COUNCIL OF GREENBURGH CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS
Minutes of Meeting - October 16, 2001
The Council of Greenburgh Civic Associations seeks to provide information to and advance the common interests of member civic groups in important Town affairs. The following civic groups have paid dues for the year 2001:
Ardsley Estates Civic Association
Beaver Hill Association
Birchwood Civic Association
Broadview Civic Association
East Hartsdale Avenue Civic Association
East Irvington Civic Association
Edgebrook Cooperative, Inc.
Edgemont Community Council, Inc.
Fort Hill Association
Fulton Park Civic Association
Granada Condominium III Association
Hartsdale Highlands Civic Assoc.
Hillcrest Park-Ardsley Civic Association
Hillside Wyndover Civic Association
Homestead Owners Corp.
Juniper Hill Civic Association
Knollwood Manor Civic Association
Knollwood Neighborhood Association
Longview Civic Association
Lower Manor Woods Neighborhood Association
Mayfair-Knollwood Civic Association
North Elmsford Civic Association
Northern Greenville Civic Association
Parkway Gardens Civic Association
Parkway Homes Civic Association
Poet's Corner Civic Association
Secor Homes Civic Association, Inc.
Southern Greenville Civic Association
The Cotswold Association, Inc.
The Sprain Road Association
Washington Avenue Civic Association
Westchester Hills Condominium
Winding Road Farm Association
Woodhill Civic Association
To date, thirty-four civic groups have paid dues for the year 2001. There is $893.70 in thetreasury.
Minutes of the September 13, 2001, meeting were read and approved with minor corrections that will be made prior to distribution.
The meeting took place at the Pizza & Brew restaurant at 85 Knollwood Road. Without any advance notice, CGCA representatives arrived at Town Hall and found the doors locked. Earlier in the day an employee, noticed some powder on the floor of the men's room at Town Hall and called the police. Because employees feared that it was anthrax, the police evacuated the building and called HazMat.
DEVELOPER CONTINUES TO THREATEN SECESSION
Danny Gold reported that he had spoken with Supervisor Paul Feiner and learned that the Robert Martin Company (RMC) is not seeking to have the Avalon Green II (Nob Hill) site annexed to the Village of Elmsford. RMC has a proposal to build 794 units of multi-family housing on the site off of Taxter Road. RMC officials did inform Mr. Feiner that they are considering annexation with Elmsford for adjacent property they own on the other side of Nob Hill (near the Saw Mill River Parkway) that is zoned for office buildings. Mr. Feiner indicated that he would oppose any annexation.
PUBLIC ACCESS CABLE TELEVISION - CGCA PROGRAMMING
CGCA members discussed the fact that many months have elapsed since the taping of a new CGCA cable television program. It was suggested that Danny Gold invite members of the Greenburgh Cable Television Advisory Board - Antonio Correia, Del Hillgartner and others - to tape a show discussing possible solutions to the current numerous problems with Greenburgh public access cable television. A suggestion was also made that in the future the CGCA should obtain a camera and do a real show rather than have "talking heads" in a pitch-black studio.
A suggestion was raised about televising CGCA meetings. It was noted that in May 1997 the Town Board authorized purchase and installation of audiovisual equipment in the Conference Room at Town Hall. The goal was to televise work sessions of the Town Board, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as meetings of other groups. A "who's on first" game ensued. Some Town Board members objected to airing board work sessions. CGCA Chairman Danny Gold and Del Hillgartner, Beaver Hill representative and a member of Greenburgh's Cable Television Advisory Board, met with Supervisor Feiner in December 1997, and an agreement was reached that Town Board work session discussions on important topics would be televised. None ever were. The only meeting ever videotaped in the Conference Room and subsequently aired was the October 1998 meeting of the CGCA with the former Town Attorney and former Commissioner of Community Development & Conservation. The CGCA was willing to tape and air other CGCA meetings. However, the tape decks disappeared from the Conference Room and residents have been informed that the stationary camera mounted in the room (used only once) is "burned out."
TOWN BOARD IGNORES/VIOLATES RULES RE ACCESS TO CABLE TELEVISION CHANNELS BY CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR ELECTED OFFICES
On August 30, 2001, the Town Board adopted a resolution regarding access to town operated cable television, purportedly "designed to provide fair and equal opportunities to all candidates" running for town offices. The resolution permitted candidates to tape political announcements and specified the days and hours these tapes would air on Channel 71 during the weeks prior to a primary or general election. The resolution also provided that political debates which followed League of Women Voters guidelines would be included in the continuous airing of candidates' tapes for two weekends prior to the elections.
The candidates' tapes, the COCA sponsored debate and the Dobbs Ferry/Hastings-on-Hudson Democratic Party sponsored debate played in a continuous 24-hour loop during the two weekends prior to the September 111 primary election. However, when the September 11 primary was cancelled and rescheduled for September 25, Supervisor Feiner ignored the Town Board resolution, gave out misleading information and dictated what could be aired on public access cable television.
Mr. Feiner told the Scarsdale Inquirer that the debates would air the weekend preceding the primary. (Copies were distributed of a September 21 article by David Gottlieb which stated: "Supervisor Paul Feiner has decided to resume broadcasting campaign videotapes of a debate held several weeks ago under the auspices of the Council of Greenburgh Civic Associations, as well as individual campaign videos. They will be aired on public access cable TV Channel 71 over the weekend of Sept. 22.") Town Clerk Alfreda Williams told Francis Sheehan on Friday, September 21 that the debates would air.
The debates did not air the ,veekend of September 22, 23. At the October 10 Town Board meeting in response to questions about why the debates had not aired, Mr. Feiner announced that he decided that enough people had seen the debates. He noted that he allowed the candidates' tapes to air over the weekend. However, Mr. Feiner also ordered the candidates' tapes removed from the air and replaced with a tape of a candlelight vigil that aired in a continuous loop. Mr. Sheehan noted that he was given a choice when his tape aired - the digital quality tape he produced could be aired with good audio/video quality but without titles informing people who he was or with titles but distorted audio/video quality. Candidate Frances Pulle decided not to air a tape because of the problems Mr. Sheehan experienced.
It was noted that violations of the August 30 resolution continue. Between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m. tonight, the tapes of incumbents Supervisor Feiner, Councilwomen Diana Juettner and Timmy Weinberg and Town Clerk Alfreda Williams aired on Channel 71. The agreement that was reached and the subsequent August 30 resolution provided that regular programming would not be pre-empted and that candidates' tapes would air starting at 10 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The August 30 resolution also included a provision for airing the tapes of candidates who had not been involved in a primary (after the primary), but this provision of the resolution has also been ignored. Ironically, it was noted that in his videotaped campaign announcement airing tonight on Channel 71, Supervisor Feiner claimed that the Town Board not only talks about campaign reform but actually instituted reform by providing fair and equal access to cable television to all candidates.
COCA AGAIN URGES PUBLIC CONTROL OF PUBLIC CABLE ACCESS TELEVISION CHANNELS
Copies were distributed of tables showing actual revenues and expenditures for cable access television during the six years of the current ten-year contract. During these six year (1995-2000) Greenburgh received a total of $2,272,186. During the same period, the town spent only $298,394 to operate Greenburgh's cable channels - merely 13.13% of the receipts. The total expenditures do not even equal the $304,074 the town received to purchase equipment. The remaining receipts were placed in the general fund, which the Town Board can spend on whatever it wants. The board claims it is using the cable receipts to keep taxes low. Questions were raised about why cable subscribers should be required to pay an extra fee to subsidize and lower the taxes of those who do not subscribe to cable.
CGCA members agree that the present operation of Greenburgh cable television is an embarrassment. Program quality is poor. The studio the town rented on East Hartsdale Avenue is inadequate for taping programs.. The placement of a television in the studio window, showing the video of Greenburgh programs,' has done nothing to revitalize the street. Much of the equipment owned by the town is antiquated, even though the cable company has given Greenburgh $304,074 to purchase equipment over the six years since 1995. Problems persist with the audio equipment at Town Hall and many of the calls to "Dial Democracy" during Town Board meetings are complaints about poor audio. Mr. Feiner's claims that he now favors an independent board to operate the Town's cable channels do not appear sincere. He announced he plans to limit finances and negotiate a contract with the cable coordinator. By controlling the purse strings and establishing procedures that will allow him to dictate who gets a cable show, Mr. Feiner severely limits the independence of any board that he is willing to create.
CGCA members again urge the Town Board to adopt the recommendations of the Greenburgh Campaign Finance Commission (GCFC) which ,called for a. not-for-profit independent cable board to operate the town's cable television channels. Councilman Steve Bass, who attended the CGCA meeting, stated that he will try to get Catherine Lederer-Plaskett and Harriet Leib (co-chairs of the GCFC) to attend a Town Board work session after the November 6 election. It was noted that the Town Board earlier this year invited Ms. Lederer-Plaskett & Ms. Leib to three meetings and cancelled them on short notice.
SUPERVISOR FEINER SEEKS MEETING WITH CGCA
Danny Gold reported he had received a note from Supervisor Feiner requesting that the CGCA meet with him to discuss issues. Since the CGCA only meets once a month and has a full agenda of issues to discuss, it was agreed that a separate meeting be scheduled for Mr. Feiner's visit rather than limiting the amount of time allocated to his visit. CGCA members also recommended that:
(1) Mr. Feiner personally address the issues, without the presence of department heads or other staff; (2) the meeting be videotaped and subsequently aired during the CGCA Monday night timeslots; and (3) the agenda for the meeting include discussions regarding cable access TV, the proposed Grasslands homeless shelter and relocation/renovation of the Town Hall/Library.
TOWN BOARD APPROVES LANDMARK AT EASTVIEW PROPOSAL LANDSCAPING ONLY REQUIRED FOR FIVE (5) YEARS
Ella Preiser reported that on October 2, at an afternoon meeting, the Town Board adopted SEQRA Findings regarding the applications to construct a 125,000 square foot training facility for Madison Square Garden and an additional 320,000 square feet of research and development space on the Landmark at Eastview property (formerly owned by Keren and Union Carbide). The board then approved an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to include professional athletic training facilities as a special permit use in the OB Office Building zoning districts throughout the town. Finally, the board granted site plan approval and a special permit for the proposed development.
Mrs. Preiser noted that while a number of last minute changes were made at the meeting, the documents still contained numerous errors. She was most troubled by the condition that requires the applicant to only "guarantee an 85% success rate for all mitigation plantings through a five year period from the issuance of the final Certificate of Occupancy." At the October 10 Town Board meeting she suggested that the board might not have had adequate time to carefully read the documents before voting. Mr. Feiner insisted that he had read every word of the documents. However, neither he nor the other board members could explain why this applicant was permitted to remove 526 trees (measuring from six inches to more than two feet in diameter) but had to guarantee that only 85% of the tiny whips that would be planted would survive five years. It was suggested that every resident throughout Greenburgh should be aware of the Town Board's new policies regarding the survival of mitigation plantings.
CGCA members questioned why the Landmark at Eastview development was approved since a previous Town Board resolution stated that no development could take place until the Route 9A and Route 119 traffic problems were addressed. It was noted that the applicant claimed the development would cause very limited traffic and had reserved space for a future Route 9A bypass road. It was also noted that the Town Board regularly ignores its previous "feel good" resolutions and promises. For example, both the applicant and Mr. Feiner promised residents of Payne Street a southbound left-turn arrow at the intersection of Route 9A when the Multiplex Theater was proposed. (Police records show this intersection has a high number of accidents.) The left-turn arrow was never installed.
PROPOSED HOMELESS SHELTER - GRASSLANDS RESERVATION WESTHELP SHELTER SEEKS EXTENSION OF LEASE
Alice Moroney reported that she spoke with County Executive Andrew Spano on October 1 about his plans to build a homeless shelter for 233 adults in a former Bureau of Purchase and Supply building on the Grasslands Reservation in Valhalla. Mr. Spano's position is that he can build it there because the county owns the property and no environmental impact statement is necessary. She questioned if the shelter was built and more space was needed, would he then build another. Mr. Spano claimed he wouldn't.
The proposed shelter would be the largest one in Westchester and would allow closing several other shelters - one in Yorktown, two at the county airport and one at Grasslands. Figures supplied by the county Department of Social Services Office of Housing Services indicate that far fewer units would be needed. Concern was also expressed about the fact the Volunteers of America would operate the proposed facility. This organization does not provide the kinds of services that homeless residents need. Thelma Washington noted that she is opposed to shelters since they do not address the need for permanent housing and cost more to operate than many residents pay for their mortgages.
Residents in Knollwood and the Mayfair-Knollwood sections are concerned about this proposed shelter because another shelter (WestHelp) exists at the other end of their neighborhoods. The ten-year lease for the WestHelp shelter expired in September and the shelter was supposed to be converted to housing for senior citizens and town employees. Apparently the property itself has been turned over to the Town of Greenburgh. But Westhelp has asked that the lease be extended. A limited 90-day extension was granted. If the requested long-term extension is granted, $1.6 million a year would be distributed in the following manner:
- $400,000 to Westhelp to operate the facility
- $400,000 to Greenburgh for a job training program
- $500,000 to the Valhalla School District for the nine children currently enrolled and to pay for costs incurred in previous years
- $200,000 to the Valhalla School District for academic programs
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$100,000 to the Mayfair-Knollwood Civic Association
Mayfair-Knollwood residents originally favored extending the WestHelp lease because the shelter has caused few problems other than adding children to the school system. (The lease said only families without school aged children would be accepted.) However, residents are troubled by the County's plans to build another homeless shelter on their northern borders. Alice Moroney noted that another meeting on this issue is scheduled for Monday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Town Hall.
CGCA TO SERVE ON FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT & FLOOD HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING COMMITTEE
In response to the September 10 letter from DPW Commissioner Al Regula, the CGCA has agreed to serve on a. proposed committee to address flooding problems throughout Greenburgh. Richard White (from Poet's Corner) has agreed to represent the CGCA on the committee. However, Mr. White works in New York City and has indicated that there could be a problem if meetings are scheduled in the afternoon. It has been rumored that representatives from the county Planning Department prefer afternoon meetings. Ella Preiser will attend if Mr. White cannot. Fran McLaughlin, Chair of the Greenburgh Planning Board, will serve en the committee and Planning Board member Blanche Alter will also serve as her alternate.
Madelon O'Shea reported that she spoke with Al Regula and questioned why the other umbrella civic group in Greenburgh - the Edgemont Community Council - had not been invited to participate. She noted that Troublesome Brook in Edgemont is a major flood prone area in town. Mr. Regula apologized for the oversight and invited her to attend.
On a related matter, Al Regula told Ella Preiser that the town has removed a great deal of debris from the Saw Mill River and also cleaned storm drains. The effort appears to be helping since standing water was at a minimum in North Elmsford during a heavy downpour in late September.
PROPOSED EXPANSION OF MIDWAY SHOPPING CENTER
Madelon O'Shea reported that plans to renovate and increase the size of the Midway Shopping Center have been submitted. Supervisor Feiner has sent a message to the Deputy Supervisor for the project and asked that the community compromise with the developers. The property currently has numerous variances and more will be requested, including for increased retail space by about 30,000 square feet and reduced number of required parking spaces. Community residents agree with plans to renovate this shopping center, built in the 1950s, but oppose the variances requested. The Town Board will declare its intent to be Lead Agency under SEQRA for this project at the October 24 board meeting.
VALIMAR-ACCESS ROUTES QUESTIONED
Thelma Washington asked other CGCA members whether she was correct in recalling that the Valimar development on Hillside Avenue was planned as a "gated" community. CGCA members agreed that her recollection was correct. She mentioned that a gatehouse has been built, but no gates have been installed. Also a fence has not been installed around the development. She mentioned that a fence was removed separating the development from the Edgebrook Cooperatives and Valimar residents appear to be parking in the Edgebrook lots. She noted that residents of Valimar also have used properties on Maryton Road as a shortcut pedestrian path. Earlier this year it was rumored that Valimar residents were seeking to have the emergency access road from the development opened onto Stone Avenue. Jackie Zenon stated that both Paul Feiner and Police Captain Joe DeCarlo had told her civic group that there is a chain across the emergency exit and they would not permit the exit to be opened by use by residents.
TRAFFIC, TRAFFIC, TRAFFIC
In response to Mr. Feiner's request for suggestions for his year 2002 goals, CGCA members suggested that in addition to turning over cable access television to an independent board, he address the deteriorating quality of life in Greenburgh that results from traffic. Thelma Washington noted the Virginia Road/Hillside Avenue intersection should be addressed as well as the ineffective left-turn signal at Route 119 and Rosemont Boulevard. Elinore Gordon suggested addressing the dangerous conditions and speeding on Old Tarrytown Road. Irene Zuck noted that Old Kensico Road was supposed to be the next candidate for speed humps. She indicated she was not informed that the report on speed humps by Police Chief John Kapica had been submitted.
Jackie Zenon noted that Supervisor Feiner and Police Captain Joe DeCarlo attended the recent Parkway Gardens CA meeting - speeding vehicles was a major concern. The police will measure the speed of vehicles using North Road and South Road but speed humps cannot be installed because of the hill. Danny Gold reported that a number of studies have ';peen conducted about the number of vehicles that speed along Taxter Road. Police Chief John Kapica informed Mr. Gold's civic group that when traffic enforcement officers are placed in areas where residents complain about speeding, a majority of the tickets issued go to local residents, including some who have been most vocal complaining of speeding.
MISCELLANEOUS
Taxter Ridge, East Irvington. Danny Gold reported that work is progressing toward purchasing and preserving the 200-acre property on Taxter Road currently owned by the Unification Church. Last week Mr. Gold spoke with county and state legislators regarding funding. Two appraisals, with different amounts, have been received. A fact sheet is being prepared.
Buffer Again Threatened - Westchester View Lane. At its October 3 meeting, the Planning Board received a letter questioning conditions of its 1987 subdivision approval that permitted new homes to be built on Westchester View Lane. The owner wishes to clear trees, logs, debris, and underbrush from a required buffer. The Planning Board asked for additional information and will discuss this issue at the October 17 meeting. CGCA members noted that in May 1999 the Planning Board reaffirmed that the required 50-foot buffer be preserved intact in its natural state.
Millennium Gas Pipeline. Alice Moroney reported that staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has recommended that the gas pipeline be allowed to be built following the route along the Con Edison right-of-way and Taconic Parkway through through northern Westchester. The recommendation notes that there will be significant adverse environmental impacts that are unavoidable. Other FERC staff must determine whether there is an actual need for the pipeline before FERC issues its final approval. There has been no further word about whether the Canadian financial backers will continue to back the project.
East Hartsdale Zoning Map Needs Amending. Ella Preiser noted that when the Town Board approved the new zoning for the East Hartsdale Avenue district on September 25, the board did not properly amend the zoning map. Two residential buildings - 180 and 170 East Hartsdale Avenue - remain in a commercial district according to the legislation that was adopted. She informed the Town Board of the problem at the October 10 meeting and was told they will look into the matter.
Westwood, Irvington. Danny Gold reported that Village of Irvington officials are looking into preserving a 22-acre parcel off of Mountain Road as open space. The estimated price is $6.8 million. Several groups are working cooperatively.
Tappan Zee Bridge Study. Alice Moroney reported that meetings regarding the environmental review process for repairing and/or replacing the Tappan Zee Bridge have been scheduled for Tuesday, October 23 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at 123 Main Street, White Plains.
ZBA Grants Variances for Flood Relief. It was noted that at its September 20 meeting, the ZBA granted a Babbitt Court family the variances necessary to elevate their home above the 100-year flood elevation. CGCA members expressed relief that the family received variances from the ZBA and will not have to rely on the questionable `flood relief' legislation enacted by the Town Board on August 22, 2001 which waives certain provisions of the Zoning Ordinance without actually amending the ordinance as required by law.
Problems with Greenburgh Website. CGCA members raised concerns about the Town's website. Deborah Bloom mentioned that it is not kept up-to-date. The East Hartsdale Avenue proposal for rezoning is still the August 21 version, at least two drafts behind what was approved on September 25. Hal Samis noted that he objects to Supervisor Feiner's use of the Greenburgh Town website home page for family pictures and biography. The inappropriateness of the Supervisor's blatant self-promotion was discussed.
CGCA to Broaden Distribution of Minutes. It was agreed that approved minutes of CGCA meetings should be sent to all local newspapers and other media. Francis Sheehan said he would provide addresses.
FOIL Appeal. Broadview Civic Association President Robert Reninger attended the October 9 Town Board work session and addressed the board about his difficulty obtaining an approved grading map that should be available from the Town. Records indicate that it is filed in the map room but the Town does not appear willing to have employees search for it.
Union Baptist Church Plans Expansion. At the October 9 work session, the Union Baptist Church informed the Town Board that they are planning major expansion. The proposal will need site plan approval and major variances for parking and building height. .
CGCA Foresees Another Moratorium Extension. It was noted that it appears likely that the Town will not be ready to adopt the Open Space Comprehensive Plan and Steep Slopes and Wetlands legislation before the moratorium expires at the end of the year. The Planning Board will be discussing the proposed legislation at tomorrow's meeting.
More Funds Requested to Study Town Hall/Library Needs. At the October 2 Town Board work session, one of the members of Supervisor Feiner's special committee made a presentation and recommended that WASA again be hired to study the various options for renovating/relocating Town Hall. Four options are being considered - the current site, the SCI building, Frank's Nursery, and Anthony Veteran Park. Total costs for the study could amount to $82,500. It was noted that the Town Board has rejected figures from WASA in the past.