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 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.
Knollwood Manor Civic Association
Knollwood Neighborhood Civic Association *
Longview Association
Lower Manor Woods Neighborhood Association
Mayfair-Knollwood Civic Association *
North Elmsford Civic Association
Northern Greenville Association
Parkway Gardens Civic Association
Parkway Homes Civic Association *
Poet’s Corner Civic Association
Rex Ridge Apartment Corp.
Secor Homes Civic Association, Inc. *
Southern Greenville Association
Stone Oaks Condominium
The Colony at Hartsdale *
The Cotswold Association, Inc.
The Edgemont Association
The Sprain Road Association
Westchester Hills Condominium *
Winding Road Farm Association
Woodhill Civic Association *
Woodlands-Bradley Civic Association *

* dues paid for year 2005

Forty-one civic groups became dues-paying members of the CGCA during the year 2004, an all-time high. Fifteen civic groups have already paid dues for the year 2005. There is $1,315.38 in the treasury.

The meeting was held at the Theodore D. Young Community Center. CGCA representatives voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the meeting held on November 16, 2004.

CGCA representatives extended "Happy Birthday" greetings to CGCA Vice Chair Cleo Oliver and welcomed Theresa Sudderth Diakhate, Administrative Secretary of the Fairground Civic Association, to her first CGCA meeting.

Madelon O’Shea reminded CGCA representatives that the CGCA operates on a calendar year, beginning January 1, 2005. More than a third of the CGCA membership has already paid dues for the year 2005. Mrs. O’Shea urged all other representatives to return the dues forms and yearly dues ($15.00) promptly.

A conversation took place about the level to which discourse has sunk at Town Board meetings and in emails being circulated. Ella Preiser noted that Supervisor Paul Feiner has publicly accused Library Trustees (volunteers) of "sneaking around" and "trying to rig an election like in Ukraine." He also demanded that Greenridge Civic Association President Robert Bernstein, an attorney, reveal his business client list. Mr. Feiner’s appointed "Deputy Supervisor for Liaisons," Richard Garfunkel, has called persons who criticize Mr. Feiner’s positions, "troglodytes, miscreants and malcontents." Ed Krauss suggested Mr. Feiner reached a new low by using little children as props to push for a $3,500 child care worker at Town Hall. Mr. Krauss noted that the people who criticize Mr. Feiner’s positions at meetings present factual information or raise questions that go unanswered; Mr. Garfunkel presents no facts but verbally attacks residents with pejorative, damning comments.

Madelon O’Shea mentioned that Supervisor Paul Feiner has announced a meeting in Edgemont at the Greenville School on Wednesday, January 19, 2005. She noted the meeting is scheduled for the same night as a regular Planning Board meeting, and Mr. Feiner has provided no information on the purpose of the meeting. Ella Preiser pointed out that Mr. Feiner originally claimed he had the right to decide the location of meetings and scheduled the January 26, 2005 Town Board meeting at Seely Place School. It appears that once the four Town Council members learned the Town Board, not the Supervisor, had authority to determine the location of meetings, they decided the Town Board meeting should take place at Town Hall. Mr. Feiner, without even informing his colleagues, then rescheduled the Edgemont meeting as a "community" meeting. Councilwoman Timmy Weinberg, liaison to the Planning Board, expressed displeasure that Mr. Feiner scheduled a meeting the same night the Planning Board meets.

On a related matter, Mrs. Preiser reminded that at the November 16, 2004 CGCA meeting, a motion was adopted urging the Town Council members to exercise the authority granted to them by Town law to determine the location of meetings. A letter from the CGCA requesting that all regular Town Board meetings be held at Town Hall in 2005 was hand delivered to each member of the Town Board.

Madelon O’Shea announced that Supervisor Paul Feiner plans to hold a meeting regarding "sidewalks" at 8:15 p.m. at Town Hall on Tuesday, January 11, 2005. She said representatives from the Edgemont Community Council and several Edgemont civic groups are planning to attend the meeting. She noted that Edgemont residents are mainly concerned about sidewalks along Ardsley Road and the "school streets." She urged CGCA representatives who either have sidewalks or want sidewalks in their area to attend the meeting. Cleo Oliver noted that the sidewalks are broken under the bridge that crosses Manhattan Avenue. She said she plans to write a letter about the problem.

Town Attorney Tim Lewis commented that the law states the cost must be attributed to the property owners in the area if sidewalks are built. He said that many people want sidewalks in areas where it is dangerous to walk but they do not want to pay for them. Mrs. O’Shea noted that residents must consider not only the cost to install sidewalks but also responsibility for snow removal, maintenance and liability. Elinore Gordon reminded that several years ago a resident was killed by a car while walking on Old Tarrytown Road. Area residents first demanded a sidewalk be installed, but when they learned they had to maintain, shovel and be liable for the sidewalk, they voted against installing the sidewalk.

Mrs. O’Shea reminded that at the Town Board meeting held in Edgemont on February 11, 2004, Mr. Feiner asked the CGCA to get involved in locating and prioritizing where new sidewalks should be installed. In order to understand the magnitude of the issue, the CGCA mailed a letter to known civic groups in the Town. In addition, the CGCA sent a letter to Mr. Feiner in February 2004, seeking information on the location of existing sidewalks/footpaths, their condition, and the estimated cost and timetable for any repairs that may be necessary. Also requested was who maintains/shovels sidewalks/footpaths along town, county and state facilities/properties. Now, almost a year later, the CGCA has still not received a response to its request for data.

Robert Reninger noted that the Broadview Civic Assocation has learned there is no space for a sidewalk on the eastern side of Knollwood Road where the Greenburgh Health Center proposes to build its new facility. He said a suggestion has been made to install a sidewalk on the western side of Knollwood Road. The absurdity of creating a sidewalk to benefit owners on the other side of the street was discussed. CGCA representatives noted the very steep slopes along the western side and questioned who would be responsible for shoveling and maintaining such a sidewalk.

Robert Reninger commented that the Planning Board has scheduled a work session discussion tomorrow (12/15/04) on the Greenburgh Health Center site plan application to construct a new facility on the former Cooke Nursery property at 295 Knollwood Road. He noted that the Broadview Civic Association’s main concern at this point is that Planning Commissioner Mark Stellato has classified the application as an "Unlisted" action under SEQRA. Danny Gold questioned why this was a concern and Mr. Reninger explained that an "Unlisted" action would require less scrutiny than a "Type I" action. Madelon O’Shea questioned why the Town Board was requesting Lead Agency status under SEQRA since the proposed site is less than five acres in size and the Planning Board has site plan approval. Concern was expressed that the Town Board considers political issues, instead of planning issues. Mr. Reninger said it was proper for the Town Board to be the Lead Agency for the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance but not for the site plan application. He said he met with Mr. Stellato yesterday who gave some indication he would at least rethink the designation.

CGCA representatives discussed the recent news articles about the Greenburgh Health Center asking Supervisor Paul Feiner and other politicians to return previously given campaign contributions. Ella Preiser noted the minutes of the CGCA August 2004 meeting mention the CGCA had concerns about the legality of political contributions from not-for-profit organizations, such as the Greenburgh Health Center. She said the finding that such contributions are illegal justifies the CGCA’s decision to ask Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro to investigate whether Mr. Feiner broke any laws in connection with his political fundraising. The news articles did not focus on the fact that Mr. Feiner accepted the contribution while the Health Center had an application pending before the Town, which, in part, is a matter before the District Attorney. Mrs. Preiser reminded that the whole issue began when a member of the Planning Board reportedly asked the District Attorney to determine whether the Supervisor had broken any laws in accepting political contributions from persons with applications pending before the Town. It was noted Ms. Pirro had not responded to the CGCA’s letter, dated November 8, 2004. Thelma Washington recommended that the CGCA follow up with a telephone call. Madelon O’Shea agreed to make a call after the holidays.

Ed Krauss recommended that the CGCA send a letter asking the Ethics Board to rule independent of what the District Attorney does. Judge Thomas Facelle, chair of the Ethics Board, had previously told a reporter at The Scarsdale Inquirer that the Ethics Board would not act until the District Attorney ruled. CGCA representatives had a lengthy discussion about Mr. Krauss’ recommendation. A motion to send a letter to the Ethics Board failed and the issue was tabled until the January meeting.

Alice Moroney questioned whether the CGCA should only be concerned about political contributions from those with applications before the Town. She questioned whether contributions from those who support/oppose a development were unethical, too. Mr. Krauss responded that such contributions might not be fair but they were not unethical under Greenburgh’s Ethics Code.

The Planning Board will hold public hearings on three Central Avenue applications on January 5, 2005:

• Quiznos seeks a special permit to operate a restaurant in the Dalewood I Shopping Center.
• Pizza Hut seeks a Special Permit to relocate from its current freestanding building near Central Avenue to the northern end of the main building in the Midway Shopping Center.
• Midway Shopping Center seeks amended site plan approval to reconfigure the parking lot. Major changes include closing an entrance on Ardsley Road and two entrances on Central Avenue.

The Town Board will hold public hearings on two applications at its meeting on January 12, 2005:

• LCOR seeks an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to eliminate the 75-acre requirement in the Office Building (OB) zoning district for the "spine" building that bridges Old Saw Mill River Road. The applicant wants to subdivide the property and would only have 65 acres on the proposed parcel.
• Greenville Shopping Center seeks a site plan amendment to reconfigure the shape of the Mavis Tire Building for use by Fidelity Investments. The building’s square footage will remain the same. The building will continue to be nonconforming (too close to Central Avenue), but the use will conform.

Madeline Saporito reported that residents of The Colony still experience noise from Trader Joe’s and the new electrical transformer erected near the property line. She noted the arborvitae are dead that were planted behind the transformer. She reminded that Building Inspector John Lucido publicly had promised residents that noise levels would be buffered to the ambient reading registered when the cooling systems and air conditioning units were turned off on September 21, 2004. The noise continues. In addition, chains were supposed to be installed in front of the buildings to prevent unloading/idling of trucks in back of the buildings at night. The chains have not been installed and Ms. Saporito questioned why Hampshire Management had not received any summons. Town Attorney Tim Lewis explained that enforcement has been "stayed" because an application requesting an amendment to the site plan to permit chains in the back of the building has been filed with the Town. Mr. Lewis said he would try to schedule a meeting in January with residents, the Town Board and Building Inspector John Lucido.

Ella Preiser reported that at the Town Board work session on December 7, 2004, Town Attorney Tim Lewis announced he had circulated to interested parties a draft decision regarding the appeal of a tree permit issued to 42 Round Hill Road. Neighbors apparently want more specifics included in the decision about enforcement. Mr. Lewis told CGCA representatives that the issue boils down to whether neighbors should have the right to tell a property owner where to put his house or how many trees should remain on the property. Mr. Lewis noted that sometimes neighbors don’t like what a property owner does but, if it is legal, we have to respect the owners’ rights. As an example, he cited the fence the golf course put up along Knollwood Road that he personally does not like but is legal.

Theresa Sudderth Diakhate reported that the Fairground neighborhood (the area between Tarrytown Road and Old Tarrytown Road) is unsure of zoning laws and has problems with renters. Renters’ cars and commercial vehicles cause crowding on the streets. Ms. Diakhate said she called the police about a huge recreational vehicle that was parked on Longview Avenue for three days and was informed it was legal during the day and she should call back after midnight if the vehicle was still there. Madelon O’Shea recommended that Ms Diakhate invite Town Attorney Tim Lewis to attend an area civic association meeting to provide information about Town laws. Cleo Oliver invited Ms. Diakhate to attend Police/Community Advisory Commission meetings on the first Monday of each month. Elinore Gordon noted roomers and boarders were legal if one obtained a special permit from the Planning Board. Ella Preiser said the Fairground area is still designated as "Urban Renewal" – a district that permits some uses, such as two-family residences, which are not permitted in other areas of Town. Ms. Diakhate, whose father, William Sudderth, had been instrumental in the "renewal" of Fairview years ago, agreed with CGCA representatives that the time has come to amend the "Urban Renewal" section of the Zoning Ordinance.

Alice Moroney reported that the FEIS has been released regarding the ultraviolet disinfection facility to treat water from the Catskill and Delaware water systems that has been proposed on New York City watershed property on both sides of Grasslands Road. The water treatment plant would be constructed on the Mount Pleasant side and would be accessed by two roads – one fronting on Grasslands Road and one fronting on Beeline Drive (near the bus garage). Pipes would carry water under the road to/from the connection chamber for the Catskill Aqueduct, which is on the Greenburgh side of Grasslands Road. The goal is to begin the construction process in March of this year. A permit is necessary to remove five acres of trees in Greenburgh. Ms. Moroney noted that the request for a sewer easement across the aqueduct connecting Greenburgh homes with the executive park was denied. For security purposes, Hammond House will be relocated. (The house was dropped from the Westchester County Historical Society list in the early 1980s.)

Thelma Washington commented that the Town has not done a good job of collecting leaves in her area this fall. She noted she usually praises DPW for the wonderful job they do in clearing her area streets of snow. She said she spoke with DPW Commissioner Al Regular and reminded him that she was one of those who pushed hard for equipment so workers could be more productive. She said she observed workers standing around idle for a considerable amount of time, waiting for the dump truck to return from dropping its load of leaves. Other CGCA representatives said they observed similar situations of unproductive use of the workforce. Danny Gold said he sent an email to Supervisor Feiner and Commissioner Regula about uncollected leaves in his neighborhood. He noted workers finally came last Saturday and worked very hard clearing the streets.

Ella Preiser reported that by a 4 to 1 vote, the Town Board last night (12/13/04) approved the budget for 2005, which included hiring three additional sanitation workers, which is one additional crew. She said the workers had complained at a Town Board work session Supervisor Feiner invited them to that they were overworked. Mr. Feiner opposed hiring any additional workers and suggested hiring part-time workers or paying overtime, dismissing the workers complaint of being overworked. Cleo Oliver pointed out that DPW Commissioner Al Regula had proposed adding five additional workers. During his administration, Mr. Feiner never permitted an increase in the sanitation work force even though more than a thousand residential units have been added from which garbage and recycling must be collected.

At its work session on December 7, 2004, the Town Board approved a change in the sanitation schedule for 2005, allowing twice-a-week garbage pickup every week, including weeks with holidays. The recycling schedule also will change. Paper will be picked up one Wednesday and commingled materials (glass, plastic and cans) will be picked up the following week. Recycling will be suspended during holiday weeks.

At today’s (12/14/04) work session, the Town Board discussed alternatives for the proposed records storage room, which has been sitting empty while the Town continues to pay for record storage at Westy’s and/or Noble. The legal department apparently needs two additional offices and a conference room. Town Assessor Gerry Iagallo suggested providing space for legal in the proposed records storage room by raising the ceiling to build a mezzanine level for record storage. Creating the mezzanine would cost approximately $70,000 to move the ceiling, lighting, sprinklers, duct work, etc. Town Clerk Alfreda Williams said that the Town would lose the grant it received if the work for archiving records is not completed by June 2005. The Town Board appeared to agree with a recommendation to keep the whole room for storage as originally planned. Lorrin Brown suggested that some things just don’t make sense. An 1800 square foot room has been sitting empty upstairs for over a year. Mr. Feiner has recommended renting the space to a credit union. Meanwhile, there does not appear to be sufficient space at 177 Hillside Avenue for the legal department and no cable studio has been provided.

CGCA representatives again discussed the poor quality of Greenburgh’s cable television channels. Ed Krauss mentioned that he was watching the Town Board meeting on a Sunday when the screen went "blue" in mid-sentence of a speaker. A short while later he checked again and found a religious program airing. He called George Malone, who said it was his fault, but who noted the equipment is so old it skips. Lorrin Brown said that Town Clerk Alfreda Williams says the equipment is new. Mr. Brown asked if the Town was fining Cablevision. Hal Samis replied Ms. Williams said Cablevision is being fined but no money has been received. CGCA representatives also noted problems with Greenburgh’s streaming of board meetings on the Internet – the audio is fine, but the video is "frozen." It is doubtful anyone would be willing to "watch" for very long.

Mr. Krauss mentioned that at the Town Board meeting on November 22, 2004, a resident of Greenburgh who works for White Plains cable access TV spoke about Greenburgh’s cable TV. Mr. Krauss said he later contacted the person, who informed him that although there is only a few thousand dollars difference between what Cablevision provides each year to Greenburgh and White Plains, White Plains cable access TV has three supervisors, three administrative assistants and two interns. White Plains also has a cable committee Chair who had 40 years experience as a Vice President of CBS News. Greenburgh has no cable committee, no cable studio and only Mr. Malone and one part-time employee even though the Town has been receiving more than $500,000 per year from the franchise agreement. Thelma Washington once again reminded that the community was promised a state-of-the-art studio at the new Town Hall.

At today’s work session (12/14/04), the Town Board met with several members of the Library Board of Trustees and discussed the proposed library expansion/renovation. Michael Conte, the library’s consultant, said the results of a December 7^th – 9^th telephone survey of 232 people revealed strong and broad support for an expanded library and moving ahead with a referendum. He noted majority support regardless of gender, age, length of residency, whether there were school age children, or knowledge an expansion would result in an average yearly tax impact of $68. Members of the Library Board indicated they planned to work hard and hold numerous informational meetings before the proposed March referendum. Supervisor Paul Feiner made it clear he opposes a March referendum. He favors a November referendum and wants the community presented with more than a "sketch." He questioned why 30% of the people interviewed in the survey lived in the incorporated villages. In angry tones, he accused the Library Board and those who support a March referendum of "sneaking around," "being undemocratic," and "trying to rig an election like in Ukraine." Library Board Chair Howard Jacobs reminded Mr. Feiner that he had agreed to a March referendum in September.

CGCA representatives discussed the issue and agreed there were unanswered questions – including who owns the site and whether the "B" budget must compensate the "A" budget for the old Town Hall site. Town Attorney Tim Lewis said the Town Entire owns the site and the question about compensation can wait. He said even if compensation were necessary it would not be cash but a credit. Robert Reninger said the Library Board has refused to provide the community with sufficient information about the project and a delay on the referendum is merited until residents are provided with facts. He noted that once again today (at the work session), residents were prohibited from asking questions. Madelon O’Shea agreed that the Library Board has not provided answers to all the questions that the CGCA raised this summer. Hal Samis agreed that questions haven’t been answered and that the referendum should be postponed. Danny Gold said he remembered that CGCA representatives were told on November 4, 2004, it would be a $16 million project. He thought then it was a great plan, but now he agrees on delaying the vote since $20 million is a lot of money. At the work session, representatives from Triton Construction (chosen to serve as construction overseers once a contract is signed) presented figures indicating proposed construction costs of $16.1 million which included site preparation, asbestos removal, temporary library measures and even furniture and equipment. Consultant fees, contingency fees, and soft costs increase the total project cost to $19,867,747. Both Triton and Architect Todd Harvey estimate that delaying the project could cost an additional $500,000.

Thelma Washington suggested that everyone who wants an expanded Library should start helping the Library Board. Ed Kraus agreed that it is incumbent on those who are "pro-library" to give voters a reason to pull the "yes" lever. He suspects the actual costs to build will exceed the $20 million projected costs. Ella Preiser noted it appears that four of the Town Board members will support a March referendum. She urged giving the Library Board an opportunity to provide the necessary information before the proposed March referendum date. She said Mr. Feiner’s suggestion that the architect should first draw up plans before a referendum is held would be both costly and impractical. She questioned Mr. Feiner’s use of Town resources (email) to try to sway public opinion without providing those favoring a March referendum the opportunity to present an alternate viewpoint. She said she opposed tying the vote for a Library to Greenburgh politics.

Planning Board to Decide Completeness of Gelsprain DEIS. Madelon O’Shea reported that the Planning Board would determine tomorrow (12/15/04) whether the Gelsprain DEIS is complete and ready to be circulated. Toll Brothers has proposed subdividing the 40-acre site to permit construction of 25 single-family houses.

Mold Abatement Costs $10,400. The mold condition at the old Town Hall on Tarrytown Road has been abated at a cost of $10,400. Town Attorney Tim Lewis noted the Greenburgh Housing Authority (GHA) is still interested in renting space at the old Town Hall building while GHA office space is being renovated. Mr. Lewis said the GHA is willing to pay $1,200 a month rent but is not willing to pay for the mold abatement. Ella Preiser noted the Police Department also uses space in the building.

Secor Homes CA to Meet with Town Board. Ella Preiser stated that Town Board members and Town staff have agreed to meet with residents from several streets in the Secor Homes area tomorrow (12/15/04) to discuss concerns about the proposal to build 36 houses on the Westchester Golf Range property. Residents also wish to discuss an apparent illegal boarding house in the neighborhood.

Commerce Bank Seeks New Office on Tarrytown Road. At its work session on December 1, 2004, the Planning Board considered the site plan application of Commerce Bank to build a 4,100 square foot office with four drive-up windows on the property currently occupied by the Greenburgh Health Center. The existing building would be demolished when the Health Center moves.

Legislation Prohibiting Flag Lots Delayed. Ella Preiser noted that the Town Board failed to continue the public hearing on proposed legislation prohibiting flag lots at its meeting on December 8, 2004, so it will be necessary to re-notice the hearing. Mrs. Preiser said Town Attorney Tim Lewis provided her with a copy of slight changes to the proposed legislation but the changes do not address her concerns that repeal of the existing provisions could permit future subdivisions of existing flag lots.

Vacancy on Planning Board Considered. A vacancy exists on the Planning Board since Jim Hubert won election to a term as Town Justice in November. It was noted that at today’s (12/14/04) Town Board work session, Councilwoman Eddie Mae Barnes recommended a woman who lives in the Orchard Hill neighborhood to fill the vacancy. An interview will be scheduled in January.

Parkway Homes Seeks to Control Speeding. Thelma Washington noted that the Parkways Homes area really would like a speed bump to control speeding. Because of the hill, one can’t be installed. She noted the police are investigating putting a stop sign at an intersection and, because cars have been broken into, the police have been patrolling the area more regularly.

Co-op Asked to Consider Safer Access. Scarsdale Country Estates seeks a site plan amendment to create a drop-off/loading area in front of one of its buildings. Neighbors are concerned about safety if a new curb cut is made along this section of Underhill Road. The Planning Board opened a public hearing on the application on November 17, 2004, but adjourned the hearing until February 2, 2005. A Planning Board member requested that the co-op consider creating a turn-off in the interior of the property, off of a private road, Century Place, rather than using the major artery.

Asbestos at Union Child Day Care Center Abated. Robert Reninger asked if there was an "asbestos" problem at the Community Center. Town Attorney Tim Lewis acknowledged abatement of the problem at the Day Care Center and said no problem had been discovered to date at the Community Center.

"McMansion" for Sale. Lorrin Brown mentioned that the large house on Dobbs Ferry Road, across from Worthington Road, is on the market for $7.1 million.