Greenburgh Central School District Vote Passes and Disappoints

In reviewing the numbers after an election of any kind held in Greenburgh, the apathy and blasé attitude of voters has reflected poorly on the vast majority. It seems that particular causes may unite a certain part of the citizenry, and there are groups in our community doing the same things at the local level.

The School Board elections and the School District’s budget vote took place after being delayed by NYS and rescheduled from May to June with a mail-in vote as opposed to an in-person vote at the polls. Good or bad, the numbers were somewhat the same as many more people had the opportunity to vote but again, did not bother to vote. It seems the only time we see a spike in voting is when there is a project(s) in a certain neighborhood that literally affects them in their backyard. Hence the term we’ve coined called OIMBY: Only In My Back Yard.

There are roughly 90,000 residents in all of the Town of Greenburgh. There are six Villages including an seventh possible new one with the Edgemont incorporation looming near. The Villages in the Town are Elmsford, Ardsley, Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown. Interestingly, they have their own elections yet are also allowed to vote in Town elections, which many feel is just seems wrong. But because of this, Mr Feiner and his Board play the Villages like a fine instrument to ensure no matter how much they touch that turns to crap for Unincorporated Greenburgh, Mr Feiner, et al, will get their votes to remain in office and not be held accountable or culpable for their misgivings, lies and illegal actions.

So, while we know there are 90,000 residents, we also know that not all can vote. Greenburgh School enrollment is about 1800 kids. So roughly speaking, without fact-checking the dual-parent vs single-parent households status, there could be up to 3600+ voters participating in a school vote. According to information provided by School District Clerk Ivy Krauss, the actual count of ballots that were distributed to registered voters was 16,563. The amount that was returned of votes cast was 3,594. So 78.3% of the voting population did not participate. Those voting for the budget approved it, 1,968 to 978, roughly a two-to-one victory. Or was it?

Out of those numbers there were 619 votes that were disqualified because the voters didn't read the instructions, understand the instructions or thought their votes would be counted regardless of what they did or didn’t do correctly. So 3.74% of the voters who thought they voted weren’t counted. A breakdown is as follows:
401: oath envelope not signed; 190: oath envelope not provided; 15: oath envelope contained extrinsic papers (ie more than one ballot); 9: ballot torn and/or defaced; 1: signature did not match that of the voter; 2: ballot was blank; 1: oath envelope did not contain any ballot. Apparently, everyone is okay with these amounts being dismissed. Why? Probably because the budget passed.

What we are struggling with is that out of 16,563 people who could vote, only 3,594 did vote - a slight increase from the usual amount. We’d have thought that those who don’t usually come out to vote would have thought this mail-in style voting would prove more convenient and garnered more votes – but that doesn’t appeared to be the case. In fact, statistics show that senior citizens typically vote against school budgets for a host of reasons. And, when the School District and the Administration pushed the ill-fated consolidation bond proposal, a two to one defeat was confirmed to be in part due to the senior citizens vote. And, knowing Mr Feiner has injected himself as the caped crusader of poor mail delivery, how much of the votes cast never made it beyond the mailbox they dropped it in? We may never know.

There was also a proposition to move money from one part of the budget to a reserve fund for maintenance and repairs. That passed with 2519 votes for and 445 against. Previous Boards have failed to adequately fund the repair budgets for years causing much disrepair of our school buildings and an excuse to consolidate. Still, the taxpaying public saw past the incorrect information provided and shot the consolidation down. The several proponents of the consolidation were Superintendent Chase, who appears to be trying to develop herself as a brand; Trustees David Warner and Terry Williams. In fact, both of these gentlemen have been on the School Board for years and hold responsibility for the lack of repair funding which has led to the degradation of the buildings. Could this have been a covert plan all along?

Two School Board members were running for re-election, Tracy Mairs and Ashley Pineda*. Ivy Kraus, the School District Clerk, shared the totals for their re-elections: 2441 and 2391 respectively. We have no problem with either candidate seeking a second term of office and believe they can make a difference in that period of time although we prefer term limits. We’ve seen Ms Mairs openly participate in school district related conversations but hardly ever witness Mr Pineda getting involved in the discussions. Granted this was his first year in the position and may taking some time to get up to speed and comfortable. As such, we believe he needs to step up his game.

Voting during this primary coincided with the School District/Board elections were fraught with problems. The voter sites that were trimmed back seemingly experienced problems that caused hours-long delays in voting. Some have claimed this falls in Mr Feiner’s lap. While we never hesitate being critical of Mr Feiner, it does not. But he did say he would write a letter or two to the appropriate parties involved. Translation: send a letter and out of his hands and done. Move on to his next contrived issue.

This election was rushed by the School District per the mandates of Albany and the Governor. While we're sure everyone involved tried their best, it still seemed unorganized to some extent. If this is the precursor to the November elections, we’re not hopeful that we’ll be seeing results on election night. This has to change and get better. Only then will we see A Better Greenburgh.

* A one-year incumbent filling the balance of a term of a Board member who resigned and needed to run for the position.

What Are You Paying For Electricity? Con Ed vs. ESCO

A letter from the CGCA Executive Board
By Ella Preiser, Communications Director

A Message to All,

The Council of Greenburgh Civic Associations (CGCA) Executive Board continues to have concerns about the fact that the Town Board has not provided the promised “updates” to the almost 12,000 residential and small business users it enrolled in an ESCO for electricity supply starting in January 2019.  The original concept was simple and good – if a large number of users joined together to buy electricity, they could secure a lower price and save money.  Westchester Power negotiated a two-year contract with the ESCO Constellation at a rate of 7.709¢ per kWh.  The price seemed reasonable in January 2019, but that monthly rate has been considerably higher than the variable Con Edison rate over the past 16 billing cycles.  The CGCA is concerned that thousands of Greenburgh users are unaware they are currently enrolled in this ESCO and it is costing them additional money each month.

In response to issues raised by resident Ken Stahn and the CGCA, the Town scheduled another meeting (5/26/20) with Westchester Power regarding this contract. Westchester Power again acknowledged that Con Edison rates have been at historic lows and noted users can “Opt Out” of the ESCO at any time with no penalty.  In an email blast (5/28/20), Supervisor Paul Feiner provided a link to that meeting but he also provided erroneous information regarding the cost and an incorrect phone number to “Opt Out” of the ESCO.  Although he subsequently corrected the information after Mr. Stahn brought the errors to his attention, the archived email on the Town’s website still contains the errors.

Don’t be confused by the Westchester Power claims that those in the ESCO since 2016 continue to have monthly cost savings.  The below table provides the variable Con Edison cost per kWh for the last sixteen billing cycles that users who “Opted Out” have been paying.  As the table illustrates, the cost to the five residential owners (Properties # 1-5) for the latest bill (mainly the month of May 2020) was 4.6 to 4.8¢ per kWh.  That is three cents per kWh (or about 40%) cheaper than the rate the ESCO charges.  Westchester Power claims the average residential customer uses 669 kWh per month.  Based on that figure, the average residential customer in the ESCO paid $21.63 more during the month of May.

ESCO:    669 x 7.709¢ = $51.57 + 2.06 (4% tax) = $53.63
Con Ed:  669 x 4.600¢ = $30.77 + 1.23 (4% tax) = $32.00

If you subtract the monthly billing and processing fee (64 cents), the savings are still huge.

With the summer months now started and the current heat wave under way, many of us will be using air conditioners and consuming huge kWh numbers of electricity.

The Town feels it has no responsibility to keep the almost 12,000 residential and small business electric users it enrolled in this ESCO informed about the additional cost they have been paying in their last sixteen bills.That is why the CGCA is posting this information and urging you to check your monthly Con Edison bill and compare the kWh cost for electricity you are paying.  Please pass this information on to friends and neighbors.

Stay safe, well and informed.

Happy Father's Day

The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth

On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States.

But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas.

The post-emancipation period known as Reconstruction (1865-1877) marked an era of great hope, uncertainty, and struggle for the nation as a whole. Formerly enslaved people immediately sought to reunify families, establish schools, run for political office, push radical legislation and even sue slaveholders for compensation. Given the 200+ years of enslavement, such changes were nothing short of amazing. Not even a generation out of slavery, African Americans were inspired and empowered to transform their lives and their country.

Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day. Although it has long celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans.

The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a community space where this spirit of hope lives on. A place where historical events like Juneteenth are shared and new stories with equal urgency are told.

-The National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian

Celebrating Flag Day

Honoring The Sacrifices of The D-Day Invasion

On June 6, 1944, Allied soldiers bravely stormed the beaches of Normandy, France. The Normandy beaches were chosen because of the range of air cover, and it was shortest distance from Great Britain. Five landing beaches were selected for the assault: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword beaches. As dawn broke, the largest armada ever assembled began its assault on the beaches of Normandy. By the end of the day, the Atlantic Wall, (which took the Germans years to build), had fallen and the invasion was a success. The events of D-Day forged partnerships and reinforced trans-Atlantic bonds that remain strong today.

- 150,000 Allied soldiers land on the shores of Normandy.

- 5,000 vessels with 30,000 vehicles crossed the English Channel to France.

- 13,000 men parachuted into France.

- 11,000 planes were involved

- More than 300 planes dropped bombs.

- 9,000 allied soldiers were dead or wounded after the first day.

- At Omaha Beach, 9,387 Americans are buried.

- The beaches were approximately 200 yards before any natural protection.

- Factors to determine D-Day included the need for long day, a day near a full moon (to guide ships/airborne troops) and strong tides.

- D-Day was scheduled one day earlier but due to weather concerns General Eisenhower moved the date to June 6.

- The beaches of Normandy were so named as part of the five sectors of the Allied invasion. The beaches are still known today by the D-Day code names.

- Utah Beach

- Omaha Beach

- Gold Beach

- Sword Beach

- Juno Beach

- U.S. troops stormed only two of the five beaches (Utah and Omaha). Great Britains and other smaller forces stormed Gold and Sword beaches while the Canadiens stormed Juno Beach.

- Decoding Enigma, the great German code machine, intercepted German codes helped pinpoint German fighting units in the Normandy area.

- D-Day is the largest amphibious (land and water) invasion in history.

- Operation Overlord was the code name for the invasion.

- Only two of the beaches (Juno and Gold) were linked on the first day and all 5 were not linked until June 12th.

- The landing craft boats were originally designed for use in Louisiana swamps.

Message From Town Board

Editors Note: We normally do not post items from Town Hall as they have many vehicles to share information. However, we are doing it this time because some of this information will impact many in a short period of time.

Dear Town of Greenburgh Residents,
Thank you to those who joined us in commemorating our Veterans on Memorial Day. As we continue to navigate forward in this challenging time, it was a joy to see residents out (maintaining social distancing) to honor those who fought for our country. Thank you to the Veterans, Fairview, Greenville and Hartsdale Fire Departments, Greenburgh Police, Parks & Recreation, and Girl Scout Troops for such an amazing event. Here is the link to watch the Memorial Day motorcade: Greenburgh 2020 Memorial Day

This week, we bring announcements about Phase 1 re-opening, Harts Brook Park and Preserve, Drive-In Movies, Doubles Tennis, Pools, Important Upcoming Election Information and some reminders.Phase 1 Re-Opening: On May 26, the Mid-Hudson Valley began its Phase One re-opening. 

Under these guidelines the following business are allowed to reopen:
Construction
Retail (Limited to curbside, in-store pickup or drop off)
Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade and Agriculture
Forestry
Fishing and hunting. 

Governor Cuomo announced as, and if, circumstances continue to improve, Phase 2 of the re-opening should go into effect on June 9. Phase 2 will include:
All Office Based Jobs
Real Estate Services
Retail - In Storing Shopping
Limited Barbershop and Hair Salon ServicesPlease note, the Town Board is creating a plan to re-open our offices in the most efficient and safe manner possible. Our goal is to ensure the health and safety of all employees as well as all persons visiting our offices.

Harts Brook Park and Preserve: On Tuesdays, beginning June 2, to respond to public request, everyone entering Harts Brook Park and Preserve between 8 am to 10:30 am will be required to wear a mask or face covering and maintain social distancing at all times. Park patrons who do not comply will be asked to leave the park.

Drive-In Movie: We are excited to announce Parks and Recreation will host two drive-in movies at Anthony F. Veteran Park on Saturdays July 18 and August 1. The movies will be shown 20 minutes after sunset on each date. Stay tuned for more information for movie titles and time updates.

Doubles Tennis: This Saturday, May 30, residents were permitted to begin playing doubles tennis throughout our park system. Each player must bring her/his/their own tennis balls and players should only touch their own balls. Signage will be posted.

Pools: We are awaiting clearance from the Department of Health to re-open our pools for this season.

Important Upcoming Elections Information:
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION – JUNE 9, 2020
All registered voters should have receive their school board election ballots by this past weekend. Enclosed should be one ballot with two options ( one in English and one in Spanish) and a postage-paid envelop. All ballots MUST be received by the District Clerk no later than June 9 by 5 pm to be counted.

PRESIDENTIAL, CONGRESSIONAL, STATE & LOCAL PRIMARIES - JUNE 23, 2020
You should have received your absentee ballot application. Applications must be received by the Board of Elections (BOE) no later than Tuesday, June 16 in order for ballots to be received by voters in time for the elections.

Reminders:
To speak or submit a comment at an upcoming work session or Town Board meeting email: PublicComment@GreenburghNY.com. For public hearings, email: PublicHearing@GreenburghNY.com. For more information, contact Councilman Sheehan: FSheehan@GreenburghNY.com (Please put with “Zoom” in the subject line of the email.)

COVID-19 Antibody Testing- Testing is now available but by appointment only. If you are interested, call (914) 326-2060 Monday-Saturday from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm for screening and an appointment. Results will be available within 48 hours.

Mental Health - The Department of Community Mental Health provides supportive counseling for you and your family. Please visit: Mental Health Tips and Information for resources and helpful tips.

Don’t forget CENSUS 2020 - Please remember to complete your CENSUS 2020 form. For more information, click on #BeCounted-my2020census.gov.