Minutes of Meeting - December 13, 2005

The Council of Greenburgh Civic Associations (CGCA) seeks to provide information and to advance the common interests of member civic groups in important Town affairs. CGCA Treasurer Mary Tobias has reported receiving dues for the year 2005 from the following civic groups:

Ardsley Estates Civic Association
Ardsley - Hillcrest Park Civic Association *
Babbitt Court Civic Association
Beaver Hill Association
Birchwood Civic Association *
Broadview Civic Association *
Chatterton Parkway Civic Association
East Irvington Civic Association
Edgebrook Cooperative, Inc.
Fairground Civic Association
Fort Hill Association
Fulton Park Civic Association
Granada Condominium III Association
Greenridge Association Hartsdale Highlands Civic Assoc. *
Hillside Wyndover Civic Association *
Hilltop Farms Civic Association
Homestead Owners Corp.
Juniper Hill Civic Association
Knollwood Manor Civic Association
Knollwood Neighborhood Civic Association *
Longview Association
Mayfair-Knollwood Civic Association
North Elmsford Civic Association
Northern Greenville Association
Parkway Gardens Civic Association
Parkway Homes Civic Association
Rex Ridge Apartment Corp. *
Secor Homes Civic Association, Inc.
Stone Oaks Condominium
The Colony at Hartsdale *
The Edgemont Association
The Sprain Road Association
Westchester Hills Condominium
Winding Road Farm Association
Woodhill Civic Association *
Woodlands-Bradley Civic Association

*Also paid dues for the year 2006

Thirty-eight civic groups paid dues for the year 2005. To date, ten civic groups have paid dues for the year 2006. There is $1,068.16 in the treasury.

The meeting was held at the Theodore D. Young Community Center. Minutes of the CGCA meeting on November 15, 2005 were approved. "Happy Birthday" greetings were extended to Deborah Bloom.

CAC CHAIR TO PRESENT TREE LAW AMENDMENTS AT CGCA JANUARY MEETING

Madelon O'Shea reported that Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) Chair Theresa Tori has accepted the invitation to attend the CGCA meeting on January 17, 2006. At that meeting a 15-minute block of time will be set aside for discussion and questions on the CAC's latest recommended amendments to the Greenburgh law entitled "Trees." Ms. Tori agreed to provide an executive summary of the proposed amendments in advance to Mrs. O'Shea. The summary will be included with the January mailing to CGCA representatives. The text of the current proposal is available on the Town's Web site.

2006 TENTATIVE BUDGET GETS THOROUGH REVIEW BY TOWN COUNCIL

Madelon O'Shea questioned whether CGCA representatives had seen Supervisor Paul Feiner's email endorsing an additional Code Enforcement officer in the 2006 budget and claiming that the proposed Legislative Aide for the Town Council members was a "political patronage" job. A lengthy discussion ensued about the proposed budget. It was suggested that the matter should not be framed in Mr. Feiner's words as a question of "either - or." Rather the two positions should be considered independently (and will be addressed separately in these minutes].

Ella Preiser told CGCA representatives that the Town Council members deserve thanks, for the many hours they devoted to understanding and reviewing the 2006 budget. Several work sessions on the budget were held and extended from 3 p.m. to after 11 p.m. Town Councilman-elect Francis Sheehan was invited to sit at the table. He participated in the Town Council's review of the budget. Mrs. Preiser said this was the first year the budget had been reviewed in such depth.

CGCA representatives supported the Town Council's decision to use as revenues in the 2006 budget some of the enormous "fund balances" the Town has accumulated. Use of some of the fund balances would eliminate the need for the 3.82% tax increase Mr. Feiner proposed in the "B" budget (paid by Unincorporated taxpayers) and would provide for a greater tax decrease in the "A" budget (paid by both Village and Unincorporated taxpayers). Irene Zuck questioned whether a vote would take place at tomorrow's (12/14/05) Town Board meeting. Inasmuch as the funeral for Councilwoman Diana Juettner's mother will take place tomorrow, it is likely that a vote on the budget will be adjourned to the special meeting of the Town Board on December 19, 2005.

SHOULD THE TOWN HIRE AN ADDITIONAL CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER?

CGCA representatives raised conflicting opinions about whether an additional Code Enforcement Officer was necessary in the Building Department. Bill Greenawalt asked why the Town Council eliminated the position in the 2006 budget. Councilman Steve Bass responded that Supervisor Feiner's budget message said the person hired would enforce quality of life issues such as littering, sanitation, noise, etc. Mr. Bass explained these are not Building Department functions and the Town already has personnel to enforce these issues. Deborah Bloom commented that there has not been follow through on some violations that have been reported to the Building Department and Supervisor Feiner has even put directions in writing to the Building Inspector that certain violations should be ignored. It was noted many of the issued violations are against homeowners, not against businesses. Mr. Bass mentioned recent problems at BMW, the Marshall's Shopping Center, and the Midway Shopping Center. Madelon O'Shea mentioned a recent subdivision where the Building Inspector said his department would not enforce a landscape plan. Ella Preiser noted that the Building Department requires complaints to be put in writing and many residents fear repercussions or do not want to "squeal" on neighbors.

Town Attorney Tim Lewis told CGCA representatives that he thinks the Building Department is overworked and needs additional help, based on personal knowledge working with inspectors regarding violation notices. He said the Building Inspector is really a manager who makes policy decisions. Ivan Sargeant said the primary function of a Building Inspector is to review documents to ensure compliance. Robert Reninger noted that the Building Inspector is the only person empowered to enforce the Zoning Ordinance.

Danny Gold and Victor Alleyne both strongly endorsed hiring an additional Code Enforcement Officer and noted it was important for the person to work at night and on weekends to enforce certain code provisions - e.g., no parking of commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods overnight. I Mr. Alleyne emphasized the enormous numbers of illegal roomers and boarders all over town. Mrs. O'Shea pointed out that the CGCA had supported hiring evening/weekend Code Enforcement Officers in the past but once hired the positions were absorbed into the regular Building Department staff. Ella Preiser said that at today's (12/13/05) Town Board work session, Councilwoman Timmy Weinberg suggested that part of the proposed officer's time should be devoted to enforcing conditions of approval imposed by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals. She noted that at the last Planning Board meeting some members of the Planning Board questioned why they bothered to impose conditions since they lacked the ability to enforce the conditions.

SHOULD THE TOWN HIRE A TOWN COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE AIDE?

CGCA representatives raised numerous questions about the Town Council's desire to hire a legislative aide. The position would be funded in the "A" budget. Bill Greenawalt said he didn't think any of the village trustees in Greenburgh have legislative aides. Ella Preiser pointed out that the Villages have professional managers. Mr. Greenawalt wondered what the function would be and whether it was just a reaction to Supervisor Paul Feiner's management style. It was noted that all four Town Council members have full time jobs. They need someone to attend meetings in their absence and help in learning the issues, conducting research, and responding to constituents' concerns. Danny Gold asked if other communities had legislative aides. He was informed a number of municipalities have separate assistants for each councilperson.

Ella Preiser reported that at today's (12/13/05) Town Board work session, Mr. Feiner realized he w i would not be able to discourage the Town Council members from including funding for the legislative aide in the budget. Instead he argued that he also is a Town Councilperson, and if a legislative aide is hired, he should have the right to assistance from the person. Mr. Feiner was unmoved by arguments that he was not a Town Councilperson but the Supervisor. He said he was going to seek an opinion from Albany. Town Attorney Tim Lewis told CGCA representatives that he was currently researching the issue. Tongue in cheek, Elinore Gordon pondered whether Mr. Feiner's salary should be reduced to that of a Town Councilperson.

STALLED ROUTE 9A BYPASS PLAN DRAWS RENEWED INTEREST

Madelon O'Shea reported on a meeting on December 8, 2005, regarding construction of a possible Route 9A bypass road in the Elmsford/North Elmsford area. Attending the meeting were Supervisor Paul Feiner; Councilman-Elect Francis Sheehan; Town Attorney Tim Lewis; DPW Commissioner Al Regula and Deputy Commissioner Butch Nanna; Town Engineer Mike Lepre; Elmsford Mayor Robert Williams; Tarrytown Mayor Drew Fixell; representatives from the offices of State Senator Nick Spano and State Assemblyman Richard Brodsky; Greenburgh residents Murray Boudin, Danny Gold, Ella Preiser and Madelon O'Shea; developer Robert Weinberg of the Robert Martin Company; and a reporter from the Journal News.

Mrs. O'Shea noted that Mr. Weinberg essentially chaired the meeting and provided plans for a proposed Route 9A bypass road. The plans had been prepared in 2000 by an engineering firm hired by the State Department of Transportation (DOT). It is unclear why the planning process was discontinued - possibly for financial reasons. The bypass road would parallel Route 9A and extend from Route 119 in the Village of Elmsford to Dana Road in the Town of Mount Pleasant. A main purpose would be to remove most heavy truck traffic from Route 9A. Mr. Weinberg favored extending the bypass south from Route 119 along property he owns in Elmsford. Mr. Boudin said there had been discussion about a Village of Ardsley bypass road. Mrs. Preiser told CGCA representatives that she was concerned because representatives from the Baker Firestone Company, who own two buildings that would be demolished if the bypass were built, were not informed of the meeting. Mrs. Preiser mentioned that the two recently constructed left-turn stacking lanes on 9A at the Route 287 intersection have helped traffic conditions. Mr. Gold noted that stacking lanes on Route 119 at Taxter Road have also been helpful.

TAILOR-MADE MEDICAL CLINIC LAW DOESN'T FIT GHC

Mr. Reninger said the Town is taking the wrong approach. Instead of amending the code, the applicant should apply to the ZBA for relief. He noted this is the method other applicants must use when they can't comply with provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Reninger said there were also procedural defects. He noted when Councilman Steve Bass introduced the amendments on November 21, 2005, the document in question was eight pages long. The document being considered at tomorrow's public hearing is only three pages long. Madelon O'Shea commented that the GHC fills a vital need in the Town and obviously has received terrible guidance. She asked the question - if the Town is revising the law for a specific applicant, why isn't that spot-zoning. Mr. Reninger suggested it was a blatant example of spot zoning. It was noted that the courts consider spot zoning illegal. In response to questions from Victor Alleyne, Mr. Reninger said the proposed site for the new GHC is not suitable or safe. He pointed out more than 70% of GHC clients come by foot or use public transportation and a safe sidewalk could not be built to the site from bus routes.

Mr. Reninger asked for CGCA support in opposing the amendments. Danny Gold was impressed with Mr. Reninger's arguments that most references to setbacks in the Zoning Ordinance are from the property line, not from the building. Mr. Gold proposed that the CGCA oppose the amendments and encourage the GHC to follow regular procedure and apply to the ZBA for relief. CGCA representatives voted in favor of opposing the amendments. Bill Greenawalt disagreed. He felt the Town Board obviously made a mistake and expressed the belief it would be punitive to send the GHC to the ZBA. Mrs. O'Shea noted there is a price to be paid for carelessness. Ella Preiser suggested that the Town Board should start adhering to procedures and stop making last minute changes to laws. She noted that in August the GHC attorney agreed to the last minute changes to the law that now require amendments.

In fact, Francis Sheehan told her that during the August hearing he pointed out the ambiguous language to the attorney for GHC. The attorney responded that the language was fine because it did not apply to the proposed site for GHC.

PERKS PROMISED FOR AVALON GREEN II APPROVAL

Danny Gold provided an update on the Avalon Green II proposal to build housing units on Nob Hill, off of Taxter Road in Unincorporated Greenburgh. In 1994, the Robert Martin Company (RMC) proposed 800 rental units. The East Irvington community met with RMC for two years and in 1996 sent a letter offering a compromise of 400 units. RMC rejected the compromise. Ten years later, RMC and the community will agree to 444 units, which includes 10% additional units for affordable housing. A Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) has been prepared. At its work session on December 6, 2005, the Town Board heard that the FEIS could be declared "complete." At the work session Mr. Gold objected to what appeared to be a different bedroom count in the proposed 444 units. Planning Commissioner Mark Stellato said that the correct bedroom count could be included in the Findings Statement the Town Board must prepare.

Mr. Gold told CGCA representatives that the document would be accepted as complete at tomorrow's (12/14/05) Town Board meeting and a public hearing on the FEIS would be scheduled for February 8, 2006. Ella Preiser reported that at today's Town Board work session the issue was discussed again and some board members said they needed more time to review the FEIS. They agreed to remove the item from the December 14 agenda and place it instead on the agenda for the special Town Board meeting on December 19. Town Attorney Tim Lewis told CGCA representatives that he wasn't sure Mrs. Preiser's information was correct. He said he hadn't spoke to Councilwoman Timmy Weinberg but Supervisor Paul Feiner definitely wanted the item on tomorrow's agenda. Councilman Steve Bass confirmed to CGCA representatives that Mrs. Preiser's report on what was said at today's work session was correct. Mr. Gold said he was not concerned if the process takes a little more time because it is an extremely large development. He said the original plan was to split access to the project between Taxter Road and streets in the Village of Elmsford. Elmsford was opposed. The current plan would have all access off of Taxter Road.

Mr. Gold said since the East Irvington community will feel the brunt of this massive project, RMC will donate $1 million for the acquisition of open space land in the East Irvington area. Mr. Gold stated that the community is interested in acquiring an additional 55 acres that would be an integral part of the Taxter Ridge parkland. The property would cost more than $1 million, and the community is discussing other means to obtain the necessary funds. Town Attorney Tim Lewis asked Mr. Gold what he would say to people who point out that the East Irvington community already has plenty of open space and any donation should be for open space in other areas. Mr. Gold said his area was taking a tremendous hit in exchange for open space that would be open to all people, not just those in the East Irvington area. He also noted that RMC is looking at other considerations for the Town.

A conversation followed about the acquisition of open space. Irene Zuck asked Mr. Gold if he was concerned about only East Irvington's needs. Mr. Gold said he was trying to foster a town-wide view and looking at acquiring other open space throughout Greenburgh, e.g. the Gel-Sprain parcel on Ardsley Road. He noted that the town's Greenway Fund expired a few years ago and a number of people are looking at re-initiating the fund - perhaps in a November referendum. And perhaps including the Villages in a town-wide fund. Lorrin Brown suggested that people in Edgemont and Fairview might say that they have no open space left so why should they contribute to a fund. Mr. Gold said there were parks in Fairview - Travis Hill and Yosemite. Elinore Gordon suggested it was incumbent on every generation to keep as much open space as possible. Madelon O'Shea found the idea of including the Villages in an open space fund interesting. Given the current situation over "AB" budget items, Ella Preiser doubted the Villages would be interested.

"FAR" LEGISLATION RAISES CONCERNS - TO BE ADDRESSED IN 2006

Madelon O'Shea reported that the Planning Board has received a referral from the Town Board to review the Town's existing environmental legislation, such as the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) law that was adopted in connection with the Open Space Comprehensive Plan. Because of time limitations, the review will not begin until after the first of the new year. Planning Board agendas have been so overloaded that recent meetings have started at 7:30 p.m. rather than 8:00 p.m. Mrs. O'Shea noted some residents continue to have concerns about the construction of "McMansions" which are legal under the existing FAR law. The ZBA also continues to have concerns about the number of applications filed for variances from the FAR limitations. ZBA members feel that granting so many huge FAR variance requests would be tantamount to re-writing Town law. The ZBA's usual practice is to adjourn FAR cases and politely ask the applicants to consider something smaller. At the ZBA meeting on December 8, two applicants heeded the ZBA's suggestions and were granted FAR variances.

A BUSY DECEMBER PLANNING BOARD MEETING

Ella Preiser reported that at its meeting on December 7, 2005, the Planning Board dealt with a number of cases that the CGCA has been following.

Princewood. The board indicated in work session that it was pleased with the developer's offer to reduce (from 18 to 17) the number of residential units proposed for this multi-family project at 275 Knollwood Road. By eliminating one unit it was possible to eliminate one building and create a better site plan. The applicant must now submit formal plans for staff review before public hearings are scheduled on the slope permit and site plan applications.

Pizza Hut and ProFit Gym. The board granted these two businesses special permits to operate in the Midway Shopping Center on Central Avenue. Pizza Hut would relocate from the stand-alone building to the north end of the main building. ProFit Gym will occupy a portion of the basement at the south end of the main building. Planning Board member Tom McNamara voted against both applications. Because illegal changes were made in the approval letter for another project, Mr. McNamara said he will not approve any application unless he can first read the final wording of the approval letter.

Commerce Bank. The board approved the Commerce Bank application to construct a 4,100 square foot building and four drive-through lanes at 824 Central Avenue. The existing Mount Parnasse Diner building will be demolished. Madelon O'Shea noted there are eight financial institutions located on Central Avenue between Old Army Road and the City of Yonkers border.

Hackley School. The board granted Hackley School a slope permit. The school plans to demolish the existing lower school (K-4) and construct a slightly larger lower school building on the same site.

Old Sprain Road Subdivision. The board heard testimony and then adjourned to an unspecified date the hearing on this proposed 11-lot subdivision near the intersection of Underhill Road and Old Sprain Road. Because of environmental concerns, Unincorporated Greenburgh neighbors have hired attorney Paul Sirignano and planner Nat Parish to represent their interests regarding this application. Madelon O'Shea told CGCA representatives that the Town must begin dialog with the Village of Ardsley and Ardsley Schools, which will be heavily impacted by these 11 housing units and the 25-lot subdivision proposed for the Gel-Sprain property in Unincorporated Greenburgh on Ardsley Road. In the same general area, another 14-unit subdivision is proposed within the village of Ardsley.

TOWN SET TO ADOPT LIFE-SAVING DEFIBRILLATOR LAW

A continued public hearing on a law that would require Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at sites where senior citizens tend to congregate is scheduled for tomorrow's (12/14/05) Town Board meeting. Councilwoman Timmy Weinberg suggested that the Town adopt such a law: When available for use, AEDs can dramatically improve survival rates in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. Ella Preiser told CGCA representatives that Councilman-Elect Francis Sheehan has been working "overtime" with Deputy Town Attorney Janet Insardi to resolve issues that were raised concerning the initially proposed law. Trained personnel and AEDs are already in place at the Police Station, the Theodore D. Young Community Center, the Multi-Purpose Center and the Library. The proposed law would also require AEDs at the Town Hall, the Town Court and at all Senior Housing Facilities and all Senior Daycare Centers. The law would establish standards for those entities required to maintain AEDs on site. The Greenburgh Police Department would provide rules, training courses and any necessary information regarding the defibrillator law.

A/B BUDGET MEDIATION REQUIRES UNINCORPORATED RESIDENT VOLUNTEERS

Ella Preiser reported that instead of the 60-day extension the Town requested to "perfect" its appeal of the (2/17/05) decision Bob Bernstein won, the court granted a 45-day extension to January 6, 2006. The Villages are urging the Town Board to appeal the decision that requires Taxter Ridge to be paid for by taxes imposed town-wide. Mrs. Preiser questioned whether the mediation process being considered by the Town could be completed before the January 6 deadline: Councilman Steve Bass told CGCA representatives that he thinks the court would prefer that Greenburgh negotiate a settlement and would be willing to grant another extension if negotiations were underway. Town Attorney Tim Lewis said the Town could file its papers on January 6 and ask Mr. Bernstein to apply for an extension. Mrs. Preiser responded that Mr. Bernstein has said in the past he would agree to the Town's request for an extension but he would not apply for an extension to respond to the Town's filing.

A discussion took place about the mediation process. It appears that retired state Supreme Court Judge Samuel Fredman will be hired by the Town Board. Bill Greenawalt asked how much Mr. Fredman would be paid. The funding would come from the "A" budget and Councilman Bass said the Town Board had agreed to a $25,000 cap. Town Attorney Lewis said Mr. Fredman agreed to conduct the negotiations for $450 an hour rather than the $200 per hour stated in the local media or the $206 per hour per party stated by Mr. Fredman during the interview process at a November Town Board work session. Questions were raised about whether the Villages would participate since they have publicly stated they would not participate in the process. Mr. Bass noted that the Villages have not formally agreed to participate. The Villages have formed a Village Officials' Committee (VOC), a 12-member group comprised of the mayors and a trustee from each Village. Mrs. Preiser said she heard that Mr. Fredman met with the mayors last Wednesday (12/7/05) She understands that the VOC will appoint three members to represent the VOC in any negotiations.

It was noted that the CGCA is the only organization that for years has spoken for Unincorporated Greenburgh. Mr. Bass said that since the Villages are considering a three-member negotiating team, he and Councilwoman Diana Juettner discussed having Unincorporated Greenburgh put together a 12member board from which a three-member team could be chosen to negotiate. Madelon O'Shea said the CGCA should consider people who are knowledgeable about the "A/B" budgets and especially those who could meet for negotiations during the day. Some CGCA representatives offered to serve on the 12-member committee. The names of several other Unincorporated Greenburgh residents were suggested. Mrs. O'Shea and Mrs. Preiser will contact these residents. Since Mr. Fredman will be outof-town until early January, there will be time to form a committee.

VACANCIES TO OCCUR ON ZBA, ARB AND PLANNING BOARD

Deborah Bloom inquired whether CGCA representatives had any suggestions regarding a person to replace Francis Sheehan on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) since Mr. Sheehan must resign from the ZBA when he takes a seat on the Town Board, effective January l, 2006. Town Attorney Tim Lewis suggested the appointment of Councilwoman Timmy Weinberg, who will be retiring from the Town Board on December 31, 2005, since she has experience. Madelon O'Shea said that it was extremely important that Mr. Sheehan's replacement be someone who is detail-oriented and willing to make site visits. A replacement must also be named to fill Mr. Sheehan's seat on the Antenna Review Board (ARB). Ella Preiser said that she understands there will also be a vacancy on the Planning Board because Delores Brathwaite is resigning. CGCA representatives were encouraged to put forth names of qualified residents for these three vacancies.

BIDS TO BE REQUESTED TO BUILD TOWN HALL CABLE TV STUDIO

Ella Preiser told CGCA representatives that it appears the construction of a television studio at Town Hail may occur in the foreseeable future. At the work session on November 22, 2005, the Town Board heard the results of an acoustical engineer's report on three possible locations for a studio at Town Hall. At all three locations - the Philanthropy office and the Mailroom on the first floor and in the second floor room over the Town Clerk's office - double walls and ceilings would be needed to create a soundproof studio. Because it is next to the existing cable television control room, the best option is that portion of the existing Mailroom that is currently used for storage. Storage will be moved elsewhere in the building, possibly to the second floor. Mrs. Preiser noted that a resolution to solicit bids to construct the studio is on the agenda for tomorrow's (12/14/05) Town Board meeting.

TOWN HOLDS MEETING FOR REALTORS

Madelon O'Shea reported that she attended a meeting last week for realtors. A number of department heads attended the meeting. Mrs. O'Shea complimented Building Inspector John Lucido for a handout he prepared. The handout offered suggestions, such as before advertising a building as a two-family house, the realtor should check to see that it is legal. At the meeting, only a brief mention was made of Supervisor Feiner's suggestion for "virtual tours" of neighborhoods. Mrs. O'Shea told CGCA representatives that most people in Edgemont do not want homes or schools shown on the Internet. Irene Zuck mentioned the Fulton Park community is also opposed to "virtual tours." Danny Gold said he sent the suggestion to his steering committee and they though it was a good idea.

MISCELLANEOUS

Union Baptist Church Granted Parking Variance. At its. meeting on December 8, 2005, the ZBA granted Union Baptist Church's application for a variance to reduce the required number of parking spaces from 287 to 57: To meet its parking needs, the church has made arrangements to allow church members to park on Sunday mornings on the properties of Crossroads Shopping Center, Nova Lighting, and the Theodore D. Young Community Center. In granting the variance, the ZBA imposed a number of special conditions, including prohibiting other activities at the Church during Sunday services and requiring crossing guards, shuttle vans, and valet parking.

Golf Club Denied Variance for a 52-Foot High Net. The ZBA denied Scarsdale Golf Club's request for a variance to erect a 52-foot high net to catch errant golf balls. The ZBA's decision on December 8, 2005, noted that the applicant had other remedies. Deborah Bloom thanked CGCA representatives for their help regarding this application. Ella Preiser said she had received calls from East Hartsdale Avenue residents thanking the CGCA for its input.

ZBA Likely to Hear Library Height Variance Application in February. Although the Greenburgh Library's application for a height variance was placed on the tentative agenda for the ZBA meeting on January 19, 2006, it is unlikely that the application will be heard before the February ZBA meeting. The ZBA hears cases in numerical order and several earlier-numbered cases have been adjourned to the January meeting: The Library is seeking a nine-foot height variance for a small portion of the proposed addition. Although municipal buildings usually are exempted from compliance with local zoning regulations, the Library agreed earlier this year to be subject to the regulations.

Fire District Seeks Exemption from Zoning Regulations. At tomorrow's (12/14/05) meeting, the Town Board will hold a public hearing on the Hartsdale Fire District's request for exemption from Zoning regulations regarding the proposed addition to the West Hartsdale Avenue firehouse. CGCA representatives noted that the Library has agreed to comply with the Town's Zoning regulations and recommended that the Fire District should also comply. Bill Greenawalt mentioned that the Westchester County Parks Board has granted the Fire District permission to cut down a tree that is in part on Countyowned parkland. _

80 EHA Needs Canopy Sign Permit. Deborah Bloom mentioned that her co-op at 80 East Hartsdale Avenue is undergoing some construction and had to take down the entrance canopy. A new canopy will be installed. She understands the need for a building permit to ensure safety and compliance with all building codes, but what surprised her was that a sign permit is required just to put the, numerical address of the building on the canopy. Ella Preiser noted that Town law requires that the number assigned to buildings be posted. Single-family homeowners are also required to have the number of their homes posted on the front of the building but appear to be exempt from obtaining a sign permit.

Fidelity Investments Seeks Sign Variances. On December 8, 2005, the ZBA opened the public hearing on the application of Fidelity Investments, a tenant of the Greenville Shopping Center at 799 Central Avenue, (in the building formerly occupied by Mavis Tire) for approximately 90 variances from the provisions of the sign ordinance. The CGCA followed the lead of the Edgemont Community Council and only supported a few of the requested variances. What was interesting about this application was while the applicant requested all of the variances, the Fidelity manager repeatedly said she was willing to forego most of the requested variances. The hearing was adjourned to the January ZBA meeting.