HFD Election Issue – December 2022

Hello Hartsdale Community, We hope this email finds you well and wish all a Happy and Joyful Holiday Season.  We are sending out this special issue focused on the Hartsdale Fire District (HFD) Election and Bond Referendum.   HARTSDALE FIRE DISTRICT NEWS Don’t forget to Vote Tuesday December 13th. The Bond Vote and Election for one Fire Commissioner for a term of five years, will be on held on Tuesday December 13th at the Fire Station at 25 S. Central Park Avenue from 3:00pm to 9:00pm. You must vote in person; there are no absentee ballots.  HFD Commissioner Election There are two candidates for the open seat on HFD Board of Commissioners. Incumbent Thomas Maguire and Richard Bruno will be on the ballot for the open seat. HNA Eric Zinger met with each candidate for a 1:1  interview.  The 10 min. sessions, with the candidates can be found on the HNA YouTube channel.  Additional candidate information can be found below. HNA Public Forum on HFD Bond Referandum  The Hartsdale Fire District has scheduled a referendum in order for the public to approve: 1) Issuing a bond for $490k and, 2) Purchasing the property at 23 S Washington Avenue, the property directly behind the fire station. This would be phase one of a multi-million dollar long-term plan to replace the existing fire station on Central Avenue with a new building.   HNA held a Public Forum with HFD Chief Ray Maseda on the December 13th Bond Referendum which included a presentation by Chief Maseda on the state of the firehouse, timing, costs to the public and plans to apply for government grants to help fund a new firehouse.  If you missed the live event you can watch the recorded Zoom on the HNA YouTube channel. We had great community participation and want to Thank Chief Maseda and all who attended, provided questions in advance, and asked live questions at the event.   HFD 2023 Budget The Hartsdale Fire District (HFD) presented the 2023 Recommended Budget on October 18th in a public hearing. The 2023 total appropriation of $14,667,626 represents a YOY 8% increase of over $1.14 million The 2023 total to be raised by real property taxes $13,446,414 represents a YOY 5% increase of $638,773. The majority of the increase is to fund increases in personnel services. In 2022, the Fire Tax represented  6.34% of your total property tax bill. The detailed 2023 budget and meeting minutes can be found on the HFD website.  OTHER NEWS Snow Ordinance Parking Regulations & Permit Information From December 1st thru March 15th overnight public street parking is prohibited in most areas in Hartsdale to allow for street sanding and snow removal. Hartsdale Avenue and metered parking spaces on Columbia Avenue have separate parking requirements.Hardship exemption parking permits, reviewed on an individual basis, are available from the Greenburgh Police Department. The permit must be displayed on your vehicle and cars need to be moved during snow emergencies. Greenburgh Central School District (GCSD) Vote on January 17th The GCSD Board has called for a public vote on January17th to get state aid to help fund an Energy Performance Contract. The contract with ConEdison Solutions will make our school systems more energy efficient and will include necessary replacements and repairs. With voter approval, the district will receive 10% of the cost of the project from New York State. The efficiencies and proposed upgrades will not increase school taxes as cost savings will be realized through energy system upgrades and state aid. If these savings are not realized, Con Edison will compensate the district for the difference. The GCSD Board of Education has already approved a preliminary contract but without voter approval the district can not receive state funding and the proposed scope of the project will be reduced.  Toys For Tots  The Marine Toys for Tots is asking for any help you can give this year. Toys you donate will be used to make over 31,000 children, who signed up right here in Westchester, happy. Toys can be dropped off at The Greenburgh Town Hall and many other locations in and around Greenburgh. Donations are much appreciated and can be deductible for tax purposes.HNA MEMBER INFORMATIONThe Hartsdale Neighbors Association (HNA) is a group of passionate volunteers who are driven to improve our community.  We foster neighborhood engagement and community-based problem solving, enhance civic awareness and provide a vehicle for community-based efforts.  If you’d like to be more involved with HNA and join the Executive Board, one of our committees or other efforts, please contact us at info@hartsdaleneighbors.org .IMPORTANT DATES Winter Street Parking Rules – Dec. 1st to March 15th Hartsdale Fire District Bond Vote – Dec.13th Town Board Meeting – Dec. 14th GCSD Vote – Jan. 17th