northwordnews - George Pombar's Blog

UPDATE ON WATER COMPANY

6/4/2017

Good afternoon, attached is a hand out I prepared to address the recent Water Co''s rate increase - request in addition to their already high rates. The update was to notify you that the Public Service Commission has approved the rate increase requested several months ago by the NY American Water Co. In summary - as stated on the attached - an average consumer currently paying some $850+ a year will now be paying some $1,350. a whooping increase of some 60% (This increase also covers the projected either rehab or replacement of the GH Water tower.) The PSC has felt compelled to approve this increase primarily due to the high taxes supposedly being passed on to a utility like the Water Co.
These news will be announced by the water company to all of its customers shortly, along with their announcement to change to a monthly, instead of quarterly, billing - they wish to have our money faster.
OUR OPTIONS AS A COMMUNITY (DISCUSSED AT OUR MEETING):
* Go forward with previous discussions of eminent domain. We decided to consult with specialized attorneys and with the help of George Esernio a small selection of attorneys will be contacted to discuss estimated costs and approach. This would be a lengthy and expensive proposition that would help the community rid of the current water company and pass the services to a municipal water company for a fee - all estimated to be a much less expensive proposition than the current one. FOR THIS OPTION TO TAKE EFFECT THE CIVICS WOULD NEED MUCH GREATER COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION THAN THE LOW ATTENDANCE (OVER 120 NEIGHBORS) WHO ATTENDED THE MAY 2, 2017 TOWN HALL MEETING ON THE SUBJECT.
* The second alternative is to discuss a complex option to work, along with the water company, in seeking tax exception for them as municipalities running their own water companies are treated, meaning approx. two thirds of the current rates passed on to us as consumers would be dropped. Since taxes do not go away, the utilities who would then inherit the payment of these taxes would pass them on across all of their consumers in Long Island.
* Of course the last option is to do nothing and this option was discussed if there is not enough community participation.
NEXT STEPS:
Civics to meet with attorneys to assess the eminent domain option and explore (with the help of Carole Mundy), media and legislators' more active participation on this community's cause.
Any questions please let me know. Regards.
George Pombar

AMERICAN WATER UPDATE

1/24/2017

Good evening, as expected the Civics heard today from the Water Co. inviting the Civic reps to a meeting with their executives. We have accepted the invite with a single condition, that they must meet with the community at large after meeting with the Civics; they have agreed.

The Civics in the meantime are also meeting and holding conference calls with all local politicians to ensure their backing on our fight with this long standing issue for us in the community.
Will keep everyone posted as the meeting is arranged.

LOCAL CIVICS UPDATE ON OPOSITION TO LOCAL WATER COMPANY

1/9/2017

Good evening, a short update from the local Civics:

* The Bottle Buy property located on Glen Cove Road across from TD Bank is officially being leased to a new CVS (no relocation of an existing one.) A variance is being sought at the Town's zoning Board to reduce the number of parking spaces from the required 112 to 95 spaces. Civic representatives are in touch with the property owners and will be attending the variance meeting.

* Civics will be attending a Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board meeting this coming Thursday January 12th - 7 PM - at Town Hall located in Audrey Ave. to vigorously oppose America Water's proposal to build a new water tower in GH, replacing the existing one with a new one that far exceeds the height requirements, and one that will cost $5 million, a cost that the Water Co. aims to pass DIRECTLY to our community, in addition to their recent "surcharges." WE URGE ALL NEIGHBORS TO ATTEND THE MEETING TO SUPPORT this first round of opposition against this very profitable company. We also urge everyone to sign the petition being circulated by one of our community members.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

9/21/2016

Good evening, hope everyone had a great summer!! Wanted to provide you
with the following updates that you may want to share with neighbors:
* Halms Industries located in Glen Head Road - As you know this is the property the Gold Coast library was interested in purchasing last year. We have been in touch with both the Broker and the property owner and they advise us that they are close to consummating the sale of the property to a developer who, as discussed prior to the potential purchase from the library, wants to build a 55+ set of some 56 to 60 condominiums in the 5.3 acres of the property. The Civics have asked for the developers to make a presentation to the Civics to show us the details of the proposed buildings. The developer is a well known Long Island developer who has been building in both Nassau and Suffolk for some time. We expect this meeting to take place shortly and we will advise the Civics of the date when this meeting is to take place.
* Iron Horse bar restaurant located by the railroad station - The Civics are in touch with the property owner who has advised us that he expects a bar/restaurant to open in said property within the upcoming months. Please note that rumors related to the lack of a liquor license being the issue holding the opening of this venue, are not true, as the liquor license was grandfathered. We will keep everyone updated as soon as we have a more definite date.
* Sunoco/Bank property located at the four corners of GH - This is the most important issue we in the Civics have been working on for the past several years. We have the latest update that will hopefully reap the benefit of everyone's hard work. Again, to remind everyone, the property is still not owned by the Bank as the contract they signed with Sunoco 3 1/2 years ago was dependent on Sunoco delivering all clear documentation releasing the Bank from any possible ground contamination. For the past 4 months paperwork has been at the Nassau County DEC offices awaiting final approval so they then move the documentation to the Town of Oyster whose offices have assured us that once the NC approvals are received they will expedite the final set of approvals so the Bank can finalize the purchase and move on with the project of building their two story office building. The Civics received this past week an update confirming that the NC has approved the documentation and the Bank will now be delivering the documents to the TOB. We are in touch with the town to ensure a prompt response so the Bank can then finalize the purchase and proceed to demolish the existing building and proceeds with the plans to build. The plans for the building have been shown to the Civics and enhancements have been requested and approved by the Bank, however, an additional is expected to take place to review the final version. The Civics will continue to monitor the closing of this long outstanding issue and will inform everyone of the progress.
* Gemelli's (Old Bernard's) - This new high end deli is expected to open shortly - they are actually past due their expected opening date. We should be able to shortly enjoy this new business in town.
* Lundy's/Trans Technology property located off Dumond Place - off GH Road near the railroad station - This near to 8 acres of land property continues to be a work in progress. The dilapidated building has now been demolished and the developers - who purchased the property some 12 years ago and were waiting for State approval on clean ups - are progressing with their plans to eventually build 17 homes and 37 town houses in the property. The Civics continue to monitor this project and continue to be in touch with the developers to ensure the project moves forward according to plans. We will continue to monitor this project and will keep everyone appraised. * Road *Improvements in two areas of GH - The Civics, along with several representatives from the community, held meetings and wrote communications to TOB officials to discuss several roads in GH that are in desperate need of complete repaving. While the town has in the past been responding by patching areas that needed repairs, the Civics have insisted that these areas be completed repaved. After meetings held with town officials two areas have been approved for total repaving - William St. and its surroundings, and Sylvia Street and its surroundings. The TOB Board has approved these projects and they are currently in the project status being reviewed by vendors in preparation for the job to be executed in the Spring of next year. The Civics are currently working on a follow up meeting with several of the Town Council representatives to ensure this project moves forward and to discuss the approval of the remaining roads in GH that need complete repaving. We will keep everyone advised of the progress of these important projects.
* Local Civics Make their voices heard in opposition of the Glen Cove Garvis Point project - Recently the Civics voiced their opposition to this project, primarily due to the direct impact the density of the project will have in GH and GWL and more specifically on our main avenues of exit (Glen Cove Road, 107, Shore Road and Glen Cove Avenue) as the project is expected to bring an additional 3,200 cars to the area adding in insurmountable traffic jam to our already overly trafficked Glen Cove Road and Northern Boulevard. A public statement was read by me at the Glen Cove Council meeting and a meeting was arranged by the GH Business Association with the developers of this project. We will keep everyone informed of any impact we may be able to have on this project. Enjoy the nice weather and let me know if there are any questions. Regards, George Pombar

GLEN HEAD & GLENWOOD CIVICS UNITED IN OPPOSITION TO RXR/GLEN ISLE GARVIES POINT WATERFRONT PLAN

7/12/2016

Glen Head & Glenwood Civics united in opposition to
RXR/GLen Isle Garvies Point Waterfront Plan

Eight civic associations in Glen Head and Glenwood Landing have announced their opposition to the RXR/Glen Isle Development plan proposed for the Glen Cove Waterfront.

“The plan is too massive and too dense to be considered even remotely sustainable,” said George Pombar, President of the Glen Head-Glenwood Civic Council, an umbrella organization comprised of the civic associations active in the two hamlets.

“Furthermore, the plan as it is currently configured is completely out of character with existing development on the North Shore, both in Nassau and Suffolk counties,” Mr. Pombar continued.

“Ours is not a ‘not in my back yard’ position,” he continued. “The eight-member organization of the Civic Council support and even look forward to development of the site. But we urge Mayor Reginald Spinello and the Glen Cove City Council to craft a waterfront development that will not choke the city or the communities surrounding it.”

Among the Civic Council’s major concerns are:

• The massive footprint and height of the buildings, accommodating as many as 2,500 residents.

• The amount of traffic that would be generated, an additional 3,200 vehicles according to the Final Environmental Impact Statement.

• The admitted inability to address traffic impacts at the intersection of Glen Cove Road and Northern Boulevard (Route 25A), as well as at other locations in Glen Head, Glenwood Landing, and Sea Cliff, including Shore Road in Glenwood Landing, Route 107, and Glen Cove Avenue in Glen Head.

* The current proposal varies greatly from what was originally proposed and approved. The recent amendments are significant and change the characteristics of the project so significantly in terms of size, number of units, usage, etc. I believe there have been 9 amendments to the original proposed plan in 2003. The plan changed from a waterfront project we could all enjoy with restaurants, shops, and a hotel, to a more restrictive use consisting primarily of residential units.

* There has been a lack of transparency; the project approval was not presented to voters in a referendum.

* The view/sight lines projected will forever change by building such a massive structure on the waterfront.

• Unanswered questions about whether the environmental cleanup will meet residential and recreational standards adequate for protecting public health given the proposed uses.

• Inadequate storm water control, including a minimum standard runoff holding capacity (two inches) rather than eight inches, the maximum standard appropriate for a site adjacent to a water body with this environmental history.

• Ecology/Pollution - Inadequate mechanisms for containing soil in certain areas that may remain contaminated even after cleanup.

* Little consideration to the impact to neighboring areas for the 10 years of planned construction.

• No consideration of the cumulative effect of other developments under consideration in the area, including at least six in Glen Cove (Avalon, Carney Street Apartments, Landing Cove, North Manor Estates, The Piazza, and The Villas), two in Glen Head (the Halm property on Glen Head Road and the Lundy property on Dumond Place), and one in Glenwood Landing (the Harbor Fuel/Hinfin/Town of North Hempstead property on Shore Road).

• Lastly, whether there is even demand for an additional 1,100 units in Glen Cove considering that there are current vacancies in many of the city's apartment complexes (Avalon, etc.) and the given infrastructures of the area.

* Complete disregard for the year 2000 Memorandum of Understanding with the Village of Sea Cliff.

George P. Pombar
President
Glen Head - Glenwood Civic Council
Glen Head, NY

An organization made up of eight (8) active Civic Associations from the Glen Head - Glenwood Landing North Shore area.

May 20th, 2015

5/20/2015

Good evening, hope everyone is fine, below are several updates that you may want to share with your constituents.

* GH BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT: As you may have noticed we have been working with much assistance from Town officials to test the first phase of lighting installed around town by shutting off some 13 lights and the feedback we are getting is that the over lighting situation has improved. The 13 lights now will be installed during the second phase of the project - to take place when school closes at the end of June so to avoid traffic jams - that calls for installing lights west of the four corners past Jack Shack, and across the street by the Getty gas station and north up to the Promised Deli on both sides of the street (actually almost no lights will be installed on the side of the deli due to the high number of driveways on the street.) This phase also calls for repaving the sidewalks around the Getty gas station and on the north side of the street (by the car repair shop up the deli), as well the installation of a clock across from the stores in Town around the benches' area. Lastly, again with great participation of Town officials, we are looking at either lowering the voltage on the remaining lights, from 100 to 70, or looking to install LED lighting. The options being discussed are added expenses as the Town did not have LED lighting available and thus the reasons why regular bulbs were installed - the Civics are working to improve this last item and will keep everyone informed.

* GETTY GAS STATION: The Civics have for the past several months been holding discussions with the company that owns the gas station, and we are finally informed by the owners that shortly they will likely shut down the station to perform renovations which will include replacing existing tanks and pumps, and conducting an overall improvement to the place before reopening. We expect this to occur within the upcoming weeks and will keep everyone informed.

* SUNOCO/BANK PROJECT: The Civics are getting nearly no feedback from the Bank on this long overdue project. Sunoco advises the Civics that negotiations continue. As you may recall a contract to purchase was signed, however, it included conditions of completing clean up which we are advised continues to be a small issue. We will continue to press for updates.

* LUNDY'S PROPERTY: After several years of this property being in shambles and practically abandoned by its owners (Breeze Eastern, Inc.) Town officials have promised to initiate a review of the property with the objective of pressing the owners to clean up the nearly 8 acres of land by minimally demolishing the existing building which is a fire hazard and an eyesoreto our community. We will keep everyone update don the progress.

Have a great evening.

Regards,

George Pombar

CIVICS UPDATES

4/21/2015

Good evening, hope everyone is enjoying this nice weather. Below are several updates:

* Cedarbrook Club - GH - In case you missed it, attached is a recent Newsday article on the local Cedarbrook Club being up for sale with large homes to be built!

* GH Beautification Project - The Civics are working with the Town of Oyster Bay on the second phase of the GH beautification project. During late June, once school is out, the town will install pavers and lights where possible (some sidewalks do not permit it) around the Getty gas station and across the street by the automotive car repair shop, up to the Promised Deli, as well as west of the four corners by the Jack Shack restaurant. The enhancements of the sidewalks will stop by the corner of the Promised Deli. We are also working with the town in an attempt to tone down the brightness of the lights recently installed.

* Getty Gas Station - The Civics have talked with the owners of the Getty property who promise to begin enhancements of the property starting late April. While we are skeptical of this delivery, we will continue to monitor the progress and our dialogue until we achieve the clean up of this property.

* Halms Property - The Gold Coast Library continues the negotiations to purchase these 5.3 acres, with a referendum expected for the community to vote on this purchase for later this year.

* Sunoco Property - The Civics continue to wait patiently for the slow progress of this purchase to move forward. We've received reports that an small environmental issue requires resolution before proceeding. We will continue to monitor the progress.

Have a great evening!

Regards,

George Pombar

CIVICS UPDATE - March 12, 2015

3/12/2015

Good evening, welcome to Spring!! Hope everyone is enjoying this heat wave!

Here are several updates on matters that the local Civics have been addressing:

* Halms Property - As discussed earlier the Gold Coast Library has made an offer to purchase the complete 5.3 acres and the purchaser and seller are currently working on a sale contract that is expected to be signed shortly, with a condition of a community approval to a referendum that the community will need to approve to fund the purchase. The referendum is now expected in a few months from now rather than April as was originally stated. The Civic representatives wrote a letter to the Library Board urging a meeting and received a reply stating they will schedule meetings with the community once they finalize legal plans. The Civics will follow this matter and will report updates.

* Bank - Sunoco property - As we all know the Bank signed a contract to purchase the property and as they stated earlier they are still working on resolving uncleared environmental pending items. Plans for the two story office building were shared with the Civics several months ago and the Civics have made some suggested modifications that are currently being addressed with Bank representatives. This continues to be a long drawn out process and a building is not expected to go up for sometime yet. In the meantime Sunoco has agreed to maintain the fence signs free (they have agreed to respond to any Civic complaints if signs are hung on the fences.)

* Beautification of the GH business area - The installation of the remaining antique lighting, that started early Winter, will be completed as the weather continues to warm up. There are a total of some 40 lights that will be installed along GH Road from the RR tracks to the four corners and left to the business area, replacing all cones scattered throughout the area. A second phase to the project will follow addressing lighting on the north side of Glen Cove avenue along the Getty gas station and up to the Promise deli on the east side of the street. Part of this project will be a repair and build of some sidewalks along the west and east of these areas - only up to the Promise deli. A clock, similar to the one installed by the Bank, will be installed by the benches area across from the row of stores in the GH business area. This second phase of the project is expected to begin in the Spring. We, the Civics, will now need to work on purchasing hanging plants (some 80 plants for the 40 double hangers on the lights), and addressing the on going watering of the plants. We will be addressing this matter shortly.

* Lundy's Property - (some 8 acres of land located behind the GH RR station - west side of the tracks) The Civics continue to discuss the disposition of this property and the lack of progress in resolving its future with the Town of Oyster Bay. The lack of resolution has been raised to the Town Supervisor's office and we are awaiting a reply directly from his office.

Let me know if there are any questions.

Good evening!

Civics Updates - December 30, 2014

12/30/2014

Good evening, just a brief note to wish everyone Happy Holidays!!

Below are a couple of updates on projects going on in the community that are being headed by the local Civic Associations.

* Glen Head beautification project: As you know the Town stopped the completion of the project pending the delivery of the 41 lights that are to be installed as part of the project. While all of the electrical outlets are in place, covered by those oversized ugly cones, the Town states delays in delivery of the lights by the manufacturer continue. The last promise was that on December 20th the lights would be delivered and installed starting December 21st. Well, now the Town states the manufacturer delivered the wrong size (14 feet instead of 12 feet height) and they cannot be installed as they are too close to the street lights thus must be returned to the manufacturer!! The community is highly disappointed with these continuous delays - it has been over two months that our streets have had the cones all over the center of town. We are awaiting for an update from the Town on the new delivery date...

* Halms Industries property - Glen Head Road: The Gold Coast Library has made an offer to the purchase the 5.3 acres of land available at this site with the purpose of relocating the library from it's existing railroad site. The purchase will be dependent on a referendum that will need to be endorsed, or not endorsed, by the community. The Library has publicized their intentions and you - the members of the community - will have the opportunity to vote on this referendum expected to take place during April 2015. The Civics will meet in January to discuss this matter.

* Bank/Sunoco property: As everyone knows the Bank has signed a contract to purchase the property and the Civics have met with Bank representatives to discuss the project. The Bank shared with the Civics drawings of the projected two floor building and the Bank has accepted some input provided by Civic representatives concerning the actual building. The Bank has asked their architects to incorporate these suggestions and will be forwarding a copy of the update drawings to the Civics. The project, as stated by Bank representatives, is expected to take possibly another year-and-a-half or close to two years to complete.

Let me or know if you have any questions.

Regards, and enjoy the rest of the Holidays!!

Civics Updates, 11.17.14

11/17/2014

Good evening, we have the following various updates. Please let us know if there are any questions:

* LIRR GH Station House - The LIRR has now installed shutters at the GH station house and the place looks a lot better, however, they did not complete the job and the trimming has not been completed. We are following up with the manager responsible to ensure completion.

* DOWNTOWN GH BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT - The project has slowed somewhat in the past couple of weeks as the Town informs us they are waiting for delivery of the lights, however, at a meeting this morning they advised us the lighting, which has been delayed, is expected during the first or second weeks of December at which time they will proceed with their installation. We thank the Town officials as the job is coming along nicely. Note that during the Spring, or if a light winter is experienced, the town will proceed with the final phase of the project which will involve fixing of sidewalks along the north side of the four corners towards and ending by the Promise deli.

* SUNOCO/BANK PROPERTY - As stated during our last update, the Bank has agreed to purchase the property pending building approvals. The Civics met with Bank officials and the Bank presented a detailed plan for the two story building to be erected once approvals are obtained. The Civics have presented some suggestions on the building and the Banks is currently reviewing them with their architects. The overall process is expected to take approximately another 20 months. The Civics, in the meantime will ensure that if signs are posted on the Sunoco property fence that they are promptly removed.

* HALMS INDUSTRY PROPERTY (180 GH Road) - As stated in previous updates these 5.3 acres of land, where Halms industries is located, are up for sale. The Civics have been informed that the Gold Coast Library is interested in purchasing the property. The Civics are reviewing the tax and revenue implications related to this transaction and will continue to monitor the progress. The implications involve a projected annual tax revenue of over $500,000 if condominiums for 55 and older - one of the owners' proposals - were built, and as many older local residents who would like to downsize and stay in the community expressed desired, versus a bond that will need to be issued for the purchase of the land to build a new library which would cause added taxes to the community. Of course, the building of condominiums would also attract a projected number of over 100 cars in this already heavily trafficked area, while the building of a new expanded library would also be an added feature to our community. It appears that if the library's proposal proceeds, a referendum where the community can voice their opinion, will take place. The Civics will maintain everyone appraised of the progress on this important item.

* LUNDY'S PROPERTY - The Civics have asked the Town of Oyster Bay to seek resolution to the property which has been vacant for over 13 years. The Town has promised to investigate the possibility of demolishing the dilapidated building currently on this property as it is a risk to the community. Thus far no resolution has been received from town officials so the Civics have decided to step up the urgency in resolving this long outstanding issue by escalating the matter to the Town Supervisor's office. Again, the Civics will maintain everyone appraised.