Letter To The Editor: Greenburgh Supervisor Outlines Town's Initiatives

While Edgemont residents are debating the pro's and con's of incorporation, Greenburgh town government continues to provide outstanding services to residents. Here are some initiatives that the town has been taking that is having a positive impact on the quality of life for residents. Whether you are for or against incorporation, my administration promises to respond to every constituent complaint received. And we will continue to work hard to look for ways to be responsive to community concerns.

JUNIPER RD WATER TANK REPAIRS COMPLETED. It took about a year to complete but the $2 million paint job of the Juniper Road water tank is now finished and the tank should be in excellent shape for about 20 years. Residents who live near the water tank have experienced water pressure problems during the construction. We are sorry for the inconveniences. But, the good news is that the painting is now completed.

WE'RE PREPARED. Recently there was a bomb scare and a weapon scare at Edgemont High School. Our police department responded IMMEDIATELY. In both cases police personnel coordinated with school officials to ensure the safety of the students. Police Patrol officers, Special Operations officers, Canine officers, S.W.A.T. officers and Juvenile detectives responded with specialized equipment and resources to methodically search the many buildings of the campus while minimizing the disruption to the student’s school day.

CRIME PREVENTION. Planning to go on vacation this summer? We want you to feel safe. Our crime prevention team is more than happy to stop by your home. Our Community Policing officers are trained Crime Prevention officers and they are available to provide safety tips and to conduct security surveys of your home. If you are interested please contact Sergeant Norman Hall at 914-989-1715 or via e-mail at nhall@greenburghny.com

WHENEVER THREAT LEVELS ELEVATED WE STEP UP PATROLS. We are a major participant of New York State Counter-Terrorism Zone 3 and we always step up patrols at vulnerable targets when the threat level is elevated. This includes train stations, schools, houses of worship, any location/event with a large number of people and retailers that could sell bomb making materials.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH. Our Community Policing officers are also available to meet with residents to assist in coordinating Neighborhood Watch Programs. This crime prevention program empowers residents to partner with their neighbors to act as additional eyes and ears to keep communities safe. If you are interested please contact Sergeant Norman Hall at 914-989-1715 or via e-mail at nhall@greenburghny.com

POLICE EXPLORER. The Police Explorer program is a cooperative effort between the Community Affairs Unit and the Boy Scouts of America. The post is geared toward young men and woman, ages
14-20, who have an interest in Law Enforcement. If you are interested please contact Sergeant Norman Hall at 914-989-1715 or via e-mail at nhall@greenburghny.com

STREET CRIME UNIT. While the crime of burglary continues to plague many Westchester communities, the Town of Greenburgh is seeing record number lows thanks to the hard work of our many officers, especially our Street Crime officers. You likely won’t know where they are, but they are out there in undercover vehicles to protect you.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TASK FORCE. Our Drug and Alcohol Task Force Officers are continuing to arrest local drug dealers while doing outstanding work to keep illegal drugs and alcohol out of the hands of our children.

TRAFFIC AND SAFETY UNIT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS UNIT. Members of our Traffic and Safety Unit as well as our Community Affairs Unit are available to assist residents in many different ways. Whether assisting with a traffic count, selective enforcement or an organized fun run or block party, our officers are trained and available to work with our residents to improve public safety in the town.

CROSSWALKS. We recently installed a blinking light crosswalk on Ardsley Road near Seely Place sidewalk. We plan on installing another blinking light near Crane's pond. And, are in the process of seeking a grant to place additional blinking lights near Edgemont schools. We want to alert motorists about the importance of being safe — especially near schools and we want to encourage children to walk safely when crossing the street.

NO PARKING ENFORCED. We recently hired a new officer to focus on parking enforcement. Residents of Old Edgemont-Lynwood expressed concern that some motorists who use the Scarsdale train station stay longer than the time allowed, without getting tickets. That will change.

POOL IS OPEN - JOIN MORE THAN 600 EDGEMONT POOL AND TENNIS UNICARD HOLDERS WHO ENJOY OUR POOL! POOL SCHEDULE: The Greenburgh pool at AF Veteran park used to be a country club. State legislation (Finneran law) requires that membership be open to residents of unincorporated Greenburgh only. For more details: www.greenburghny.com. Enjoy.

OUR POOL SERVES EDGEMONT DAY CAMP. Last year we had 164 children register in the Edgemont Day camp--enjoying the A.F. Veteran pool as part of their Edgemont day camp experience. We hope they will enjoy the pool in 2017!

OUR KIDDY POOL HAS INTERACTIVE SPRAY FEATURES. If you haven't been to the town pool yet and have small children we're sure of one thing: your children will love the interactive spray feature. FOR ADULTS: while your kids are having fun, we realize that some of you don't want too much sun. So we have a shaded area at the pool.

ENJOY PING PONG AT THE POOL PAVILION. We built a pavilion at the pool last year for parties. We also created an area for ping pong and games.

GREENBURGH SWIM TEAM SCHEDULE. The Greenburgh Swim/Dive team begins Monday, June 19th. It runs Monday - Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily at Veteran Park. For any further information or dates for the upcoming 2017 season, feel free to visit our website.

CONGRATULATIONS LITTLE LEAGUE MEMBERS - EDGEMONT LITTLE LEAGUE PLAYERS. Edgemont residents are an important part of our Little League team. This year 158 Edgemont children participated in our Little League program. They are able to practice at Rumbrook Park. In recent years team members have greeted Mariano Rivera, Darryl Strawberry, and other baseball greats on opening days. Who knows, it's possible that one of our little league stars will become tomorrow’s World Series champ.

OUR MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM DELIVERS HOME DELIVERED MEALS TO THE FRAIL, ELDERLY. We currently have only 3 Edgemont seniors accepting home delivered meals. If you know of any elderly or disabled resident who is homebound, let us know.

WE PLAN TO REPAIR BRICK SIDEWALKS. Edgemont is the only section in town that has brick sidewalks at certain locations (old Edgemont). We inspect these sidewalks frequently and make repairs as necessary. We are planning some repairs this season on Henry Street.

ROAD REPAVING. Our road repaving season will start soon and we're identifying roads in Edgemont in most need of repair. Paving continues until the late fall.

CRANE'S POND. Duck weed in ponds looks like pea soup--not very attractive. We treat the pond periodically during the spring and summer months, trying to keep the pond looking attractive. Last year cost of the treatment was about $3000. We anticipate having to spend tens of thousands (possible six figures) more when we dredge the pond in the near future.

LED LIGHTS. We recently updated to new LED lights. If you see a light that is not operational please report to the department of public works or me.

CURB WORK. Our highway department has a list of curb repair work that has to take place and we're planning to spend significant resources on curb restoration in 2017. If you have any curb related issues please advise.

PREPARING FOR STORMS. The highway department is always preparing for the next storm. If you think a drain is clogged or have any concerns let us know. We will check it out.

POTHOLES. If you see a pothole let us know. We try to repair potholes almost immediately. Because we have been addressing infrastructure and have been repaving roads annually - our pothole complaints are down this year.

TREE REMOVAL OR TRIMMING. We have a crew out doing hazardous tree removals and pruning work.

SIGHT DISTANCE TRIMMING. We are out trimming back town right of ways that obscure visibility.

GUIDE RAIL WORK. The town is going out to bid shortly for the replacement of damaged guide rails.

JOBS CLUB – Are you out of work? I have a jobs club and have been helping people find employment by sharing job info with them on a regular basis. I have helped hundreds of people find employment. Let me know if you’d like to join the club. We periodically hold forums with helpful job related tips.

GREENBURGH LIBRARY OFFERS FREE SAT, ACT AND TUTORIAL HELP. If you have a child who is getting ready to apply to college this link on the Greenburgh library website may be of help. Free SAT, ACT tutorial help! You will be amazed. The Greenburgh Library is more than just books!

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE — Town Clerk Judith Beville and I oversee a summer internship program for students. If your son or daughter is interested in learning about government we have a terrific summer internship program that is available to them.

HOST YOUR OWN CABLE TV SHOW — If you or your son/daughter would like to host your own cable TV show on public access TV let us know. We have the equipment and can tape the show for you and air it on local TV and on the web. The Greenburgh Public Access station and our Greenburgh after school Xposure program were nominated for two Emmy’s recently.

— Paul J. Feiner, Town Supervisor