NOTICE
PRIMARY ON
TUESDAY JUNE 25
All Democratic
and
Independence Party Members
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If you are a
registered Democrat or Independence Party member,
please vote this coming Tuesday, June 25 in the primary election.
The Democratic Party primary is for two seats for County Court Judge.
The Independence Party primary is for two seats for the Bedford Town Board.
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The polls are open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
at your regular polling place.
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NEW POSTS
June 15 2019
The Veterans Memorial Dedication Ceremony
It was a perfect day for family, friends and neighbors at the dedication ceremony in on the Katonah Green last Saturday. If you missed the dedication, the next time you are near the Katonah Library, walk across to the esplanade and take a look.
We are grateful to our County Executive Ken Jenkins and our NY State Senator Shelley Mayer for celebrating with us.
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From L to R, Dep. Cty. Exec. Ken Jenkins, Bill Cryan (Aidan's father), Eagle Scout candidate Aidan Cryan, State Sen. Shelley Mayer and me at the dedication of the Veteran’s Memorial which was Aidan Cryan’s Eagle Scout project.
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Mark Sindeband, member of the Veterans Advisory Committee, and Jack Cabaness, Pastor of the Katonah Presbyterian Church.
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The Veterans Memorial
on the Katonah Green.
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June 8, 2019:
The Katonah Museum GALA
Honoring
Katonah Museum Board President Deborah Mullin
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Many friends and supporters of the Katonah Museum were on hand on Saturday June 8 to honor Board Trustee and President Deborah Mullin, pictured on the left.
Photo right, left to right: Maria Fields, Karin Shiel, Peter Clements, and Bedford Town Board member MaryAnn Carr.
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Highlights of the
Town Board’s June 18 Meeting
2018 Audited Financial Statements
of Town Operations
The auditing firm of PKF O’Connor Davies presented the
financial statements for the Town as of December 31, 2018
. Alan Kassay, a member of the firm, stated that the Town’s financial position continues to be strong, noting the reaffirmation by Standard & Poor’s Global of its highest bond rating of AAA.
- The fund balances (or reserves) stand at 35.6% for the General Fund (which covers the majority of the Town’s operations including the Police Department, Recreation and Parks Department, Justice Court, Receiver’s Office, Assessor’s Office, Building and Planning Departments and Supervisor’s Office and Town Clerk’s Office.
- The fund balances (or reserves) stand at 24.6% for the Highway Fund (roads, snow removal, water department).
- In 2018 the Town operations resulted in a modest underspending of
- the adopted budget and receipt of modestly more than budgeted for non-property tax revenues.
- All other District Funds were able to add small amount to their reserves and still provided services to its resident.
- As part of the Town’s practice to pay down debt aggressively, $3,650,073 of bond debt was amortized in 2018. This practice allows for the Town Board to plan accordingly and keep debt payments affordable.
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Public Hearing
Amendments to the Affordable Housing Law (AHL)
Following a public hearing, the Town Board adopted amendments to the Affordable Housing Law (AHL) to increase the opportunity for the construction of affordable housing units in Bedford. The amendments, which will take effect upon filing with the New York Secretary of State, will allow for a fee in lieu of construction for subdivisions of five lots or more. Under the present requirements, a developer must provide not less than 10% affordable units in such subdivision (rounded up). Presently a fee in lieu only is available for subdivisions fewer than five lots. It should be noted that the fee in lieu provision does not apply to multifamily projects, however, there already exists a provision in the AHL to allow for affordable units at an approved off- site location.
In the 2 and 4 acre zones each single-family or two family affordable unit may be located on a lot of not less than one acre. In all other zones each single- family affordable unit may be located on a lot meeting 75% of the minimum
lot area for the single-family homes in the development. Each such two-family home shall be located on a lot meeting the minimum lot area for the single- family homes in the development.
All such units shall be compatible in appearance, siting and exterior design from the other single-family homes in the development, to the greatest extent possible. Interior finishes and furnishings may be reduced in quality and cost to assist in the lowering of the cost of development of affordable units.
Here's an example of how this would work:
Say we have a 10 lot subdivision on 40 acres in the four acre zone. Under the current law if one of those lots is be an affordable unit, it still has to be on a lot of at least 3 acres if it is a single family house or 4 acres if it is a two
family, for a total density of 10 homes (possibly with one additional unit if the affordable home is a two family). The problem is that it is not practical to put an affordable unit on such large lots - even the maintenance cost could be beyond the means of someone who qualifies for an affordable unit. With the proposed change, the Planning Board could put the affordable unit on a more practical 1 acre lot.
The reading land would be distributed among the market rate units for a total density of 10 homes (possibly with one additional unit if the affordable home is a two family) - identical to what is allowed under today's law, but arranged in a more practical site plan.
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Public Hearing
Community Development Block Grant
The Town Board, following a public hearing, took action to authorize moving ahead with community development block grant funding for infrastructure projects in Bedford Hills. As you may recall, last June, the Town Board authorized the Town to enter into a Cooperation Agreement with Westchester County for the purposes of undertaking a Community Development Program pursuant to the Housing and Community development Act of 1974 as amended and Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended. This was the first required step for the Town to become eligible for Community Development Block Grants which Westchester County is administering. HUD will be providing Westchester County funds for CDBG grants which the County in turn would distribute to municipalities which are members of the consortium entering into the Cooperation Agreement. The County is considering applications for three years of CDBG funding.
Anthony Zaino of Westchester County’s Planning Department advised us at the time that HUD has designated for FY 2017 a portion of Bedford Hills as a LMISD area (low and moderate income) and that public works projects within the area would be eligible for CDBG funding. The Town must provide not less than a 50% match toward the project cost and Mr. Zaino advises that to enhance our chances of being awarded a grant, we should seek no more than
$175,000 in CDBG funds for each.
I also mentioned that based on further conversations with the County’s Planning Department two viable and worthy public works projects have been identified. One is a sidewalk project on Babbitt Road and the second is a reconfiguration of the intersection of Babbitt and Harris Roads, which our staff and Town Engineer determined is challenging to drivers and we should consider reconfiguring it.
Subsequent to our submitting the applications last year, the County has notified us as follows:
1. The northerly portion of the sidewalk project, in their view, was in better condition than other sidewalks for which applications had been submitted. For this reason, we are not resubmitting an application.
2. The southerly portion of the sidewalk project was accepted as eligible. No further action is required at this time.
3. We need to re-submit the application for the reconfiguration of the intersection of Harris and Babbitt roads.
As a review, the proposed projects, costs and status are:
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Congratulations To our Newly Appointed
Committee Members
The Town is grateful for the selfless service of residents in our community that come forward to volunteer their considerable professional experience, time and energy.
We thank and congratulate the following whom the Town Board appointed at our meeting:
Appointment to the Traffic Safety Working Group:
Geraldine M. Zikely, P.E.
Katonah Resident Appointments to the Todd’s Pond Advisory Committee:
Michael Dwyer, Jennifer Gregory and Lou Sorell.
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Town Board Establishes
Todd’s Pond Advisory Committee
The Town Board established a seven member advisory committee and appointed its members with regard to Cherry Ridge Lake, also known as Todd’s Pond, off of Lakeside Drive in Katonah. The resolution includes the following mission statement:
- Review consultant’s reports and studies regarding the condition of the pond, including the extent to which, if any, the pond may be a component of flood control.
- Consider whether any measures may be taken regarding the condition of the pond prior to the issuance of a study or report.
- Assist the Town Board in securing professional consultancy services for the above, including preparing a Request for Proposal, evaluating such proposals and making recommendations to the Town Board on proposals received.
The resolution provides that the members of the committee be comprised of:
- Three residents of Katonah: the Board appointed Michael Dwyer, Jennifer Gregory and Lou Sorell.
- The Town Commissioner of Public Works: Kevin Winn
- A representative of Wetlands Control Commission: the Board appointed Fiona Mitchell
- Two members of the Bedford Town Board: the Board appointed MaryAnn Carr and Kate Galligan
Kate Galligan was asked to call the first meeting of the committee which it is anticipated will be held in the two to three weeks. The meetings will be open to the public.
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Adams Street Maintenance Building Construction Project
Bid Results and Proposed Financing Structure
Following bid results and the recommendations of Public Works Commissioner Kevin Winn (which Comptroller Abe Zambrano and I support), the Town Board approved the low bids and the financing sources for the Adam Street Maintenance Building Project.
Public Works Commissioner Kevin Winn reported to the Board the results of bids received for the construction of the Adams Street maintenance building. The bids, in the aggregate, were $801,948 over estimates, resulting in the project exceeding presently available funds. Commissioner Winn is recommending to the Board a revised project budget and funding sources developed with Deputy Supervisor Roberts, Comptroller Zambrano and me.
The estimator for our bids stated that he has been seeing recent high numbers in these areas due to tariff concerns and a very busy building construction market. We discussed the possibility of re-bidding, but it is thought that the likely result would be higher bids due to the current market and fact that the existing bid results are known.
Contractors are required to hold their bid prices for 45 days, which expires on July 1, 2019.
While it is very unfortunate that the project is over budget, Commissioner Winn recommends that the Town Board proceed due to:
- The safety and cost benefits that it will provide. The new facility will create much safer working conditions for our equipment maintenance employees, giving them adequate space to move between equipment being serviced, and greater ability to raise equipment to work underneath. It will also increase the life of equipment going forward by creating additional indoor storage in our existing building. Adding two years of life to the six additional pieces of equipment that will be stored inside would save approximately $20,000 per year in equipment replacement cost. The project will begin in July 2019 and be scheduled for completion in March 2020.
- Apart from delaying the benefits derived from the significantly improved facility, postponement of the project likely would have resulted in elimination of cost benefit from carrying out the entire project at one time and thus significantly higher overall cost.
In order to complete the project in a fiscally prudent manner, Comptroller Zambrano and Commissioner Winn proposed and the Town Board approved the following project budget:
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Approved funding sources for the project are:
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- We anticipate that the expense budget can be reduced by this amount with sufficient remaining balance for typical weather in November and December. Due to mild weather in January to March 2019, the balance remaining from the 2019 budget for snow removal operations is $346,000 out of a total budget of $927,000. This balance is above average for this time of year, as most of the budget is typically spent in January to March.
- Remaining fund balance will be well above the balances required by the Town’s policy
- This will result in keeping a 1998 dump truck for one additional year. Although the truck is at the end of its useful life, it will be functional as a winter plow/sanding truck until it is replaced with budgeted 202 capital funds.
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Wireless Facilities Master Plan – Consultancy Services
The Town’s Wireless Facilities Working Group (WFWG), which is advisory to the Town Board, presented a proposal submitted in response to a Request for Proposal for consultancy services for the Study and Report of Emergency Service and Wireless Telecommunications Infrastructure Master Plan (Master Plan). The WFWG also intends that, as on a separate basis, the consultancy firm would have the expertise, experience and capacity to advise the Planning Board and the Town Board on applications for wireless facilities. In addition to such criteria, other requirements of the consultancy services include: (1) free of any conflict of interest; and (2) objective and dispassionate in its
review and advice regarding the wide range of wireless technology. CityScape Consultants, Inc and Federal Engineering jointly submitted a proposal, dated May 10, 2019, to the WFWG for development of a Master Plan at a total cost of $104,000. It was the only proposal submitted.
It is felt that notwithstanding the lack of competing proposals, given the magnitude/scope of the services to be provided and experience and expertise of the firms, the cost is fair and reasonable.
The WFWG interviewed the consultants on June 13, and recommended to the Town Board acceptance of the proposal, subject to attorney review and approval of the consultancy agreement, insurance/indemnification and Comptroller review and approval of payment schedule (which may entail further Town Board authorization).
The Board approved the proposal subject to Town Board review and approval of a consultancy agreement; Comptroller approval of an acceptable payment schedule; and submission of requisite insurance and indemnification.
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Proposed Grant Applications to NYS Department of
Environmental Conservation
Every year municipalities seeking grant funding from New York State work feverishly to meet the late July deadline for application submission. This year the deadline is July 26. The Town Board authorized me to submit applications for two grant funding opportunities through the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). One of the grants is to join in a consortium of northern Westchester municipalities led by Yorktown for
stormwater mapping. The second is to request funding for an innovative food waste pilot program for residential curbside pick-up of food waste.
My thanks to Public Works Commissioner Kevin Winn on the stormwater mapping grant opportunity and Chair of the Bedford 2020 Solid Waste & Recycling Task Force Peter Kuniholm, as well as summer interns Kenny Linder and Timothy Parker, on the food waste pick-up program.
Stormwater Mapping
NYSDEC recently announced a new funding round for the Water Quality Improvement Program, Round 16, which allocates $70 million to qualified applicants. The Town of Yorktown, through the Northern Westchester WQIP Consortium, will be submitting an application for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Mapping. The Consortium is being planned to offer a coordinated and comprehensive approach to stormwater mapping within the municipalities of Northern Westchester County, and is anticipated to include the Towns of Bedford, Cortlandt, Lewisboro, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Somers, Yorktown and the Villages of Buchanan and Croton-on- Hudson.
The goal of the application is to leverage individual resources at the town and village level to benefit and share resources across all of the participating municipalities. There are many environmental sensitive areas in our communities, including NYC watershed areas and other critical and impaired waterbodies. A grant award would enable us create and refine comprehensive GIS mapping layers of the Northern Westchester drainage area and continue to meet NYSDEC regulatory requirements for stormwater
reporting.
The grant will assist the Town of Bedford in maintaining NYSDEC MS4 permit mapping compliance. The grant requires a 25 percent community match, which can be satisfied with in-kind labor by the Town work force to field verify stormwater structures to be included in the mapping data set.
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Pilot Food Waste Pick-Up Program
The Town in partnership with Bedford 2020 is pushing ahead with measures to further reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We’re potentially getting help from the State. With a 50-50 match grant program, NYSDEC is encouraging municipalities to submit innovative and promising projects for GHG emission reduction. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports: that about 94 percent of the food we throw away ends up in landfills or combustion facilities. In 2015, we disposed 37.6 million tons of food waste. Food waste comprises by weight a considerable portion of the solid waste flow going into landfills. Collecting and composting food waste will reduce methane emissions from landfills and lower our carbon footprint.
The proposed project, which Bedford 2020 endorses, is a pilot program consisting of forty families, chosen each year on a first-come, first-served basis, for curbside food waste pick-up. It is proposed that after each year of the three year program, residents on the pilot program wishing to continue the pick-up would make separate arrangements for such services at that time. The total estimated value of donated time over the three year period is $37,855.70 for a total project cost of $75,295.70.
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Long Ridge Road Paving Project
We are pleased to learn that Westchester County’s Department of Public Works has scheduled for next week paving Long Ridge Road between Great Hills Farm Road and the Connecticut state line.
Our thanks to our County Legislator Kitley Covill for her important work in making this happen.
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Welcome to our newly appointed Senior Advocate,
Rosemary Vorel
At the May 21, 2019 Town Board meeting a part-time Senior Advocate was approved and hired, and we are thrilled to welcome her.
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From our Nixle Alerts:
To read the alert, please click above.
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PRIOR POSTS of Continued Relevance
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Congratulations and Kudos!
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Jack Kelleher, Eagle Scout
Our Congratulations to Jack Kelleher of Katonah for achieving the highest honor of Eagle Scout during the Court of Honor Ceremony by
Troop 1 Katonah.
Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process.
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Pictured above: Jack receiving a Certificate of Commendation from the Town. Right: The pinning ceremony with parents Bernadette and Jim.
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Kudos to our Town Clerk
Lisbeth "Boo" Fumagalli!
Every once in a while we have the opportunity for bragging rights on the superior public servants who work for the Town of Bedford.
Congratulations go out to our very own Town Clerk, Boo Fumagalli!
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Update on Improvements to
Bedford Hills Commuter Lots
New LED lights were installed on the path between Lot 4 (adjacent to the stairs leading up to the pedestrian overpass) and Lot 7 (fronting Railroad Avenue) in order to improve visibility and safety.
The lights will also save energy when compared to the ones that were replaced. As earlier reported, we have further improvements planned for this Summer and Fall. We thank our Lot 7 resident permit holders for their patience.
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Stealth Camera Issuance of Traffic Summonses
Part II
School Bus Camera Safety Act
Last week I discussed the practice which has been in place for many years in which drivers in Europe running red lights receive stealth camera issued tickets. There was a post last week on a popular Facebook group expressing outrage over a driver speeding past a stopped school bus on Cherry Street.
I mentioned that the New York State legislature has just passed legislation which would allow school districts to outfit school busses with cameras which would enable the police to issue summonses based on the photographic evidence of such moving violations. I am delighted to learn that our Assemblyman David Buchwald and State Senator Shelley Mayer supported the legislation as does Governor Cuomo. I wish to share with you the specifics about the soon-to-be new law (and my thanks to my summer interns Tim Parker and Kenny Linder for writing the summary):
Under current law, a ticket for illegally passing a stopped school bus displaying a red visual signal can be issued only by a police officer who witnesses the violation. This bill provides for additional enforcement options by authorizing a demonstration program to allow local governments to impose liability on the owners of motor vehicles for the failure of the drivers of such vehicles to comply with the law prohibiting the overtaking and passing of stopped school buses displaying red visual signals. The program allows for the use of mobile cameras mounted on school buses, as well as stationary cameras, with the cost to be borne solely by the municipalities….
The law would take effect 30 days after enactment, and expire and be deemed repealed December 1, 2024.
For the full text of the legislation:
Now, here’s a question for you:
Do you think there also should be a demonstration program applying
to drivers running red lights?
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Update from the Reusable Bag Task Force
The Reusable Bag Task Force has been continuing local education and working with the retailers that are subject to the reusable bag fee to promote reusable bag use. The community is doing a great job of bringing reusable bags to shop and thus cutting down on a great deal of waste.
The grocery stores report that the implementation of the paper/plastic disposable bag fee has gone smoothly and up to 82% of customers are bringing reusable bags to do their grocery shopping. Temporary and permanent signage has been displayed (or soon will be) at the grocery stores to remind people to remember their bags while they are still in the parking lot.
The box stores, CVS, Kohl’s and Pier One are also in compliance with the law to impose the fee and encourage reusable bag use.
There is still confusion as to how the 2020 plastic bag ban passed by the State of New York will impact Bedford and its retailers. It seems fairly certain that as of March 1, 2020, carryout, disposable plastic bags will be banned in all stores. But, we are staying on top of how the details of the law, including fee, will be implemented.
Please see the May 9 report of RBTF to the Town Board:
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday June 26th:
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COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
WEEK OF 6.21-6.29
COMMUNITY NEWS
Recreation & Parks
SPRING BROCHURE
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Recycling News
(click below to read)
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Supervisor Chris Burdick talks about the significant achievements the town has made with regards to its environmental initiatives.
In addition, he speaks about the potential acquisition of the Buxton Gorge and Memorial Day with American Legion Commander, Tom Cieslinski.
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Proposed Acquisition of Buxton Gorge
As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, the Town in partnership with the Westchester Land Trust, the Town is considering the acquisition of property commonly known as Buxton Gorge, an 80 acre undeveloped parcel located on Buxton Road. The Town and WLT are most interested in about half of the property which includes the gorge. Lori Ensinger, president of the WLT, explained that the parcel is ranked very high on WLT’s list of environmentally sensitive properties which needing protection and preservation.
Read WLT’s letter to the Supervisor/Town Board.
Glenn Ticehurst, co-chairman of the Town’s Open Space Committee, concurred with Ms. Ensinger that the OSC also has ranked Buxton Gorge as one of its highest priorities for protection and preservation.
Read OSC’s letter to the Supervisor/Town Board
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Previous negotiations many years ago with the owner of the property were unsuccessful. The owner has renewed interest in selling the property. Under New York State law, the Town may not pay more than the fair market value of the property. The WLT has a current appraisal for a portion of the property and now has asked the appraiser to provide an appraisal for the entire property.
The Town would grant to the WLT a conservation easement over a portion of the property.
The Town and WLT would enter into an agreement under which the WLT would maintain and expand the existing trail system.
Proposal of Totem Power, Inc.
T he Board heard a presentation from Totem Power, Inc., a Bedford Hills firm which is proposing to provide on a pilot program basis a handful of small wireless facilities to be installed on Town property. Under the Town’s recently enacted wireless facilities law, the Town Board reviews and decides upon such proposals. As previously noted, the small wireless facility would resemble a light pole with a height of between 18’ and 45’ and provide wireless service to a distance of approximately 800 feet. The facility may also provide lighting, electric vehicle charging and other services.
The Totem proposa
l.
The Board approved in concept moving forward with three of the four proposed sites: Green Lane, Katonah Lot 2 and the Bedford Hills Post Office with the goal of providing free wi-fi internet hot spots and electric vehicle charging stations at each of the sites.
2019 Town Paving List
Each Spring the Highway Department updates its condition assessment of the Town’s 97 miles of paved roads and beginning with the roads most in need of attention, formulates the year’s paving list.
We have gradually increased funding for paving with the goal of repaving all roads approximately once every 12 y ears. The present budget (both capital funds and operating funds) allocates $1 ,325,000 for paving. By comparison due to recession- necessitated reductions, the 2009 budget was approximately
$750,000. On the recommendation of Public Works Commissioner Kevin Winn, the Town Board approved the following 2019 paving list.
Allison Road
Anne Chambers Lane
Bayberry Lane
Cherry Street (Reyburn to 1 1 7)
Church Street
David Lapsley Road
East Way
Haines Road (Wood Rd to Croton Lake Rd)
Lake Avenue
Lakeside Drive (Cherry St to Lily Pond Lane)
Leslie Lane
Partridge Ridge Road
Samuel Purdy Lane
Seminary Road
Sunset Drive
Tall Pines Lane
Turtle Pond Road
West Circle
In addition to these roads, the Town Board approved as recommended the roads listed below. These will be paved as funds allow, depending on the exact
amount used on the list above.
Davids Hill Road (Paved Hill)
Davids Way
Overlook Drive
Pines Bridge Road (House #45 T o Croton Lake Rd)
Commissioner Winn explained, “These roads were selected based on their deteriorated conditions. Paving techniques will range from 1 .5” to 2” of asphalt, varying based on road conditions.”
With the gradual increase in paving budget funding levels, the Town has reached the point of repaving its 97 miles of paved roads every 12 to 13 years to avoid roads deteriorating to a very poor condition.
The following is a table of the paving miles going back to 2015:
- 2019 - 7 to 8 miles
- 2018 - 7.8
- 2017 - 8.1
- 2016 - 7.1
- 2015 - 7.6
12 year cycle on 98 miles is 8.2 miles per year. Pace from last year (7.8) gives a cycle of 12.6 years.
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The Bedford Police Department Awards
June 4, 2019
Bedford Police Headquarters
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Unit Citations:
left to right:
PO Nancy Wallwork; PO Matthew Whalen; Det. William Smith;
Sgt. Peter Sikoryak; Sgt. Erik LeFevre; Lt. Michael Callahan; Lt. Andrew Bellantone;
Podium:Chief Melvin Padilla
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Supervisor Chris Burdick with Bedford Chief Mel Padilla, Emiljana Ulaj of Senator Mayer's office, and Lt. Andrew Bellantone.
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County Legislator Kitley Covill presented pins to Police Officers who are US Armed Services Vets. Bedford Chief Mel Padilla, Emiljana Ulaj of Sen. Mayer's office, and Lt. Andrew Bellantone.
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The Bedford Hills Historical Museum Is Back Home
In the Bedford Town House!
The Museum looks to reopen to the public with a reception this coming fall. The goal of the museum is to preserve the heritage of Bedford Hills for future generations, and welcomes the public to learn about the history of this vital community, with exhibits that show images of buildings long gone, Depot Plaza, haymaking on Braewold Farm, the laying of the cornerstone of the Bedford Hills Community House, and Bedford Station after the 1909 fire.
Anyone who would like to become a member or volunteer — or who has items of historical interest to share — should write to:
bhhm.newyork@gmail.com. And be sure to Like the Museum on
Facebook!
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Co-Presidents Ellen Cohen and Elin Peterson with Supervisor Burdick welcome the Bedford Hills Museum back to the lower level of the Town House.
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Route 117 Paving Completed – My Thanks
With a reprieve from the relentless rain, the paving of Route 117 has finally been completed. Special thanks to Con Edison for stepping up to the plate with curb to curb repaving and for the diligence of the NYS Department of Transportation who have been overseeing the work.
I also wish to thank our friends at the Village of Mt. Kisco and their engineers for their part. The quality of the job is excellent – as many in my community have remarked.
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Congratulations to Bedford2020
and the Town of Bedford!
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Piictured above: Bedford2020's press conference at the Bedford Courtroom on Wednesday May 15.
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Bedford Exceeds 2020 Emissions Target by Wide Margin
The Town in partnership with the not-for-profit Bedford 2020 set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20% by the year 2020.
This was a target for the entire town, not simply municipal operations.
Bedford is the first municipality in New York State to track, report and verify a 70% town wide reduction in GHG emission. It began with setting the goal and with it in 2010, the Town becoming the first community in New York State to adopt a Climate Action Plan as a chapter in its Town Comprehensive Plan.
Under the Climate Action Plan, the Town took implemented myriad polices and strategies to enable us to exceed the 20% goal by a wide margin: 70% reduction in GHG emissions between the years 2004 (the baseline year) and 2017. Key initiatives which enabled us to attain such a reduction:
- Energy efficiency, including the Town’s participation in Community Choice Aggregation – the not-for-profit bulk purchase of NYS renewable-sourced electricity.
- Energize Bedford, which provides residents low cost or no cost energy audits and financing for energy efficiency upgrades which pay for themselves through reduced energy expenditures.
- Single-stream recycling.
- Electric vehicles – resident and Town purchases.
For more information, please see Bedford 2020’s press release at
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(click image below to view)
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Cyber Security – Don’t Fall Victim
The website of the Town of Bedford, as previously reported, was attacked and we had to disable the site for a couple of days to restore the website.
Fortunately, the damage was minor and easily fixed. We have excellent defenses such that no data of the Town, residents or anyone doing business with the Town was ever at risk (online transactions are handled by third parties with robust security systems).
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Update from the Traffic Safety Work Group
The Traffic Safety Working Group, which meets every other month, met on April 25 at which Sergeant Patricia McGraw of the Bedford Police Department provided an update on several matters. My thanks to Sgt. McGraw for her minutes of the meeting:
Speed Boards:
We presently have 8 speed boards around town. Two of these boards (Cherry St/Park Ave and Pound Ridge Rd/Seminary Rd) are permanent (hard wired). Two more (Cherry St/Reyburn Rd and Bedford Center Rd/Succabone Rd) will be made permanent in the near future. The remaining four boards will be rotated around town. Data collection of speeds from the boards continues to show the effectiveness of decreased speed even with the board being up for a long time frame.
Speed Studies:
Eight studies have been conducted year to date.
Safety Equipment:
Two additional radar units for patrol cars for enforcement have been ordered.
One additional radar recorder (for speed studies) has been purchased.
Two additional speed boards were purchased earlier this year making the total number of speed boards eight.
Consideration for Speed Humps on Babbitt Rd:
Babbitt Rd has many adult and children pedestrians due to having an elementary school on it and close proximity to the train station and bus stop. The group is evaluating speed calming options. At this time, the speed board on Babbitt Rd (30 mph zone) has decreased speeds of drivers. The 85th percentile prior to the speed board was 35mph for both lanes. Post speed board, the 85th percentile is 27 mph for southbound lane (facing the board) and 31 mph for northbound lane. The police department will keep this board at this location and will continue to monitor the data over time. At this time, there is no immediate plan for implementing speed humps due to the effectiveness of the speed board.
Rt 117 and Green Lane/Con Edison gas line project/Village of Mt Kisco water line project/117 town border line:
The roadway at Rt 117 and Green Lane was paved by Village of Mt. Kisco. The water main work is almost complete and curbing repairs are to be done by mid May. Green Lane south will be paved by Con Edison. In addition, Con Edison will be doing curb to curb paving and roadwork.
The Bedford Planning Department and Village of Mt Kisco Planning Department are set to have a meeting to discuss the intersection at Rt 117 (on the border) near Foxwood Circle. The intersection will be modified to make entrances directly opposite each other.
Bedford Hills Fire Department crossing concerns:
A pedestrian was recently hit (not seriously injured) while crossing near the fire department. The traffic safety work group has been evaluating this area and ways to improve upon safety. One change that has already been made was to eliminate two parking spots opposite the fire department. Future steps included striping the entire area in front of the fire department, adding LED blinking lights when there is a fire call, adding flashing lights to the existing stop sign (off of northbound Rt 117 into Depot Pl) and putting in a rapid rectangular flashing beacon in the cross walk which can be activated by pedestrians.
Village Green (Rt 22):
Some concerns have been raised about the safety/visibility of making a left turn off of southbound Rt 22 onto Village Green. Different plans in changing the road configurations have been considered. However, it is likely that changing the road configuration may cause traffic backup issues due to the high volume of traffic. Presently the visibility at this left turn does meet traffic code. This is a state road and any suggestions would have to be made to the state department of transportation. We are looking into accident history and will do a radar recorder speed study in the area as well to obtain further data.
In addition, we are considering adding a rapid rectangular flashing beacon and LED lighting in the present crosswalk near the theater to enhance pedestrian safety. Pedestrians are strongly encouraged to use the crosswalks. There is one near the theater and the post office.
Other Concerns:
One member brought up the issue of vehicles making U turns in the area of the Bedford Village Fire Department causing safety concerns. The police department will monitor this concern.
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Employment Opportunity
Part Time Parking Enforcement Officer
The Bedford Police Department is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of part time Parking Enforcement Officer.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
Patrols an assigned district during a specified period for the enforcement of all applicable ordinances and parking violations and issues summonses for such violations; does related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTES:
- Familiarity with the geography of Bedford and the location of private and public parking facilities
- Ability to enforce the ordinances and regulations with firmness and tact
- Ability to keep simple practical records
- Ability to orally communicate clearly and concisely
- Ability to learn the procedures and regulations involved in the enforcement of the parking ordinances and other standing violations
- Ability to use computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the essential duties of the position
- Tact; courtesy; physical condition commensurate with the duties of the position.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
Possession of a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State at the time of appointment
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Beaver Dam Yard Waste and Compost Facility
The Town of Bedford Beaver Dam Compost Facility processes recyclable wood waste and leaves from the Town and provides beneficial reuse of the waste as compost and mulch. The facility provides an extremely cost effective method for this recycling as well as an environmental benefit of local recycling with minimal transportation requirements. It is open for residents to dispose of recyclable wood waste (logs and branches up to 6” diameter, brush, and leaves), as well as pick up wood mulch and leaf compost. This service is free to Town of Bedford residents between 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM Monday to Friday, excluding Town holidays.
With Spring clean-up and planting season here, you may find these services helpful. I encourage you to review the updated information by clicking on
Beaver Dam Compost Facility
on the Town’s website.
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HeatSmart
Bedford-Lewisboro-Pound Ridge
Has Arrived!
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Pictured above are members of the HeatSmart Team
, representing Bedford 2020, Lewisboro Sustainability Committee, Pound Ridge Energy Action Committee with Bedford Town Supervisor Chris Burdick, Lewiboro Town Supervisor Peter Parsons, Pound Ridge Town Supervisor Kevin Hansan.
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On Wednesday night at the Bedford Playhouse, local sustainability groups kicked off HeatSmart Westchester, an opportunity to significantly reduce energy consumption, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and help homeowners not only reduce their energy bills, but also increase their year-round comfort and the value of their homes.
Call (914) 302-7300 ext 1. for assistance.
Save the date for Pound Ridge's HeatSmart event on April 13th.
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Previous e-news issues
Much is repeated in each newsletter, but to reduce the length each week, here are the past few complete newsletters.
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Previous MONTHLY Reports
In case you missed them, please refer to my most recent monthly reports:
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A regular reader of this weekly newsletter asked why I repeat certain posts from week to week. I do so because not everyone reads my newsletter on a weekly basis, much information provided remains relevant and I wish to continue to alert the community about it. In response to the comment, however, you will see that I've divided the newsletter into two sections "New Posts" and "Continuing Posts". Both sections are relevant and, I believe, worthy of review.
I wish to thank readers for making suggestions and comments; over the years, I've not only changed format but added content based on them
(for example, why the flags are flown at half-staff.
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