COUNCIL OF GREENBURGH CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS
Minutes of Meeting – May 20, 2003
The Council of Greenburgh Civic Associations seeks to provide information to and advance the common interests of member civic groups in important Town affairs. CGCA Treasurer Mary Tobias has received year 2003 dues from the following civic groups:
Ardsley Estates 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.
Fort Hill Association
Fulton Park Civic Association
Granada Condominium III Association
Greenridge Association
Hartsdale Highlands Civic Assoc.
Hillside Wyndover Civic Association
Hilltop Farms Civic Association
Homestead Owners Corp.
Juniper Hill Civic Association
Knollwood Manor Civic Association
Knollwood Neighborhood Association
Longview Civic Association
Lower Manor Woods Neighborhood Association
Mayfair-Knollwood Civic Association
North Elmsford Civic Association
Northern Greenville 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
To date, thirty-eight civic groups have paid dues for the year 2003. A number of civic groups have prepaid dues for the year 2004. There is $1,267.85 in the treasury.
The May 20, 2003 meeting was held at the Theodore D. Young Community Center. Minutes of the April 15, 2003 CGCA meeting were approved.
CGCA members welcomed Bill Greenawalt to his first CGCA meeting and extended "Happy Birthday" greetings to Jim Lasser, Alice Moroney and Francis Sheehan.
CGCA members are grateful to Irene Zuck for her contributions of several reams of paper for CGCA copying needs.
SUPERVISOR FEINER RUSHES TO CHANGE
TOWN CODE
WANTS 4,000-SQUARE FOOT TENT SALES FOR "THREE STUPID WEEKS"
Jim Lasser informed CGCA members that Supervisor Paul Feiner plans to change Town law to aid a local business. Dennis Dilmaghani, who owns the carpet store, the former European Health Spa and a number of other properties on the east side of Central Avenue, wanted to hold a tent sale at his carpet store during the Memorial Day weekend. He went to Town Hall to request a permit for a 4,000 square foot tent (40 ft. x 100 ft.) for a three-week period. Town law does not permit tent sales and limits sidewalk sales to four specified weekends a year. Mr. Dilmaghani went to Mr. Feiner, who immediately scheduled for discussion the issue of changing the law at the Town Board’s next work session.
Edgemont residents were very concerned to learn this issue would be discussed at an afternoon meeting that few residents could attend. They emailed their numerous concerns to Mr. Feiner, including concerns about traffic and safety. Mr. Feiner contacted Chief Kapica, who felt a tent sale would not create much additional traffic. Mr. Lasser told CGCA members that Mr. Feiner did not contact Chief Rafferty of the Greenville Fire Department. One of the reasons Town law prohibits tent sales is because of fire department concerns about health and safety.
At the Town Board work session on May 13, Mr. Dilmaghani stated that business was very poor and he was underwriting the carpet store with proceeds from his real estate holdings. Mr. Feiner resolved to change the law. Ella Preiser reported that Mr. Feiner stated: "It is wrong for the Town to treat small business people as criminals." "It’s only for three stupid weeks." "People are sick and tired of vacancies." "Times are tough for business." At the work session, Town Attorney Susan Mancuso indicated, per Mr. Feiner’s request, she was already working on amendments to the law that would permit tent sales on commercial property.
CGCA members questioned whether tent sales would be in the best interests of the health, safety and welfare of Town residents. Cleo Oliver questioned why Mr. Feiner does not appear to be as concerned about the tough times residents are facing. Mr. Lasser noted one Edgemont resident is very upset and feels we are more and more descending into a government of men rather than a government of laws.
HEALTH CENTER PLANS MOVE TO KNOLLWOOD ROAD
Bob Reninger informed CGCA members that the Cooke’s Florist property on Knollwood Road was sold last Monday to the Greenburgh Neighborhood Health Center, currently located at 330 Tarrytown Road. The Health Center is planning to construct a clinic and administrative building at the Knollwood Road site. Mr. Reninger said his civic group (Broadview CA) will be meeting on Thursday (5/22/03) at 7 p.m. at the Health Center to discuss the proposed facility. He noted that steep slopes will be an issue, and it is possible that part of the property may need to be rezoned. He has been informed that most of the Health Center’s clients come from Westhab (located next to the Library) and would be able to walk to the Center’s new location.
TOWN BOARD APPROVES PLANS FOR
TRADER JOE’S & BEST BUY
SUPERVISOR FEINER CASTS DECIDING VOTE TO REALIGN N. WASHINGTON AVE.
CGCA members noted that on April 29, 2003, the Town Board voted to grant amended site plan approval for expansion of the Westchester Square Shopping Center on Central Avenue. The expansion will include construction of a new building to house a Trader Joe’s food store adjacent to the Marshall’s store and an enlargement of the former Service Merchandise store which will be occupied by Best Buy. As part of the approval, North Washington Avenue will be realigned to intersect with Central Avenue at the traffic light at Harvard Drive. The road realignment was a condition imposed by the ZBA when it granted a variance for the expansion in 1996. Supervisor Feiner, who unsuccessfully lobbied ZBA members to "decouple" their road alignment condition from the variance approval for expansion, cast the deciding vote to approve the realignment. College Corners residents have been assured the police department will monitor traffic for three years following the openings of the stores. The Town Board promised mitigation measures if College Corners streets are negatively impacted.
LONG TERM LEASE GRANTED FOR MEMORIAL WALL INJURY/LIABILITY/LOCATION CONCERNS RAISED
Ella Preiser reported that at its work session on April 29, 2003, the Town Board discussed the terms of a lease for the September 11th memorial tile wall. The Town Attorney’s office originally suggested a 5-year lease. Jonathan Mann from the Westchester Arts Council asked for a 75-year lease. Supervisor Paul Feiner stated he wanted at least a 15-year agreement. He noted the wall would be the preeminent and most attractive memorial in Westchester County and many people would visit the site. Although the item did not appear on the final agenda for the board meeting that took place later that day, the Town Board passed a resolution authorizing Mr. Feiner to sign an agreement with the Arts Council for a 15-year lease. The lease provides for automatic renewal every five years after the initial period.
The wall will be constructed at Webb Field (Central Avenue and Harvard Drive). Francis Sheehan mentioned that he had concerns regarding placement of the wall at the site. He fears children playing catch could run into the concrete wall and be seriously injured. He questioned why the Town Board rejected placing the memorial at the new Town Hall site. CGCA members also noted the irony. Mr. Feiner predicts many people will visit the memorial but he does not feel these visits will result in traffic impacts on Central Avenue or in the College Corners neighborhood.
PORTUGUESE RESTAURANT PLANNED FOR
EAST HARTSDALE AVENUE
QUESTIONS RAISED ABOUT PARKING REQUIREMENTS
At the Town Board work session on May 6, 2003, the board was shown preliminary plans for the Portuguese Alcaria Restaurant, which plans to occupy the two vacant storefronts (the former cable TV studio and the adjacent bank building) at 189-191 East Hartsdale Avenue. The Hartsdale Contextual Review Committee must review and make recommendations to the Town Board regarding any exterior alterations to the building. The restaurant must also obtain a special permit from the Town Board.
CGCA members expressed concern about what appears to be insufficient parking for another restaurant. Deborah Bloom mentioned that people along the Avenue have noted that restaurants are the only businesses that seem to survive. She said there is great concern about the loss of the supermarket and the possibility that a chain drug store may occupy the vacant space, putting more "mom & pop" stores on East Hartsdale Avenue out of business.
On a related matter, CGCA members have heard that Supervisor Feiner has instructed Town staff not to enforce the Zoning Ordinance while he rewrites laws concerning East Hartsdale Avenue.
SUPERVISOR FEINER LOBBIES ZBA MEMBERS FOR FUZZY GARCIA VARIANCE VIOLATES HIS OWN RULES IN UNPRECEDENTED ZBA TESTIMONY
The applicant for this small store on Central Avenue near Hartsdale Avenue sought a Special Permit from the Planning Board to operate a restaurant, claiming it was not possible to make a profit selling food only for off-premise consumption. The Zoning Ordinance requires a restaurant of this size to have 24 parking spaces. The applicant can provide only 17 parking spaces. The Planning Board adjourned the case to an unspecified date while the applicant filed a request for a parking variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
At its May 15, 2003 meeting, the ZBA opened a public hearing on the application. Supervisor Feiner appeared at the hearing and made an impassioned speech about difficult economic times and the plight of the small businessman. At the meeting, ZBA member Francis Sheehan asked Mr. Feiner whether he felt a special exemption was needed for this applicant or the code was defective. Mr. Feiner favored a variance. Mr. Feiner had also sent mail to ZBA members and encouraged other members of the public to attend the meeting in support of the applicant. During the hearing, Mr. Sheehan pointed out that Mr. Feiner was allowed to address the ZBA for more than five minutes after 11 p.m. The hearing was adjourned because the hour was late and a number of other people wished to be heard.
CGCA members noted this was the first time in memory that a sitting Supervisor had appeared before the independent ZBA and attempted to influence its decision. CGCA members were amused that Mr. Sheehan pointed out the ZBA granted Mr. Feiner unlimited speaking time after 11 p.m. As CGCA members know, Mr. Feiner limits residents who wish to speak to a maximum of three minutes and he ends Town Board meetings by 11 p.m. purportedly due to security concerns.
CGCA HEARS REPORTS ON OTHER ZBA CASES
Updates were provided on three other Public Hearings held by the ZBA on May 15, 2003.
Linens-N-Things, Midway Shopping Center, Central Avenue. The applicant is requesting a variance from the sign law. A sign expert testified in hopes of convincing ZBA members that a height variance was necessary for the proposed wall sign to be visible from Central Avenue. Town Code permits 24-inch high lettering plus a 10% bonus. The expert presented testimony on travel speed, "cones of vision" and other technical matters which community members refuted. ZBA member Francis Sheehan’s series of questions caused the expert to admit the store really needed letters 75-inches high, rather than the 42-inch high letters the store was requesting, and anything less would be ineffective. ZBA members requested additional information and adjourned the hearing until June.
Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins, Greenburgh Shopping Center, Knollwood Road. The applicant is requesting a Special Permit to convert the vacant bank building into a quick service food establishment. The applicant provided more information on security and expressed a willingness to limit store hours to fewer than 24 a day, if necessary. The ZBA adjourned the hearing and requested the applicant to approach the shopping center owners about the overall appearance of the shopping center, including illegally parked trailers, overflowing dumpsters and the need for better screening.
Prospero’s Nursery, Knollwood Road. The owners are appealing the Building Inspector’s decision to deny issuance of a building permit for a "shed" that was illegally erected. The owners tore down a 400 square foot building containing a lunchroom and bathrooms and replaced it with a 750 square foot building without obtaining a building permit. The Building Inspector determined a use variance was necessary to enlarge a nonconforming nursery use. An adjacent property owner testified that irrigation water from the nursery floods her property. She also requested better screening from the nursery operation. The attorney for the applicant promised the applicant would meet with the neighbors and asked for the hearing to be adjourned to provide the ZBA with nonconforming use case law.
CGCA MEMBERS HELP TOWN STAFF RE "COMPREHENSIVE" PLAN/PROPOSED LAWS TOWN’S HISTORY OF PASSING DEFECTIVE LAWS RAISED
It was noted that the Town Board closed the public hearing on the "Comprehensive" Plan, the addendum to the plan and the Final GEIS on the plan on April 29, 2003. Some of the inaccuracies in the documents will be corrected. Planning Commissioner Mark Stellato is writing the findings, which were supposed to be available on May 14. Ella Preiser told CGCA members that Supervisor Feiner voted against closing the hearing because the School for the Deaf claimed it only recently learned the "Comprehensive" Plan recommended up-zoning the school property. At the Town Board meeting on May 14, the owner of Mohawk Day Camp also expressed concern about the recommended up-zoning of the camp property. CGCA members were informed that public hearings must take place with proper notification to neighbors before any property can be rezoned.
Madelon O’Shea, Ella Preiser and Bob Reninger reported that they had been meeting with Planning Commissioner Stellato for 4 to 4½ hours twice a week in an effort to revise the wording of the proposed legislation regarding "McMansions," steep slopes, wetlands, and density deductions for steep slopes and wetlands. The group has recommended a total reorganization of the steep slope law, changes limiting the burden on existing property owners, and many other changes. The goal is to have copies of the draft revisions available before tomorrow’s Planning Board meeting.
Mr. Reninger expressed concern, especially regarding the proposed steep slopes law that will affect numerous properties throughout the Town. He noted the language of the law is extremely confusing and it is likely the law could have drastic economic consequences for property owners, with residents required to hire architects, lawyers and engineers to make even minor additions on their properties. He noted a topographical map could cost between $1500 and $2500. He indicated there were no assurances the Planning Board would endorse the proposed changes and even less hope the legal department would approve these changes. Mr. Reninger felt sure the Town Board will want to pass the legislation now and promise to fix any problems later – a promise that history shows the Town Board will not keep.
Madelon O’Shea expressed concern that Supervisor Feiner will not support historic preservation legislation. She said he told residents in February that he would support steep slopes and wetlands laws. She noted that at the Town Board meeting on May 14, 2003, Mr. Feiner tried to put Edgemont historian Louise Clark on the spot about the possibility of designating Cotswold as an historic district. CGCA members noted that at that meeting Mr. Feiner also asked Tax Assessor Gerry Iagallo whether the proposed historic legislation would lower property values. Mr. Iagallo responded that a law prohibiting aluminum siding on an historic home would likely increase the value of the property.
Hal Samis questioned whether the community should focus on just steep slopes and wetlands legislation and address the other laws at a later date. Mrs. O’Shea noted that all the laws should be taken as a package since they are listed in the Comprehensive Plan. CGCA members were urged to pick up copies of the revised proposed laws, which should be available for distribution tomorrow afternoon. Jim Lasser advised CGCA members to be aware they may not receive the correct versions. He noted that, on the same day, two different civic groups were told diametrically different things about the Historic Preservation law. Public Hearings on the proposed laws are scheduled to continue before the Town Board at its meeting on May 28, 2003.
ESCROW FUNDS DISTRIBUTION POLICIES DISCUSSED
Madelon O’Shea reported that on May 7, 2003, the Planning Board heard from Parks Commissioner Gerry Byrne and the town’s consultant regarding the proposal to construct parking spaces, better access and a kiddy playground at the 40+ acre Glenville Woods passive park. The Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend the release of $200,000 from developers’ escrow funds for the park. $171,000 of the money was generated by the Wyldwood development at Glenville Woods. At the Town Board meeting on May 14, 2003, Councilman Steve Bass requested that the resolution to release the funds be put over until the May 28 board meeting. In response to a question at the May 14 meeting, Commissioner Byrne reported there was $332,161.90 in the fund as of March 31, 2003.
Mrs. O’Shea told CGCA members approximately $70,000 of the money remaining in the escrow fund was generated from development in Edgemont. She noted that Edgemont has no town park and a number of Edgemont residents have expressed a desire for a ball field. She mentioned the community wants escrow funds generated in Edgemont to accrue until enough money has amassed to buy property. She said that even if the school donated some excess land for a ball field, it would cost approximately $250,000 to prepare the land.
Several CGCA members agreed it is proper that the primary use for funds should be in the area where the funds were generated. It was noted the intent of the state enabling legislation permitting the Town to collect escrow funds calls for parks, playgrounds or other recreational facilities that are "suitably located." Danny Gold suggested the community should identify property it might wish to purchase.
On a related matter, CGCA members noted that the Greenways Fund will expire next year. Residents of unincorporated Greenburgh pay an additional 0.5% taxes into this fund for open space acquisition. It was suggested that any plan to extend this fund should include correcting the deceptive 1997 ballot wording so that any future monies generated by the additional tax on unincorporated residents will specifically benefit unincorporated residents.
GREENBURGH CABLE ACCESS
TELEVISION:
CENSORSHIP AND MANIPULATION ISSUES CONTINUE
It was noted that the Town Board has not yet established a consistent name for the seven-member board it appointed on March 12, 2003 to oversee public access cable TV. At a meeting on May 6, 2003, one of the Cable Board members suggested a name – Cable Board of Directors of Greenburgh Access Television ("CBDGATV"). [For consistency in these minutes the term "Cable Board" will be used.]
CGCA members were informed that the Cable Board held meetings on April 22 and May 6. Hal Samis, Francis Sheehan, Francis Sheehan Jr. and Ella Preiser also met with Cable Board member Alan Hochberg at his home on April 27. Chair Del Hillgartner and member Alan Hochberg presented the Cable Board’s concerns at a Town Board work session on May 13.
On May 6, the Cable Board again discussed what programming should play on Channel 76 (the only channel that plays Town-wide). By a 3 to 2 vote, the board affirmed its earlier unanimous decision and directed Cable Coordinator George Malone to remove all programming from Channel 76 that was not official government programming. This vote has caused a great deal of concern about "censorship" in the community. (A copy of the Westchester Coalition for Legal Abortion’s Spring 2003 newsletter which contains an article about censorship on cable access TV in Greenburgh was circulated among CGCA members.) At the work session on May 13, Mr. Hillgartner told Town Board members he felt removing programs from Channel 76 was the only truly fair way. Mr. Hochberg disagreed and favored every program playing at least once a month on Channel 76. Mr. Hochberg also urged the Town Board to make the Cable Board an "independent" board. At its May 14 regular meeting, the Town Board unanimously voted to overturn the Cable Board’s directive to Mr. Malone.
Hal Samis suggested that Paul Feiner is to blame that those requesting programs have not been trained and/or received programs and for other problems plaguing cable access TV in Greenburgh. Cleo Oliver disagreed. She felt the Cable Board was unnecessary and is trying to micro-manage the Cable Coordinator. Francis Sheehan, who requested a program in May 1999 but has never been given one, noted that money is spent for equipment and a studio that most residents cannot access. He mentioned that Greenburgh’s cable system could be improved with a small group of trained volunteers. Several CGCA members remarked on the poor quality of the transmission of all government board meetings, but especially the May 6 Cable Board meeting – with the sound fading in and out and participants squeezed into a room that was obviously too small.
Mrs. Preiser mentioned that Paul Feiner is indeed calling the shots regarding cable. She noted the Chair of the Democratic Party, Suzanne Berger, met with Mr. Feiner on May 2 and issued an email reporting that Mr. Feiner continues to prefer an "independent" cable board. However, the email illustrates Mr. Feiner is the person making decisions. He apparently gave assurance no programs will be pulled from Channel 76. The email even included the names of the first four students Mr. Feiner is recommending for training to produce cable programs. Mr. Sheehan noted that Mr. Feiner repeatedly states he "wants" (future tense) an independent cable system but has manipulated Greenburgh cable access TV for years.
PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR A CABLE TV FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
Ella Preiser reported that Cable Board member Wyn Walshe reported at the May 6, 2003 Cable Board meeting that he has met with the Superintendents of the Edgemont and Central 7 school districts regarding providing fully functional cable studios at the high schools. Jim Lasser told CGCA members that Edgemont built a studio but it remains empty because no funds have been provided for equipment. Mr. Walshe also told Cable Board members that the Town is working to set up a meeting with Cablevision regarding the franchise agreement that will expire in two years. The meeting would include representatives from the Greenburgh Villages.
Mrs. Preiser told CGCA members that Supervisor Feiner apparently has been negotiating a new franchise agreement with Cablevision on his own. Mr. Feiner originally wanted to hold a public hearing on the franchise agreement on May 28, 2003. That meeting has been postponed. Documents (dated 4/23/03) reveal Mr. Feiner has named himself along with Alfreda Williams, Steve Bass, George Malone and the seven Cable Board members to a "Telecommunications Committee." The proposed franchise agreement provides no payments for maintaining or improving public access television in Greenburgh but does provide something Mr. Feiner has requested – $1.50 off the monthly service charge to senior citizens who receive basic cable service. Danny Gold recalled that Supervisor Feiner recommended allowing the CGCA to name a representative to the cable board. It was noted Mr. Feiner rejected recommendations from the CGCA and ECC.
Jim Lasser stated it is his understanding that the Town of Greenburgh still has not tariffed cable modem service. Since the Town has no agreement with Cablevision regarding this service, Cablevision does not have to provide cable modem service to the businesses on East Hartsdale Avenue that have requested this service. Mr. Lasser noted the only way to ensure this service will be provided equally to all in the Town is to renegotiate the franchise agreement.
TOWN SETTLES WRONGFUL
DEATH/NEGLIGENCE LAWSUIT FOR $9 MILLION
CASE EXPOSES SERIOUS MAINTENANCE AND FISCAL MANAGEMENT ISSUES
CGCA members discussed the resolution the Town Board passed on April 29, 2003 to settle the lawsuit with the paralyzed survivor whose husband died after their car was crushed by a decayed tree that fell on Central Avenue in 1998. CGCA members were dismayed Town Board members were not open about this $9 million settlement. The item did not appear on agendas sent out to the public. It did appear on the final agenda available at the meeting but included no mention of the amount. The public learned of the matter because Hal Samis demanded a response from the board. Mr. Samis also contacted the local media, which subsequently reported on this settlement.
Francis Sheehan said it was shocking to learn that the Town carried only a $4 million liability policy in 1998. Some CGCA members noted they carry almost that much on their homes. It was noted this was obviously a deliberate, cost-saving decision by the Town Board, which underestimated potential risk. Mr. Samis has discovered that the Town currently is carrying a policy that would provide $1 million per person and $10 million aggregate. CGCA members questioned whether this amount was sufficient since the Town keeps purchasing parkland. Mr. Samis noted that Mr. Feiner has publicly stated that we have to move from Town Hall because the building is in such disrepair that the roof could fall at any time. Mr. Sheehan noted the Town is also aware of millions of dollars of sidewalk repairs that are necessary but has only allocated $125,000 a year for the last two years for sidewalk repair.
CGCA members were shocked to learn that the Town had argued in court that it had no duty to inspect trees on properties it owns, and that even if it had such a duty, it had no knowledge the tree was decayed. The Supreme Court denied the Town’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit and the Town Board appealed the decision. On January 21, 2003, the appellate court affirmed the lower court’s decision, citing case law regarding the Town’s duty to keep the roadway safe and noting there was an issue of fact as to whether the Town knew the tree was decayed. The Town Board’s willingness to settle the case for $9 million indicates the Town is concerned the plaintiff would win in court. Mr. Sheehan reminded CGCA members that at an outdoor board meeting in 1999, Supervisor Feiner refused to answer a question about the Town’s tree maintenance program, citing liability concerns. During that meeting, a rotted tree fell.
Jim Lasser mentioned that the Town will be paying out money and hoping to recover it from the insurance fund at a later time. He noted that bankruptcy lawyers have informed him that there is no accounting mechanism to place any recovered money in anything but the general fund. Francis Sheehan stated that he advocates taking money from the general fund to pay the settlement instead of issuing another bond, particularly since NYS audits have criticized the Town’s overly large fund balance. At the Town Board meeting on May 14, 2003, the Comptroller noted any bond would be for 10-years and cost the average resident $10.00 annually. In response to Mr. Sheehan’s question, the Comptroller indicated the Town was looking into whether the fund balance could be used.
TOWN HALL/LIBRARY CONTROVERSY CONTINUES
Hal Samis asked CGCA members whether they knew why the Town was rushing to sell Town Hall. The Town Board has obviously made a back room decision to sell the building and has sent out requests to potential buyers even though plans for an expanded library have not been finalized. Francis Sheehan mentioned that following today’s (5/20/03) work session, Town Board members went to visit an assisted living facility in Mt. Vernon whose owners are interested in buying the current Town Hall site. Elinore Gordon mentioned that the idea of using the Town Hall site for assisted living was discussed years ago.
Madelon O’Shea noted that Howard Jacobs, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees, had not gotten back to her about a possible meeting with the CGCA to discuss the library’s plans for expansion/renovation. Jim Lasser reported that Mr. Jacobs was the featured speaker at last night’s Longview Association meeting. At that meeting Mr. Jacobs refused to put a number on the possible cost of expansion. He told Longview residents it may take another year or two of study and urged them to visit the children’s room at the Suffern Library, which was designed by an architect Greenburgh would like to use.
Francis Sheehan stated that he is disappointed that the Town Board misled the public. As we now know, the first floor of 177 Hillside Avenue can handle the weight of library books. He supports locating the Library in the new building at 177 Hillside Avenue and rehabilitating the existing buildings (Town Hall and Library) for Town Hall use. He feels this option would solve the need for additional space, triple the book stacking space and be far less expensive to taxpayers. He noted the projected costs for expanding/renovating the library have doubled (now estimated at $17-20 million) since December 2002. Ella Preiser noted that at the May 14, 2003 meeting, the Town Board passed a resolution to permit DPW to go out to bid for renovating the interior at 177 Hillside Avenue for use as a Town Hall.
MISCELLANEOUS
WestHELP Lease Signed. At the Town Board work session on May 13, 2003, Supervisor Paul Feiner reported he had signed an agreement with Westchester County regarding the extension of the lease for the WestHELP homeless shelter. No announcement was made about when the Town can expect to receive the rent – $1.2 million annually for ten years. Part of the income will go to the Valhalla School District, the Fairview Fire District and to benefit the Mayfair-Knollwood neighborhood.
Hackley Granted Moratorium Waiver. At the Town Board work session on May 6, 2003, the Town Board granted the Hackley School a waiver from the Moratorium Law. The school plans to construct a new middle school/science building and an addition to the lower school.
Restaurant Seeks Live Entertainment on Weekends. On April 30, 2003, the Planning Board held a Public Hearing on the request of the owner of Mitty’s Steakhouse at 149 South Central Avenue to amend the Planning Board’s previous approval for a cabaret license. A condition on the 1998 Special Permit restricted all live entertainment to private parties. The owner now wants occasional live entertainment open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays. It is expected the Planning Board will approve the request at tomorrow’s (5/21/03) meeting.
Planning Board Updated on WVL Remediation Plan. Ella Preiser told CGCA members that the Planning Board met in executive session on April 30, 2003 to discuss plans for remediating the destruction to the buffer at 65 Westchester View Lane. Attending the meeting were Town Prosecutor Timothy Lewis, the newly hired landscape architect and the arborist retained by the Town. The next court date has been scheduled for May 29, 2003. It is unlikely a remediation plan will be ready by that date. [In November 2002, the owners removed numerous trees and other vegetation from the buffer in violation of Planning Board resolutions stating the buffer must be maintained in its natural state.]
Home Depot Still Seeking Approval to Build in Mount Pleasant. CGCA members noted that today’s local paper reported that some Mount Pleasant Planning Board members continue to have concerns about the size of the Home Depot store proposed for Route 9A near the Mount Pleasant border with Greenburgh. After losing a court battle, the store has twice reduced the proposed size of the building.
Westwood Acquisition Supported by County Parks Board. Bill Greenawalt told CGCA members that he is Vice-Chair of the Westchester County Parks Board and at the board’s last meeting it passed a resolution supporting acquisition of the Westwood property in Irvington.
Croton Water Filtration Plant Deadline Met. Alice Moroney noted that the New York City Department of Environmental Protection technically "met" the federal April 30, 2003 deadline to decide where to build a filtration plant for the Croton Reservoir System by filing building plans in both the Bronx and Mount Pleasant. The preferred site is Van Cortlandt Park, but it is necessary to obtain approval from the state legislature to build in the park and opposition is well organized. Ms. Moroney noted that the Mount Pleasant site could benefit Greenburgh. The NYSDEP already owns the site. A third site along the Harlem River, which the NYSDEP does not own, is also being considered.
GfG Web Address. Elinore Gordon requested that the Grassroots for Greenburgh (GfG) address be listed in the minutes. The web site address is http://grassrootsforgreenburgh.home.att.net – copies of approved minutes of CGCA meetings are posted on the GfG web site. Those wishing to receive GfG updates should send an email to grassrootsforgreenburgh@worldnet.att.net and request that their name be added to the mailing list.