The Village of Sea Cliff is poised to pass a bill BANNING use of leaf blowers in the Village. The Bill, drafted with little public input, is set for a vote on November 8th.This arbitrary law will increase the maintenance costs for Village residents by necessitating more workers for home maintenance, force people to rake leaves or sweep properties in sweltering summer heat, and impose fines on violators.

The bill’s draft language was NOT made available to the public, as required under NYS Law. It was not posted to the Village website. It is likely the Trustee’s kept the details of this bill quiet to avoid arousing public anger.

The bill fails to consider the need for using blowers to cleanup after summer storms and hurricanes. It may also subject mosquito treatment companies to fines for using blowers to apply anti-mosquito treatments. The bill may also be a first step towards banning lawn mowers, weed trimmers, chainsaws, and other powered equipment necessary for the maintenance of one’s home.

The Bill also does not address whether Sea Cliff DPW will continue to use blowers for village property and park maintenance hypocritically while residents cannot maintain their own property.

Contact Mayor Villafane immediately and demand this bill be stopped and re-opened for public comment so Village residents can have a honest and informed discussion on this issue.

The study will look at the feasibility of a public takeover of the utility, which has faced criticism for its large rate increases.

Posted Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 11:54 am ET

LONG ISLAND, NY — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced that the state will launch a study into a public takeover of New York American Water, Long Island’s largest privately owned water company.

The study will be led by Rory Lancman, the special council for ratepayer protection at the state Department of Public Service. New York American Water has faced mounting criticism from customers and politicians over drastically increased fees over the last few years.

“For far too long, the 120,000 customers of New York American Water on Long Island have been plagued by exorbitantly high rates for water — this simply cannot continue,” Cuomo said in a statement. “New York is immediately launching an effort to thoroughly study all options to reduce customer costs for this vital necessity and a basic right, including a public takeover. New Yorkers deserve access to clean, safe and affordable water and we are going to pursue every avenue to make that happen.”

New York American Water, which has its Long Island office in Merrick, services customers in Merrick, North Merrick, Bellmore, North Bellmore, Wantagh, North Wantagh, Seaford, Sea Cliff, Glen Head, Glenwood Landing, and parts of Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Levittown, Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Old Brookville, Roslyn Harbor and Glen Cove.

The Department of Public Service is currently reviewing the $600 million sale of New York American Water to Canadian company Liberty Utilities. The state says that the news of the sale sparked lots of local interest in a public takeover of the system. Both Sea Cliff and Massapequa submitted comments about the feasibility of taking over parts of the system.Subscribe

Last November, Cuomo had put forward a bill that called for a study into a public takeover of New York American Water. That bill said the study had to begin by April 1, 2021. Cuomo’s latest act directs the Department of Public Works to begin the study immediately.

“Gov. Cuomo is leaving no option off the table when it comes to protecting ratepayers, and that includes potentially municipalizing all or part of New York American Water Company on Long Island,” said Lancman. “The results of our analysis will help the Governor, the commission, legislators, local government officials and customers make an informed decision on how best to reduce water rates and provide safe and reliable drinking water in the long-term.”

The study being conducted by Lancman will include opportunities for public comment and public hearings. It will be completed by April 1.

Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Democrat from Rockville Centre, has been an advocate for New YOrk American Water customers. He said he supports the study.

“Long Islanders have been forced to live with American Water’s ridiculously high rates and poor service for too long,” said Kaminsky. “It is past time for an impartial study to determine how clean, affordable water can best be provided to our communities. I applaud the governor for making this a priority, and will continue to lead the fight for utility transparency and affordability. Ratepayers deserve nothing less.”

“The abuse of the utilities has to end,” Cuomo said. “They’re not too big to fail. They’re not going to bully consumers. It’s over.”

October 28, 2020: Albany — Gov. Andrew Cuomo today proposed new legislation that, in part, calls for a study into New York American Water and its practices on Long Island, and possibly revoking its franchise. It would also make the state’s utility providers more accountable and face steeper penalties for poor service after storms.

Cuomo’s proposed legislation directs the Public Service Commission to study New York American Water to determine whether the utility should be municipalized or if it should have its franchise revoked. It also would extend the state’s current enforcement measures to more utility companies, require companies to have better plans for communication during outages and let the state levy larger penalties on utilities for failed services.

New York American Water services more than 100,000 customers in Merrick, North Merrick, Bellmore, North Bellmore, Wantagh, North Wantagh, Seaford, Sea Cliff, Glen Head, Glenwood Landing, and parts of Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Levittown, Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Old Brookville, Roslyn Harbor and Glen Cove. It is currently in the process of being sold to Canadian company Liberty Utilities Co. for more than $600 million.

“The abuse of the utilities has to end,” Cuomo said. “They’re not too big to fail. They’re not going to bully consumers. It’s over.”

New York American Water has come under increasing scrutiny over the last few months, as complaints about water quality have increased, and so have the rates the company is charging its customers.

Cuomo’s order will have the Public Service Commission (PSC) investigate to determine if the public would be better served by a municipal entity instead of a private one. The bill requires the PSC to issue a report by April 1, 2021.

In announcing the measure, Cuomo pointed out how much New York American Water’s rates vary across areas. A home in Jericho could be paying $500, while a similarly sized home and property in Glen Head could be charged $2,400.

Our Senator Jim Gaughran voted for “Bail Reform” which let thousands of dangerous criminals out of jail to prey on your family. He votes under the orders of his leftist party chiefs. But does he represent you and your suburban values?

In a stunning announcement, the embattled water utility NY American Water has announced plans to exit its NY State operations in 2020.

This press release will have significant implications to the community’s plans to implement a municipal water district.

In a letter to their customers, President Lynda DiMenna wrote,

” Dear Valued Customer:
I am communicating with you today because, as you may have read, American Water announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its regulated New York operations to Liberty Utilities, the regulated utility business of parent company Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.

This was a very difficult decision for American Water, as we have had the privilege of serving customers and communities in New York for more than 130 years. After a careful and comprehensive analysis, we believe it is in the best interest of our customers in New York to sell to Liberty, which already has utility operations and will have a larger presence in New York once the agreement closes. 
We are committed to working together to ensure that the transition is unnoticeable to you and that safe and reliable water service continues throughout the transition and beyond. We estimate that closing will take place late into 2020, following regulatory approval by the New York Public Service Commission.
With over 800,000 customer connections in 14 states, Liberty Utilities is known for its commitment to customer service, the community, and conservation. Liberty Utilities upholds the highest standards of service to meet the day-to-day needs of its customers and offers employee programs that recognize superior customer support and contribution to the community.
Customers should also not expect any impact on water rates as a result of the acquisition. In fact, Liberty has committed to working with us, regulators, and other state officials to ensure the affordability of water services, including championing to reduce the burden of local taxes on New York American Water’s customers, which can account for more than half of your monthly bills. Liberty is also committed to continuing to invest in the water system to improve water quality, customer education on conservation and community outreach.
The employees of American Water have had the privilege of providing water services to your community for many years, and our primary focus remains the delivery of quality service to our customers. These same employees will be the ones to continue to deliver this service to you, both during the transition and beyond with Liberty Utilities’ ownership.
We will work hard to keep you updated throughout this process. In the meantime, we look forward to continuing to serve you.”

On October 16, 2019, at 7pm, the Village Board had a public hearing on the adoption of VSC-1903 Section 121-701, a revision to the Village laws pertaining to trees.

The Village “tree commission” is empowered to oversee the tree permit applications and has the power to deny a tree removal request. If a homeowner claims a tree is sick or dying, or has some other issue, the tree commission may demand a “certified arborist” examine the tree to determine if alternate measures can be taken. People selected to serve on the tree commission tend to be biased against homeowners that are attempting to remove a tree.

The proposed law states the following:

§121-701(F)(2) The Commission,,,,, may…obtain the services of a certified arborist regarding the advisability of removal or the viability of the existing tree. The cost of this professional evaluation shall be borne by the applicant {homeowner}…. applicant shall deposit with the Village clerk a check for $500 on account of such professional evaluation.

I am a long time resident and head of the Sea Cliff Property Owners Committee. I questioned the Village Board over the proposed law. I stated that the law, as written, would give the tree commission unlimited powers to demand arborist inspections at whim, for any tree removal. It could force homeowners to hire a arborist of the Village’s choosing. It could be a potential conflict of interest as such an arborist would work for the village not the homeowner. This law could drive up the cost of tree removal to as much as $1000 per tree just for permits and fees ($500 arborist + $500 permit). The law also provides no process for appeal or dispute of the determination of the Village arborist.

After my comments, Trustee Dina Epstein, in a condescending tone, told me that I had it all wrong, and that the law didn’t say what I claimed. She said there was nothing in the law that would force hiring a “village arborist.” Mayor Lieberman interrupted her, in a face saving move, because it was apparent Epstein misread the proposed law. The trustee’s took a moment to exchange whispered tones.

I went on to respond to Epstein saying, “Then why is the Village collecting a check for $500″ (as if my eyes are lying to me.) The Mayor defensively stated the money would be “held in escrow,” and paid to a homeowner’s hired arborist. I replied that the law makes no provision for holding money in escrow. This would be a convoluted arrangement where a homeowner would hire any independent arborist which then gets paid by the Village clerk? Also, there is no definition of a “certified” arborist. Certified by who? The Village?

(^^^ READ THE LAW AGAIN AND WHAT DOES IT SAY TO YOU ^^^)

The Mayor went on to say if the tree commission because abusive he would intercede and rein them in. He went on to say we had representational government, and if we didn’t like the process we could change it at election time. I replied claims of representational government were not an excuse for bad law. Furthermore protections for property owners need to be codified, and that property rights are not a ballot box issue.

Despite raising these issues, the Village Board voted to approve and enact this terribly flawed law.

Clearly the law as enacted is bad for property owners. It increases the cost to Village property owners and interferers with YOUR management of YOUR own property. It is unbelievable that the Village Board could draft and approve such outrageous legislation.

Please sign up with the Sea Cliff Property Owners Committee so we can keep you updated on further developments at our sign up page.

Sincerely,

Anthony Losquadro

We’ve sent an inquiry and complaint to Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth about excessive sound levels coming from the music venue at Hempstead Harbor Beach on Saturday nights. The sound travels unimpeded across the harbor and disturbs the peace and quiet enjoyment of Sea Cliff residents. Levels have been measured as high as 55db in Sea Cliff. The music has blared from Hempstead Beach until midnight on Memorial Day and June 10.  Despite the venue being three miles away, the music is loud enough where a person can easy hear the lyrics.

Furthermore, we’ve asked the Supervisor to look into the fireworks shows where exploding shells are launched from the harbor and explode with report at house level in Sea Cliff. The explosions frighten children and pets, and are a nuisance.

Nassau County is one of nine large counties across the United States where homeowners pay more than $10,000 a year in property taxes, a new report shows.

The average property tax bill in Nassau was $11,232 last year, one of the highest in the nation, national real estate information company Attom Data Solutions reported Thursday.

Nassau County has frozen property taxes for six of the last seven years and reduced the size of government, a spokeswoman for County Executive Edward Mangano said Thursday.

If other municipalities had followed Nassau’s lead, “collectively property taxes would be significantly less than they are today,” Mangano said in a statement.

The other counties where property taxes were higher than $10,000 were Rockland and Westchester counties in New York; Bergen, Essex, Morris and Union counties in New Jersey; Marin County, California; and Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Suffolk County was not far behind, with an average property tax bill of $9,333, according to the analysis by Attom Data Solutions, previously known as RealtyTrac.

In Suffolk County last year, 69 percent of property taxes went to schools, 17.4 percent to local governments and 11.3 percent to the county, including 9.3 percent to police. The county has stayed within the 2 percent property tax cap for six years, a county spokesman said.

Across the country, homeowners paid an average $3,296 in property taxes. Only 32 large counties had average tax bills of $7,000 or more.

The costs of government — including schools, police and municipal services — are higher on Long Island than across the nation as a whole, said Joe Moshé, broker-owner of Plainview-based Charles Rutenberg Realty.

“To a large degree our school systems are the best in the country, so you can’t compare our school systems to school systems in rural America,” Moshé said.

The disparity in tax bills was not due solely to Long Island’s higher-than-average home values. Homes here are also taxed at a higher percentage of their market value, the study found.

The analysis calculated taxes as a percentage of homes’ market value by using a computer-generated estimate of property values.

http://www.newsday.com/business/li-property-taxes-rank-among-highest-in-u-s-report-1.13371144