Greenburgh Insider: Greenburgh Town Board opposes dumping of radioactive waste in Hudson.

 

Dumping of radioactive waste into the Hudson will create health, safety and economic risks to our communities.

The Greenburgh Town Board unanimously approved the following resolution urging NYS to make it unlawful for the company decommissioning Indian Point to discharge one million gallons of radioactive wastewater into the Hudson River from a spent nuclear fuel pool. There are significant health, safety and economic risks. I hope that every community in NYS will approve similar resolutions and strongly encourage the State Legislature to approve this important action.

Paul Feiner

Greenburgh Town Supervisor

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING BILL 5181 PENDING IN THE NEW YORK STATE SENATE MAKING IT UNLAWFUL TO DISCHARGE ANY RADIOLOGICAL AGENT INTO THE HUDSON RIVER 

WHEREAS, the company decommissioning the Indian Point nuclear facility, approximately 30 miles north of Greenburgh, proposes to discharge one (1) million gallons of radioactive wastewater into the Hudson River upstream from Greenburgh from a spent nuclear fuel pool at the Indian Point facility; and;

WHEREAS, Bill 5181 pending in the New York Senate proposes to make it unlawful to discharge any radiological agent into the Hudson River and all other waters of the State of New York, citing “radioactive material poses not only a possible health risk but also a serious economic risk to our communities with potential negative impacts on real estate values” and further citing the need to protect and preserve the state’s water sources; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board agrees with prohibiting discharging radiological agents into the Hudson River and other state water bodies; and WHEREAS, the remedy presently provided in Senate Bill 5181 is monetary fines, enforced by the state Attorney General; and WHEREAS, the Town Board believes that preventing discharge of radiological agents into watercourses in the first place, rather than after-the-fact fines, would be more protective of the public interest; 

and WHEREAS, the Town Board believes it would be beneficial and in the public interest if the remedies in Senate Bill 5181 would be broadened to add the right to obtain an injunction, by the State Attorney General, the State Department of Environmental Conservation and any municipality whose residents or environment is potentially affected; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of Greenburgh respectfully requests the members of the New York State Legislature who represent Greenburgh to seek to broaden the remedies in Senate Bill 5181 to add the right to obtain an injunction, by the State Attorney General, the State Department of Environmental Conservation and any municipality whose residents or environment is potentially affected, and to seek adoption of Senate Bill 5181, as amended, by the New York Senate and Assembly;

and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall transmit a copy of this Resolution to the members of the New York Legislature who represent Greenburgh

Greenburgh Insider: Sad news-in memory of Bill Lawyer, former executive director Greenburgh Nature Center.

 

Bill's contributions to the Greenburgh Nature Center will always be appreciated.

The next time you visit the Greenburgh Nature Center and enjoy the rambling forest trails, gardens, green space, outdoor and indoor animal habitats, the picturesque Manor House and live Animal Museum --please think of Bill Lawyer.  Some sad news. Bill passed away on March 21, peacefully in his sleep in his home surrounded by family.  A service to celebrate his life will be held at the Rye Presbyterian Church, 882 Boston Post Road, Rye on Sunday May 21 at 2 PM according to Liam Lawyer and Katie Sperling, children of Bill.

Bill served as Executive Director at the Greenburgh Nature Center for thirty years.  The Greenburgh Nature Center was only three years old when Bill assumed the position of Executive Director. He made an enormous contribution to the Nature Center. Thanks to Bill's hard work and leadership abilities the Greenburgh Nature Center became one of the leading suburban nature centers in the region - one of the highlights of every young persons growing up experiences. Every time I speak to children at different schools and ask them about the Nature Center almost every student gets excited and talks about their positive experiences. Without Bill that would never have happened.

A passionate environmentalist who taught social studies and was activities advisor at Rye Country Day School, Bill also served as a Peace Corps volunteer. He studied administration at Yale University, political science/Environmental Science at Duke University.

The family suggests that Bill's friends and admirers make a donation to the Greenburgh Nature Center in lieu of flowers. The Greenburgh Town Board will begin our next meeting on April 12th with a moment of silence in honor of this great leader who did so much for our town and for the environment. He will be missed. He will never be forgotten.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

Greenburgh Insider: Shoprite to open 74,000 supermarket in North Elmsford Sunday.

 

The location: 320 Saw Mill River Road, the former movie theater

Some more positive economic development news for Greenburgh.

Shoprite will be opening in the North Elmsford section of Greenburgh on Sunday morning. The new 74,000 square foot supermarket is located at 320 Saw Mill River Road --the former movie theater across from Sam's Club.

Many residents had previously requested that the town encourage more supermarkets to consider Greenburgh as a possible location. We welcome this new addition to our town. We had a constructive meeting with residents on Wednesday  and will continue to work with the neighborhood to address any quality of life concerns they may have as a result of a supermarket near their homes.

https://www.lohud.com/story/life/food/2023/03/21/new-shoprite-elmsford-greenburgh-opening-date-march-26/70029180007/

PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Insider: For moms: Mothers of Preschoolers offers moms chance to share stories and make friends.

 

link below to interview with Deborah Mosley about her Greenburgh chapter of MOPS.

In 1973 a group of moms formed a group called Mothers of Preschoolers. The moms banded together to share their lives and parenting journeys. Over the years MOPS has expanded their efforts to include moms with school aged kids. They have partnered with churches, organizations worldwide in 70 countries.

Deborah Mosley administers the MOPS chapter at the Youth Mission of Life offices, located at 375 Dobbs Ferry Road here in Greenburgh.   I invited her to appear as a guest on my WVOX radio show to talk about the MOPS chapter which meets the third Thursday and last Saturday of each month.

 

 Youtube link - https://youtu.be/UQrfSgh8sRo

If you are a parent of a pre-schooler or school aged kids this organization may be of interest to you.  I am hoping that the town could be responsive to the concerns of parens living in town. Your suggestions are always welcome.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

Greenburgh Insider: Greenburgh taking steps to create mixed use housing at four corners in Hartsdale.

 

We plan to seek county, state and federal grants to help us achieve this goal: housing near the train station as per Governor's request to local communities.

At Tuesday's Greenburgh Town Board work session the Greenburgh Town Board spent some time meeting with our Albany lobbyist, John Emrick. We discussed seeking state funding to help the town implement one of Governor Kathy Hochul's goals: more housing (including affordable housing) near train stations. The 4 corners in Hartsdale (East Hartsdale Ave, Central Ave, West Hartsdale Ave)  would be an excellent location for mixed use housing. But, we will need state financial help creating turning lanes and safety improvements on West and East Hartsdale Ave (to reduce traffic congestion) and will also need state funding to address flooding conditions on Central Ave.

Because housing near train stations is such a high priority for the Governor, we believe that this is a perfect opportunity to seek help from Albany.  The discussion with John Emrick can be watched on the link below (first topic on work session agenda).

This is a link to the Hartsdale Neighbors Association posting about the four corners in Hartsdale: a nice history of community efforts to create mixed use housing at this site.

https://hartsdaleneighbors.org/wp/4corners/

https://greenburghny.new.swagit.com/videos/222432

The Greenburgh Town Board also supports a county grant that will help us move the 4 corner redevelopment initiative forward.

 Westchester County has a Downtown Improvement Grant (if chosen the County provides a Consultant no cost to carryout market studies which we would use to focus on the redevelopment potential of Four Corners; if chosen the grant also provides $250,000 for use following the market studies – this is envisioned as funding for a consultant to prepare Zoning Code language to enable redevelopment at Four Corners).

2.       A resolution approving a NYSDOT contractor to rent the Town owned site on West Hartsdale Avenue for a monthly fee for 3-6 months. This contractor will be carrying out a NYSDOT project to update the traffic signal and make new ADA compliant curb ramps at each 4C intersection.

 

 PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor

Greenburgh Insider: Modified News Flash Hartsdale, Ardsley named top 100 places to live in.

 

Earlier this year Greenburgh was named the 8th best place in the northeast by MONEY. More good news!!!

https://patch.com/new-york/scarsdale/2-hudson-valley-towns-make-top-100-best-places-live-list-niche

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Two municipalities in the Hudson Valley are among the top 100 best places to live in America, according to rankings released Monday by Niche.

The list, the ninth consecutive, ranked 228 cities and 17,932 towns and neighborhoods. To compile it, Niche used federal data from the Census Bureau, FBI, Labor Bureau and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as reviews from residents.

Among others, factors considered are affordability, the local housing market, neighborhood diversity, the quality of public schools and walkability.

Here are the places in the Hudson Valley that made it onto the top 100:

• Hartsdale (63)
• Ardsley (84)

The overall Best Place to Live in America is Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania, which has claimed the title now for four consecutive years. Rounding out the top five are Colonial Village, Virginia; Ardmore, Pennsylvania; Hyde Park-Spanishtown Creek, Florida; and Penn Wynne, Pennsylvania.

The Best Places to Live rankings are a tool to help people find a place to live based on the qualities that matter most to them, Niche said in a news release.

People who want to dig deeper into a specific area can compare cities, suburbs and neighborhoods with specific states, metro areas and counties. Among others, Niche has specialized lists for the best places for families, young professionals, homebuyers ad retirees.

With unique ratings, honest reviews, personalized recommendations, and tools to guide you through every step, Niche is changing the way millions of people find their school and hometown.

Greenburgh Insider: This coming Saturday- Carol Sommerfield's art exhibit/reception at the Greenburgh Library @ 2 p.m.

 

Proceeds from Carol's amazing art will go to help local charities.

(Carol is known in the community for her work as the co-leader of the effort to promote pollinator gardens in town).

Carol Sommerfield is one of the most exceptional community leaders in our town. The co-leader of the pollinator demonstration gardens at Anthony F Veteran Park and Hart's Brook Nature Center in 2021 - Carol  has made a positive difference in our community. She is also a talented arist. This Saturday March 25 from 2 PM to 4 PM Carol will be exhibiting her art at the Greenburgh Library. All proceeds from her art work will go to the Greenburgh Nature Center, the Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry and other local charities.   Our community is very lucky to have someone like Carol living here -- promoting native plants, pollinator gardens and helping to improve the lives of others.  She makes people smile!  I hope to see you Saturday at the exhibit! 

PAUL FEINER

Artist Carol Sommerfield’s “Returning” exhibit returns funds back to the community

 

Carol Sommerfield’s latest painting exhibit at the Greenburgh Public Library features 109 paintings whose sole purpose is to earn money for their benefiting organizations. All proceeds from sales go to nine local benefiting organizations, including the Greenburgh Nature Center and the Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry. In addition to being a prolific artist, Carol started the Ardsley Pollinator Pathway in 2021 and has been busy spreading the word and helping people understand the value of native plants and pollinator gardens in yards. Last year she co-led the projects to install pollinator demonstration gardens at Anthony F. Veteran Park and Hart’s Brook Park and Preserve, as well as at the Ardsley Public Library. The gardens were a big hit and loved by all, and so this year she will be co-leading the expansion of both Greenburgh pollinator gardens.  Her immense love of the natural world comes through in her landscape paintings, which even include some favorite pollinators and native plants.  The exhibit can be viewed from March 18 through April 29. The openingreception is Saturday, March 25 from 2 to 4 at the library where you can view the work and meet the artist.  More information on the exhibit and paintings can be found at http://www.frogsleapgallery.com/Returning---The-Exhibit.html

Greenburgh Insider: Stickley's Furniture moving out but...Raymour & Flannigan moving into their storefront.

 

Glad there won't be another vacant storefront!

When Stickley's furniture store   located at 50 Tarrytown Road in Greenburgh announced that they were planning to move to White Plains a number of people were disappointed. They were a great addition to our town - an excellent furniture store in a beautiful building located off of Route 119 (near the 287 entrance). We hate vacant storefronts!

GOOD NEWS ; 

Another Furniture store (Raymour & Flannigan) seeks to move into this location. R&F will appear before the ZBA next month for a parking variance (the building is not expanding, they seek to convert interior warehouse space to showroom).

Pleased with all the economic development activity in Greenburgh. We're grateful that Greenburgh continues to have a good reputation -a good place to do business. Shop locally. Send a message to all businesses (old and new) that the community will be supportive.

PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor

Greenburgh Insider: 500 volunteers, Elmsford Little League participate in Million Meal Project at Greenville School.

 

A special thank you to the Elmsford Little League and the 500 volunteers who packed 50,000 meals for the hungry living in the Ukraine, Sri Lanka and Nicaragua, among other nations.

 

This weekend, Elmsford Little League teamed up with the Million Meal Project for a meal-packing event with 500 volunteers ages 5-80.  Together, our little league baseball and softball players and their families met their new teammates and showed that you can prepare for your season by doing service work for the community as well as preparing on the field.  ELL and Million Meal Project packed just over 50,000 meals to be sent to schools in communities with extreme levels of food insecurity including Ukraine, Sri Lanka, and Nicaragua.  A few photos are below, and the photo page for the day event is here.  The Million Meal Project was started by the Blumberg family of Edgemont with a goal of rallying our community pack and distribute 1 million meals over the next 5 years for families both at home and around the globe facing food insecurity.  If your community organization, school, temple or church, or group of friends is interested in hosting a meal packing event, please email info@millionmealproject.org. 

Thank you to all the volunteers for making a positive difference in the lives of the less fortunate. You inspire!

PAUL FEINER

 

Greenburgh Insider: Greenburgh's Ross Fishman has helped many residents overcome mental health issues.

 

Dr. Fishman's Innovative Health Systems offers numerous services that have changed lives for the better! He's retired now but the organization he formed continues to do great things for many.

Many adults and adolescents suffer from addiction and mental health issues. A number of years ago Dr. Ross Fishman of Greenburgh (who has served for many years on the Greenburgh Police Community Advisory Board- including as CEO) formed an organization that has helped many people overcome the challenges of mental health. The organization is called Innovative Health Systems, Inc and is based at 20 Church Street White Plains.

Dr. Fishman has retired from Innovative Health Systems but still serves as a consultant. I interviewed his successor -Abe Hikind and Deborah Flynn Capalbo about the services they offer. A link to the interview is below. Dr. Fishman participated in the interview. He is a real inspiration who has made a big difference in thousands of lives.

Here is the Youtube link - https://youtu.be/GS3vomBWhdI   

 

Greenburgh Insider: Crumbl cookies is now open, KFC/Taco Bell opened yesterday, support existing businesses.

 

One River School of Art has contributed to the revitalization of Central Ave.

Crumbl Cookies opened today. I stopped by to greet the owner and staff. Was amazed at the turnout. There were lines of people from all over Westchester excited about the store opening -the first crumbl cookies store in Westchester. They are having their official ribbon cutting ceremony tomorrow at 8 AM. The cookies are among the best in the world--they have 3.5 million followers on Instagram and 6.6 followers on Tik Tok.

Dalewood shopping center 

377 N Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY, 10530

After closing for renovations one year ago, KFC and Taco Bell has re-opened in the N Elmsford section of Greenburgh on Saw Mill River Road - at the same complex that will soon be shared with Shoprite (across from Sam's Club). ! This location has undergone a complete remodel of both interior and exterior elements. Features include a brand new kitchen and dining room with modern finishes. The exterior has a modern fresh look that aligns with Town of Greenburgh’s vision of revitalizing commercial zones. Syed-Nadeem Kirmani, CEO of Kirmani Group and owner of the restaurant, had made the decision to reinvest into the town after witnessing an increase in development and saw the potential of what Greenburgh offers to business owners. Thanks to the efforts of Kirmani Group, Town of Greenburgh can once again enjoy the beloved community favorite.

Don't forget some of the terrific businesses that have been serving the Greenburgh community for years!

 

"One River School of Art + Design in Hartsdale, NY has transformed the experience of art education and developed a unique method for teaching art and digital design classes to people of all ages. One River school started off with a dream to make art education accessible to all. Our founder Matt Ross developed a new method for teaching art that created compelling and fun art education experiences. One River also produces exhibitions from world class contemporary artists, which allows us to be the voice of contemporary art in our communities. This enhances our ability to "teach through the lens of living artists." Matt states, “This project has required me to obsessively study, visit studios, galleries, museums and art fairs around the world in search of art that challenges my senses. Along the way, I have been blessed to help change some artist’s lives by providing measurable support, and I consider this to be one of the most important things I have done in my life.” Our goal is to inspire our students to tap into their creative spirit to grow the art community in such a competitive environment. Website:  hartsdale.oneriverschool.com
Phone: 914.893.4229"

It's important to highlight our local businesses who help make our business community a great place to shop at. If you know of any new business that would like to be highlighted or existing business that we should remind residents about please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.  We will also invite them to join our Greenburgh Chamber of Commerce.

PAUL FEINER