March Newsletter

Hello Hartsdale Community, This is our first HNA Newsletter of 2024, so even though it’s March and Spring is around the corner, we would like to wish a Happy New Year to all. For now, we have some important news to share.

EDGEMONT INCORPORATION UPDATE The Town of Greenburgh is divided in half. Approximately half the population live in six incorporated Villages (e.g. Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, Tarrytown, Elmsford and Irvington) that have their own local governments and limited public services, like police. While the other half lives in the unincorporated area of Greenburgh that consists of hamlets contained mostly within one of three US census designated places (e.g. Hartsdale,Fairview,Greenville/Edgemont.)  Edgemont activists have been working to incorporate for many years and in 2016, a group of Edgemont residents formed the EIC, “to inform residents on key issues surrounding incorporation, and take all necessary steps to hold a vote on whether to become our own village. The EIC believes Edgemont would enjoy a representative and accountable government that shares equally in the benefits and burdens of self-governance.”  Edgemont has twice submitted petitions to Incorporate but were denied by the courts who struck down the petitions as insufficient. Once again, the EIC has been moving over the last 16 months to formalize self-governing plans, budgets and town maps to present to our Town Supervisor Paul Feiner for approval and ultimately bring the matter to a vote. Saving Greenburgh Unfortunately, under NYS law only Edgemont residents within designated EIC mapping would get to vote even though it would greatly and adversely impact Hartsdale and Fairview residents. Currently that impact could not even be considered in deciding the matter. Greenburgh residents seeing the economic unfairness and elements of racial inequality in the current law, petitioned NYS lawmakers to change the law to incorporate the impact of the larger community to the decision making process. In the new law, changes in the process would be put into effect and the impact to the community would be considered by an unbiased approval board before any vote could take place. But at the last minute Senator Andrea Steward Cousins and Assemblywoman Paulin put in an amendment to the bill that would exempt Edgemont from the new process through 2040.   In January, the Greenburgh Town Council hired legal counsel to oppose this amendment and an independent study has been initiated to determine the broader impact of incorporation to our community, but that will not be considered in any decision regarding the validity ofthe EICs petition to incorporate. What Can We Expect Moving Forward? We can expect the EIC to move quickly to get a petition to Paul Feiner who will either approve it or reject it to move forward to a vote. If it is rejected, we expect a round of appeals that will take a few years to get through the system.   HNA Role The HNA Executive Leadership Committee strongly opposes the special treatment Edgemont has been given and any decision or vote that takes place without consideration of the impact to the entire Unincorporated Area of Greenburgh. We believe Edgemont incorporation will lead to higher taxes and reduced services for Edgemont and Greenburgh as a whole with the greatest impact felt in Hartsdale and Fairview. We will keep you updated on this matter.

GREENBURGH CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS Athletic Accomplishments Congratulations to the Woodlands Girls Foil Fencing team who gracefully parried their way to victory, claiming the coveted bronze medal at the Fencing Varsity Sectional Championship in February.  Congratulations to Woodlands Falcons Boys Basketball Section 1 Class B Champions who won their State Semifinals against the formidable Burke Catholic Eagles 38-36 on Monday night. The Falcons face off against the Section 8 Champions, the West Hempstead Rams on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Yorktown High School. The winner will play in The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) held March 17-19 in Glenn Falls.   GCSD Budget And Voting The 2024-25 GCSD budget discussions have started and we will forward a draft budget when it’s published by the BOE in the next few weeks. The final budget hearing is scheduled for May 7th and the Budget Vote is scheduled for May 21st. There are three opens seats for the Board of Education with three year terms from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027. The election will take place on May 21st. If you are interested in running, you can contact board@greenburghcsd.org for more information.

OTHER NEWS  Town Of Greenburgh 2024 Budget Our last issue in December 2023 focused on the Tentative 2024 Town Budget and expected 6% increase for Hartsdale. The Town Board needs to do a better job at being fiscally responsible and at communicating timely and accurate information. We suggest if you have concerns with our town budget and spending, that you write to Paul Feiner and the Town Board to make your opinion known.  Greenburgh Town Job Openings  There are several job openings including in Public Works, Town Controller and more. If you are interested or know anyone who is qualified, you can find out more information on the town website.  ESCO vs Con Ed  The Town of Greenburgh participates in a Community Energy Program known as Westchester Power as a Greenburgh resident you were automatically enrolled in this program unless you opted out. Over the last year, the Town has been tracking and comparing ESCO and Con Ed Rates and Con Ed rates have been consistently lower. Residents who want to enroll, change their supply, or opt out can visit the Westchester Power web page and fill out the applicable online form on the Sustainable Westchester website. More information on the details of the program can be found in our March 2023 newsletter.  Odell House The physical work at the museum as well underway, and now a layout is available to show how the space will be used within the house. We look forward to bringing you future updates on how this almost 300 year old building and essential part of our history is being brought back to life. Greenburgh Artists And Crafters Market The first market is planned to take place on April 27 at Presser Park/Webb Field. There are some very talented artists living in our community and we look forward to seeing their work. More information can be found on TOG website and ARTSW website.

HNA MEMBER INFORMATION The 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 – Thru March 15 Woodlands Musical Newsies – March 15 – 17 GCSD Spring Recess – March 25 – 29 TOG Town Board Meeting – March 27 Presidential Primary – April 2 TOG Town Board Meeting – April 10 Woodlands Scholarship Fund Meeting – April 15 GCSD School Board Candidate Petitions Due – April 22 Arts and Crafts Fair – April 27 PTA Council Candidate Night – May 1 GCSD Budget Hearing – May 7 Veteran Recognition Breakfast – May 9 GCSD Board and Budget Vote  – May 21 Federal, State, and Local Primary – June 25