COUNCIL OF GREENBURGH CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS
Minutes of Meeting - December 12, 2000
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 2000:
Ardsley Estates Civic Association
Beaver Hill Association
Birchwood Civic Association
Broadview Civic Association
'Downing Hill Civic Association
East Hartsdale Avenue Civic Association
East Irvington Civic Association
Edgebrook Cooperative, Inc.
Edgemont Civic Association
Edgemont Community Council, Inc.
Fort Hill Association
Fulton Park Civic Association
Granada Condominium III Association
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
Poets Corner Civic Association
Secor Homes Civic Association, Inc.
Southern Greenville Civic Association
Stone Oaks Condominium
The Colony at Hartsdale
The Cotswold Association, Inc.
Washington Avenue Civic Association
Westchester Hills Condominium
Winding Road Farm Association
Woodhill Civic Association
* also paid 2001 dues
CGCA membership stands at thirty-six civic groups - an all time high. There is $710.00 in the treasury.
Minutes of the November 14 meeting were read and approved for distribution.
Deborah Bloom, CGCA representative from the Homestead Owners Corp., was wished a happy birthday.
Although the meeting was held on the second, instead of the third, Tuesday of the month and holidays were only days away, attendance was good with 14 civic leaders present.
SUPERVISOR FINALLY SUPPORTS CGCA POSITION RE OPEN SPACE
CGCA members expressed pleasure that Supervisor Paul Feiner has finally followed up on the CGCA's suggestion for the Town to seek the right of first refusal to acquire any land that the county or state may auction. Mr. Feiner wrote letters to county and state officials, copies of which were included in the recent CGCA mailing. If the Town had purchased the "excess" property along the Sprain Brook Parkway that the state DOT auctioned off at bargain prices, Greenburgh would have several more acres of open space today. Greenburgh also would not have the current controversies regarding the Kathwood Road (Baker Brothers) property and the proposed Glusker subdivision on High Street. CGCA agreed that such purchase should have been made with tax dollars currently in the Greenways Fund. CGCA Chairman Danny Gold will write letters to county and state officials endorsing Mr. Feiner's request.
GREENBURGH CABLE ACCESS WORSENS AS FEES EXCEED $400,000
CGCA members noted the poor quality (audio and visual) of the CGCA cable TV program featuring CGCA Chairman Gold interviewing Steve Belasco, Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Also noted was the fact that the half-hour CGCA program aired only one minute on each of the Wednesday evenings in November on Channel 73.
CGCA members again expressed concern about the terrible quality of Greenburgh's cable access TV. CGCA members agree that the studio on East Hartsdale Avenue is too small and the equipment is inadequate: It is particularly troubling that the Town receives over $400,000 each year from Cablevision, but fails to allot sufficient money to correct the problems and provide necessary equipment. It was noted that implementation of the Greenburgh Campaign Finance Commission recommendations could solve the problems (see next item discussed). However, it was noted that it is not in an incumbent's interest to allow other candidates quality access to cable TV. Thelma Washington urged that we shouldn't wait but should demand action immediately. She suggested that taping of cable programs be done at the new multipurpose center at Anthony Veteran Park.
GREENBURGH CAMPAIGN FINANCE COMMISSION
The Greenburgh Campaign Finance Commission (GCFC) will present a formal report to the Town Board at tomorrow night's meeting, recommending a number of reforms that should be implemented to create a more equitable political election process in Greenburgh. Mary Tobias, the CGCA representative to the GCFC, said that the recommendations include:
1. An independent, not-for profit Cable Access Television Board to operate and manage all aspects of Greenburgh cable access TV, ensuring fair and equal access to all candidates, with increased cable access for candidates who voluntarily agree to limit contributions during campaigns and agree to debates and other rules.
2. Measures to combat the influence that developers and others have over incumbents by requiring elected officials to recuse themselves from voting on applications if they have received $500 or more from the applicant during the last two years.
3. Measures to level the playing field, assuring all candidates equal access to public facilities such as parks, and prohibiting incumbents from using their name, voice or likeness in taxpayer financed print or broadcast advertisements during the campaign season.
4. Creation of a 5-member, politically diverse Fair Election Practices Board (FEPB) to oversee Greenburgh elections for Town offices. The FEPB would have the authority to refer any conduct that may be in violation of Greenburgh's Code of Ethics directly to the Town's Board of Ethics.
CGCA members discussed and strongly supported the proposed recommendations of the GCFC, but questioned whether the Town Board would implement these recommendations. The CGCA does not want these recommendations to sit on a shelf collecting dust. It was noted that Supervisor Feiner had attended the November 28 GCFC meeting and made it clear to the members that he would not support their recommendations unless they include his recommendation for total taxpayer financing of local elections. Chairman Gold will attend tomorrow's board meeting and present the CGCA views.
AFTER 6 YEARS, TOWN DRAFTS QUESTIONABLE "ADULT USE" LEGISLATION
CGCA members noted that the agenda for tomorrow night's Town Board meeting states not only that there will be a public hearing to consider amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regulating adult use establishments but-also that the board intends to make a decision on this issue. At today's Town Board work session, Supervisor Feiner verified that the board would vote on the amendments at the meeting and ordered anyone with comments about the proposed amendments to speak with him or Town Attorney Susan Mancuso.
The-proposed amendments were not made available to the Town Board members, Town Clerk or the public until December 5; one week ago. CGCA members who have seen the legislation note that it is poorly written with a number of ambiguities. Some, but not all, of the wording is taken verbatim from New York City's ordinance, and no effort has been made to tailor it to Greenburgh's code. The proposed amendments are not "content neutral" and likely would not withstand a court challenge. In addition, the proposed amendments have not been referred to the Planning Board for its review and recommendation as required by the Zoning Ordinance. There are also questions of whether SEQRA requirements have been met or proper notice has been given under New York State law.
CGCA & TOWN STAFF WORK TO REVISE TOWN "CANOPY"' AMENDMENTS
A Public Hearing was held at the November 20 Town Board meetings on recently revised legislation regulating canopies for gas stations, other commercial uses and residences. The hearing was adjourned until the December 13 meeting after community members raised concerns about the lack of findings and the substantive revisions to the Planning Board's recommendations made in April 2000. In an effort to improve the wording of these proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Madelon O'Shea, Ella Preiser and Francis Sheehan met with Town Attorney Susan Mancuso and Deputy Town Attorney Jan Ulman for more than 2'/2 hours on November 29. It has been difficult to schedule another meeting at a mutually agreeable time. CGCA members will request that the hearing be adjourned again as the current wording is unacceptable - e.g., it could allow 29-foot high canopies at gas stations.
ANTENNA REVIEW BOARD
Ella Preiser attended the November 30 meeting of the Antenna Review Board as a representative of the CGCA. She audio-taped the ARB meeting to accurately report to the CGCA and gave the following report on the ARB meeting to CGCA members.
All five members of the ARB attended the 7-30 p.m. meeting on November 30. Councilwoman Eddie Mae Barnes, ARB Liaison to the Town Board, also attended. ARB member Francis Sheehan videotaped the meeting for his personal use, as a personal and professional safeguard. Issues for discussion included those items that were not covered on the agenda ARB member Mary Tobias had distributed at the October 19 ARB meeting. ARB member Michelle McNally, whose terms expires in December, noted that she is seeking reappointment to the ARB for a five-year term.
Procedures for taking, distributing and approving minutes were discussed. ARB Chairperson Catherine Lederer-Plaskett insisted that there were minutes for previous meetings but acknowledged that they were informal notes and had never been distributed because the ARB does not have a secretary. A vote was taken, which passed unanimously, that in the future, the four members of the ARB (other than the Chair) would take minutes of meetings on a rotating basis. Mr. Sheehan urged that minutes be mailed to ARB minutes in advance of a meeting. A second vote was taken that minutes of meetings should be distributed to members at the next meeting, rather than mailed in advance of the meeting. Ms. Lederer-Plaskett and Ms. McNally voted yes, Ms. Tobias and Mr. Sheehan voted no, and Cora Carey abstained. Because of the unresolved tie vote, minutes of meetings will be distributed at the following ARB meeting. The next item discussed was where to place the approval of minutes on the agenda. Ms. Lederer-Plaskett stated that the ARB's first order of business was to review applications, and the approval of minutes should come later. After a lengthy discussion, the five ARB members agreed, without a formal vote, that approval of minutes would be listed as the first item on future agenda.
The second topic of discussion concerned whether the ARB should hold regularly scheduled meetings: A lengthy discussion. ensued. Ms. Lederer-Plaskett and Ms. McNally argued against setting a regular date, noting they were tied to a 30-day clock and had no way of knowing when an application would come in. Ms. Tobias and Mr. Sheehan cited the advantages of regularly scheduled meetings - e.g., the 4`h Thursday of-each month - including being able. to arrange their personal .schedules, easily informing the public of ARB meetings and guaranteeing that a room at Town Hall would be available, as well as being consistent with most other boards in the town. They noted that a special meeting could be called on the few occasions there might be a problem meeting the 30-day clock. A formal vote was taken. Ms. Carey, Ms McNally and Ms. Lederer-Plaskett voted that the date of the following meeting would be established each month. Ms. Tobias and Mr. Sheehan voted against the resolution.
The next topic of discussion concerned the distribution, in a timely fashion, of all correspondence received/sent by the ARB. Ms. Lederer-Plaskett said her current method was to make copies of correspondence, insert the copies in a file folder and distribute the copies at the following ARB meeting. Mr. Sheehan noted that the Zoning Board members have files mailed to them before each meeting and have a policy not to read any correspondence delivered in their folders the night of a meeting. He noted, if the ARB does not deal with correspondence in a timely fashion, there could be legal ramifications for the Town. Ms. Lederer-Plaskett stated that it has always been her policy to hand out correspondence at the next meeting. Mr. Sheehan disagreed and cited instances when he had hand delivered copies to other ARB members' homes. Ms. Lederer-Plaskett noted that the ARB does not have a secretary. She stated she has personally paid for postage and mailed papers to Ms. Tobias and Mr. Sheehan, who claim they have not received them. She urged them to check with their postmaster. Mr. Sheehan urged the ARB chair to approach the Town Board again in writing and ask for a town staff member to do mailings. Ms. Lederer-Plaskett reminded that they had already verbally done that to no avail. After a lengthy discussion, a vote was taken. Ms. Carey, Ms. McNally, and Ms. Lederer-Plaskett voted that correspondence should continue to be handed out at meetings, not in advance. Ms. Tobias and Mr. Sheehan voted against the resolution.
Also discussed was a letter the ARB chair had written to Mr. Feiner about televising ARB meetings, and the ARB's willingness to schedule a meeting with neighbors near the Con Ed K-45 tower. Ms. Lederer-Plaskett disagreed with Ms. Tobias' interpretation of what the letter said. A letter was also discussed that the Police Chief had written to Town Board members, at the request of Ms. Lederer-Plaskett. The letter urged the Town Board to recommend against the Metricom application since the wireless network might encourage motorists to use laptop computers while driving and endanger other motorists or pedestrians. Ms. Lederer-Plaskett then presented the chief s letter to the Town Board at the October 10, 2000 work session and requested the board to write to Metricom expressing disinterest in the proposal. Mr. Sheehan raised concerns about the ARB chair seeking support from the Police Chief and Town Board to kill the Metricom application quietly while the ARB continued through the motions of reviewing the application and writing Metricom to provide additional information. Ms. Lederer-Plaskett told ARB members that she had spoken to the Police Chief and discussed his letter at the October 10 Town Board work session as a private citizen, not as chair of the ARB.
Mrs. Preiser informed CGCA members that there was a great deal of hostility at this ARB meeting. Councilwoman Eddie Mae Barnes sat mute during much of the meeting but did accuse ARB members Tobias and Sheehan of being divisive. CGCA members agreed that something is terribly wrong but they are unsure of what is the real problem. Mrs. Preiser suggested that it is absurd that an official board of this Town should not be entitled to staff' services for copying and mailing correspondence. It is not unreasonable for ARB members Tobias and Sheehan to request this courtesy, and the cost would be minimal. Much of the discussion, unpleasantness and three-two votes could have been avoided if Councilwoman Barnes had assured this request for office help would be honored.
NEW TOWN HALL/LIBRARY - SCI BUILDING
Last week Town Councilwoman Timmy Weinberg and Town Clerk Alfreda Williams asked CGCA Chairman Danny Gold if they could make a presentation to CGCA members at tonight's meeting. Mr. Gold extended an invitation but was informed that the subject of the presentation would not be revealed until Monday (yesterday): Yesterday, Mr. Gold was informed that Ms. Weinberg and Ms. Williams wished to address CGCA members about the Town's plans to purchase the SCI building at 100-150 Hillside Avenue for a new Town Hall and Library.
Councilwoman Weinberg and Town Clerk Williams arrived at the CGCA meeting at 9 p.m. Ms. Williams discussed the study conducted a year and a half ago by consultants regarding space needs for Town Hall and the Library and whether those space needs could be accomplished by a possible expansion of the existing facilities. In an interim report, the consultants proposed building a three-story parking structure between the buildings and putting an office tower on top of this garage. The cost would be $22.5 million, and that figure did not include the cost of housing Town Hall staff during the three years it would take to build the addition and do the renovations. She noted that the proposed new building and renovations would be considered viable for only 8 to 10 years, and such a short life expectancy was problematic. The current Town Hall building was erected 45 to 50 years ago.
Ms. Williams said the Town then began looking at vacant land and other buildings. There were not very many. They then started concentrating on the SCI building on Hillside Avenue and began negotiating with the principals about six months ago. She noted it was an arduous task since the owners were asking for a lot of money and also asking for things such as a lease/hold arrangement for 25-30 years with a payment every year - a financial arrangement that a municipality can't make in New York State.
Ms. Weinberg stated that the Town was concerned about finding a place that would be centrally located, easy to get to by people who are the least mobile in the community. She said people could walk to the SCI building and there will be about 340 parking spaces for those driving. She envisioned the Town Hall and Library having adequate space at the SCI building for the next 20 to 25 years, a conservative estimate. The building may have some empty space that could be rented to pay down the debt from our general budget. Sale of the existing Town Hall and Library properties will reduce the initial cost of bonding. Ms. Weinberg noted that the Town, during the last two and one-half days, had conversations with State Senator Nick Spano and State Assemblyman Richard Brodsky who are committed to working with the Town to get funding for the Library. The Town has also met with the Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, George Latimer, and will work with County Legislators Tom Abinanti and Lois Bronz for additional funding. The Library Board and Friends of the Library will also be working on funding. Ms. Weinberg noted there are many avenues of reducing the indebtedness of Greenburgh. Without any of these other sources, and without selling the existing properties, Ms. Weinberg said, a 30year bond would probably cost the average homeowner, with property assessed at $15,000, $40.00 a year for those living in unincorporated Greenburgh. For those living in the -villages, the cost would be approximately $5.00 a year because they are not responsible for the Library portion. Ms. Weinberg noted again that those figures could -be reduced by the sale of the existing properties. She noted that she would like to see the existing properties go back on the tax rolls.
Ms. Weinberg indicated that the reason they asked to speak with CGCA members tonight is because a press release has been issued, and the story will probably break tomorrow or the next day. She indicated that contract agreements are being drawn up and should be available tomorrow. There is a handshake agreement and they have agreed on the price -$7.8 million. That price is just for the shell of an empty building and the property. Designs have yet to be drawn for its efficient use as a Town Hall and Library. There is roadwork that will have to be done - a condition placed on the approval granted the developer of the SCI building. The cost of the roadwork is approximately $1.5 million to a developer but the Town can have it done for a little more than half of that amount. She noted that the cost to complete the inside of the building is estimated to be $90 to $100 per square foot - for the 13 5,000 square foot building.
Ms. Williams noted that the Town would need approximately 120,000 to 125,000 square feet. In addition to Town Hall and Library needs, the new building would also provide space for other uses not currently at Town Hall, including the water department, the purchasing department, storage of voting machines and storage of old files. The rest of the space could be rented to defray costs.
Ms. Weinberg noted that the SCI building is constructed to accommodate 4 elevators and a loading dock. Much of the Library would need to be located on the first floor because of the weight of the books. Areas like open space meeting rooms will be designed for common use between the library and town hall.
Danny Gold questioned the structural integrity of the building since ,it had stood as only a steel structure for 7 years. Ms. Weinberg noted that it was inspected before the Town permitted the structure to be enclosed. Ella Preiser asked about a time line. Ms. Weinberg suggested about 18-months since most of the work needs to be done inside and can be completed regardless of weather or season.
Cleo Oliver asked if it was a "done deal" and why neighbors in the area haven't been notified. Ms. Williams responded that the owners asked that negotiations be in complete secrecy because if the negotiations failed, they wanted to be able to offer it to someone else.
Madelon O'Shea noted that the multipurpose center and sanitation garage were "nickeled and dimed" to death and ended up far different from what was originally proposed. Ms. Weinberg indicated that the Town should move forward with the bidding process as quickly as possible to get the work done so that we don't get nickeled and dimed. Mrs. O'Shea also asked that civic groups get more respect and not be forced to fight the battle of selective enforcement and other things if the Town wants her to sell the idea of this purchase to Edgemont residents. Ms. Weinberg indicated that she had heard this argument from others and would like to see and work toward a whole new attitude between civic groups and the Town Board in the new millennium.
Danny Gold asked if the Town would consider putting a modern cable studio with control rooms in the SCI building. CGCA members noted that the studio on East Hartsdale Avenue is too small. Ms. Williams pointed out that there is only a two-year lease on the East Hartsdale Avenue studio and that the SCI building would have ample room for a cable studio.
Cleo Oliver noted again her concerns that local people had not been notified since purchase of this property would take another property in Fairview off of the tax rolls. Elmore Gordon questioned the amount of tax loss and was told the Town is currently getting $40,000 a year for the SCI building.
Alice Moroney and Thelma Washington expressed concerns about traffic in the vicinity of the SCI building, particularly the I-287 exit ramp. They noted the narrowness of Knollwood Road and Old Tarrytown Road. Cleo Oliver stated it is easy to hit the sidewalk when driving near the exit ramp.
Francis Sheehan asked if the SCI building is rated for a maximum of three stories, noting that 25 years is a short period. Ms. Williams responded that there is sufficient space to build out if we couldn't build up in the future. Curt Constable asked about future staffing and the cost to taxpayers since the building is more than three times the size of the current buildings. Ms. Weinberg noted that there might be more staff but certainly not three times the current number. Hy Fishoff asked if there were any plans shoving the proposed layout inside of the building. Ms. Weinberg responded that the Library is currently working on plans.
Mary Tobias asked whether there has been a Town Board vote. Ms. Weinberg indicated that there is just a handshake agreement and the contract should be in tomorrow. The contract will not be signed until the board authorizes it, hopefully at the January 10 meeting.
Madelon O'Shea suggested binding the contractors to a bonus or penalty to minimize time delays and cost overruns. She also asked for a fact sheet about the existing and proposed buildings. Ms. Weinberg said that a fact sheet was being worked on as we speak. Out of respect for the CGCA, she wanted to come here and tell us about this, before we picked up the newspaper and read about it in the morning. She indicated that the current owners of the SCI building, Alfred and (his son) Alan Weissman, are very philanthropically involved in Yonkers. They have indicated a willingness to turn over the keys for the building if any one would like a tour. They have owned the building for the past ten months.
MISCELLANEOUS
Child Day Care Center - Prospect Avenue. Concerns were expressed about a proposal for a day care center for children from Westhab on the property next to Argento & Son, Inc. which sells and services lawn mowers, leaf and snow blowers, and other small engines.
Comprehensive Plan. The Town Board officially recognized community members who had worked on the Comprehensive Plan at the November 20 board meeting. The board also officially accepted the document and declared its intent to be Lead Agency, starting the SEQRA process. Residents who want to have input into the Comprehensive Plan approval process may find it expensive. The cost to purchase a copy of the Comprehensive Plan is $75, and the Town will loan residents a copy for $25. The Town also plans to put the Plan on the Town's website.
Glusker Subdivision - High Street, North Elmsford. The Public Hearing scheduled for December 6 before the Planning Board was adjourned to January 3, 2000 because the developer had not submitted all the requested information.
Midway Shopping Center Rehab. At the November 28 Town Board work session, the board was presented with preliminary plans to update the shopping center on Central Avenue. Formal plans have not vet been filed.
Old Army Road Subdivision. At the December 6 meeting, the Planning Board declared its intent to be Lead Agency for the proposed three-lot subdivision at the corner of Old Army Road and Ardsley Road. Area neighbors are very upset that the Building Inspector allowed the developer to demolish the century old tower on the property.
Route 9A Road Improvements. At today's Town Board work session, Councilman Les Adler announced that representatives from the DOT will present a progress report on the DOT's plans for a Route 9A bypass and other 9A road improvements at Town Hall at 1 p.m. on December 21.
Supervisor Feiner's 2001 Goals. Francis Sheehan noted that he has agreed to meet with Mr. Feiner to help him make his 2001 goals objective and measurable. Mr. Sheehan shared with CGCA members some of the many goals Mr. Feiner has listed for next year.
Copies of articles distributed:
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A November 21, 2000 article from the Journal News "Alternatives weighed for gas pipeline."
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A November 28, 2000 article from the Journal News, "Supplier hits pipeline claim."
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A December 7, 2000 article from the Journal News, "Home Depot saga puzzles Mt. Pleasant official."