Date: September 19, 2011
Dear Residents,
We hope the transition from summer to fall is going well for everyone. There is a lot of activity and things going on in Dobbs Ferry; here is an update on projects, actions by your village government, a few issues, and some events to mark on your calendar. I apologize in advance for the length of this report, but we wanted to bring everyone up-to-speed as much as possible.
To start, here is an overview of the status of various Projects and Proposals:
The Waterfront Park Revitalization Project ... with Groundbreaking announcement
The shoreline stabilization work – the first phase of this landmark project – will begin in just a few weeks. Commuters and park-goers will be the first to notice when you see engineering and hauling equipment arriving in the parking lot. This portion of the project – which will be done by Coppola Paving & Landscaping Corporation – focuses entirely on shoreline stabilization; this will include a combination of natural or ‘soft’ techniques, as well as some rip-rap and groins. Having done prior work on the waterfront parking lot (they built it), the contractor is very familiar with the topography and characteristics of the area. The stabilization work will stretch from the southern portion of the park at Willow Point, extending all the way to the northern points. It is expected to take 3 months, if all goes to plan. Following completion of the stabilization work, the project will then move into the second phase, which is the enhanced upland improvements’ This will include new trail ways, appropriately designed path lighting, and new landscaping designed for economical, long-term maintenance. Once the work begins, the waterfront park will essentially be a construction zone; the Village will keep in close communication with residents, commuters and park-goers as to modifications in traffic flow and/or parking configurations which might be required (on a temporary basis) to accommodate storage of equipment, or hauling of materials. While there will be some inconvenience anticipated, the end result will be worth it – a beautiful new (and stable) waterfront park that all residents will be proud of.
A Formal Waterfront Groundbreaking Ceremonyis scheduled as follows:
! ALL RESIDENTS ARE INVITED !
Date: Tuesday September 27, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM
Where: Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park
The Aqueduct Trail Project ... with Ribbon-cutting announcement
This project is moving ahead nicely and should be close to completion by the end of September; the ramp portion is just about completed, and the new informational kiosk is also taking shape. The construction of the new stairway was held-up because certain building materials were delayed on an order. New landscaping should also be started in the next 1-2 weeks. The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the Administrator for the Village have done a great job staying on top of this project and moving it ahead, and we look forward to what will be an incredible transformation of the 'Aqueduct Gateway' into our downtown Cedar and Main streets.
A Formal Aqueduct Ribbon Cutting Ceremonyis scheduled as follows:
! ALL RESIDENTS ARE INVITED !
Date: Saturday October 1, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM (prior to street closings for Ferry Festa)
Where: Aqueduct Trail / Cedar & Main Street
The Broadway / Livingston Improvement Project ... The ‘Southern Gateway’
The new sidewalks on either side of Broadway are almost completed; work on the Livingston sidewalks and inner traffic island is taking shape. We again want to caution residents to drive carefully through this road section; there is a fair amount of construction material and temporary barriers through-out, so please take caution if you are driving (or walking) through this area.
The Beacon Hill Drainage Project ... COMPLETED
This project has been completed. This was a very big infrastructure-improvement job designed to capture and re-direct storm water run-off from the Beacon Hill area, which was causing extensive structural damage to the road, the supporting wall along Broadway and Gould Park, the steps, the pool, and the lower field areas. Left unchecked, the village would have eventually faced significant structural failures, which would then cost millions of dollars to fix. While the drainage project was not cheap - costing approximately $165,000; 50% was funded through a County Grant, and the balance was funded by the village under the long-term capital budget & bonding plan, approved in the previous fiscal year. The village’s expert engineering consultants have advised the system worked perfectly during Hurricane Irene – which was a 100 year storm. Well done to the Village Administrator, the DPW/Highway Department, and the village’s consultants(Hahn) who all worked together on this big project.
The Masters School Track & Field Facility
The green turf field has been lined, and the laying of the surrounding track looks like it will be the next step; natural stone retaining walls are taking shape … this is going to be an impressive facility when completed, which looks to be soon. Having access to the new track during daylight hours will be a great benefit to residents.
Installation of New Solar Panels on DPW and Library Buildings
The new solar panels have been installed on the DPW garage building and the Library, and the engineers and installers are now working to ‘hook them up’ so as to start harnessing the sun’s energy. This will take a few more weeks. Dobbs Ferry is setting the bar (high) in terms of its economically sensible environmental initiatives … including solar, LED lighting, energy saving and recycling efforts. As a village we are setting an example how private and public efforts can work together to complete initiatives that are not only good for the environment, but also good for business in Dobbs Ferry. In addition to the solar panel project, the board also recently voted to award the new LED lighting contract. Other Rivertown villages will be taking advantage of this contract too, which was very competitively priced, and will generate significant cost savings in maintenance and energy usage costs. This is another example of how well the Rivertown villages work together (Village Officers Committee / ‘VOC’) to find shared services and save tax payer’s money.
(We would like to note importantly that the village does not have any direct exposure to Solyndra, Evergreen Solar, or any of the other ‘new’ technology solar companies who have been in the financial news of late. At the outset, the Energy Task Force/Consultants/Village made the smart decision to select an established manufacturer of traditional ‘old’ photo-cell panel technology, which has been around for a long time)
New Basketball Court and Backboards at Gould Park ... COMPLETED
This project has been completed, funded almost entirely by the private sector; a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on September 10th to officially mark this success, and to give recognition to everyone who helped make it happen. A lot of kids were there – which was great to see. You can still watch the ribbon cutting ceremony re-playing in loop on the Public Access TV Channels. We want to thank everyone involved in this effort:
Matt Arone and the Dobbs Ferry Recreation & Parks Department
Jim Dunn, Gary Gardiner, Jim Trezza, and everyone from the DPW, Highway and Parks Departments who helped in the installations.
Marcus Serrano Village Administrator, andLiz Dreaper Deputy Administrator/Village Clerk, for staying on top of this project and helping to organize such a great ribbon-cutting event.
Drew Coburn, Chair, and all the members of the village’s ad hoc Facilities Committee.
Steve Gifford, Chair, and all the members of the village’s Recreation Committee, for this and all the work you do to help the kids of our community.
Bill and Yvonne Deakins, for their contribution.
… And especially Ron Rowland, the organization ‘Help for Hoops’, and all the volunteers and residents and private donors who contributed.
This is a great example of the positive things that can happen when the village, departments, and community all come together with positive energy to make something happen. Thank you to everyone involved.
Regarding some Pending Proposals:
Rivertowns Square
Still nothing new to report since our last update; on a purely best guess basis, the village should be receiving the developer’s response to the DEIS in the coming 1-2 months. In any case, the village will communicate immediately and fully to the residents if/when the DEIS response is received … and all subsequent reviews and steps which might be ahead.
Wallgreens
This application came before the Zoning Board of Appeals (‘ZBA’) on Wednesday September 14 for discussion and review of 8 variances which the developer is seeking for the proposed project (originally the developer was seeking 11 variances). The ZBA did not make any final decisions, and instead instructed the applicant to provide more specific information which will be required for further review and before any final decisions can be made The applicant will next likely be before the Planning Board for site plan review on Oct 6; the most likely date for the applicant to return to the ZBA will be in November.
Re-paving of Ashford Avenue … and other village roads
Ashford Avenue is going to be re-paved sometime in mid-to-late October. The project will include replacement of some storm drains (those not being replaced will be cleaned-out). The job will be properly milled and man hole covers will be raised (to be flush with the new surface roadway). This is related to the Legacy Agreement signed between the Village and County of Westchester. In return for County funds of $2,000,000.00 to help pay for the upland improvements of the Water Revitalization Project, the village will take-over maintenance of the surface road-way from the Ashford Avenue Bridge to the Broadway (Dobbs Ferry Gateway) intersection. The Village received $350,000 in additional funds from the County to pay for all of the re-paving-and catch-basin drainage work. Once completed, the roadway infrastructure will be in excellent (new) condition. As for plowing in the winter months, the village DPW/Highway has always plowed this stretch of road-way in the past, and will continue to do so. The village is also planning to pave Eldridge Place, South Washington Ave., East Sherman Ave., Belden Ave., Devoe Street, and Park Road.
A few words on Mercy College …
The board was pleased to have the President of Mercy College, Kimberly Cline, give a presentation at the last meeting on what was new and happening at the college, and the desire to be more involved in the community. We would encourage all residents to watch the Board of Trustees September 12 meeting currently re-playing on the Public Access TV Channels to see this presentation. There were some positive things presented, including:
- The college is returning $20,000 to the village (under a very old usage agreement which fell flat in the past); and refurbishing 2 tennis courts on the campus for use by the community.
- The college has presented the concept for a new all-purpose turf field that would be designed behind the school (along the Hudson River) for use by its NCAA inter-collegiate teams and to also be made available for use by the community and Dobbs Ferry’s district teams. The village will be following-up with the college on this exciting concept, in conjunction with the village’s Recreation Department, ad hoc Facilities Committee, the District, and the various youth and recreational organizations in the community.
- The college has committed to host an upcoming regional Destination ImmagiNation (‘DI’) competition. DI is an extraordinary non-profit organization that provides educational programs for students to learn and experience creativity, teamwork and problem solving. Every year, over 100,000 students across the U.S. and in more than 30 countries compete in special teamwork and problem solving tournaments. Dobbs Ferry kids have done extremely well in these tournaments at the national level. A regional event in Dobbs Ferry would bring many visitors into our community over a weekend – young students, parents, and families. What a great thing this would be for our businesses, and such positive exposure for our community, and the college.
- The college will shortly roll-out its Dobbs Ferry Coupon Book which will be distributed to all Mercy College students and faculty. This program was organized between the college and the village’s Downtown Improvement Committee. Over 25 businesses in Dobbs Ferry will be participating. Each business has designed its own unique program and/or savings coupons which will encourage students, faculty, and staff from Mercy College to patronize and shop in Dobbs Ferry’s local businesses. If you are a business owner and would like more information on this new program, please contact the Deputy Administrator/Village Clerk Liz Dreaper at Village Hall (231-8500) for more information.
Here are a few other issues and actions to report on:
The Board of Trustees voted to reject the RFP bids for the lease of the village’s train station building. This means no action will be taken at this time. The village was not looking to remove the current Lessee, or kick anyone out. We all know and appreciate the current business owners and who they are. The village did want to see what possibilities and new ideas might be presented for use of the space, which could be beneficial for the needs or the village, the residents, commuters, and the business itself. This included structural improvements and expanded business hours and offerings. At the end of the day, the proposals received were not sufficiently compelling to take action on; in addition, the board felt the upcoming revitalization work to be done on the waterfront park did not present an optimal time for any changes. In the meantime, the Administrator for the Village will be meeting with the current owners to look for ways in which the business and village can work together to make improvements and enhance the returns, mutually.
It is always great to report additions to the Fire Department Active Rolls. Ryan Cullen and Brian Lloyd were named to the active rolls of the Ogden Engine Company and Resolute Company, respectively. Dobbs Ferry is lucky and proud to have so many dedicated volunteers who give back to the community and civil service, and especially in the area of public safety; it is especially nice to see the younger people in our community stepping up in such a big way. Congratulations to Ryan and Brian!
A Public Hearing was set for Tuesday September 27 at 7:30 PM in Village Hall to discuss a request by the Heads of the Dobbs Ferry DPW, Highway, and Parks & Recreations Departments regarding modifications to the existing Leaf Blower Law as it pertains to Municipal Workers only. The Public Hearing will be a chance to hear more from the Department Heads about the specific challenges they face, and to hear from residents and business owners as well. The board is aware of the challenges, issues, and strong opinions to the Leaf Blower Law – on both sides. But there is no reason for these discussions to be contentious. The board fully appreciates and supports the quality of life aspects … at the same time there is the job to clean the village and make it presentable, to maintain an image, and which tax payers and property owners deserve. It should be about finding the right balance, which we can all work together to accomplish. I do not anticipate the board will take any action at the Public Hearing / next meeting … we will first listen and take input, discuss, and then make a decision. That is the process.
The Beautification Committee did a fantastic this past summer with additional new plantings around town, which looked fabulous and really make a positive difference in how Dobbs Ferry looks. There was also added maintenance work done along the train station plaza area, which was a great improvement. It is great to see the staff of the Highway and Parks Departments working along side volunteers of the community, all pitching-in to work together to make a difference, especially in these times of difficult economic challenges. It shows a great community-spirit in Dobbs Ferry. The Beautification Committee is currently planning new fall plantings in some targeted areas; we want to Thank Chair, Merle Huebner, and all the members of the Beautification Committee for their hard work and efforts to make Dobbs Ferry a more beautiful place. If you would like to contribute your time to help the Beautification Committee, or any other village committee or community activity, please let us know. The village can always use the help.
A Few Upcoming Village Events …
Ferry Festa 2011
Saturday, October 1
1 PM – 8 PM
Mainand Cedar Streets, downtown Dobbs Ferry
This is a big date to mark on the village calendar … volunteers have been hard at work to organize another great all-day street fair event, including retail and food vendors, our own merchants, acts and bands, and bouncy castles and other fun things for the kids . We hope to see you all in downtown Dobbs Ferry on the first Saturday in October
Senior Citizens Party & Information Fair
Thursday, September 22nd
11 AM – 1 PM
At the Embassy Community Center
Call 693-7792 for more information.
A few Upcoming Dobbs Ferry Library Events include:
Take me away this summer!-Amateur photography contest; sponsored by the Dobbs Ferry Public Library.
On display in the gallery through October 8th.
Reception and announcement of winners will be held on Saturday, September 24th from 2-4 pm.
All welcome!
“Rio”
a children’s comedy adventure about taking a walk on the wild side"
Friday, Sept 30th at 2PM
(Doors will open at 1:45PM)
LibraryPre-SchoolPrograms:
Story Time
Ages 3 - 5
Every Wednesday at 1:30 PM
Stories and Crafts.
Nursery Rhyme Time
Ages 1 & 2
Thursday at 11:00 AM
September 1st
October 6th
November 3rd
Rhymes and songs and finger games
for caregiver and child.
Toddler Time
Age 2
Thursday at 11:00 AM
September 8,15,22,29
October 13,20,27
November 10,17
Stories, songs and finger games
for caregiver and child
Colonel Brown Brown Bag Book Group: Discussions
Thursday October 13th, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
“Plain Truth” by Jodi Picoult
The library will present a showing of the moviePlain Truth adapted from the novel, starring Mariska Hargitay
Wednesday Oct. 12th at 7 PM
Dobbs Ferry Library cardholders can now download free music!
Freegal music service contains Sony Music Entertainment’s digital catalog of over 500,000 songs.
Each patron will be entitled to three free downloads per week!
Please check the library website: www.dobbsferrylibrary
“Thank You” for the 10th Anniversary 911 Ceremony
This year’s ceremony in Dobbs Ferry at the Waterfront Park 911 Memorial was extremely meaningful, and very moving. The village’s Public Service, Safety, and Emergency Departments were all present in formal dress, and they all looked incredible. So many residents also came to participate, which was awesome to see. We would like to thank everyone involved who helped make it happen:
Officer Mike Hamborski, DFPD, DFFD … for his outstanding leadership in organizing, planning, and hosting, as he has always done for this event.
The Dobbs Ferry Fire Department … for their support of this important event, and their dedication of service to the community.
The Dobbs Ferry Police Department … for their full support and participation, and for keeping us safe all the time.
The Volunteer Ambulance Corps … also for their full participation, and for being there always whenever we need medical attention.
The Village’s DPW, Highway, Parks & Recreation Departments and all the Administration and Staff in Village Hall … who were all present and there to help residents and who make Dobbs Ferry a better place, every day.
Joe Rooney … who sang the American Anthem, in perfect tune.
John Cullen … who played the bag pipes, beautiful sounds that moved us.
Father Tim Scannell … for his spiritual words and guidance.
Maryellen Laino … for her family and courage, her remembrance of Tim Stout, and her expressions of love for Dobbs Ferry.
American Legion Post 1048 … For the colors, and for what you stand for, which is the best of our nation.
… and Thank You to all the Residents and Friends who came to the Waterfront Park Memorial to be there and participate … it made you proud to be in Dobbs Ferry.
… And some final words on a few village issues and challenges:
Downtown Business District - It is exciting to see new businesses and restaurants opening in Dobbs Ferry … it does seem economic activity is on the rise. This is good. But we are concerned how the downtown area can sometimes not look so clean. There are times when garbage is placed outside when it should not be; or at other times refuse is not placed in the proper containers. This puts an unfair strain on the DPW Department, and it hurts our downtown. It is important to have a clean business district, one that will attract people and new businesses, and that we can all be proud of as a community. As the village is focused on initiatives to revive downtown (we retained a new marketing consultant to execute 2 new downtown community events, a landlord outreach program, funding for the Aqueduct Trail and Gateway Improvement Project, and the DIC /Mercy College coupon initiative, as examples) we need to work on new ideas and solutions to keep our downtown clean … we have instructed the Administrator for the Village to meet internally with the DPW & Highway and Building Departments, and the Attorney – and the village will also be reaching out to the downtown businesses and property/building owners – to find ways together that will help to keep our downtown area as clean as it can be.
Union Contract Situation – The village has not agreed on new contract terms with the representatives for the unionized village workers (separate for Police and DPW/Highway workers). The old contract expired approximately 1 ½ years ago. Faced with a drastically changed economic world – including a significant deterioration in the village’s assessed property tax values - it has been difficult to date to find a balance between what is affordable for the village and tax payers, and fair to the workers, long-term. The village is extremely appreciative and proud of the work done by all of its employees – union and non-union – and we take pride in what they mean and do for the community. While it is taking time to arrive at a new contract that makes sense for all parties, it is important to note a few points: The village is obligated to maintain the terms of the old contract as existing – which it has done, and will continue to do; these terms include competitive salary and ‘step’ plans (built-in salary increases over time), overtime, well earned holiday schedules and a work-rules environment that is fair and deserving for our community workers; it also includes the village’s portion of ongoing contributions to healthcare (employees contribute 1% of base salary) and also the village’s 100% contribution to the worker’s retirement plan under New York State’s fully guaranteed pension program (in NYS, the pension accounts of workers are guaranteed to earn minimum annual returns). In addition, during this period the village has not laid-off any workers, deciding instead to reduce head-count and overhead costs through early retirement incentives, or natural attrition. It weighs on village government – and we know on the workers too - that a new contract has not yet been agreed. While it is taking time, the village continues (and always will) support and provide an excellent work place environment and competitive remuneration package to all of its workers – who are deserving and the best at what they do. This will not change. We will be reaching out and hope to make progress on new contracts with the union representatives in the coming weeks – and we will report to residents on this issue into the fall.
Bellewood Avenue - With help from the County's Traffic Engineering Division of Public Works and Transportation, and the Dobbs Ferry Police Departmemt, the village will be conducting analysis of the traffic issues along Bellewood Avenue, and also through Walgrove Avenue. These streets get a lot of traffic generally from the Gateway area and Broadway / Ashford Avenue, and also as corridorrs to Springhurst School and Childrens Village. Collision data, traffic volumes, speeds, roadway widths, signage and travel flows will be assessed. Traffic counts using Automatic Traffic Recorders (ATRs) will be conducted in the September / October time period and will also capture school related volumes (an ATR has been placed on Walgrove). While completion of the study cannot yet be estimated at this time due to pre-existing workloads, the village will make all efforts with the County to move this ahead with due speed. We will also be sure to communicate with the residents so there is full input from everyone at the appropriate times. The village is concerned about the safety of these streets generally, and the well being of the residents and families who live along them.
The Facts on Deer – There is a rumor which has been started outside of Dobbs Ferry (or may be inside, we don’t really know) regarding deer and bow hunting; members of the board have been swamped with hundreds of e-mails (all from outside the village, and a few places very far away) accusing and threatening the board regarding false information of an approved bow hunt in Dobbs Ferry; a certain animal rights organization is spreading this rumor through a concerted and misinformed e-mail campaign. This particular organization needs to get its facts straight. To be clear, here is the FACT: The board has not approved, nor has it discussed, nor has it considered or contemplated, nor has the village’s ad hoc Wildlife Management Committee recommended, a bow hunt in Dobbs Ferry. Period.
Well, that is it for now. Sorry for such a lengthy report, but there was a fair amount of information to report. We will keep in touch to report on the actions of your government, and progress being made; and we do want to hear from you – please let us know what is on your mind, or how we can do better, or if you want to get involved.
Sincerely,
Mayor Connett
September, 2011
