Hello Hartsdale Community,
We hope this email finds you well and enjoying the spring weather. We want to make sure you have all the latest information on proposed local ordinances, new housing development and of course GCSD school elections are coming up next week.
THE FUTURE IS IN OUR SCHOOLS – ELECTIONS ON MAY 17TH
Come out and Vote!
GCSD 2022-23 School Budget Vote and School Board Election will be held on May 17th from 7:00am to 9pm at Woodlands Middle/High School Gymnasium. The total proposed budget is $75,974,242 and the proposed tax levy increase is 1.47% – which is within the allowable tax levy limit. There are two seats open for the School Board and two candidates running unopposed. David Warner has been on the board for 15yrs with terms as President and Vice President. Julie Allongue, a current PTA President, is running for her first term. The PTA will be hosting a Meet the Candidates video. We will post a link on the HNA Facebook page when it becomes available.
You can get more information on the budget and the candidates in the school budget edition of The Falconer.
PUT THE GREEN IN GREENBURGH
Proposed Leaf Blower Law
A proposed Leaf-blower Law to regulate the usage of leaf-blowers was subject to a public hearing this week. The purpose of the law is to improve the quality of the air and reduce noise. This law is a test and if passed would ban leaf blowers three days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from June 1 to October 15, 2022. On Saturdays and Sundays, residential leaf blowers would be allowed while commercial use would be prohibited. GPD would enforce the new ordinance and both users and property owners/renters would be subject to fines. Many Westchester Communities including Larchmont, Scarsdale and White Plains have passed restrictions or bans on the use of leaf blowers and/or gasoline powered yard equipment.
Volunteers Needed for Hartsdale Beautification
The Hartsdale Beautification Committe is looking for Volunteers to help with planting flowers and watering in the planters on the sidewalks on Hartsdale Avenue near the shops. If you can help send an email to info@hartsdaleneighbors.org with your contact information and the subject line Gardening Volunteer and we will pass it along to the team that leads the beautification efforts.
OTHER NEWS
Development of Former Elmwood Country Club
On March 9th, the Town Board heard comments from the public regarding the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for proposed residential development at Elmwood Country Club. The FEIS and additional documents regarding the proposal can be found here. During the public hearing the Town Board heard feedback regarding five proposals for development. The proposals ranged in residential unit type (Townhouse versus Single Family Home), number of units, and other additional elements. Page 36 of the document summarizes the proposals and options. No official decision has been made, but early indications are the Town Board plans to support building 113 single family homes (Option H.).
Two Dates For New York State Primaries This Year
As we reported back in February, every 10 years district maps are redrawn to reflect changing populations derived from the US Census. These effect all levels of state and federal government representation based on population. New congressional, state senate and state assembly maps were drawn and approved by the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly and Gov. Kathy Hochul, but these maps were deemed as too favorable to Democrats and unconstitutional by the New York’s high court. New congressional and state senate maps are now being redrawn. To allow time for the new maps to be drawn and implemented, congressional and state senate primaries will be held on August 23rd, while primaries for local seats and governor will be held on June 28th.
Proposed Seasonal Tennis Bubble at Scarsdale Golf Club
Scarsdale Golf Club has requested a variance to the TOG zoning code to install a seasonal temporary enclosure over two tennis courts to allow for year-round usage. The matter is currently before the TOG Zoning Board. The proposed enclosure is directly adjacent to the Hartsdale Parking Garage, would have some visibility from the street and if approved would require some regrading, retaining walls and stabilization to adjacent court areas. Enhancements to stormwater management and emergency access to the tennis area have also been proposed as part of overall request. In addition, the Club is also requesting to install new netting along its existing driving range to reduce damage from stray golf balls to cars in adjacent apartment parking lots.
Archeological Dig at The Odell House
In the 1700’s, Hartsdale played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War. The Battle of White Plains, was fought alongside the Bronx River, near the site of the current Hartsdale train station. The Odell House (on Ridge Road, built in 1732) served as the headquarters for the French general the Comte de Rochambeau. The house was later named after John Odell, Washington’s guide who bought the house in 1785. The Odell House is in the process of being turned into a museum, and in April 2022 an archeological dig was initiated to help guide in the restoration including where the gardens will be located.
Juneteenth Celebration
Join our community in honoring and celebrating Juneteenth on Friday June 17th with a flag raising at the Town Hall, motorcade and food, fun and music at Richard Presser Park Webb Field. The fun starts at 5PM.
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
GCSD School Election – May 17
Zoning Board of Appeals – May 19
Town Board Meeting – May 25
Juneteenth Celebration – June 17
Town Board Meeting – June 8
NYS Primary – June 28
NYS Primary – August 23