the local effort; visit www.TappanBridgePark.com to learn more.)
If it sounds like Feiner was out on a limb, consider Tarrytown resident Jean Schneider. She started down the bridge-as-park route more than a decade ago, making her pitch to then-Gov. George Pataki. In a 2002 news article, Schneider called hers a “wild, wild dream.” In a letter to the editor just weeks ago, Schneider recalled the early effort. She wrote: “What inspired me was that I felt so deeply that we have lost the art of walking, communicating face to face enjoying nature at its finest, enjoying the seasons while savoring the ever-changing moods and rhythm of the river.”
Being spared that $150 million demolition bill would be nice as well — to go along with the satisfaction of making a smart, adaptive use out of something otherwise destined for the scrap heap. Communities are getting better at seeing the possibilities — consider waterfront makeovers up and down the East Coast; Bankside Power Station in London; Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco; Reading Terminal in Philadelphia; New York’s High Line and Meatpacking District; and the so-called “Low Line” park in Gotham, a virtually impossible (and amazing) plan for an abandoned trolley terminal.
Often it’s visionaries who move such projects along, until they gain official notice and favor — and private and public support; these individuals see opportunity where others cannot begin to imagine windmills.
Ours would be dull and wasteful places without them.
Now, if we could only get them to build this new bridge we have been hearing so much about ...
View Commen
water rates
The Greenburgh Town Board will be holding a public hearing tomorrow evening (Tuesday) at 7:30 PM at Town Hall on the proposal to increase water rates. I asked the commissioner of public works, Victor Carosi, to prepare a memo detailing the reasons. The district is not supported by taxpayer dollars—is self sufficient (meaning that water ratepayers pay for the water they use). In recent years NYC increased rates and we made a mistake (in my opinion) by not passing along the rate increases to the consumers as our rates were going up. We are catching up. In the future we will pass along rate hikes when our rates go up so there will be less dramatic increases.
I am also asking the Citizens Budget Commission to review our past practices and to consider a proposal to create a Citizens Water District Advisory Commission to help review water district policies and infrastructure plans.
PAUL FEINER
GREENBURGH CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT
PROPOSED WATER RATES FOR 2012
DID YOU KNOW THAT SOME RESIDENTS OF GREENBURGH ARE PAYING $2.93 PER THOUSAND MORE THAN OTHER GREENBURGH RESIDENTS FOR WATER? IF THE PROPOSED RATE HIKE GOES INTO EFFECT THEIR RATES WILL STILL BE $2.20 LESS THAN THE UNITED WATER RATE.
Most residents are provided water from Greenburgh water (a town managed water department). In the southern section of town, some residents must purchase their water from United Water. Residents of Greenburgh who are in the United Water district pay $7.03 per thousand gallons for water with additional surcharges for high usage. The residents of unincorporated Greenburgh who purchase their water from Greenburgh water currently pay $4.10 for the same quantity of water. Unfortunately, due to a variety of reasons (see below) rates have to be increased. If the rate hike goes into effect you will still be paying $2.20 less than residents who get their water from United Water.
The Town of Greenburgh Consolidated Water District serves a population of approximately 45,500 people within the unincorporated Town of Greenburgh, and a small portion of the Village of Irvington, as well as some customers in Mt. Pleasant, Yonkers and White Plains. The District delivers approximately 7.9 million gallons of water per day, through our distribution network of nearly 130 miles of pipes. In 2010, over 2.4 billion gallons of water were treated and distributed. The District purchases all of its water from the City of New York, Department of Environmental Protection – Bureau of Water Supply. Currently, the District purchases water from NYC at the rate of $1,213.84 per million gallons, and at a rate of $4,237.97 per million gallons when the allowance quantity authorized per §24-360 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York is exceeded. The cost to the District to purchase water from New York City, treat the water and deliver the water through the distribution system is currently exceeding the annual revenue the District receives from the sale of this water to our customers. In 2011, total expenses to operate the District are expected to exceed revenue by $1,538,344 reducing the District fund balance to $5,484,621 according to current budget forecasts and estimates.
The District must increase the rates charged for water to provide satisfactory revenue to meet current expenses, to repay past deficit obligations, and to satisfactorily plan for necessary and important system improvements into the future. Projects under consideration include a modern automated meter reading system that will combine smart meter technology to transmit the meter reading to a centralized collection system, upgrades to the main pump station to improve motor and pump efficiency, and major repairs to all six water storage tanks.
Currently, the District charges our customers for water consumption through a combination of three rate blocks or consumption categories with an increasing rate as consumption increases. This rate structure is established to encourage conservation and to recover the rate surcharge imposed by NYC whenever the District consumption exceeds the allowance quantity. Water is billed either quarterly or monthly depending upon the average consumption. Customers with high average consumption are billed monthly. High consumption is considered usage greater than 3,333 gallons monthly. The base rate is $4.10 for each 1,000 gallons used up to 10,999 gallons within a three month period. This rate escalates to $4.47 for consumption up to 50,999
gallons to a top rate of $4.65 for consumption in excess of 51,000 gallons in the three month billing period.
To meet current costs and address the increasing maintenance needs of the system, rates must increase. It is proposed to increase water rates for 2012 as follows:
In District Rate
Price Usage in Gallons
$4.83 up to 10,999 for quarterly customers or 3,333 monthly
$6.05 from 11,000 to 50,999/ quarterly or 3,334 to 16,999/monthly
$7.20 greater than 51,000/ quarter or greater than 17,000/month
Out-of-District Rate
Price Usage in Gallons
$9.66 per 1,000 gal all usage, all customers out of district
The average quarterly customer using about 17 units will see their bill increase from $71.92 to $89.43, a 24% increase. For a larger customer with consumption of 60 units, the quarterly bill will increase about 35%, from $265.75 to $359.93.
It is projected that the proposed rates will provide sufficient revenue to meet projected costs and begin to repay the debt obligations, based upon conservative consumption demands. The 2012 District Budget includes and $18,000 interest payment on the outstanding debt. Any possible operating profits at the conclusion of the year could be credited to pay down debt obligations. Future District budgets can be prepared to include a specific debt repayment figure. Debt repayment is a concern. To understand how future debt repayment obligation could be structured into the water rates, a calculation was made to show what proportional additional increase to the rates could generate in excess revenue. Using the same budget projections and consumption figures used to create the current rate structure, the calculations show each additional 1% increase in rates could generate an additional $130,000 in revenue. Doing so would further increase the average bills previously referenced to $90.33 and $363.53 respectively.
Reinvestment to the infrastructure is important to maintain a sound water system and control future costs. The proposed rates will provide funding of $1 million for Capital projects. Currently, projects under consideration include a water meter upgrade program estimated at $4.25 million dollars and a long-term capital program to rehabilitate all six water tanks, with costs currently estimated of approximately $2 million dollars per year over the next 10 years, and continued long-term maintenance and upkeep costs of $400,000 annually. Using the current budget assumptions, 9% of each rate block reflects approximately $1 million. To fully fund the near term capital projects, rates would increase an additional 18%, providing approximately $3 million dollars in capital revenue in total each year.
Future costs are almost certain to increase. Prudent management must examine fixed and controllable costs. Modernization to the mechanical systems within the pump stations may enable reduction to future electrical operating costs perhaps as much as $100,000 annually and reduce unscheduled high cost maintenance repairs. Other operating costs, such as personnel must also be examined. An option with new meter technology could enable meters to be read automatically, drastically streamlining the meter reading process. Employing this new technology could conceivable lessen personnel costs by over $350,000 annually alone. Fully automating the billing process, including using automated payment or on-line electronic payment transfers could both provide ease to district customers while further reduce costs involved with bill payment processing.
Water is becoming a costly commodity. The NYC Board of Water Supply expects to continue upward action on the rates to force conservation and meet long-term capital needs. It is conceivable that rates charged to the District could be as high as $5,000 per MG in 2018, as they are projected up 18% in 2013. The District must continue aggressive proactive action to our rates and act on cost control measures to temper costs not within our direct control. Looking toward 2013, rates to the District customers are projected up 10% to meet future projected costs. While such rate increases are difficult for any property owner, reinvestment into infrastructure must occur and rates must also meet increases imposed by NYC.
I am also asking the Citizens Budget Commission to review our past practices and to consider a proposal to create a Citizens Water District Advisory Commission to help review water district policies and infrastructure plans.
PAUL FEINER
GREENBURGH CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT
PROPOSED WATER RATES FOR 2012
DID YOU KNOW THAT SOME RESIDENTS OF GREENBURGH ARE PAYING $2.93 PER THOUSAND MORE THAN OTHER GREENBURGH RESIDENTS FOR WATER? IF THE PROPOSED RATE HIKE GOES INTO EFFECT THEIR RATES WILL STILL BE $2.20 LESS THAN THE UNITED WATER RATE.
Most residents are provided water from Greenburgh water (a town managed water department). In the southern section of town, some residents must purchase their water from United Water. Residents of Greenburgh who are in the United Water district pay $7.03 per thousand gallons for water with additional surcharges for high usage. The residents of unincorporated Greenburgh who purchase their water from Greenburgh water currently pay $4.10 for the same quantity of water. Unfortunately, due to a variety of reasons (see below) rates have to be increased. If the rate hike goes into effect you will still be paying $2.20 less than residents who get their water from United Water.
The Town of Greenburgh Consolidated Water District serves a population of approximately 45,500 people within the unincorporated Town of Greenburgh, and a small portion of the Village of Irvington, as well as some customers in Mt. Pleasant, Yonkers and White Plains. The District delivers approximately 7.9 million gallons of water per day, through our distribution network of nearly 130 miles of pipes. In 2010, over 2.4 billion gallons of water were treated and distributed. The District purchases all of its water from the City of New York, Department of Environmental Protection – Bureau of Water Supply. Currently, the District purchases water from NYC at the rate of $1,213.84 per million gallons, and at a rate of $4,237.97 per million gallons when the allowance quantity authorized per §24-360 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York is exceeded. The cost to the District to purchase water from New York City, treat the water and deliver the water through the distribution system is currently exceeding the annual revenue the District receives from the sale of this water to our customers. In 2011, total expenses to operate the District are expected to exceed revenue by $1,538,344 reducing the District fund balance to $5,484,621 according to current budget forecasts and estimates.
The District must increase the rates charged for water to provide satisfactory revenue to meet current expenses, to repay past deficit obligations, and to satisfactorily plan for necessary and important system improvements into the future. Projects under consideration include a modern automated meter reading system that will combine smart meter technology to transmit the meter reading to a centralized collection system, upgrades to the main pump station to improve motor and pump efficiency, and major repairs to all six water storage tanks.
Currently, the District charges our customers for water consumption through a combination of three rate blocks or consumption categories with an increasing rate as consumption increases. This rate structure is established to encourage conservation and to recover the rate surcharge imposed by NYC whenever the District consumption exceeds the allowance quantity. Water is billed either quarterly or monthly depending upon the average consumption. Customers with high average consumption are billed monthly. High consumption is considered usage greater than 3,333 gallons monthly. The base rate is $4.10 for each 1,000 gallons used up to 10,999 gallons within a three month period. This rate escalates to $4.47 for consumption up to 50,999
gallons to a top rate of $4.65 for consumption in excess of 51,000 gallons in the three month billing period.
To meet current costs and address the increasing maintenance needs of the system, rates must increase. It is proposed to increase water rates for 2012 as follows:
In District Rate
Price Usage in Gallons
$4.83 up to 10,999 for quarterly customers or 3,333 monthly
$6.05 from 11,000 to 50,999/ quarterly or 3,334 to 16,999/monthly
$7.20 greater than 51,000/ quarter or greater than 17,000/month
Out-of-District Rate
Price Usage in Gallons
$9.66 per 1,000 gal all usage, all customers out of district
The average quarterly customer using about 17 units will see their bill increase from $71.92 to $89.43, a 24% increase. For a larger customer with consumption of 60 units, the quarterly bill will increase about 35%, from $265.75 to $359.93.
It is projected that the proposed rates will provide sufficient revenue to meet projected costs and begin to repay the debt obligations, based upon conservative consumption demands. The 2012 District Budget includes and $18,000 interest payment on the outstanding debt. Any possible operating profits at the conclusion of the year could be credited to pay down debt obligations. Future District budgets can be prepared to include a specific debt repayment figure. Debt repayment is a concern. To understand how future debt repayment obligation could be structured into the water rates, a calculation was made to show what proportional additional increase to the rates could generate in excess revenue. Using the same budget projections and consumption figures used to create the current rate structure, the calculations show each additional 1% increase in rates could generate an additional $130,000 in revenue. Doing so would further increase the average bills previously referenced to $90.33 and $363.53 respectively.
Reinvestment to the infrastructure is important to maintain a sound water system and control future costs. The proposed rates will provide funding of $1 million for Capital projects. Currently, projects under consideration include a water meter upgrade program estimated at $4.25 million dollars and a long-term capital program to rehabilitate all six water tanks, with costs currently estimated of approximately $2 million dollars per year over the next 10 years, and continued long-term maintenance and upkeep costs of $400,000 annually. Using the current budget assumptions, 9% of each rate block reflects approximately $1 million. To fully fund the near term capital projects, rates would increase an additional 18%, providing approximately $3 million dollars in capital revenue in total each year.
Future costs are almost certain to increase. Prudent management must examine fixed and controllable costs. Modernization to the mechanical systems within the pump stations may enable reduction to future electrical operating costs perhaps as much as $100,000 annually and reduce unscheduled high cost maintenance repairs. Other operating costs, such as personnel must also be examined. An option with new meter technology could enable meters to be read automatically, drastically streamlining the meter reading process. Employing this new technology could conceivable lessen personnel costs by over $350,000 annually alone. Fully automating the billing process, including using automated payment or on-line electronic payment transfers could both provide ease to district customers while further reduce costs involved with bill payment processing.
Water is becoming a costly commodity. The NYC Board of Water Supply expects to continue upward action on the rates to force conservation and meet long-term capital needs. It is conceivable that rates charged to the District could be as high as $5,000 per MG in 2018, as they are projected up 18% in 2013. The District must continue aggressive proactive action to our rates and act on cost control measures to temper costs not within our direct control. Looking toward 2013, rates to the District customers are projected up 10% to meet future projected costs. While such rate increases are difficult for any property owner, reinvestment into infrastructure must occur and rates must also meet increases imposed by NYC.
Monday, February 13, 2012
good weather helps town clean up
Last week, while driving on Ridge Road in Hartsdale, I noticed members of the Highway department clearing debris on Ridge Road. I was impressed with the nice job they are doing and asked our commissioner of public works, Victor Carosi to share with the public how we're putting the good weather to good use for the town.
The warm and relatively dry winter season is providing opportunities for the Highway Department to use our resources to address roadside and right-of-way maintenance needs. For the past few years, most highway activities were limited to just reacting from storm events – record winter storms in 2009-2010, record wind and rain events, a hurricane, a tropical storm, winds events and still more snow as recently as this past October. However, the winter of 2011-2012 thus far, is providing an environment favorable to the department to address matters toward quality of life to the extent related to those matters within highway department control. For instance, instead of clearing snow from roads, salting to clear ice and reacting to falling trees and debris from storms, the Highway Department is trimming trees, clearing brush from roadsides, sweeping streets, uncovering storm channels, and clearing debris that has accumulated through the years from areas beyond the paved roadways.
Thus far, workers have removed considerable debris along Old Kensico Road. They have pulled fallen trees from the shoulder areas, restored old storm channels, trimmed trees that are overhanging the roadway and generally cleaned up the roadside. Similar maintenance work is now completed along portions of Ardsley Road and Sprain Road. Crews also tackled some roadside maintenance issues along portions of Ridge Road and are now focusing on Pipeline Road. Work planned along Pipeline Road will also include tree removals in addition to the removal of debris, leaves, branches, stumps, logs and trash from the right-of-way. The warm winter weather also is providing the opportunity to put the street sweepers out into neighborhoods to clear roads from past litter and debris.
Looking forward, we hope to continue work along the right-of-ways moving from the main roads to stream channels and storm water control structures. Of course, should the winds change bringing back the cold and snow, we are always ready to meet the challenges of winter weather. But for now, we are thankful for each day with no snow and eager to make small improvements to the Town.
PAUL FEINER
The warm and relatively dry winter season is providing opportunities for the Highway Department to use our resources to address roadside and right-of-way maintenance needs. For the past few years, most highway activities were limited to just reacting from storm events – record winter storms in 2009-2010, record wind and rain events, a hurricane, a tropical storm, winds events and still more snow as recently as this past October. However, the winter of 2011-2012 thus far, is providing an environment favorable to the department to address matters toward quality of life to the extent related to those matters within highway department control. For instance, instead of clearing snow from roads, salting to clear ice and reacting to falling trees and debris from storms, the Highway Department is trimming trees, clearing brush from roadsides, sweeping streets, uncovering storm channels, and clearing debris that has accumulated through the years from areas beyond the paved roadways.
Thus far, workers have removed considerable debris along Old Kensico Road. They have pulled fallen trees from the shoulder areas, restored old storm channels, trimmed trees that are overhanging the roadway and generally cleaned up the roadside. Similar maintenance work is now completed along portions of Ardsley Road and Sprain Road. Crews also tackled some roadside maintenance issues along portions of Ridge Road and are now focusing on Pipeline Road. Work planned along Pipeline Road will also include tree removals in addition to the removal of debris, leaves, branches, stumps, logs and trash from the right-of-way. The warm winter weather also is providing the opportunity to put the street sweepers out into neighborhoods to clear roads from past litter and debris.
Looking forward, we hope to continue work along the right-of-ways moving from the main roads to stream channels and storm water control structures. Of course, should the winds change bringing back the cold and snow, we are always ready to meet the challenges of winter weather. But for now, we are thankful for each day with no snow and eager to make small improvements to the Town.
PAUL FEINER
STUDENT NEWS NETWORK LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS..UPDATE STOP & SHOP
On Wednesday, March 7 at 4:15 PM the town will inaugurate the 2nd year of our student news network program for students. The age group of our student participants: middle school and high school. The location: Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Ave, White Plains.
We’re looking for volunteer instructors who have media experience. The volunteers would meet with the students and teach them about journalism, interview skills, research and help them produce a news program –which will be aired on public access TV and presented to the Town Board. The program will run 8 weeks. Volunteers can help for as little as two hours since the students will be meeting weekly for 8 weeks.
Graduates will receive certificates of appreciation from the Town Board at a Town Board meeting. Judith Beville, who is coordinating the program, has been in touch with the Jacobs Burn Film Center. They have offered a visit to their media arts lab and/or theater for students to participate in a workshop called the art of the interview.
If you are interested in volunteering please advise me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com or Town Clerk Judith Beville at jbeville@greenburghny.com. If you are a student and would like to participate in the SNN program please contact either Judith or me.
Last year we sponsored a wonderful program and benefitted from the extensive help of Alan Brody of Edgemont.
UPDATE: STOP & SHOP – The Stop & Shop supermarket on Tarrytown Road is in the process of receiving a temporary c/o for the purposes of stocking the store and training the store. We anticipate that the supermarket will be open sometime in March.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
We’re looking for volunteer instructors who have media experience. The volunteers would meet with the students and teach them about journalism, interview skills, research and help them produce a news program –which will be aired on public access TV and presented to the Town Board. The program will run 8 weeks. Volunteers can help for as little as two hours since the students will be meeting weekly for 8 weeks.
Graduates will receive certificates of appreciation from the Town Board at a Town Board meeting. Judith Beville, who is coordinating the program, has been in touch with the Jacobs Burn Film Center. They have offered a visit to their media arts lab and/or theater for students to participate in a workshop called the art of the interview.
If you are interested in volunteering please advise me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com or Town Clerk Judith Beville at jbeville@greenburghny.com. If you are a student and would like to participate in the SNN program please contact either Judith or me.
Last year we sponsored a wonderful program and benefitted from the extensive help of Alan Brody of Edgemont.
UPDATE: STOP & SHOP – The Stop & Shop supermarket on Tarrytown Road is in the process of receiving a temporary c/o for the purposes of stocking the store and training the store. We anticipate that the supermarket will be open sometime in March.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)