Lohud Story: ASC and EIC are optimistic about mediation process
As you may have read in LoHud yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins expressed optimism that the mediator she appointed will facilitate a productive conversation between the Town and the EIC. She said: “Maybe someone who was impartial and trained to get to issues and fact could begin a dialogue that results in outcomes that are positive for all sides.”
We couldn’t agree more. Specifically, getting to facts about the costs of Town services—and the potential for shared-service agreements between Greenburgh and Edgemont—will benefit all stakeholders (Edgemonters, residents of unincorporated Greenburgh outside of Edgemont, and employees). This is the hard data we’ve long sought and made every effort to obtain, but we need the Town’s cooperation.
A healthy Town of Greenburgh/Village of Edgemont service partnership could also prompt Greenburgh’s existing six villages to consider contracting with the Town for police, DPW, etc. That, in turn, would bring scale benefits, modernization of our outdated governance model, and much-needed tax relief Town-wide in a post-SALT world.
On the petition front, the hearing is on July 16th. There have been no objections thus far (stay tuned). The timeline of events following the hearing is:
The hearing will be held next Tuesday, July 16th at Greenburgh Town Hall. Everyone should come and participate or observe.
The hearing may be adjourned and held again, but must be concluded by August 5th. (Village Law 2-206)
Supervisor Feiner then has 15 days to make and file his decision on the legal sufficiency of the petition. (Village Law 2-208)
If Supervisor Feiner approves the petition and none of the objectors or Feiner supporters file a lawsuit against Supervisor Feiner (a story we uncovered two years ago, today), we will have an election between 30 and 40 days after the decision is filed (late September or early October). (Village Law 2-208)
We believe Edgemont residents deserve to vote on our preferred form of governance and we remain committed to bringing the matter to a referendum. Have a great July 4th!
