Change for the meter?

On January 14, 2008, the State Legislature added a new section to Chapter 243 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) to provide for the issuance of a metered parking waiver (MV-664MP) to certain severely disabled individuals. The metered parking waiver allows the holder to park at any parking meter in any city, town or village throughout New York State without putting payment into the meter, providing that the holder is driving the vehicle and is not accompanied by a person who is able to put payment into a parking meter.

This is certainly a new law that many residents are unaware of and therefore, over the course of the next few weeks I will be working with the State Department of Motor Vehicles and the Harrison Police Department to set clear guidelines for distribution to Harrison residents. Many residents have already been in to see me regarding this new law, and I want to make you aware that presently, I do not have the permits in my office. I hope to begin distribution by the summer time.

This law can and will help so many residents; however, I want to be careful that people do not take advantage of the system. I hope to have more information for you soon

Governor David Paterson

Today, David Paterson was sworn in as our 55th Governor. As we turn the page on a horrible scandal that tested our belief in government, I ask that you join me in welcoming the new Chief Executive as he begins an historic chapter in Albany. In his inaugural address, Governor Paterson stated "we are a government made up of laws, and not individuals". I could not agree more. No person is above the law and all elected officials whether Republican or Democrat must be held accountable for their actions. I wish the Governor the best of luck and welcome his bipartisan approach to politics.

You asked..

A question many residents have asked is "how do I go about getting a handicap parking permit?" First, let me say that if you do not need a handicap permit PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR ONE OR USE SOMEONE ELSE'S. I know from experience that many people take advantage of the handicap permits and that is not fair to others who need to park closer for safety and health reasons. If you do not have a safety and health reason please be considerate of others who do and refrain from using the permits. Okay, with that said.
If you or someone you know need a permit and are under the age of 80 years the person applying must get a note from their doctor stating they need a permit. I will waive the note requirement for two conditions 1) The applicant has a obvious disability. 2) The applicant is 80 years old or older.
Once the applicant has proven the need for a permit they may come to the office
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or call to make an appointment for a house visit.
Once a person has been granted a handicap permit that permit may go in any car the designee goes in. IT MAY NOT BE USED IF THE DESIGNEE IS NOT USING THE VEHICLE. There is no charge for the handicap permits. The applicant does not need to have a drivers license in order to recieve a permit. Remember: the permit is granted to the person and can go in any car the designee is in even if they are the passenger. If you have any questions feel free to call us at (914) 670-3030.

Goin... Green...

Okay, so I forgot to wear green to the Senior Citizens St. Patricks Day Luncheon. At least Mrs. Guadenzi (pictured with me above) made up for my lack of "goin green". As you guessed it, I visited the West Harrison Seniors today and had a great time. The best part of my visit was that I was able to bring my office to them. Today, from 11am - 1pm the Town Clerk's Office went mobile. We had the opportunity to renew/issue handicap parking permits and meet with seniors to discuss how my office can better serve them. My number one priority is to make my office accessible to all residents. Sure I have put many of the services online, but many residents prefer to conduct business face to face. But that does not mean I still can't go to the resident. I announced today that I will be continuing the satellite office in West Harrison at the Mintzer Center on specific dates. Those dates will be posted on channel 75 and on my website when they are finalized. I urge all West Harrison and Purchase residents take advantage of my services when I am at the Mintzer Center in order to save a trip to Town Hall. I want to thank Ron Belmont, the entire recreation staff and the West Harrison Seniors for hosting me today and I will see you all soon. Tomorrow, I will be visiting the Downtown Harrison Seniors group for their St.
Patricks Day luncheon. It's a good thing I like corn beef and cabbage..lol.

Old friends, new beginnings...

This past weekend, I had the honor of reuniting with a friend who I knew was destined for greatness. I want to introduce pictured with me above from left to right: Joy Kabanuck, Sara Gettelfinger and Harrison's own Kelly Levesque. All three ladies make up the incredible vocal sensation the "Three Graces". I had the honor of attending their sold out performance with new opera star Paul Potts on Saturday night in New Jersey as they continue to tour aroud the US, Canada and Mexico. Their self entitled debut album hit stores on March 4th and I urge you to definately get a copy. If you like opera, pop or broadway these ladies definately belong in your cd collection. Check out their website at www.ThreeGracesmusic.com
Awesome job ladies and I wish you nothing but the best!

***STORM ALERT***

This evening, I recieved a notice from Commissioner of Public Works Bob Wasp that the Town and Con Edison are preparing for a rain storm that will begin tonight and last through the weekend. Forcasters are predicting 4 inches of rain will fall by Saturday morning along with 40mph winds by Saturday afternoon. I sent an email notification to residents on my list serve regarding this storm and more info is on Channel 75. Residents may call Con Ed directly at 1800-75-ConEd or visit www.ConEd.com. Also, you may check out the latest doppler radar from News 12 by clicking here. Stay dry!

Spring Ahead!

Just a quick post to remind you that Daylight Saving Time begins at 2am Sunday morning. So, don't forget to turn your clocks ahead 1 hour before going to bed Saturday night. Ever wonder why we have Daylight Saving Time? Click here for the answer and for some additional info on how the rest of the world participates in the practice.