From The Mayor's Desk: No More Water Restrictions

Water Restrictions Lifted

Obviously, with all the rain that has fallen lately, there has not been the same strain on the water supply systems. Therefore, all restrictions have been ended.  However, if the weather again turns hot and dry, I would ask that you consider watering lawns on alternate days, and during mid-day hours if at all possible. 

End of Summer - Start of the School Year

I hope that you have enjoyed the town pools this summer.  Our state-of-the-art Passidomo Park Pool in particular drew substantial numbers of swimmers and sunbathers.  But – all good things do come to an end, and this is a reminder that both pools close after Labor Day. We have found that so few people go to the pools after that date, after schools open, that it isn't sensible to incur the costs to keep them open. 

Sales Tax in Zip Cose 10604

Ever since zip codes were instituted, the residents of West Harrison have constantly fought to keep from paying sales taxes at the White Plains rate. The problem is that all ZIP's starting with "106" are considered by Albany to be within the White Plains city boundaries.  Initially, the post office insisted on labeling that area as White Plains. Then, a number of years ago, we were able to get the post office designation changed to West Harrison, but not the right to have the ZIP code changed, so there is still a problem.  Last year I tried, again, to correct this wrong, but did not succeed. 

A gentleman phoned me this week complaining that, on his phone bill, he was being charged the White Plains sales tax rate of 8.375 percent, instead of the Harrison rate of 7.375 percent.  He calls the company, they agree to change the total of the bill, but then the White Plains rate is back the next month. He agrees that the amount is small, a few dollars each month, but—rightfully—he still objects to paying it. So I am giving him a letter to submit with his payment each month, certifying that he is a resident of Harrison and entitled to the lower rate. We'll see what happens. 

I am bringing this up now as the Fall is a time when cars are offered at good prices, and there are many sales on furniture and appliances. You are entitled to the lower rate—a full percentage point—on anything that is delivered to your home, or work that is done in or around your home. If you would like a letter attesting to the fact that you live in Harrison, not White Plains, do call my office (670-3003) and ask for one. We all need to stretch our dollars wherever we can. 

Beaver Swamp Area—Project Home Run

Our application to complete the work on this area is still before an administrative law judge. Our goal is to have an informal ballfield, plus an area with grass and benches for all residents. Before that can be done however, we need to add topsoil so that we can plant grass. Although from a distance the area looks green, if you look closely you will see that even the weeds refuse to grow except in small clumps—the soil is mostly sand and clay. A few inches of topsoil is critically needed. 

However, the City of Rye is concerned that we are not doing enough to reduce flooding in that area. Our engineers say that we are increasing flood storage—their engineers claim that we are reducing it. You know the old saying that numbers don't lie—it is the interpretation of them that causes dissention.  

There is an honest disagreement here, and someone needs to decide which studies and numbers are correct. We sent our updated engineering studies to the Judge in January—Rye sent their concerns, evaluations and studies to him last week.   

It is to be hoped that there will soon be a decision by the judge, so we can add the topsoil, plant the grass, take the fence down and have a park that we can all enjoy.  This area has been under renovation since 2003—it is time we have a chance to enjoy it. 

The 2011 Budget

Thank you to everyone who e-mailed me their comments and ideas for 2011 budget. The common themes were: (1) don't raise taxes,  (2) lay off more employees, ( 3) cut services, but be very selective.  

There were some very detailed ideas, and some vague ones. Be assured that all will get full consideration. Again, thank you for caring about our town.  I will respond to each e-mail, but it is taking time to do so. Please be patient.

Last Notes

Due to the timing of Labor Day, the date of the first town board meeting in September has been changed.  The new date is Sept. 7,  a Tuesday. The second meeting will be on Sept. 23, the fourth Thursday of the month.  Meetings start at 7:30. 

You are cordially invited to attend all meetings, or just enjoy them from the comfort of your own home on CATV Channel 75.                 

The calendar of events on CATV Channel 75 has been suspended due to a failure of a piece of equipment. The part had to be sent to the Midwest for repairs, can you believe that?  Fortunately, it is still under warranty—by one day—so there will not be any cost.  When it is returned, the calendar will be on air again. 

This column was written by Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh.