DISCUSSION –LONG TERM MITIGATION EFFORTS  TO EAST HARTSDALE AVEFLOODING

You are invited to attend a meeting on Tuesday May 15^th at 8 PMat GreenburghTown Hallto discuss short & long term mitigation efforts to the East Hartsdale Aveflooding problems.

Al Regula, Commissioner of Public Works has presented the Town Board and me with a report analyzing the flooding problems on E Hartsdale Ave.The recent flood (April 16 & 17) resulted in nearly 8 inches of rain fall and significant damage to many drainage systems throughout the town. Extensive damage and flood related problems were experienced along E Hartsdale Ave.This was caused by the flooding of the stream located behind and under the properties on the west side of the avenue.

This stream serves to provide storm water drainage for the adjacent properties, as well as upstream areas. This stream is located almost exclusively on private properties, and does not have any easement on the part of the town. It is highly likely that floating debris, generated by stormflows, once again contributed to this most recent drainage backup.

The town has the ability of creating a drainage district. The formation of such a district has been accomplished by the town in the past. District formation would allow the cost for any engineering and analysis, as well as the cost for any improvements of the subject drainage system, to be borne by the district and funded by member property owners. The creation of such a drainage district would require legislative action by both the Town as well as approval by the state.

The Commissioner of Public Works has prepared a draft RFP for professional services for watershed analysis and engineering studies. These tasks would be initially required to determine what improvements, if any, are feasible for the drainage facilities located in the East Hartsdale Ave area.  The creation of a district is only one option. Other approaches that the town could/should take will be discussed at this meeting.

In recent days I have met with Congresswoman Nita Lowey ,State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins  & County Legislator Tom Abinanti.  They toured the avenue with me and have expressed interest in working with the town to come up with long term and short term mitigation measures.

PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor