COUNCIL OF GREENBURGH CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS
Minutes of Meeting - February 20, 2001
The Council of Greenburgh Civic Associations seeks to provide information to and advance the common interests of member civic groups in important Town affairs. The following civic groups paid dues for the year 2000:
Ardsley Estates Civic Association
Beaver Hill Association
Birchwood Civic Association
Broadview Civic Association*
Downing Hill Civic Association
East Hartsdale Avenue Civic Association
East Irvington Civic Association*
Edgebrook Cooperative, Inc.
Edgemont Civic Association
Edgemont Community Council, Inc.
Fort Hill Association*
Fulton Park Civic Association
Granada Condominium III Association*
Hillcrest Park - Ardsley Civic Association
Hillside Wyndover Civic Association
Homestead .Owners Corp.*
Juniper Hill Civic Association .
Knollwood Manor Civic Association
Knollwood Neighborhood Association *
Longview Civic Association
Lower Manor Woods Neighborhood Association
Mayfair-Knollwood Civic Association
North Elmsford Civic Association
Northern Greenville Civic Association
Parkway Gardens Civic Association
Parkway Homes Civic Association
Poets Corner Civic Association
Secor Homes Civic Association, Inc.*
Southern Greenville Civic Association*
Stone Oaks Condominium
The Colony at Hartsdale
The Cotswold Association, Inc.*
Washington Avenue Civic Association
Westchester Hills Condominium
Winding Road Farm Association
Woodhill Civic Association*
*Also paid 2001 dues
CGCA membership stands at thirty-six civic groups - an all time high. Ten civic groups have paid dues for the year 2001. There is $759.29 in the treasury.
Minutes of the January 16, 2001, meeting were read and approved with minor corrections that will be made prior to distribution.
Steve Jaffe, representative from Homestead Owners Corp., East Hartsdale Avenue, was welcomed to his first CGCA meeting.
NEW TOWN COUNCILMAN STEVE BASS ATTENDS CGCA MEETING
Steve Bass, who was sworn into office on January 25, 2001, attended the meeting. CGCA members introduced themselves and welcomed Mr. Bass. He introduced himself and said that he had had lunch earlier in the day with Francis Sheehan who gave him a Grassroots for Greenburgh business card. Mr. Bass visited the GfG website, learned the CGCA was meeting and decided to attend the meeting.
Mr. Bass was asked what he did to get appointed to the Town Board. He responded that he has been very active in the Democratic Party for the last 10 years. He knew the Executive Committee members, lobbied for the position and received Party support (along with four others). He noted he previously helped Diana Juettner and Timmy Weinberg when they first ran for a Town Board seat and had also helped Supervisor Paul Feiner when he .first ran for Congress- Mr. Bass has worked with State Assemblyman Richard Brodsky and currently works with County Legislator Tom Abinanti.
NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE REVEALS SUPERVISOR FEINER KNEW OF "CASH FOR TRASH" ISSUE IN 1992
During comments on the minutes of the CGCA-January 16 meeting, Stephanie Bellino noted that everyone a should be aware that over 8 years ago the media- reported that Supervisor Feiner knew about the practice of sanitation workers collecting extra trash for a fee. She .read aloud. the following sections. from an article about Mr. Feiner that appeared in the September 29, 1992 edition of The New York Times.
Out with the garbage crew, he [Paul Feiner] said, a business owner offered $30 if the crew would ignore the rules and pick up an excessively large load. His fellow crew members, knowing that he was the Town Supervisor on temporary assignment- as a sanitation man, he said, nevertheless offered him his "cut." He politely declined but did not protest when the crew did what was asked.
This, he concluded, was "sort of like a bribe." He worried about what action to take and talked to his chief advisers. In the end, he said, he took the wiser course -- until now -- not to talk publicly about the issue and not to seek any discipline of the men for fear that that might be seen as a new provocation of town workers. Instead, he said, he quietly asked that Public Works Department supervisors to study the problem.
"Now," he said, as he explained the intricacies of running a government, "the problem is: Could the supervisors be getting payoffs too?"
CGCA members noted that if Supervisor Feiner had exercised appropriate management and acted on the "Cash for Trash" issue in 1992, the recent scandal could have been avoided.
TOWN BOARD "ROAD SHOW" MEETINGS
CGCA members discussed Supervisor Feiner's decision to hold so many meetings of the Town Board away from Town Hall. This decision negates the innovative ideas - live television coverage and "Dial Democracy" - that have distinguished Greenburgh's Town Board meetings. When meetings are held away from Town Hall, many people from other areas may attend because of important issues on the agenda, but at a great inconvenience. Parking is often difficult, and during the summer outdoors meetings, residents must also endure heat, insects, grass stained shoes and lack of sufficient seating.
Residents are notified when a Town Board meeting is scheduled in their area and mistakenly believe that they will have time to address local issues. It was noted that at the Town Board meeting in Edgemont (held January 25) some people got upset. They had received a letter inviting them to come and speak about Edgemont issues, but there was very limited time to address Edgemont issues because of all the other items on the agenda.
Bernice Skipwith, President of the Downing Hill CA, said that several years ago she and Bernice Burton requested the Town Board hold meetings in their area so the residents could learn what was going on and how government works. CGCA members noted that the meeting held at Carlton Street last year was well attended by residents from other areas because of a number of controversial issues on the agenda. However, very few of those who live in the immediate neighborhood attended or participated, but the local residents found their street closed and their driveways blocked.
Lorrin Brown noted that every year- for the past several years, to no avail, the CGCA has sent the Town Board members a letter asking that they not schedule so many Town Board meetings away from Town Hall. He suggested using a different approach -- reverse psychology -- urging that all civic associations in the many areas that are currently being slighted by the Town Board's "road show" selection process ask for a Town Board meeting to be held in their neighborhoods.
The CGCA encourages Town officials to visit neighborhoods and speak with residents about issues unique to their areas: -But these meetings should be held at different times. than the regularly scheduled Town Board meetings. There was agreement that Town Hall is traditionally a gathering center for the residents of a town. Residents should be able to know if they come to Town Hall on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, they will have an opportunity to address the Town Board.
TAXTER ROAD - PROPOSED LAND USE STUDY/GOLF COURSE
Danny Gold reported that approximately 100 people attended the January 23 meeting at Town. Hall to voice their concerns about the future of the 375 acres of property owned by the Unification Church. The Westchester Land Trust (WLT) will oversee a study of the property, to determine its value, identify the natural resources, and assess the impacts of developing and/or preserving all or part of the land. WLT will hire a consultant to complete the land use study and. is considering hiring a biologist from the Bronx Zoo to study wildlife on the property. The study is being funded jointly by the Town of Greenburgh, the Villages of Irvington and Tarrytown, and the Irvington School District.
Mr. Gold told CGCA members that some residents of his community are interested in preserving the property as open space. He noted that the Draft Open Space Comprehensive Plan recommends preserving all or part of the property as open space. Last summer a price of $30 million was quoted for approximately 250 acres. WLT has now been quoted a price of $13 million. Supervisor Feiner has indicated that he would be willing to purchase the property for fair market value. Mr. Gold is attempting to form a committee similar to the one that worked to save the Gaisman Estate as open space. He is arranging a meeting and has invited Richard Presser, who chaired the Gaisman committee, to address the East Irvington community.
The Town has received plans from a developer (Trion LLC) who proposes to build 50 houses and a golf course on 246 acres of property along Taxter Road (180 acres owned by the Unification Church). The Town Board has declared its intent to be Lead Agency for the SEQRA review of this proposal. At the January 23 meeting, the community supported Danny Gold for the position of Deputy Town Supervisor regarding this proposal; Mr. Gold was sworn in as Deputy Town Supervisor at the January 25 Town Board meeting.
It was noted that representatives from Trion appeared at the January 30 Town Board work session. They asked the Town Board to declare itself Lead Agency and were willing to accept a Positive Declaration under SEQRA. Mr. Feiner told the representatives that he had not advised Danny Gold of the meeting and was unwilling to take any action without Mr. Gold being present.
AVALON GREEN II - NOB HILL
Danny Gold reported that the consulting firm working for the town, Ferrandino & Associates, is completing a third review of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) regarding the proposal by the Robert Martin Company (RMC) to build 800 rental units off Taxter Road. RMC also owns property on the other side of the mountain that could be developed with an office building, and the DEIS will look at the cumulative effects of development on both parcels. Mr. Gold noted that the Draft Open Space Comprehensive Plan recommends that both parcels be preserved as open space.
Mr. Gold stated that Taxter Road at Route -119 already operates at an "F" [failing] level of service. In 1997, at the urging of former Councilman Les Adler, the Town Board passed a resolution and notified RMC and other developers in the area that applications for development would not be permitted until "alternative means for travel can be created" to relieve the congestion in the Route 9A and Route 119 corridors. A Route 9A bypass road and other intersection improvements are not planned before 2007 or 2008. The East Irvington community intends to hold the Town Board to the terms of its resolution.
LANDMARK AT EASTVIEW - SCOPING SESSION
The Town Board had scheduled a scoping session for January 31, 2001, regarding the development plans for the Landmark at Eastview property on Old Saw Mill River Road which include 320,000 square feet of laboratory space and a training facility for the professional sports teams owned by Madison Square Garden. A few people spoke at the hearing, but because the developer failed to provide a court stenographer to record testimony on January 31, the scoping session was adjourned to February 13. Testimony continued on February 13. Mr. Feiner made it clear that he wants to grant approval for the Madison Square Garden training facility and will segment the SEQRA review process, if necessary. Most other speakers raised issues about the impact the laboratory buildings would have and the need for Route 9A improvements before any approvals are given.
CGCA members noted that the Town has not appointed an outside consulting firm to participate in framing the scoping document and reviewing the DEIS when it is completed.
GELSPRAIN - SCOPING SESSION
On February 13, 2001, the Town Board held a scoping session on Toll Brothers' request to rezone 40+ acres (off Ardsley Road near Sprain Road) to a PUD in order to develop 68 housing units. A number of residents outlined their concerns during the meeting. Fred Becker, the appointed Deputy Town Supervisor for this proposal, did not receive copies of certain documents in the file, and the scoping session was adjourned to the March 14 meeting.
CGCA members noted that the Town has not appointed an outside consulting firm to participate in framing the scoping document and reviewing the DEIS when it is completed.
CGCA members expressed concern that Supervisor Feiner presided over this scoping session. Mr. Feiner previously stated that he would abstain from voting on this project because the site backs up to Boulder Ridge where he lives. CGCA members agreed that if Mr. Feiner recused himself from voting on this project, it indicates he has a conflict of interest. Thus, he should not have participated in the hearing, and he should have left the dais. It was suggested that the Town Attorney had an obligation to step in and tell Mr. Feiner that he could not preside over the scoping session.
MORATORIUM - COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
At its February 13 meeting, the Town Board held a public hearing on a proposal to enact a 120-day moratorium on development while the Town reviews the Draft Open Space Comprehensive Plan. The meeting was well attended but before anyone spoke (board members or the public), Supervisor Feiner announced that he planned to close the hearing that might.
More than two dozen people spoke at the hearing. Most favored the enactment of a moratorium but a number of questions were raised about the wording of the proposed law, especially the provisions regarding the procedure for obtaining a variance from the proposed moratorium. After hearing from the public, including requests to leave the hearing open, the board passed a resolution closing the hearing. Councilman Steve Bass was the only one to vote "no" on closing the hearing. Mr. Feiner announced that based on the comments received, some revisions would be made to the law and copies of those revisions would be available February 26, two days before the expected vote by the Town Board at its February 28 meeting. Those wishing to comment on the revisions were told to do so in writing.
CGCA members expressed a number of concerns about the proposed moratorium. It appears that Mr. Feiner is only advocating legislation dealing with steep slopes and Wetlands. It was noted that local wetlands in Greenburgh have not been mapped. It is unclear whether other recommendations in the Draft Open Space Comprehensive Plan will be addressed during the moratorium - e.g., upzonings, a recreational zone, and "McMansions." A question was raised about the limited number of parcels looked at in the Comprehensive Plan. At a meeting with Secor Homes CA on October 26, 1999, Supervisor Feiner indicated strong support for including the 12+ acre Ferncliff Cemetery property and the adjacent 7+ acre WFAS property in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Feiner never followed through on his promise to the civic group. It is also unclear who will be preparing the Generic Environmental Impact Statement and proposed new legislation. Will there be additional payments for Allee King to do the work or will Saratoga Associates be preparing the documents? One thing appears clear - the Town Board's intent is not to seek further input from the public. Francis Sheehan asked at the public hearing if the Comprehensive Plan Committee would be reconvened to work on the issues. He received no response to his question.
TOWN BOARD INFRINGES ON SPEAKERS' FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS
CGCA members discussed the Town Board's recent decisions to further limit verbal public input at meetings. Previously, no time limits were imposed on those wishing to speak at public hearings. At the last three board meetings, increasingly shorter time limitations were imposed. The agenda stated
• January 25 - Public comment will be limited to 10 minutes per speaker
• January 31 - Democracy Express -
citizens to speak (2 minutes or less)
Open forum (5 minutes per speaker)
• February 13 - Democracy Express - public comment will be limited to 5 minutes per speaker
At the January 25 meeting, the new 10-minute time limit was of no concern since all of the public hearings scheduled for that meeting were postponed. Problems began at the January 31 special meeting regarding the possibility of relocating the Town Hall and Library to the SCI building. The time limits were not uniformly imposed. If the Town Board members liked what the speaker was saying, the speaker was not interrupted. However, for other speakers, the timer rang promptly.
The problems grew worse at the February 13 Town Board meeting when there were three public hearings scheduled. During the first hearing, Ella Preiser needed additional time to complete her comments. Mr. Feiner would not permit it. Mrs. Preiser objected to the time limit policy, noting it would result in harm to the applicant. Mr. Feiner would not relent. Sam Wilkins offered to yield his time to Mrs. Preiser. Mr. Feiner would not permit it. Francis Sheehan then spoke and informed the board that the New York Planning Federation guidelines state: "There is case law that says the board may not place a time limit on anyone's remarks [at a public hearing]." Mr. Sheehan also quoted from a judge's decision. Near the end of the hearing, Councilwoman Eddie Mae Barnes invited Mrs.. Preiser to return and finish her comments, which took about 21/2 additional minutes. Time limits also were not uniformly imposed during the other two hearings on the Gelsprain application and the proposed moratorium on development legislation.
At the end of the February 13 meeting, Mrs. Preiser asked the Town Board when and why they decided to impose time limits. The board members acknowledged they had discussed this issue. Mr. Feiner said he did not want people rambling on an hour and a half, monopolizing the meetings. Councilwoman Timmy Weinberg said it was because there was chaos and rudeness at previous meetings.
Everyone apt the CGCA meeting agreed that they have no problem with reasonable time limitations that are uniformly enforced, provided that a speaker could return to voice additional comments after everyone else who wishes to speak has been given an opportunity to speak.
On a related matter, CGCA members agreed that it is insulting and outrageous to place the message "PERSONAL ATTACKS, OF ANY KIND, WILL NOT BE PERMITTED" (in boldface capital letters) on Town Board agenda. (This practice began last year on the agenda for the meeting at the Greenburgh Housing Authority and was discontinued in December.)
Francis Sheehan noted that today at the Association of Towns meeting, results were distributed of a survey questioning the "pressing needs" of towns. The survey had been mailed to 800 chief elected officials in the state and 58% responded. Of the 32 criteria listed in the survey, the one that came in last was "conduct of meetings." It appears that Greenburgh is unique in having this problem.
TOWN BOARD NOT FORTHCOMING ON TOWN HALL/LIBRARY
Council members expressed concern about the misleading information the Town Board has supplied to the public regarding the proposed purchase of the SCI building for use as a Town Hall and Library. In December the Town hired a public relations firm for three months at a cost of $4,000 a month. The authorization to retain this firm was listed on the December 13, 2000 agenda as "management consultants for the Greenburgh Town and Cultural Center Project." It is unclear what service the firm has provided the Town other than one press release regarding purchase of the SCI building and the undated letter about the purchase that was sent to residents in January. It is suspected that the public relations firm also took the photographs that were presented at the January 31 Town Board meeting as a slide show about conditions in the existing Town Hail and Library. CGCA members suggested that the slides did not clearly convey cramped spaces at these buildings but rather depicted neglected maintenance problems. Contrary to the stated purpose of seeking community input, the Town Board appeared to use the January 31 meeting to sell residents on the need for a new Town Hall and Library.
The Town Board has failed to answer questions repeatedly raised by the community. Why was the board willing to give the owner a $3 million profit? The Town has paid for two appraisals of the SCI property. Why has this information not been released to the public? (Mr. Feiner appeared to indicate that one of the appraisals was for less than $7 million.) Was the required straightening of Old Tarrytown Road considered in the appraisals? Is the property a swampland as many local residents have suggested? Are there requirements to build additional units of housing on the SCI property? What effect would the housing units have on parking spaces?
It was noted that the Town Board has hired a new consultant - Landauer Realty Group - to investigate alternative options for the Town Hall and Library. A meeting with the firm is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. thus Friday, February 23. CGCA members noted that scheduling daytime meetings precludes attendance by those who work. Supervisor Feiner has indicated he will be forming a citizen's committee. It appears that Thelma Washington and Pat Weems have been invited to serve on the committee. CGCA members suggest that since this issue affects the whole town, town-wide representation is necessary..
On a related matter, Francis Sheehan reported that he attended a session on "Libraries" at the Association of Towns meting. He learned the general trend today is to have independent library districts, free from municipal control. The voters decide the boundary. of the district and elect an independent library board, which establishes a budget. The Board of Regents has adopted the concept of independent libraries. The person making the presentation noted that the measure of a "good" library is not based on square footage (as Greenburgh suggests) but on dollars spent per capita. Mr. Sheehan raised a question about obtaining grant money and asked whether it would be better to expand an existing library or move to a new location. The speaker wished Mr. Sheehan "good luck" on obtaining any grant money since right now the state has allocated only $800,000 statewide for the construction of libraries. This week legislation is being introduced in Albany to allocate $20 million for library construction and there appears to be support on both sides of the aisle.
CGCA members noted that the Town Board has indicated that much of the cost of an enlarged library would be covered by grants; however, the board has not provided the community with details about those grants. The CGCA remains concerned about the Town Board's secrecy and/or release of misinformation about a project estimated to cost the taxpayers more than $20 million.
GREENBURGH CAMPAIGN FINANCE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
Danny Gold reported that he had followed up on last month's CGCA discussion and contacted Harriet Leib, League of Women Voters (LWV) Vice President and co-chair of the Greenburgh Campaign Finance Commission (GCFC). Mrs. Leib told Mr. Gold that the GCFC completed its job when it issued its recommendations. She noted that Supervisor Feiner had asked the LWV to chair a 3-member panel to develop rules for access of political candidates to Greenburgh's cable TV and deal with any complaints from the candidates. She told Mr. Feiner that the LWV presented its recommendations in the GCFC report. When he asked for a volunteer for his plan, she gave him the name of someone who was interested. CGCA members noted that the chairs of both the Democratic and the Republican parties were contacted and each was asked to provide the names of two persons who would be interested in serving on a committee.
CGCA members noted that Supervisor Feiner apparently does not want to carry out the GCFC recommendations but needs to be able to say he is doing something. CGCA members continue to be concerned with Mr. Feiner's claim that he was "inspired" by the GCFC recommendations to create a 3-member panel for cable TV. The GCFC recommended a 5-member Fair Election Practices Board, which would appoint an independent cable TV board. It was noted that the GCFC included not only LWV and various political party representatives and community members but also a staff attorney at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYC School of Law and. the Director of the Michaelian Municipal Law Resource Center at Pace University. The GCFC members unanimously supported the recommendations. CGCA members noted that Mr. Feiner seems intent on sidestepping the recommendations of the committee he formed in cooperation with the LWV.
Councilman Bass mentioned that Mr. Feiner has asked him to do something with the GCFC report. He noted that he is trying to arrange a meeting with Catherine Lederer-Plaskett to discuss the report. He has not thoroughly studied the report but believes there are recommendations that can be enacted; such as equal access by candidates to cable TV. He noted that he was troubled by some of the recommendations, such as contribution limits because the state regulates those limits. CGCA members noted that the recommendation was for voluntary limits.
RECREATIONAL SERVICES FOR DISABLED CHILDREN SOUGHT
Francis Sheehan reported that on February 8 there was a large turn out at the Multipurpose Center of residents who are interested in obtaining social and recreational services for disabled children. A follow-up meeting was scheduled for February 15 at Town Hall, and Supervisor Feiner promised to notify other elected officials in the town and villages. Mr. Feiner did not follow through on his promise and was the only elected official attending the February 15 meeting.
This area does not have an umbrella group to address the basic recreational needs of disabled children. Since no one municipality can provide all the services that are needed, the children are transported elsewhere to get basic services. The residents are trying to form an inter-municipal consortium to address these needs. They are applying for a $211,000 grant and would like to receive at least some of that money. They are asking for the support of local municipalities and civic groups. They handed Mr. Feiner a copy of a letter they sent to him on November 18, 1999, listing problems that disabled people encounter in Greenburgh facilities -- e.g., at the Theodore D. Young Community Center there are no screens so disabled children can get dressed in privacy, and the water temperature in the pool is often inappropriate for children with muscular difficulties.
CGCA members agreed that no one community can handle all the needs and it was a good idea to work with the villages to provide coordinated access for disabled children at the various municipalities' recreational facilities. Steve Jaffe noted that he works with "special ed" children in the Bronx and there are adaptive playgrounds accessible to disabled children in Queens and the Bronx. Mr. Sheehan said that Greenburgh is building a "Boundless" playground in Valhalla, which will feature such things as a double-width slide that a parent can go down with a child. Mr. Sheehan said he would provide updates on this issue as additional information becomes available.
EAST HARTSDALE AVENUE
Supervisor Feiner scheduled three meetings to discuss the problems along East Hartsdale Avenue.
• About 35 people (representing residents, merchants and landlords) attended the first meeting, on February 2. Mr. Feiner accused the landlords of deliberately keeping stores vacant and threatened to tax them at a higher rate. In response to suggestions, he indicated that he would be willing to change the zoning to permit additional commercial uses in the area. He also put forward his idea to create a Business Improvement District (BID), taxing the landlords to create improvements along the street. When it was noted that there are only five landlords, Mr. Feiner indicated that the BID should include all properties along East Hartsdale Avenue from the train station to Central Avenue. It was noted that the Town currently receives at least $300,000 a year from fines collected from parking meter violations along East Hartsdale Avenue. This money does not go to the Hartsdale Parking District but rather goes into the town's general fund. When the issue of parking difficulties was brought up, Mr. Feiner insisted that first the zoning change should be considered, then a BID should be created and finally the parking would be addressed.
• At the second meeting, on February 8, fewer people attended and much of the time was spent rehashing what had been discussed at the first meeting. Mr. Feiner promised that a person from Allee King (the Town's planners) would attend the next meeting.
• At the third meeting, on February 15, even fewer people attended. Stephanie Bellino prepared a draft proposal for an oversight committee to address issues. Mr. Feiner and Town Attorney Susan Mancuso rejected the proposal as just another layer of bureaucracy. Mr. Feiner did indicate that he would consider putting up half of the $300,000 from parking fines if the landlords provided matching funds. Nannette Bourne of Allee King agreed to prepare wording for a new zoning district, including a wider range of permitted uses. Mr. Feiner reiterated his views that first the zoning would be handled, then a BID district would be created and finally the parking problems would be addressed. The next meeting was scheduled for March 15, at 3 p.m.
Steve Jaffe noted that several East Hartsdale Avenue residents are disturbed that all of these meetings have been scheduled during the day when working people cannot attend and offer input. At least five people have e-mailed Mr. Feiner about this matter, and he now is planning to schedule an evening meeting in April for residents. CGCA members expressed concern about Mr. Feiner's "divide and conquer" methods. CGCA members agreed that parking issues must be dealt with simultaneously with zoning, not as an afterthought. CGCA members also agreed that the Town should not hold separate meetings for residents. Merchants, landlords, residents and the Parking District must all work together to solve the problems.
MISCELLANEOUS
"60 Minutes II" to feature Hartsdale Family. Stephanie Bellino noted that CBS has been in Hartsdale filming a story about one of her tenants. The family has five children enrolled in the Juilliard School of Music, and two of the children performed Wednesday with the Philadelphia Philharmonic. The story is scheduled to air next Tuesday.
New Tenants - Four Corners. It was noted that the tenants have moved out of the leather warehouse and furniture stores at the corner of West Hartsdale Avenue and Central Avenue. Apparently the tenants lost their lease. New businesses will be coming.
Glusker Subdivision - High Street, North Elmsford. A public hearing on this proposed 5-lot subdivision was scheduled before the Planning Board on February 7, 2001. For the third month in a row the hearing on this application was cancelled because the applicant failed to submit some requested information. The board voted 4 to 2 to adjourn the hearing indefinitely. The applicant now must request to be put back on the agenda and any future hearing will have to be re-noticed.
Parking Lot Sinking. It was noted that the parking lot at the Multipurpose Center is sinking and needs repairs/re-surfacing.
Proposed "Conduct" Law Dead. The proposed law regulating the conduct of appointed members of the town's various boards and committees was scheduled for a public hearing on January 25. Several people attended the meeting to speak on this issue but the final agenda for the meeting did not list the hearing. When a resident asked about the proposed law, she was told it was no longer being considered.
Proposed Canopy Law Postponed Indefinitely. The proposed law regulating canopies for gas stations, other commercial uses and residences (postponed from meetings on December 13 and January 10) was scheduled for a public hearing on January 25. The final agenda for the January 25 meeting stated that the public hearing was postponed indefinitely. No reason was given.
Springhill Suites Hotel. The Town Board has introduced a new policy and referred the board's SEQRA "Statement of Findings" to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals for their review and comments. The issue of the SEQRA findings was on the agenda for the February 13 Town Board meeting but no decision was made.
"Structural Soil." Francis Sheehan reported that at the Association of Towns meeting information was given DPW staff about Structural Soil - a mixture of dirt and gravel of a certain size - that provides a pathway for roots of trees to grow under a roadbed without being compacted. The structural soil allows plantings to thrive along roadbeds even if the planting strips are very narrow.
Distributed: Copies of two articles in The Journal News about the Town's proposal to purchase the SCI building on Hillside Avenue as a new Town Hall/Library.
• February 2, 2001, editorial entitled "Greenburgh looks anew."
• February 10, 2001 article in reply "Editorials biased in favor of Greenburgh" written by Hartsdale resident Hal Samis