Supervisor Wants Scarsdale Voice on County Budget

[Editor's note: This letter arrived in my inbox this morning from Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, who is putting the call out to Scarsdale residents, as well as residents of the postal code, to attend and voice concerns regarding proposed cuts to local bus service.]

Edgemont & Scarsdale residents (especially those who live within walking distance of Central Ave) should attend an important county hearing on Wednesday, April 14th at the Westchester County Center between the hours of 2 to 5 p.m and 7 to 9 p.m.

County Executive Rob Astorino is proposing that the popular Westchester-NYC express bus be eliminated. This is unfortunate for a number of reasons: Property values on Central Ave will decline. Could there be successful certiorari's from Central Ave property owners - costing the town, county and school district revenue if the bus is discontinued?  

Some apartment owners/renters on Central Ave purchased their home because of the availability of the bus. I have spoken to residents who don't have cars but take the bus into NYC.  

Many area train stations have inadequate parking and had waiting lists when the economy was better. If commuters who take the bus have to get to work by train more parking garages/spaces will have to be built--costing taxpayers significant dollars in the years ahead. Businesses on Central Ave will also suffer --it will be more difficult to attract entry level employees who live in the city who take the bus to work.

Some shoppers who use the bus to shop on Central Ave will stop shopping on the avenue.  We expect businesses to experience some losses once Ridge Hill opens in 2011. The discontinuation of the bus will cause additional revenue losses for Central Ave merchants. 

There are other reasons why the bus is important: the bus is easier to use for people with disabilities than the train. If the bus is eliminated Metro North will have less competition--which will result in the possible deterioration of service. Competition is good for Metro North.

On 9-11 many commuters took the bus home. The recent terrorist attack in a Moscow subway highlights the need for alternative means of transportation.  I hope that the County Executive reconsiders his decision and saves the bus. Public transportation is an important government service. We don't need more traffic on on roads, more congestion.

PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor