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. In 2004, CGCA Treasurer Mary Tobias 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. To date, twenty-eight groups have paid year 2005 dues. There is $1,470.51 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 January 18, 2005, with one minor typo correction. "Happy Birthday" greetings were extended to Thelma Washington.

Madelon O’Shea reported that some Edgemont residents received an anonymous survey in the mail on Friday, February 11, 2005. The survey posed questions about Edgemont "secession" and the Library expansion. The survey also asked recipients to rate Town services and to evaluate the performance of individual Town Board members. A separate PIN code was assigned to each recipient for use when registering responses to the questions at a toll free telephone number. Mrs. O’Shea mentioned that a number of residents have expressed concern that the PIN code would identify those responding. Michelle McNally commented that the survey wasn’t sent to a household but rather targeted an individual at each address, who seemed to all be Democrats. She said one resident called Supervisor Paul Feiner and asked if he had sent it, which he denied, but, when another person called him, he responded that Town taxpayer dollars were not used for the survey. Mrs. O’Shea said she spoke to two Town Board members who said they only learned about the survey when they received telephone calls about it. Mrs. O’Shea said that the word "secession" was incorrect but was obviously chosen to incite a strong response. She noted some Edgemont residents are exploring "incorporation" as a village not "secession" from the Town of Greenburgh. Danny Gold mentioned that the six villages in Greenburgh now are exploring secession from the Town. Bill Greenawalt suggested that the survey had been designed for political purposes. He pointed out that question H. – "What is your PRIMARY SOURCE for Local (Greenburgh) News?" – is clearly an effort to learn the most effective way to campaign.

Ella Preiser reported that she had received a fax from Hal Samis regarding the latest CGCA mailing. Mr. Samis objected to the fact that the mailing included literature from (1) the Library regarding scheduled meetings to discuss the proposed Library expansion and (2) "Operation Support our Troops" seeking participation in its efforts. He also questioned why the CGCA minutes did not identify the "mystery character" who cursed and spit at the Town Board meeting January 12, 2005. Mrs. Preiser said she informed Mr. Samis that a chief purpose of the CGCA was to provide information and she felt it was appropriate to include the additional information in the CGCA mailings. She said she explained to Mr. Samis that the reason she did not identify the woman in the CGCA minutes was because she (Mrs. Preiser) had not personally heard or seen the objectionable behavior and the woman had not identified herself at the board meeting. Elinore Gordon said she supported enclosing information in CGCA mailings, and other CGCA representatives concurred. It was noted that anyone who is not interested in the information could ignore it and dispose of it with the recycling.

Madelon O’Shea reported that Supervisor Paul Feiner sent out an email today at 5:17 p.m. saying that the agenda for the Town Board meeting on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 will include notice that the referendum on the Library expansion will be scheduled for May 3, 2005. Mr. Feiner continues to favor a November referendum.

Ella Preiser reported that although the Library expansion was not listed on today’s (2/15/05) work session agenda, the board spent almost 45 minutes discussing the issue. During the discussion Mr. Feiner referred to Hal Samis as his "respected colleague" because Mr. Samis had emailed Mr. Feiner the suggestion to hold the referendum in September on Primary Day. Library Director Demita Gerber participated via speaker phone in the discussion. The Town Board plans to affirm its role as Lead Agency under SEQRA at its meeting on February 23, 2005. Planning Commissioner Mark Stellato said that a review of traffic and other studies reveals there would be no negative environmental impact, and he will prepare a Negative Declaration of Significance under SEQRA.

CGCA representatives took note of the informational meetings the Library Board has arranged. Additional meetings have been scheduled for March 16 at Lee F. Jackson School and March 29 with the ECC at Seely Place School. Lorrin Brown said that he spoke with Library Director Gerber by phone and scheduled a presentation before the Greenburgh Democratic Executive Committee for February 24, 2005. Danny Gold commented that he sent an email to both Mr. Feiner and Ms. Gerber about setting up an informational meeting with his civic association. Mr. Feiner responded within an hour. Mr. Gold said he still hasn’t heard from Ms. Gerber. Mrs. O’Shea commented that Ms. Gerber might have to first contact the Library Board before establishing meeting dates. Mr. Gold noted the dates already scheduled and said he was considering a March 22 meeting at the Irvington Recreation Center.

Questions were raised about why the Library expansion plans do not have to be approved by the State Board of Education. Danny Gold noted that modifications may not be made to school property without State Board of Education approval. Ella Preiser mentioned that she asked Planning Commissioner Stellato about this matter since a recent article in the local paper stated that the Ossining Library had received State Board of Education approval. Mr. Stellato replied that the Ossining Library is independent but the Greenburgh Library is a part of the Town.

CGCA representatives also discussed the letter that Town Attorney Tim Lewis had sent to the State Comptroller requesting an opinion about whether unincorporated taxpayers must compensate the villages for using Town-owned land for the Library. Ella Preiser reported that Robert Bernstein pointed out at a recent Town Board meeting that there is no separate entity called "Unincorporated Greenburgh." There is only "one" Town of Greenburgh that can own property. And, that Town includes the six incorporated villages within its borders. Just as the Town does not charge the Police Department for use of the land upon which it sits, the Town should not charge the Library for use of the land it occupies. Mrs. Preiser questioned whether the decision to seek advice from the State Comptroller was another attempt to delay a vote on the Library. She noted that when the Town asked the State Comptroller’s office for an opinion on the negligence lawsuit case, it was two months before the Town received a reply.

Robert Reninger noted that Planning Commissioner Stellato is preparing both Part 1 and Part 2 of the Environmental Assessment Form regarding the Library expansion. Mr. Reninger said that Mr. Stellato should not sign both documents, and perhaps the architect should have signed Part 1. Mr. Reninger commented that the bond counsel stated that it was necessary to have a valid SEQRA process before going to bonding. Mr. Reninger also said there is a serious question of whether the Library is exempt from all zoning laws in Greenburgh, which is a position the Library is presently maintaining. He noted the Steep Slopes Law is onerous and property owners must comply with it for even minor alterations. He suggested if Town officials had to abide by the law, they might learn how onerous it is. Mrs. O’Shea reminded that the existing Steep Slopes Law is not what the community recommended. Mr. Feiner claims he wrote the Steep Slopes Law in his kitchen with the help of two Edgemont residents.

PARKING ISSUES IN SHOPPING CENTERS MAY DESERVE STUDY

Madelon O’Shea mentioned that there are concerns about whether Midway Shopping Center would have sufficient parking spaces if the center leases all of its basement space. A public hearing on Midway’s proposal to reconfigure its parking lot will continue at tomorrow’s (2/16/05) Planning Board meeting.

Michelle McNally said that Midway is grandfathered regarding leasing of the basement space because the buildings were built before the code changed. She pointed out that there is a distinction between cellar space and basement space. A basement has more than 50% of its height above the average finished grade.

Mrs. O’Shea suggested it might be a good idea to ask the Planning Department to look at all shopping centers townwide to determine how many parking spaces exist and how many are needed. She noted that Scarsdale Ford and Verizon are using spaces at the Staples Shopping Center on Central Avenue, although she acknowledged the center probably has more than the required number of parking spaces. She said Curry Acura parks cars at the Acropolis Shopping Center. Danny Gold questioned whether the Town would have the resources to conduct such a study.

Madelon O’Shea mentioned that a Public Hearing on the Gelsprain DEIS was opened at the Planning Board meeting on February 2, 2005. The hearing will continue at tomorrow’s (2/16/05) Planning Board meeting. Toll Brothers is seeking to subdivide the Gelsprain property – a 40-acre site off of Ardsley Road – to construct 25 single-family homes. Mrs. O’Shea said she has reviewed the DEIS on behalf of the CGCA and has concerns about a number of issues which have not been adequately addressed in the DEIS. These issues include: traffic impacts along Ardsley Road, delivery of adequate water pressure uphill to the site, and displacement of wild animals on the site, including herds of deer.

Danny Gold inquired about the status of the Greenburgh Health Center’s application to construct a new facility on Knollwood Road at the former Cooke’s Nursery site. Robert Reninger replied that a zoning amendment is necessary and the applicant has not provided additional information regarding the amendment. The Planning Board discussed the site plan application at its work session on February 2, 2005. At that meeting, the applicant’s attorney stated they have permission to construct a sidewalk from the proposed site down to Route 119, but they had not yet contacted the nearby church about the sidewalk. Mr. Reninger told CGCA representatives that the Broadview Civic Association has measured and found there is not sufficient right-of-way in front of the adjacent office building for a sidewalk. The Health Center is a tax-exempt organization, but the Fairview Fire District has requested a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes). The Fire District currently receives tax dollars because the Health Center pays rent at its location on Tarrytown Road.

CGCA representatives noted the unusual procedure the Town Board employed in advancing Union Baptist Church’s application to expand its sanctuary and administrative building. The application involves a variance to reduce the required number of parking spaces. The agenda for the Town Board meeting on January 26, 2005 listed a resolution to refer the proposed Comprehensive Development Plan submitted by the church to the Planning Board for its review and recommendation. Members of the church turned out in large numbers and urged the Town Board to "neg dec" the application. The agenda contained no mention of this action. (Under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, a Negative Declaration means that the Lead Agency has reviewed the proposed action and determined that it will not have have a significant adverse effect on the environment.) Supervisor Paul Feiner and Councilwoman Eddie Mae Barnes stated that they were prepared to vote on the SEQRA determination. Councilman Steve Bass and Councilwoman Diana Juettner commented they had just received the Negative Declaration document that evening and were not prepared to vote on a document they had not read. The Town Board stopped the meeting and during the next 45 minutes Councilmembers Bass and Juettner met with Planning Commissioner Mark Stellato in the conference room and amended the document. The board then returned to the dais and after further discussion voted unanimously to issue the "neg dec." It was noted that Supervisor Feiner received a standing ovation when he attended a service at the church the following Sunday.

Some CGCA representatives raised concerns that the Town Board’s actions regarding the Union Baptist Church application will benefit Fortress Bible Church, which has sued the Town alleging discriminatory delay tactics.

Madelon O’Shea reminded CGCA representatives that there will be a special public meeting tomorrow (2/16/05) at Riverview Caterers in Hastings-on-Hudson regarding the proposed Ridge Hill Village development in Yonkers. The meeting is not a hearing but a strategy meeting organized by the committee that wishes to see the enormous size of this proposed development reduced. Planning Commissioner Mark Stellato and the Town’s consultants – Attorney Michael Zarin and Traffic Engineer Michael Maris – will be attending the meeting. Mr. Stellato and Mr. Maris will have to leave the meeting early because the Greenburgh Planning Board is also meeting that night.

Mrs. O’Shea noted that there is no one on the committee from unincorporated Greenburgh because the Town Board has failed to appoint anyone to replace former Co-chair David Kreiness who died in August of last year. Co-chair MaryJane Shimsky from Hastings-on-Hudson needs the Town Board to act on David’s replacement. Ella Preiser mentioned that Town Attorney Tim Lewis said at today’s Town Board work session that there is no money left in the legal department budget to continue to pay Attorney Zarin. Mr. Stellato replied that there was $50,000 in the Planning budget to pay for outside consultants.

The ZBA has tentatively scheduled for March 17, 2005, Scarsdale Golf Club’s application seeking a variance to install a net to protect against errant golf balls. A similar application was withdrawn in 2000. Bill Greenawalt mentioned that he had spoken with a Hartsdale Avenue resident who said he would rather risk errant golf balls than have his view of the greens spoiled by the net. Madelon O’Shea commented that when the issue of erecting a net was previously considered, a person from the Audubon Society noted that birds could get caught in the net. There is a fly path for migrating birds between the golf club, Greenburgh Nature Center and Edgemont High School. CGCA representatives raised questions about why the golf club does not change the direction of its driving range so not to menace homeowners.

At today’s (2/15/05) Town Board work session, Winsome Gordon, Greenburgh’s Grants Coordinator, announced that the Town would receive a $97,000 grant to rehabilitate Webb Field, obtained by Congresswoman Nita Lowey. The Parks and Recreation Department plans not only work on the field but also landscaping, a walkway and benches near the memorial wall. Several representatives from the Elmsford and Hartsdale Rotary Clubs attended the work session and announced plans to hold a 100^th anniversary picnic at Webb Field on June 11. The representatives emphasized the "99-year agreement" with the Town regarding the wall. Supervisor Paul Feiner mentioned that some College Corners residents continue to have concerns about the wall. Councilwoman Eddie Mae Barnes told Rotary representatives that the wall "just doesn’t look like it is complete."

Some CGCA representatives agreed with Ms. Barnes comment. There is apparently still a considerable amount of controversy regarding the placement of the wall at Webb Field and the Rotary’s "billboard" on the back of the wall. Danny Gold commented that at least the Town doesn’t face the cost overrun ($700,000) that Westchester County must deal with regarding its proposed September 11 memorial.

Colony residents Christine Gencarelli and Madeline Saporito informed CGCA representatives about the Town Board work session meeting on February 1, 2005 that addressed the unresolved issues regarding the Westchester Square Shopping Mall expansion. Present at that meeting were a number of residents from The Colony, The Colony’s attorney, and several representatives appearing on behalf of the Westchester Square Shopping Mall. Town officials included: Building Inspector John Lucido, Deputy Building Inspector Anthony Zacarolli, and Planning Commissioner Mark Stellato. Four issues are unresolved which impact the quality of life of The Colony residents.

1. Noise from the cooling systems on Trader Joe’s roof. Residents want assurances that the noise levels will be reduced to the ambient reading of 42 decibels as they were publicly promised on September 21, 2004. Trader Joe’s is willing to change the systems but first wants The Colony to sign documents that there will be no further noise complaints.
2. The electrical transformer erected near the property line. Residents note the transformer was not shown on the site plan documents that received approval. The transformer sits on a concrete pad and is surrounded by a 14-foot high structure. The Building Inspector insists that the transformer is not a structure and that the Town has no laws that govern Con Edison installations. Councilman Steve Bass asked Commissioner Stellato to prepare an application for an interpretation to the ZBA to determine whether the transformer is a structure under the Zoning Ordinance. Ms. Gencarelli told CGCA representatives that she is willing to compromise and will ask that the transformer be buried instead of moved. She noted it is not only a noise and visual problem but also a health and safety issue if it explodes.
3. Chains to block truck access. Chains that were called for in the variance and site plan approval documents have not been installed at the approved locations to prevent trucks from entering the rear of the stores during overnight hours. Ms. Gencarelli said at the moment The Colony fortunately is not experiencing problems with trucks.
4. Landscaping. The shopping center has failed to maintain the landscaping required when the original site plan was approved. Ms. Gencarelli said proper landscaping could help buffer the noise from the shopping center.

The shopping center has applied to the ZBA to amend the variance approval condition regarding the location of the posts and chains. Because the shopping center also plans a façade change, Planning Commissioner Stellato has said the two applications must be combined to prevent segmentation under SEQRA. Ms. Gencarelli and Ms. Saporito expressed concern that this decision prevents the Town from enforcing the original site plan approval conditions.

Numerous Greenburgh residents have telephoned/emailed the Town with complaints about the new sanitation schedule, especially the two-to-three-week intervals between pickups of paper material and commingled material for recycling. Several residents also attended Town Board meetings (1/26/05 and 2/9/05) to voice their objections. At the meeting on February 9, DPW Commissioner Al Regula presented proposed changes to the current schedule. The Town Board appeared ready to support the proposed changes, but then agreed with Francis Sheehan’s suggestion that adequate time be given for public input before adopting another new schedule.

Copies of the proposed changes were circulated among CGCA representatives. It was noted that Commissioner Regula has stated that it is not possible to provide twice weekly garbage pickups during holiday weeks and also collect both paper and commingled recycling materials. Mr. Regula stated that in addition to insufficient staffing there are operational problems, such as time for unloading the trucks. He also has said that collecting both paper and commingled recycling materials on the same day has resulted in contamination, and the Yonkers facility has required truckloads of Greenburgh recycling material to be processed as garbage because of the contamination.

CGCA representatives discussed problems concerning both the current schedule and the proposed schedule. Michelle McNally stated that the proposed schedule represents a further cut in services. Madelon O’Shea said that reduced garbage pickups presented a potential health hazard. Others agreed and noted that clean paper and commingled material did not smell or attract animals. Bill Greenawalt commented that for three years he has been calling for twice-weekly garbage collection during holiday weeks. He noted that Mr. Feiner encouraged sanitation workers to attend Town Board meetings in December and the workers agreed to twice-weekly garbage collection during holiday weeks.

Francis Sheehan said the Town did not allow sufficient time to determine if the current schedule works. Danny Gold mentioned that Supervisor Paul Feiner put out an email noting that the total amount of paper recycling material collected in January 2005 actually exceeded the paper collected in January 2004. This increase occurred even though there was a three-week interval between paper pickups. Actual figures for paper material collected were 227.61 tons in January 2005 and 210.67 tons in January 2004. The figures for solid waste (garbage) collected were 1,661.14 tons in January 2005 and 1,662.09 tons in January 2004. Mr. Sheehan stated that these figures show that people were recycling even though Mr. Feiner claimed he watched numerous people throwing recycleable materials in with the garbage.

It was noted that Commissioner Regula has said it would take time to determine the cost of providing the preferred services voiced by many residents of twice-weekly garbage pickups during holiday weeks and weekly collections of both recycling materials. CGCA representatives discussed various changes to the proposed schedule. Mr. Greenawalt suggested continuing the alternate recycling pickups during holiday weeks and using the other day in a holiday week for a second garbage pickup, alternating between the north end and the south end routes. Since there are a total of ten holidays (eight remaining) in 2005, residents would have a second garbage pickup during four holiday weeks and experience one garbage pickup during only four weeks instead of eight weeks. Elinore Gordon recommended instead of just using the color "green" for recycling on the schedule that two different colors be used – one color for paper material and one color for commingled materials. CGCA representatives agreed that these suggestions were preferable to the changes proposed by the Town and will forward the suggestions of both Mr. Greenawalt and Ms. Gordon to Commissioner Regula and the Town Board.

SUPERVISOR FEINER JEOPARDIZES RESIDENTS’ PERSONAL PRIVACY
REFUSES TO SUPPORT EFFORT TO PROTECT MINORS FROM INTERNET PREDATORS

CGCA representatives discussed Supervisor Paul Feiner’s apparent ignorance of the law and disregard for the safety and privacy of teenagers. On January 19, 2005, Mr. Feiner sent an email and placed a message on the Town’s website announcing that some students in the Woodlands High School Key Club had volunteered to become "Snow Angels." Mr. Feiner included in the message the names, phone numbers and email addresses of the teenage volunteers. Residents Francis Sheehan and Robert Bernstein immediately contacted Mr. Feiner and asked him to remove the information from the Town’s website because it posed a danger to the students. They explained that it was illegal under education law to release personal information about students without parental approval. Mr. Feiner chose to ignore their pleas and removed the information only after Police Chief John Kapica intervened.

When the issue was raised at the Town Board meeting on January 26, 2005, Mr. Feiner refused to apologize for his actions. Councilman Steve Bass presented a resolution at that meeting to prohibit future posting on the Town’s website or distribution through the Town’s elist of any information about minors without the written consent of a parent or legal guardian. Four members of the Town Board voted for the resolution; Mr. Feiner abstained from voting.

CGCA representatives noted that while the information was removed from the website, Mr. Feiner apparently made no effort to retract his email message. The information in the email was printed verbatim in at least one paper – the Thursday, January 27, 2005 edition of The Westchester Crusader, a free Martinelli publication. Elinore Gordon provided a copy of the paper. Francis Sheehan told CGCA representatives that Mr. Feiner had told him that he wanted to minimize his involvement with those requesting assistance and wanted residents in need of someone to shovel snow to contact the volunteers directly.

CGCA representatives mentioned that problems continue with Greenburgh’s cable television stations, and no one on the Town Board seems willing to fix them. It was noted that microphones still do not work properly and the sound fades in and out during the televised meetings of the various boards, making it difficult to follow what is being said. Christine Gencarelli asked the status of the numerous Town Board resolutions about fining Cablevision. It appears that no fines have been enforced or paid. Ella Preiser commented that she tried to watch the latest airing of "The Three C’s" cable program but found it impossible to hear what was said because of the roar of the heating system in the background. She noted that the Town is now filming cable programs at Town Hall in one half of the room on the second floor above the Town Clerk’s office. The room is not soundproof. There are no room darkening covers on the windows. The walls are not properly painted, and there is no backlighting to prevent deep shadows on the wall. Much of the equipment is old and there are only a few very old props so that all programming looks the same. Mrs. Preiser said she doesn’t understand why Supervisor Feiner and the Town Councilmembers are not embarrassed by the poor quality of programming emanating from Greenburgh Town Hall. She mentioned that programs produced at other locations and aired on Greenburgh’s channel are of a much higher quality. She reminded CGCA representatives that the Town receives 5% of residents’ Cablevision bills – close to $500,000 a year.

Ella Preiser told CGCA representatives that she spent time last month with Deputy Town Attorney Janet Insardi reviewing changes that the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) has suggested to the Town’s code regarding "Trees." At today’s (2/15/05) Town Board work session, Town Attorney Tim Lewis announced that the CAC is continuing to work on modifications to the law. It appears that the Town Board does not want to be the board responsible for hearing appeals from the decisions of the Forestry Officer regarding tree permits. CGCA representatives expressed concern about whether volunteer boards should assume that responsibility. Michelle McNally urged that the CAC provide copies to individuals/groups willing to work on the proposed revisions prior to setting a public hearing.

On a related matter, it was noted that Thomas Madden, the Deputy Commissioner of Community Development and Conservation, was appointed to the position of acting Forestry Officer at the Town Board meeting on February 9, 2005. The appointment is temporary and was made to ensure timely approval of applications since a Forestry Officer is required to sign off on certain land use plans. The 2005 Town budget includes funds to hire a full time person in the Planning Department to serve as a Forestry Officer and in other environmental capacities.

Lorrin Brown questioned why the Town Board has scheduled its next meeting on February 23, 2005 at the Greenburgh Housing Authority. He noted that the site is not handicapped accessible and there are very few parking spaces available for visitors. Ella Preiser replied that Supervisor Paul Feiner wants to continue "road show" meetings and insisted on going there because he gets great ideas from the public. Councilwomen Eddie Mae Barnes and Timmy Weinberg agreed to Mr. Feiner’s request to hold this meeting at the Housing Authority. Mrs. Preiser again reminded CGCA representatives that New York State Town Law requires the Town Board to pass a resolution to determine the location of Town Board meetings. She noted the Town Board has ignored the law and failed to adopt such a resolution.

Drive-Up Window Still Sought. Dunkin’ Donuts in the Greenburgh Shopping Center on Knollwood Road still seeks a drive-through window. The application has been held up because of numerous zoning violations at the shopping center. At the Town Board work session on February 8, 2005, Town Attorney Tim Lewis announced that the landlord paid a $4,500 fine for violations. Robert Reninger noted that a big pothole at the Knollwood Road entrance is returning. It was noted that numerous potholes in the parking lot were filled.

Fortress Bible Church. Lorrin Brown questioned the status of the application of Fortress Bible to build a church and school on Dobbs Ferry Road. Robert Reninger replied that the matter is still before the court and it is expected a trial will take place in about a year. He noted that depositions would take place next week. Town Board members and the neighborhood civic association president have been subpoenaed to appear.

Quiznos Granted Special Permit. At the Planning Board meeting on February 2, 2005, Quiznos Restaurant was granted a special permit to operate a 42-seat full-service restaurant in the Dalewood I Shopping Center site at 357 Central Avenue.

"Sidewalks" Meeting Cancelled. Madelon O’Shea reported that the meeting scheduled for tomorrow (2/16/05) to discuss "sidewalks" has been cancelled. She said the meeting was scheduled for the convenience of Supervisor Paul Feiner and did not take into account that volunteers would be attending meetings on the Gelsprain and/or Ridge Hill applications. She noted that the CGCA still has not received a response to a letter sent to Mr. Feiner in February 2004 seeking information about the location and condition of existing sidewalks.

Rockefeller State Park Water Tower Proposed. Bill Greenawalt noted that objections have been raised about a proposal to erect a huge water storage tank in the Rockefeller State Park Preserve. The water tank is necessary to supply water to the development planned at the former GM plant site in Sleepy Hollow. A suggestion has been made to erect the water tower at the site it will serve.

"Gag Order" re Former Town Attorney Still in Place. At the Town Board meeting on February 9, 2005, the Town Board approved a resolution to modify the "Special Counsel Agreement" between former Town Attorney Susan Mancuso and the Town. In response to a question, Town Attorney Tim Lewis informed the community that Ms. Mancuso has found employment and the Town no longer will be required to pay her a salary. However, the "gag order" prohibiting either side from discussing why an agreement was necessary in the first place will remain in place.

Mudslide not Sufficient to Earn Apology. Ella Preiser reported that she spoke with Carol Demas at Town Hall today. Ms. Demas noted she never received an apology from the Town about the mudslide into the pond on her property a year ago. Ms. Demas did express relief that the huge mounds of recycled yard waste have been removed from the Town’s mulch site on Taxter Road in response to the DEC order.

New Plans Submitted re Tree Permit Appeal. At today’s (2/15/05) Town Board work session, Planning Commissioner Mark Stellato said that revised plans regarding the appeal of the tree permit for Round Hill Road were submitted to his office on Friday. He noted he has not yet had the opportunity to review the plans.

Sam’s Club Seeks Addition? Thelma Washington inquired about proposed expansion plans regarding Sam’s Club on Route 9A. No one present at the meeting had seen the plans but it is understood that the store wants to increase its retail space by putting an addition on the store.

Civic Group Loses ZBA Appeal. Ella Preiser mentioned that the Broadview Civic Association has apparently lost its appeal before the ZBA regarding the interpretation made by former Town Attorney Susan Mancuso that a civic group cannot petition the Town Board to rezone property. It is expected that the ZBA will render its decision at the meeting on February 17, 2005.

Supervisor’s Discriminatory Question and Answer Policy Noted. Lorrin Brown said that he was troubled by Supervisor Paul Feiner’s inconsistent policy regarding questions raised at Town Board meetings. Mr. Brown noted that Mr. Feiner immediately responds to the questions of some residents. Mr. Feiner tells other residents that he will answer their questions after they sit down or everyone finishes speaking; however, he generally then ignores the questions.