We previously wrote on February 17, 2014 about the apparent safety issues with sports bubbles being more common than we were led to believe by the Town Administration and other proponents of sports bubbles. However, the bubbles they all referenced were smaller than the proposed bubble originally slated to be inflated at 715 Dobbs Ferry Road, the former Frank's Nursery property. Other safety concerns were quickly dismissed by Mr Feiner. Contamination cleanup of the property was also quickly placated by Town Attorney Tim Lewis, an unacknowledged and unknown hazardous materials remediation specialist.
Worthington Woodlands Civic Association members were not against development of that property. Yet their one constant was that no commercial entity be allowed to use the space and that it be utilized as zoned, for residential housing. Mr Feiner continued to assault the neighborhood with plans of an eight-story, 84-foot tall sports bubble as well as other commercial endeavors. WWCA balked and maintained their ground.
Safety issues continued to be the topic du jour when discussing the use of the property. It seems there is an active proposal to develop the property as an assisted living facility. The WWCA has endorsed this project as it conforms to the zoned usage and will be used as intended, for residential housing.
The sports bubble that had been proposed by GameOn 365 for that location then decided they would locate it next door to the Visioli's Golf Driving Range. The safety issues still remain regardless of the location. As was just witnessed this past weekend, a severe snowstorm hammered our area. With about two feet of snow, many roofs collapsed in traditionally built structures. In fact, crews for many businesses could be seen clearing their flat roofs of snow to lighten the stress the snow was placing on the structures.
In Mt Vernon the Sports Underdome, often referenced by Mr Feiner and others who supported (pun intended) using a dome at the former Frank's Nursery property, had a collapse due to the crushing weight of the snow. Fortunately, no one was hurt. This same dome had had previous collapses in February of 2003 and December 2010. Third times a charm? In an ad hoc interview, the newly elected Mayor of Mt Vernon stated the owners should have cleaned the dome off during the storm. Classic politician response.
No doubt sports bubbles can provide a respite from inclement weather if used judiciously. Utilizing a sports bubble for 15 years, as has been proposed in our Town, is an aberration of the intent these flexible devices allow. We should remain adamant that resident and guest safety is too important to allow people to be put at risk through the use of sports bubbles. We would support a change in our code disallowing them and keeping people safe. Only then will we see A Better Greenburgh.
Showing posts with label Dianna Juettner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dianna Juettner. Show all posts
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Update To Preventing Public Access to Conference Rooms
ABG posted an article on January 23rd, about the Town enacting a new policy when the public was not present, severely restricting the use of Town Hall’s assorted conference rooms for neighborhood meetings. We believe this is nothing more than another ploy by the Town politicos to hinder public interaction with Town Hall. Seemingly operating covertly and under the cover of darkness, this move is exacerbated by an already untrustworthy administration.
We posted:
“In an unexplained move that we’re told originated from the Town Clerk’s office, the public is no longer allowed to utilize Town Hall conference rooms for meetings!” We were told that this originated where we said. However, in the comments section of that previous article, Town Clerk Judith Beville posted this statement:
“Dear All;
Please be informed that changes in the use of meeting rooms at Greenburgh Town Hall absolutely and unequivocably did not originate with the Office of the Town Clerk. The official resolution on this matter was approved on December 22, 2015 and is posted on the Town's website. Once again, these changes did not "originate" from the Town Clerk's office nor is the Town Clerk authorized to make such changes. Thank you for this opportunity to share a comment and thank you, too, for your attention to my note of clarification regarding this misconception.
Best regards to all,
Judith A. Beville
Greenburgh Town Clerk”
We will not refute the statement and in the interest of fairness, accept Ms Beville’s comments as correct.
Another comment we made in that same article was regarding a question we had posed to the Police Chief, Chris McNerney. We had said:
“The Board has supplied a nicely written list of “Whereas’s” to cover themselves, it “states” and uses the Police Chief as a scapegoat, saying this is being done upon his recommendations. We reached out to the Police Chief for information but did not receive a response.”
We have finally received a response from the Police Chief and share it below:
“ I hope all is well with you. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
We posted:
“In an unexplained move that we’re told originated from the Town Clerk’s office, the public is no longer allowed to utilize Town Hall conference rooms for meetings!” We were told that this originated where we said. However, in the comments section of that previous article, Town Clerk Judith Beville posted this statement:
“Dear All;
Please be informed that changes in the use of meeting rooms at Greenburgh Town Hall absolutely and unequivocably did not originate with the Office of the Town Clerk. The official resolution on this matter was approved on December 22, 2015 and is posted on the Town's website. Once again, these changes did not "originate" from the Town Clerk's office nor is the Town Clerk authorized to make such changes. Thank you for this opportunity to share a comment and thank you, too, for your attention to my note of clarification regarding this misconception.
Best regards to all,
Judith A. Beville
Greenburgh Town Clerk”
We will not refute the statement and in the interest of fairness, accept Ms Beville’s comments as correct.
Another comment we made in that same article was regarding a question we had posed to the Police Chief, Chris McNerney. We had said:
“The Board has supplied a nicely written list of “Whereas’s” to cover themselves, it “states” and uses the Police Chief as a scapegoat, saying this is being done upon his recommendations. We reached out to the Police Chief for information but did not receive a response.”
We have finally received a response from the Police Chief and share it below:
“ I hope all is well with you. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
The lack of security and porousness of Town Hall have been concerns of mine for a long time. Town Hall is considered critical infrastructure and must be protected as such. This includes limiting after hour use by non-essential individuals. In doing research on public use of municipal City, Town and Village Halls, I only found public use of a “Meeting Room" when the specific room was designated as a "Community Room". We have a Community Center. I was unable to find a City, Town or Village Hall in Westchester that permitted open public use of their government headquarters during non-business hours. If you know of one please let me know. Common sense dictates, it’s a bad practice.
All Town Boards, Commissions, Committees and Councils will still be using Town Hall.
Other municipal buildings in the Town are staffed during non-business hours and have designated public meeting rooms. The Library is converting some space to add an additional public meeting room.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thanks,
Chief McNerney”
While we can appreciate the Chief’s concern, we also realize that there needs to be some give and take from Town Hall. Once Mr Feiner invited the Hamas members to use Town Hall for an anti-Israeli meeting, he opened the door for numerous problems ethically, financially and security-wise. Yet, the most upsetting part of this is the disruption it causes to the numerous legitimate organizations that utilize Town Hall for their meetings, such as support groups, civic associations, etc.
Town Hall belongs to the taxpayers - period. Access to meeting rooms, and reasonable restrictions to certain areas is what is needed here, not an entire cordoning off to all residents. Surely there can be a happy medium. Mr Feiner and his Town Board suggest that residents and taxpayer groups use meetings rooms at the Theodore Young Community Center, Veteran Park and the Greenburgh Library instead of Town Hall.
ABG went to the Greenburgh Library, identified why we were asking about availability for meeting rooms. We were told that all of the Library’s meeting rooms were booked through April, with one exception being the large community room for March 17th. ABG was asked if we'd like to look into future months but was assured the result would be similar. The representative we spoke with mentioned it was a bit unfair to residents to take away the use of Town Hall and then dump these people onto the Library who would be forced to refuse their requests. No fee schedule was available at the time, however, there is a charge for the use of rooms if and when they are available.
We then went to the Theodore Young Community Center (TYCC) and asked about availability there, both daytime and night. We were basically told the same thing. The representative we spoke with also agreed that Town Hall belongs to the taxpayers and people should be allowed to access its meeting rooms if they are available. This representative stated that the facility has some rooms open during the day, “But is usually booked up way in advance, so if you have a specific date and time you need a room, get your request in right away.” Then it was explained how the XPosure program also impacts the center's availability. Both locations stated they will not pre-book regular events such as monthly meetings.
We haven’t contacted Veteran Park representatives but are pretty sure we’ll run into the same issue. Apparently, Mr Feiner's decision to surreptitiously shut the public out of Town Hall and shun them to unavailable venues is another example of circling the wagons against growing criticism and failures. Instead of closing off all of Town Hall to the people who pay the bills and pay the judgements for his illegal behavior, they can simple close and lock doors to offices, cordon off areas they don’t want the public entering, and make other simple adjustments that allow the reasonable use of the building by resident taxpayers. After all, we now have security guards in the building after the fiasco he created with the anti-Israeli meeting. His bad behavior must end. Only then will we see A Better Greenburgh.
Town Hall belongs to the taxpayers - period. Access to meeting rooms, and reasonable restrictions to certain areas is what is needed here, not an entire cordoning off to all residents. Surely there can be a happy medium. Mr Feiner and his Town Board suggest that residents and taxpayer groups use meetings rooms at the Theodore Young Community Center, Veteran Park and the Greenburgh Library instead of Town Hall.
ABG went to the Greenburgh Library, identified why we were asking about availability for meeting rooms. We were told that all of the Library’s meeting rooms were booked through April, with one exception being the large community room for March 17th. ABG was asked if we'd like to look into future months but was assured the result would be similar. The representative we spoke with mentioned it was a bit unfair to residents to take away the use of Town Hall and then dump these people onto the Library who would be forced to refuse their requests. No fee schedule was available at the time, however, there is a charge for the use of rooms if and when they are available.
We then went to the Theodore Young Community Center (TYCC) and asked about availability there, both daytime and night. We were basically told the same thing. The representative we spoke with also agreed that Town Hall belongs to the taxpayers and people should be allowed to access its meeting rooms if they are available. This representative stated that the facility has some rooms open during the day, “But is usually booked up way in advance, so if you have a specific date and time you need a room, get your request in right away.” Then it was explained how the XPosure program also impacts the center's availability. Both locations stated they will not pre-book regular events such as monthly meetings.
 |
| Rental fee schedule for the Theodore Young Community Center |
We haven’t contacted Veteran Park representatives but are pretty sure we’ll run into the same issue. Apparently, Mr Feiner's decision to surreptitiously shut the public out of Town Hall and shun them to unavailable venues is another example of circling the wagons against growing criticism and failures. Instead of closing off all of Town Hall to the people who pay the bills and pay the judgements for his illegal behavior, they can simple close and lock doors to offices, cordon off areas they don’t want the public entering, and make other simple adjustments that allow the reasonable use of the building by resident taxpayers. After all, we now have security guards in the building after the fiasco he created with the anti-Israeli meeting. His bad behavior must end. Only then will we see A Better Greenburgh.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Going To The Dogs
With all the media coverage being generated by Mr Feiner for the Pets Alive Animal Shelter, outsiders would think that's the only issue affecting the Town. It’s hardly an accurate assessment. Mr Feiner has a knack of taking center stage for non-critical issues. Don’t get us wrong, we favor a no-kill animal facility but recognize the complexities of maintaining a facility such as this. Why was the facility allowed to operate and never be inspected by the Greenburgh Building or Fire Inspectors prior to the structural problems that were finally discovered this past year? Someone dropped the ball.
Mr Feiner negotiated an ironclad contract with Pet’s Alive back in 1994 for them to utilize the property they purchased for $10 from the Town located behind Brookfield Recycling (formerly Brookfield Auto Wreckers). Subsequently, through the years, the building developed structural issues that were ignored, not discovered or addressed until recently. Almost immediately, the building was declared dangerous and uninhabitable! Pet’s Alive didn't know what to do, but ultimately began transferring their animals to other locations.
In the meantime, they sought to sell the property as they could not finance the extensive repairs necessary to fix the building. Pet’s Alive sought to sell the property since they couldn't afford to repair and ultimately stay in the facility. Mr Feiner, only interested in headlines, wrote to his regular media outlet sources saying Pets Alive must find a way to stay. In fact, the original sale of the property mandated that Pets Alive could not sell it if they weren't interested in keeping it. It could either be used as a Pets Alive/no-kill pet facility or be returned to the Town for use as a park, recreational or municipal purposes.
ABG knows there is a bit more to this unfolding story, however, the gist of it, regardless of Mr Feiner’s desires, is to either preserve the property or return it to the Town. While ABG prefers to see the facility either repaired or replaced, financial constraints indicate that probably won’t happen. As with the Town’s failing infrastructure, had regular inspections by the Town Building and Fire Departments, among others, and maintenance been performed, Pet’s Alive may have been able to circumvent the troubles they are having now. Some blame must also be cast toward the Pet’s Alive organization for not being vigilant about their facility. However, with taxes, costs and expenses as high as they are for businesses to operate in the Town, Pet’s Alive is as much a victim of Mr Feiner’s bad management as are the Town’s taxpayers!
If Pet’s Alive does in fact leave the property, ABG has a creative solution for the property. Once the Town removes the facility as it has been deemed uninhabitable, they should turn the property into an enhanced dog park. Where the building is currently located, there could be a large roof, similar to what we have at Ridge, Yellowstone and Macy Parks. Where the fenced in kennels are, there could be a free-run space for the dogs. Nearby there could be large concrete blocks with a water feed that would be used to groom dogs or cool them off on hot days. We can also offer the space to dog trainers for training classes. Along with the roof/shelter, there could be barbecues and outdoor benches with tables for families similar to other parks to picnic at while their dogs get some exercise. This could be a win-win for residents.
Putting caveats on contracts can be good. They can also work against us. Instead of trying to keep a failed facility simply because everyone loves pets, this is one of those times where we can make the best of a bad situation by letting the Town “go to the dogs” for a good reason. Then we will see A Better Greenburgh.
Mr Feiner negotiated an ironclad contract with Pet’s Alive back in 1994 for them to utilize the property they purchased for $10 from the Town located behind Brookfield Recycling (formerly Brookfield Auto Wreckers). Subsequently, through the years, the building developed structural issues that were ignored, not discovered or addressed until recently. Almost immediately, the building was declared dangerous and uninhabitable! Pet’s Alive didn't know what to do, but ultimately began transferring their animals to other locations.
In the meantime, they sought to sell the property as they could not finance the extensive repairs necessary to fix the building. Pet’s Alive sought to sell the property since they couldn't afford to repair and ultimately stay in the facility. Mr Feiner, only interested in headlines, wrote to his regular media outlet sources saying Pets Alive must find a way to stay. In fact, the original sale of the property mandated that Pets Alive could not sell it if they weren't interested in keeping it. It could either be used as a Pets Alive/no-kill pet facility or be returned to the Town for use as a park, recreational or municipal purposes.
ABG knows there is a bit more to this unfolding story, however, the gist of it, regardless of Mr Feiner’s desires, is to either preserve the property or return it to the Town. While ABG prefers to see the facility either repaired or replaced, financial constraints indicate that probably won’t happen. As with the Town’s failing infrastructure, had regular inspections by the Town Building and Fire Departments, among others, and maintenance been performed, Pet’s Alive may have been able to circumvent the troubles they are having now. Some blame must also be cast toward the Pet’s Alive organization for not being vigilant about their facility. However, with taxes, costs and expenses as high as they are for businesses to operate in the Town, Pet’s Alive is as much a victim of Mr Feiner’s bad management as are the Town’s taxpayers!
If Pet’s Alive does in fact leave the property, ABG has a creative solution for the property. Once the Town removes the facility as it has been deemed uninhabitable, they should turn the property into an enhanced dog park. Where the building is currently located, there could be a large roof, similar to what we have at Ridge, Yellowstone and Macy Parks. Where the fenced in kennels are, there could be a free-run space for the dogs. Nearby there could be large concrete blocks with a water feed that would be used to groom dogs or cool them off on hot days. We can also offer the space to dog trainers for training classes. Along with the roof/shelter, there could be barbecues and outdoor benches with tables for families similar to other parks to picnic at while their dogs get some exercise. This could be a win-win for residents.
Putting caveats on contracts can be good. They can also work against us. Instead of trying to keep a failed facility simply because everyone loves pets, this is one of those times where we can make the best of a bad situation by letting the Town “go to the dogs” for a good reason. Then we will see A Better Greenburgh.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Memorial’s Disrepair Requires Overhaul
We understand Mr Feiner's proclivity towards grandstanding and hype. We also understand that after 22-years in office he has nurtured and become his own brand, developing a cult-like following and an ability to circumvent and/or ignore any opposition. Yet, to follow the traditional media's take on him, he can do no wrong. Not so, and we expose his illegal and unethical actions every chance we can.
We have continually followed and high-lighted the "other side of the story," often taking on issues that others prefer to ignore while Mr Feiner bloviates attention away from them and those with a critical eye. The Town employees, no doubt under orders from Mr Feiner, routinely obfuscate, delay and out and out refuse to supply information requested under the Freedom Of Information Law (FOIL).
Just ask Dorinne Livson, the President of the Worthington Woodlands Civic Association. She and her Civic Association are still waiting for a copy of the supposed Game On 365 contract after being given the run-around from Town Hall. ABG believes it is because there never was a contract and the Town is simply stalling in hopes of not being caught violating the law (again). By the way, when she asked Town Attorney Tim Lewis when she could expect the results of the FOIL request in 2013, he said rather matter-of-factly, "Sometime in 2015." 2015 is almost over and still no contract. Shameful.
With press releases galore, regurgitated in every printed and online source seeking to move his agenda, Mr Feiner is now claiming that the Memorial Wall at Webb Field/Richard Presser Park on Central Avenue, is in need of repair yet again. Several years after the original Memorial Wall was constructed through the generosity of an Arts Westchester, the Rotary Club and Walmart's Sam's Club, the tiles originally mounted began falling off. Subsequently, 1,686 cataloged tiles were cleaned, repaired and numbered and finally transported back to the Wall for reinstallation.
At the time of it's construction, many favored a different and more accessible location to have a Memorial built. But since this is where Mr Feiner wanted the monument, that was where it was to be built. Now, as we have learned through Mr Feiner's media deflection, the Wall is once again in need of having the tiles repaired because they are again falling off. ABG is critical because like so many patches that are made to our infrastructure, they are not designed to last. Could this be intentional on Mr Feiner's part so as to set up his next media campaign, soliciting sympathy, empathy, and more importantly, votes? We believe so.
So now he has offered several solutions with which he “hopes” to involve the public. We’re convinced he doesn't really care, but he can get more publicity from this. Most people won't even realize he's using this issue to campaign for re-election. His options are listed below in italics.
Options we have: Tear down the existing wall.
Preserve the tiles.
Replace the large wall with a new design.
Place the murals on the new memorial design.
Fix the wall.
The problem is that we tried to repair the wall in 2011, and it did not work. Some people believe that the climate changes contribute to the deterioration of the wall. I prefer a lasting memorial, not a memorial that will look bad every few years. Our goal is to maintain a beautiful 9/11 mural at Richard Presser Park.
Here is ABG's suggestion for the Wall:
Contact all of the high schools within the Town to assist in taking the existing tiles off the Wall, cataloging them and packing them up. This would qualify as Community Service hours for the students. Convicted criminals, Mr Feiner included, sentenced to community service could also participate. Then the Town should tear down the existing Wall and return the property to its original state. Have the tiles in need of repair get the necessary repairs to make them usable again. Map out the dimensions for the existing Wall and replace it on the Greenburgh Library's Wall near the main entrance and traffic circle area of the Library. This would avail everyone who uses the Library an opportunity to view the Memorial and it would be under constant scrutiny by everyone who sees it and works there, enabling better maintenance. It was also suggested to put the tiles on the handicap ramp from the bus stop at Route 119 toward the top, culminating at the top by the Library.
Mr Feiner decided how and where to put the Memorial Wall. It was under his direction that the repairs were made. The qualifications of those involved were never vetted, similar to what we see when Mr Feiner and the Town Board are the lead agency for a project. There are numerous examples of lead agency failures, such as the failed geothermal heating system at the Library, as well as their inadequate heating and air conditioning systems. We're not going to list them but suffice to say the list is long. If the Library is chosen as the new Memorial location, the brick siding would need to be properly prepped so we don't have to repair it again in five years after another installation. Besides prepping the wall, we'd suggest using a track system to accommodate expansion and contraction due to climate fluctuations. Similar, if you will, to the way vinyl siding is installed to accommodate the shift due to weather.
We want to see the victims of the horrific September 11, 2001 attacks honored. Since this Memorial Wall has had a sketchy past, perhaps this administration can finally do justice to the memory of those lost on that fateful day. Only then will we have A Better Greenburgh.
We have continually followed and high-lighted the "other side of the story," often taking on issues that others prefer to ignore while Mr Feiner bloviates attention away from them and those with a critical eye. The Town employees, no doubt under orders from Mr Feiner, routinely obfuscate, delay and out and out refuse to supply information requested under the Freedom Of Information Law (FOIL).
Just ask Dorinne Livson, the President of the Worthington Woodlands Civic Association. She and her Civic Association are still waiting for a copy of the supposed Game On 365 contract after being given the run-around from Town Hall. ABG believes it is because there never was a contract and the Town is simply stalling in hopes of not being caught violating the law (again). By the way, when she asked Town Attorney Tim Lewis when she could expect the results of the FOIL request in 2013, he said rather matter-of-factly, "Sometime in 2015." 2015 is almost over and still no contract. Shameful.
With press releases galore, regurgitated in every printed and online source seeking to move his agenda, Mr Feiner is now claiming that the Memorial Wall at Webb Field/Richard Presser Park on Central Avenue, is in need of repair yet again. Several years after the original Memorial Wall was constructed through the generosity of an Arts Westchester, the Rotary Club and Walmart's Sam's Club, the tiles originally mounted began falling off. Subsequently, 1,686 cataloged tiles were cleaned, repaired and numbered and finally transported back to the Wall for reinstallation.
At the time of it's construction, many favored a different and more accessible location to have a Memorial built. But since this is where Mr Feiner wanted the monument, that was where it was to be built. Now, as we have learned through Mr Feiner's media deflection, the Wall is once again in need of having the tiles repaired because they are again falling off. ABG is critical because like so many patches that are made to our infrastructure, they are not designed to last. Could this be intentional on Mr Feiner's part so as to set up his next media campaign, soliciting sympathy, empathy, and more importantly, votes? We believe so.
So now he has offered several solutions with which he “hopes” to involve the public. We’re convinced he doesn't really care, but he can get more publicity from this. Most people won't even realize he's using this issue to campaign for re-election. His options are listed below in italics.
Options we have: Tear down the existing wall.
Preserve the tiles.
Replace the large wall with a new design.
Place the murals on the new memorial design.
Fix the wall.
The problem is that we tried to repair the wall in 2011, and it did not work. Some people believe that the climate changes contribute to the deterioration of the wall. I prefer a lasting memorial, not a memorial that will look bad every few years. Our goal is to maintain a beautiful 9/11 mural at Richard Presser Park.
Here is ABG's suggestion for the Wall:
Contact all of the high schools within the Town to assist in taking the existing tiles off the Wall, cataloging them and packing them up. This would qualify as Community Service hours for the students. Convicted criminals, Mr Feiner included, sentenced to community service could also participate. Then the Town should tear down the existing Wall and return the property to its original state. Have the tiles in need of repair get the necessary repairs to make them usable again. Map out the dimensions for the existing Wall and replace it on the Greenburgh Library's Wall near the main entrance and traffic circle area of the Library. This would avail everyone who uses the Library an opportunity to view the Memorial and it would be under constant scrutiny by everyone who sees it and works there, enabling better maintenance. It was also suggested to put the tiles on the handicap ramp from the bus stop at Route 119 toward the top, culminating at the top by the Library.
Mr Feiner decided how and where to put the Memorial Wall. It was under his direction that the repairs were made. The qualifications of those involved were never vetted, similar to what we see when Mr Feiner and the Town Board are the lead agency for a project. There are numerous examples of lead agency failures, such as the failed geothermal heating system at the Library, as well as their inadequate heating and air conditioning systems. We're not going to list them but suffice to say the list is long. If the Library is chosen as the new Memorial location, the brick siding would need to be properly prepped so we don't have to repair it again in five years after another installation. Besides prepping the wall, we'd suggest using a track system to accommodate expansion and contraction due to climate fluctuations. Similar, if you will, to the way vinyl siding is installed to accommodate the shift due to weather.
We want to see the victims of the horrific September 11, 2001 attacks honored. Since this Memorial Wall has had a sketchy past, perhaps this administration can finally do justice to the memory of those lost on that fateful day. Only then will we have A Better Greenburgh.
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