2024 Greenburgh Updates- Taxes, Elections, Marijuana and More

Hello Greenburgh,

It has been over 3 months since my last email in November.  I apologize for the lack of updates but sometimes life just gets in a way.  With the recent suspension in publication of the Scarsdale Inquirer and Rivertown Enterprises, the lack coverage of local news has never been worse.  I'll continue to do my best to keep people informed on whats going on with a focus on Greenburgh.  If you know someone who may be interested please encourage them to sign up for my newsletter by emailing me.   

No main topic in this blog but a lot of small updates. 

Greenburgh 2024 Budget
My last email focused on the 2024 operating budet which has since been passed unanimously by the Town Board and contained an average ~6% tax levy increase. 

As of today, there has been zero formal communication of any kind about the actual tax impact residents will see.  Village residents have exclusively received information that their taxes are going down, when in fact they are increasing by 4% and TOV residents have been told falsely that taxes are increasing by 1.98% when in fact the real figure is over 6%.  

Again read my last email, for all the details.  In the months since the budget was passed I have literally begged the Town Board to put out useful information about the tax increases.  I have sent numerous emails, attended numerous Town Board meetings, privately and publicly pleaded with them as a group and individually. Their silence speaks volumes about what they want you to know.

Election Update
The 2023 general election has come and gone and we have a new Town Clerk, Lisa Marie Nero who defeated longtime incumbent Judith Beville and will serve a 2 year term.  Joy Haber was elected to the Town Board for a 4 year term filling the seat vacated when Ken Jones declined to run for a 4th term.  Gina Jackson was elected to her second 4 year term on the board.  Full election results including Greenburgh villages here.

Edgemont Incorporation
The topic I'm sure were all sick about hearing about.  This article does a better job then I could of summarizing what has happened recently.  If your interested in learning about the Albany back room dealings  I encourage you to read it.

Town Comptroller
Just today the town announced that longtime Comptroller Roberta Romana has resigned.  The Comptroller is a critical position in the town, even moreso then usual given Supervisor Feiners lack of any financial expertise.  Best of luck to whoever fills her shoes.  

Marijuana Dispensaries
There is a marijuana dispensary coming soon to Central Avenue directly opposite Shake Shack and Crumble Cookie.  While the Shake Shack side of the street is Greenburgh, the opposite side is White Plains.  The Greenburgh Town Board passed extremely restrictive zoning rules(overruling the reccomedation of the Planning Board) which effectively banned dispensaries from all but a small sliver of the Town(Not allowed on 119 or Central Ave).  White Plains however is allowing it anywhere zoned for commercial use.  So now we have what just about everyone with a clue expected, all of the "downside"(whatever that may be, for what its worth I don't see any) and none of the Tax Revenue(the real concern) which will all go to White Plains. 

Electricity ESCO
Reminder that the ESCO which the Town enrolled all residents in is charging nearly double for electricity supply then the current Town Rate.  If you have not already opted out and are looking to save on your utility costs I highly reccomend that you consider doing so.  More information about doing so in the link above.

CD16
This email is already long enough so I won't address the upcoming primary battle for the Greenburgh congressional seat.  All I will say for now is that I'm supporting George Latimer, and the difference in candidates for a primary has never been so stark.  You must be a registered Democrat to vote in the upcoming primary, if you are not it is not too late to register as a Democrat to help elect George.

Hopefully, you have found this informative.  Please send any questions and forward to your friends and neighbors.  If you have questions about any of the above, please email me at Eric@ericzinger.com

Eric Zinger
www.ericzinger.com