COUNCIL OF GREENBURGH CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS
Minutes of Meeting - September 19, 2000
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 have 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
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
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
To date, thirty-four civic groups have paid dues for the year 2000. There is $844.24 in the treasury.
Cleo Oliver, CGCA Vice Chairperson, chaired the meeting.
Stephanie Bellino, President of the Lower Manor Woods Neighborhood Association, was congratulated on her recent election to the Greenburgh Central 7 School Board.
Deborah Bloom, representative from East Hartsdale Avenue, was welcomed to her first CGCA meeting.
EAST HARTSDALE AVENUE CODE CHANGE URGED
CGCA members continue to be concerned about conditions on East Hartsdale Avenue. As reported last month, Rockwells has closed, but Harry's Oyster Bar will open in this space. A lease is also being prepared for another vacant storefront. Inquiries have been received for renting other vacant storefronts but the proposed uses are not permitted under the current zoning. Because of the East Hartsdale Avenue characteristic of being the only "downtown" area in Greenburgh, CGCA members continue to urge that the Town amend the Zoning Ordinance. A special zoning district should be created solely for the "downtown" area that would permit a wider range of businesses to rent space.
To improve the appearance of the street, thought should also be given to reducing the clutter of merchandise on the sidewalk and a better job done of cleaning the street.
UNKEMPT "NEW" EAST HARTSDALE AVENUE CABLE TV STUDIO
CGCA members noted their surprise and disappointment at the way the Town has been maintaining the new Greenburgh Cable Television Studio on East Hartsdale Avenue. Although the Town has had a lease for the property for almost six months (of a two-year lease), the storefront looks vacant. Swirls of leaves lie in piles in the entranceway, the windows are dirty and two empty flower boxes in front of the building are being used as garbage receptacles. The awning sign on the storefront still reads "'The Coffee Tree". The only sign identifying the storefront as a cable studio is an 81/z x 11" piece of paper taped to the front door, which one must walk into the entranceway to read. Inside, things are a mess. Electrical wirings still hang from the walls and the bathrooms are filthy. Cable producers have complained to the Town that it is embarrassing to invite guests to tapings.
SCARSDALE GOLF COURSE TO WITHDRAW REQUEST FOR 70-FOOT FENCE
CGCA members reported that according to Elizabeth Curry, Secretary to the Zoning Board, although an official written request has not yet been received, the Scarsdale Golf Club definitely will request to withdraw its application seeking a variance to erect a 70-foot high fence. East Hartsdale Avenue residents worked very hard to prevent this assault on their quality of life and the value of their homes and are relieved that the application will be withdrawn. Area residents are grateful for the support of the CGCA, with special thanks given to CGCA representatives Madelon O'Shea and Ella Preiser who attended a number of meetings with the residents.
According to an e-mail from Supervisor Paul Feiner, the golf club will attempt to mitigate concerns of residents and submit a modified plan next year. The CGCA will continue to oppose any plan that negatively impacts the East Hartsdale Avenue residents or endangers wildlife. In addition, CGCA members noted that there appear to be two illegal structures on the golf course property.
GREENBURGH CAMPAIGN FINANCE COMMISSION NEARING CLOSURE
Mary Tobias, CGCA representative to the Campaign Finance Commission, reported that the GCFC took the summer months off but met again on September 14. At the beginning of the meeting, Co-chair Harriet Lieb announced that the Commission would meet only one more time to finalize its recommendations to the Town Board. Only the Ethics Subcommittee met during the summer. The other subcommittees (cable TV, campaign finance, and legal) need to hold meetings to consider the comments received from the community during the June 5 public hearing. The next meeting date of the entire; Commission was not established.
At the September 14 meeting, Francis Sheehan recommended that the GCFC not present its final recommendations to the Town Board until after the November elections. He did not wish the Commission to be perceived as politically interfering in the campaigns of those currently running for office. The other members of the Commission agreed and will ask the Town Board to schedule time for the GCFC to formally present its recommendations at the regular December Town Board meeting.
MILLENNIUM NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PUBLIC HEARING
Alice Moroney reported on the public hearing held by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on September 14 in Croton-on-Hudson. More than 200 people attended the hearing and were seated in three different rooms, some watching the proceedings on closed circuit TV. Many speakers (municipal officials and residents) from northern Westchester objected to the decision to re-route the proposed natural gas pipeline along Routes 9 and 9A. They want the pipeline moved back to the Con Edison right-of-way or across the river. Greenburgh Town Engineer Michael McGarvey has reviewed the newly proposed route and has written a memo outlining his concerns, which include the need for an emergency response plan, compliance with Town codes, a legible up-to-date map, sufficient valves for emergency shut downs and access for emergency vehicles. Mr. McGarvey's memo notes that the route of the proposed pipeline goes underneath the Coca Cola bottling plant and the County's proposed bike path. All of these concerns were expressed at the hearing. Representatives from Coca Cola and the owners of Landmark (formerly Union Carbide) also raised issues.
Mrs. Moroney noted that FERC has the authority to invoke "eminent domain" and acquire any land that is necessary because the gas is needed for power plants. CGCA members understand the concerns of the northern communities but suggested that the old Putnam railroad right-of-way is a better route for the pipeline than the Con Edison right-of-way for most Greenburgh residents, even though it would pass through parkland. Whichever route is used, there would be a negative impact to the villages of Elmsford and Ardsley. Mention was made of the campers who were recently killed in New Mexico when an underground natural gas pipeline exploded.
GIS WEBSITE - DATA ACCURACY WORSENS
At the August 23 Town Board meeting held at Anthony F. Veteran Park, a question was raised about inaccurate data on the Town's GIS website, particularly the fact that the property owned by Supervisor Feiner and his wife was listed as totally exempt from paying school tax. A printed copy from the website of this inaccurate data was shown to Town Assessor Gerry Iagallo who indicated that the copy was dated and the problem had been corrected. The problem, rather than being corrected, seems to have grown. CGCA members noted that according to the GIS website today, all properties in Greenburgh are listed as 100% exempt from paying school tax.
A question also was raised at the August 23 Town Board meeting about whether a report was available from the committee that Police Chief John Kapica was asked to head regarding privacy and security issues on the GIS website. Mr. Feiner responded that there was no report since Chief Kapica decided there were no privacy or security issues. The Chief did not attend this meeting. At the meeting Francis Sheehan questioned Supervisor Feiner regarding the amount of research conducted on the company the Town Board wanted to handle Internet credit card transactions. Mr. Feiner did not respond. It was noted that the Town Board withdrew the proposal to charge fees to access or copy data from the website. CGCA members applaud this decision since serious security issues regarding credit card numbers had not been addressed.
HOME DEPOT - MOUNT PLEASANT - MEETINGS CONTINUE
Alice Moroney reported on the recent special meeting that the Mount Pleasant Planning Board held with representatives from Home Depot. The store was successful in the lawsuit it brought against the Mount Pleasant Planning Board, which denied the store site plan approval and a wetlands permit. Neither side appears willing to change its position. The board believes that the court did not properly assess all of the facts, including the impact on the wetlands, traffic and the conflict of use with the state DOT's possible use of the site as the entrance for a Route 9A bypass road. The Mount Pleasant Planning Board has requested that the size of the store be scaled down to minimize the impact on the wetlands. Home Depot claims that this is the size of stores that they build in the northeast and appears unwilling to reduce the size of the proposed building, although there was brief mention that a smaller, high-end store carrying fancy plumbing, etc. could be considered. The Mount Pleasant Planning Board will schedule a Public Hearing on this application.
TOWN BOARD "ROADSHOW" OBSTACLES
The September 13 Town Board meeting, held at Massaro Park, was well attended by people who wished to address the board during the scoping session on the Fortress Bible Church and School proposal. To avoid blocking driveways, some attending the meeting had to park their cars several blocks away from the park entrance. As usual, there were not enough chairs for all attending and the bugs were biting. As darkness fell and condensation formed, members of the public endured other obstacles. Those wishing to speak from prepared statements or notes found it very difficult to read in the dark with only the light from the video camera. In preparation for this meeting, the lawn was mowed earlier in the day and attendees found their footwear covered with clumps of wet grass clippings. Those who eventually found an empty chair were treated to metal chair seats that were cold and wet from the evening dew. CGCA members applaud the members of the public who are willing to endure these kinds of disrespectful treatment in order to participate in the government of their community.
OPEN MEETINGS LAW COMPLIANCE QUESTIONED
CGCA members questioned if the members of the Town Board actually know what they are voting on at Town Board meetings. At the meetings, the board generally whips through most items on the agenda in record time, sometimes "moving" the entire agenda without any discussion. It would appear that board members must be either (1) voting on issues without any prior discussion or knowledge of the issues or (2) discussing issues in executive session in violation of the Open Meetings Law. The Open Meetings Law was enacted to provide the public with the right to attend and listen to the discussions and deliberations that go into making public policy and decisions. The Town Board appears to be denying residents that right or, alternately, not discussing important issues facing the Town.
It was noted that in recent weeks, most Tuesday Town Board work sessions have been "executive sessions" and closed to the public. For example, the agenda for the work session today listed only legal and personnel items, appropriate items for executive sessions. However, members of the Town's Planning Department were observed going in and out of the executive session a number of times during today's work session. It is difficult to believe that only personnel or legal issues were discussed with the members of the planning staff.
PROPOSED HOTELS - ROUTE 119
At the September 13 board meeting, the Town Board held a public hearing on the proposed 110,000 square feet, 150-room hotel proposed at 600 White Plains Road (site of the former Premier Theater). This hotel would replace a proposed office building that previously received site plan approval. Councilwoman Timmy Weinberg moved that the hearing be closed and the record be kept open for two weeks, even though the Town's planning consultant, Anthony Russo, had not yet reviewed the final plans. Town Attorney Susan Mancuso urged that the meeting be held over so that all comments on the project could be made during the Public Hearing process. The Board voted to adjourn the hearing until September 27. CGCA members applaud Ms. Mancuso's efforts to keep the public involved and informed.
The Town Board has not yet accepted the FEIS as complete for circulation regarding the other hotel, Springhill Suites, planned for Route 119 at the Tarrytown harder. The hotel would require variances from the honing Board, which cannot act until the Town Board accepts the FEIS.
ROUTE 9A MULTIPLEX THEATER SURVEY
TOWN AGAIN MAILS BASED ON VOTER REGISTRATION DATA
Copies of an August 22 letter from Supervisor Paul Feiner to "Dear Neighbor of the Multiplex Theatre" were distributed and discussed. In the letter, the Supervisor seeks neighborhood feedback regarding any impact the multiplex has had and thoughts on fixture plans for this Route 9A area. These letters were mailed using the voter registration list and election district labels. Questions were raised about whether the letters are little more than campaign literature, meant to get the Supervisor's name out. The Supervisor should be well aware that the multiplex has caused few problems in the neighborhood since attendance has been poor. The parking lot is partially used. Residents have attended screenings with only one or two people in the audience. It was noted that there have been few good movies since the multiplex opened.
PROMISED PAYNE STREET TRAFFIC ARROW NOT INSTALLED
Interestingly, Lorrin Brown, the President of the North Elmsford Civic Association, did not receive the Supervisor's "Dear Neighbor of the Multiplex Theatre" letter. Perhaps it is because the multiplex never delivered on its promise to erect a left-turn arrow on the southbound Route 9A/Payne Street traffic light. At the September 13 Town Board meeting, an area resident again raised the question about why the leftturn arrow had not been installed. Supervisor Feiner stated that it was not a promise but a decision made by the state DOT. The resident replied that state DOT officials had indicated that the proper papers had not been filed by the theater. Chief Kapica noted that he would ask the state to reply in writing the reasons for the decision. CGCA members suggested that the videotapes of the public hearings on the multiplex would clearly show that a promise was made.
MISCELLANEOUS
Kathwood Road Lawsuit. Pursuant to the judge's ruling, Baker Brothers, the builders of five houses on Kathwood Road, have filed an application for subdivision with the Greenburgh Planning Department. In a brief article in the September 17 edition, the New York Times reported that the Appellate Court had upheld the lower court ruling requiring the builders to obtain subdivision approval for the five houses they are building on "excess" Sprain Brook Parkway land. The article was incorrect. While the builders have appealed the lower court ruling, the Appellate Court has not issued a decision.
Glusker Subdivision - High Street. The Planning Board has scheduled a public hearing for October 4 to hear the request to subdivide a parcel of land at the end of High Street (off Payne Street in North Elmsford). The land was sold at auction by the state DOT as "excess" Sprain Brook Parkway land. CGCA members continue to have questions about the sale of this property by the DOT since the law establishing the Sprain Brook Parkway stated that this land was to be held in perpetuity as parkway land and for no other purpose.
Fortress Bible Church and School. At the August 23 Town Board meeting, the planned scoping session was adjourned since the applicant had not provided a court reporter to prepare a transcript. The scoping session was held on September 13 at Massaro Park.
Glenville Woods. Supervisor Feiner announced at the September 13 meeting that Westchester County has agreed to contribute $400,000 to purchase 40+ acres of open space. The Town is now requesting $500,000 from New York State. The Town last month approved hiring another firm to appraise the property again.
Old Army Road Subdivision. A developer has an application before the Planning Board seeking subdivision of a parcel at the corner of Old Army Road and Ardsley Road in order to build three houses. This application has been the subject of a number of meetings arranged by Supervisor Feiner because of concerns of neighbors regarding environmental impacts and a century-old water tower on the property. Notes taken by Town officials at these various meetings appear to have been lost. Last week Building Inspector John Lucido issued the developer a demolition permit to tear down the water tower. Neighbors immediately voiced objections. Today Mr. Lucido rescinded the demolition permit and issued a stop work order.
Variances Sought for Substandard Lots. The Zoning Ordinance requires that all proposed construction conform to all requirements of the Ordinance. In recent months, the Zoning Board has denied the variances sought by applicants to build new homes on substandard lots. Two additional applications requesting such variances now appear on the Zoning Board calendar. The CGCA opposes the granting of these types of variances unless the variance requested is exceedingly small.
Juniper Hill CA Meeting. Curt Constable, President of the Juniper Hill CA, reported that his group met on August 3. The chief concern of the neighbors is the day laborers, who congregate each day in front of Varvaro's Deli on Russell Street in White Plains. The CA is also concerned about the rape that occurred earlier this year. No arrest has been made. Mr. Constable noted he has been informed that Cablevision is taking over the old Poland Springs distribution center on Fulton Street.
Code Enforcement Lacking. Mention was made that a number of business establishments are in violation of the "Incidental Dining" law. Apparently, no applications have been filed for the required special permits.
Habitat for Humanity House. It was noted that work has not been completed on the house.
Request to Videotape ARB Meetings. Francis Sheehan, a member of the Antenna Review Board, requested that CGCA members consider videotaping ARB meetings as a public service since the ARB Chair has informed ARB members and others that the Town Board will not allow the ARB meetings to be taped and shown on Cable television.
Multipurpose Center. To access the new Multipurpose Center at Anthony Veteran Park it is necessary to walk up a steep grade, a difficult trip for many senior citizens. Some parking spaces for the handicapped will be provided. CGCA members trust that a sufficient number of conveniently located parking spaces will be provided to accommodate all senior residents who may wish to attend functions at the center.
New Planning Board Member. Michael Weiss resigned from the Planning Board and the Town Board has appointed Kevin Morgan to fill the unexpired term. Mr. Morgan is a retired detective from the Greenburgh Police Department.
Political Campaign Signs. During last year's race for seats on the Town Board, members of the Town Board made a number of statements opposing the posting of political campaign signs. A Town Board member even criticized the practice in a "letter to the editor." Although political signs are visible throughout the Town this year, including those for incumbent Town Board members running for higher office, it was noted that the members of the Town Board have raised no objections.
Ethics Code Should Be Amended. CGCA members again expressed concern that the Town's Code of Ethics does not prohibit former Town employees from immediately representing clients before the Town's boards. It was noted that many municipalities and most businesses have codes or policies in place to prevent even the perception of impropriety. CGCA members again suggested that the Code of Ethics should be amended.
Speedy recovery wished Scarsdale Inquirer Reporter. CGCA members understand that David Gottlieb, the reporter covering Hartsdale and Edgemont news for the Scarsdale Inquirer, has been ill. CGCA members appreciate Mr. Gottlieb's frequent attendance at Town meetings and the follow-up press coverage he provides. We wish him a speedy recovery.