TOWN OF TUXEDO
Town Council (Town Board)
Tuxedo Union Free School District
Town Planning Board
Subdivisions and Development
Missing Person
ATTEMPT TO LOCATE
TOWN OF TUXEDO POLICE DEPARTMENT IS ATTEMPTING TO LOCATE THE FOLLOWING WHITE MALE:
DONALD L. DEMI (DOB 7/19/1942)
SUBJECT WALKED AWAY FROM HIS RESIDENCE IN TUXEDO, NY ON SATURDAY JANUARY 7, 2012 BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 2:00 PM AND 5:30 PM. SUBJECT’S FAMILY IS CONCERNED THAT SUBJECT MAY BE DESPONDENT.
SUBJECT LAST SEEN HEADING WEST INTO A FIELD WEST OF THE TUXEDO BUSINESS DISTRICT.
ANY AGENCY COMING IN CONTACT IS ASKED TO ASCERTAIN STATUS OF SUBJECT AND CALL TUXEDO POLICE IMMEDIETELY AT 845-351-5111.
SUBJECT HAS LEFT WALLET, KEYS AND CELL PHONE AT HOME AND MAY HAVE NO ID.
SUBJECT HAS HIGH BLODD PRESSURE AND MAY NEED MEDICATION FOR SUCH.
Lt. John P Norton
Town of Tuxedo Police
1075 Rte 17
Southfields, NY 10975
jnorton@tuxedopd.com
845-351-5111
Fax 845-351-5114
Town of Tuxedo Election Results
SUPERVISOR = PETER DOLAN
Dolan – 465
Papke – 314
Kilduff – 218
COUNCILMEN = GARY PHELPS & KIRSTIAN MATTHEWS
Pheps – 495
Matthews – 495
Darling – 453
Neal – 367
Lemanski – 267
SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS = ED PFIZENMAIER
Pfizenmaier – 663
Labar – 413
TOWN JUSTICE = LORETTA DAVIS
Davis – 772
Newman 292
The Library budget passed with 568 votes in favor and 359 votes opposing.
Election Day Tuesday November 8
Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 8, is Election Day. DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!
Polls will be open from 6am to 9pm in the following places:
Dist 1 - Hamlet - Town Hall
Dist 2 - Sterling Forest & Southfields & Arden - Sterling Forest Firehouse
Dist 3 - Park - Town Hall
Dist 4 - Eagle Valley & Maplebrook - Eagle Valley Firehouse
Following is a list of all the candidates.
State Supreme Court Justice:
Robert DiBella
Paul Mark
Edward P. Borrelli
Town Clerk:
Elaine M. Laurent
Supervisor:
Peter Dolan
John Kilduff
Suzanne Papke
Town Justice:
Samuel L. Newman
Loretta K. Davis
Councilman:
Thomas J. Darling
Gary L. Phelps
Kristian Matthews
William Lemanski
David Sean Neal
Receiver of Taxes:
Gregory G. Stevens
Superintendent of Highways:
Glen D. Labar
Edward J. Pfizenmaier
With more candidates in the race than ever before, EVERY VOTE COUNTS!!!!
****Remember – Voters have the power to elect the candidates as part of their slates or to vote for them on an individual basis.
Sterling Forest Fire Co. Drydown Saturday October 29
WET/DRYDOWN
SAT. Oct. 29th
1PM to 5PM
STERLING FOREST FIRE CO.
1664 Long Meadow Rd.
Tuxedo, NY
Join us in celebrating the return of our
1921 American LaFrance Pumper
90 Years old and looking beautiful
Food and Beverages served
Zumba Classes Return beginning November 7
Zumba classes return to the American legion hall beginning November 7! - Mondays at 6:30 and Thursdays 6:00 pm and running through December 19.. Contact Melissa d Rossi 845-721-9732 for more info.
Local Campaigning Expands to Cyberspace
Campaigning for the upcoming Town elections has moved into cyberspace. With three informational sites up and running, voters can not only read up on the candidates, their views and what they are doing, but they can also stay apprised of campaign events and, in some cases, participate in interactive blogging with candidates themselves. With more candidates running for office than ever before in Tuxedo’s history, the importance of making an informed decision on November 8 is crucial in determining what direction the Town will take as it moves forward. Follow the links below and check it out.
Integrity for Tuxedo
Tuxedo United
Tuxedo 2011
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8 Candidates Vie for 3 Spots on Town Council This November
Meet The Candidates For Town Council
On Tuesday, November 8 voters in the Town of Tuxedo will have some important decisions to make when they head to the polls. With more candidates on the ballot than there have been in memorable history, this election brings with it the real possibility of change for Tuxedo and could well be a fight to finish for the 8 individuals seeking office.
Incumbents Peter Dolan,(Supervisor) Gary Phelps (Council) and Thomas Darling (Council) are challenged by two parties; Integrity for Tuxedo: John Kilduff for Supervisor /Bill Lemasnki for Council and Tuxedo United: Suzanne Papke for Supervisor/Shaun Neil & Kristian Matthews for council.
Voters will have the power to elect the candidates as part of their parties or to vote for them on an individual basis.
In an effort to help residents get a better idea of who the candidates are, why they have chosen to run and what their priorities will be if elected, TPFYI presented each Candidate with the following three questions. We will post their unedited responses in the order they are received.
Regardless of participation in this survey, TPFYI is not endorsing any of the candidates at this time.
1. Briefly, why are you running for public office, and what credentials do you have for this service?
2. What are the major Town issues that you feel require your attention? (please list)
3. Specifically, what differentiates you from other candidates seeking the same Town Council position?
SUPERVISOR CANDIDATE RESPONSES:
SUZANNE PAPKE:
Suzanne Papke Candidate for Supervisor
Briefly, why are you running for public office, and what credentials do you have for this service?
I was approached by a group of residents several months ago, residents with concerns about the town and its need for an improved style of management. The Search Committee developed a slate of candidates with a variety of skills, knowledge and experience to represent each area of the town. While I have not served in public office before, I am ready to dedicate the time, energy and enthusiasm along with a 20-year Fortune 500 business background to serve the community. My personal bio can be viewed on the Tuxedo United Website. www.tuxedounited.com
What are the major Town issues that you feel require your attention ? (Please list)
As a country, we face unprecedented economic challenges on both a Federal and a State Level. These challenges require stringent fiscal analysis and budgetary management on the local level as well, particularly in light of declining property values.
1.. The future management of all issues surrounding Tuxedo Reserve and its fiscal and environmental impact upon our ecology, our schools, our water and our taxes is critical. This is a project which requires detailed and sophisticated analysis and should be inclusive of the serious concerns voiced by our residents. The actions of the Town Board have resulted in the Article 78 lawsuit filed against the Town in 2010, accruing in excess of $66,000 in litigation costs borne by our taxpayers.
2.. I would address the concerns of the East Village: The construction of a sound barrier, potential dredging of the Ramapo River, mandating dam inspections, stopping hazardous dumping and other issues facing River Road and the East Village. These are projects which require skills and perseverance to work through the complex bureaucracies of both county and state government.
3.. I would ensure the Perfect Cut Mulch Pile maximizes its revenue to the town and is environmentally safe.
I would require open participation and consideration of all citizens. This must be a requisite in light of the Public Hearings and subsequent decisions by the Town Board in 2009-2010. I would mandate an open and honest government with respect for the individual.
Specifically, what differentiates you from other candidates seeking the same Town Council position?
I have an extensive business background with a variety of skill sets.
While I have not served on a Town Board, I have been willing to answer the call and dedicate my time and experience to serve the community. For me it is similar to using my skills in a new job.
I have the necessary time and the ability to analyze the issues, follow
though an with an action plan and to pursue select commercial development
options to offset the 87% tax burden borne by residential real estate taxes.
I have the professional business skills in sales, management, communications and finance to manage both people and projects. I know how to manage with respect for the contribution of each employee. I have excellent presentation, communication and negotiations skills with a very big heart for the people.
PETER DOLAN:
As your Town Supervisor for the past six years, I am writing this letter in hopes of securing your support in the election on November 8th. This year’s election will prove to be an interesting one as there are multiple candidates running. Over the years, I have proven that I have the business skills, dedication, and the time and energy that this often-challenging job truly requires. The town board members and I are not agenda driven, like the candidates running against us. One of our highest priorities is our fiduciary duty.
When I became your Supervisor in 2006, the town was in desperate financial shape. Residents weren’t faring much better: Over the five preceding years, under the prior administration, taxes increased on average by 12.13% for the Village of Tuxedo Park and 11.75% for the Town of Tuxedo. Interestingly, that administration included William Lemanski as a town councilman; Mr. Lemanski is running for that position again now. By using sound business principles, I have been able to turn our financial state around. The five-year average increase under my administration has been 3.57% and 3.8% for the Village and Town, respectively. I’ve worked hard to find fresh and innovative ways to generate income by means other than the typical method of raising taxes to make up for deficits. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of my actions and reinforce the reasons why I
hope you will cast your vote for me.
In 2006, the town board members and I inherited debt, in the form of bond notes, in the amount of $3,472,000 from the prior administration. This debt load consisted in part of loans totaling $200,000.00 in anticipated tax receipts. In other words, for two years in a row, the then-town board had spent its entire budget and had to borrow against the next year’s tax payments from residents in order to meet Town obligations for payroll, goods and services, etc. This could have continued as a spiral from which we might not recover. However, again through foresight and effort, we paid off the tax anticipation notes within 18 months, and we steadily paid off six of the seven remaining notes. Currently, the Town’s remaining debt is $1,650,000 left over from the prior administration and $102,000 for a sewer jet we bought jointly with the Village last year.
I conceived of and implemented retaining two town prosecutors to handle vehicle and traffic tickets for our court system. Previously, the State of New York received the fines associated with these tickets. By contracting with the prosecutors at a nominal yearly fee of $1,500 each, they are able to process the tickets on the Town’s behalf, enabling the Town to retain the fines. This achievement has increased annual court revenue from $230,000 to $400,000, a significant addition in the Town’s income.
I am sure you are aware of the mulch recycling facility on Longmeadow Road. By allowing this business to come into Tuxedo, along with three other tenants, the town receives an average $232,000 annually. These enterprises constitute one of our largest ratables from which we have benefited. As
an extra benefit, our residents and our Town Highway Department receive thousands of yards of free mulch, top soil, aggregate and stone each year.
I researched our Workers' Compensation, general liability and employee healthcare insurance costs, and I concluded that we could do better. By negotiating and switching insurance carriers, I have been able to save $300,000 annually in workers’ compensation costs, $50,000 annually in liability insurance costs, and between $25,000 to $60,000 in health insurance costs. I diligently monitor the insurance marketplace and vigorously negotiate to obtain the lowest prices to keep these costs as inexpensive as possible each year.
I have proven to be a tough negotiator in dealing with the police and highway contracts. This is a time-consuming and arduous process, but as of 2008, all new hires within the police and highway departments pay a portion of their health care. Although not all employees are happy about this change, I feel it is my fiduciary responsibility, and I will not waste a dollar of taxpayer money.
Since taking over leadership, I have always enjoyed a good working relationship with the former Mayors of Tuxedo Park, David McFadden and Houston Stebbins. Mayor Stebbins and I agreed to share an expensive piece of equipment known as the sewer jet. By the two governments working together under an inter-municipal agreement, savings of $127,500 were realized by each municipality.
One accomplishment that I am most proud of is the renovation of the Tuxedo Train Station. By working closely with a dedicated group of volunteers, we were able to secure public grants and private funds which paid for the entire cost of restoring this beautiful, historic building, an icon of Tuxedo. The Highway Department crew performed some of the work, but no taxpayer money was used directly for this awesome task.
I thoroughly enjoy serving as your Town Supervisor, and I would like to continue doing so. This position requires substantial financial and negotiation skills, both of which attributes I very strongly possess. I will continue working full-time hours in my “part time” post as Supervisor for every one of you and for the future of our wonderful town. I have many goals for the Town’s prosperity that, if given two more years in office, I will be able to attain. My accomplishments are long and varied, from a profound fiscal understanding to Parks and Recreation improvements. I believe that the town is moving in the right direction, and I am confident that I can lead us forward.
I respectfully ask for your vote on November 8th
JOHN KILDUFF:
Briefly, why are you running for public office, and what credentials do you have for this service ?
I have had the privilege of serving our community in various ways over the past several years, and I want do more. If you have ever been to the Memorial Day Parade, Little League Opening Day, or the GFB High School musical, you know that the sense of community and affinity for Tuxedo is remarkably strong. Our small town sensibilities and way-of-life are increasingly uncommon in our region, and it needs to be protected. I believe that I can bring together our entire community to work together to ensure a bright, beautiful and financially sound future for Tuxedo.
I have happily devoted a great deal of my time in service to the Town of Tuxedo over the past six years. I joined and helped to revitalize the Tuxedo Volunteer Ambulance Corps. It has been my privilege to serve as a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), along with an increasing number of great members. I have also served as the President of the corps for the last 3 years. For the past two seasons, I have been a part of the Tuxedo Little League as a T-ball coach. Finally, I joined with several of our neighbors from Tuxedo and nearby communities to form the Tuxedo Land Trust, which is dedicated to preserving open space and safeguarding our rivers, streams, and endangered wildlife in our area. We have marshaled a considerable amount support in our mission in a brief amount of time.
I have worked in the financial services industry for over 20 years. I started my career working on structured investments in oil and gas properties and commercial real estate, before moving on to bank loan restructuring, and, ultimately, global energy market analysis and trading. I am a lawyer by training, having graduated from the Fordham University School of Law, and I am a member of Bar the State of New York.
What are the major Town issues that you feel require your attention ? (please list)
The Town has several major issues that lie before it, which are pivotal for its future and the way of life of its residents. I have chosen to address three (3) issues below.
· New York State has recently implemented a law that limits property tax increases to 2% per year. As a community that relies by over 80% on property tax levies for its revenue, we have to look to commercial development for additional revenue streams. I will work to form public-private partnerships for initiatives ranging from a potential clean-energy source to the revitalization of the Route 17 corridor in Tuxedo, where over 10 acres of prime commercial real estate await a good idea or two to make them viable income producing properties.
· The Tuxedo Reserve development represents another huge challenge to our Town. The economics of the proposed project, as set forth in the Amended Special Permit, recently approved by the current Town Board are disastrous. In simple terms: the projections for what the proposed homes will be worth and the property taxes to be produced by those valuations, minus the cost of the services required of those new residents, adds up to a significantly increased tax burden for the current residents of Tuxedo. This is just one of many fatal flaws of the revised development, as constituted. I will work to ensure that the protections afforded the Town in the original Special Permit will be enforced, and that the interests of the residents of Tuxedo are fully protected from a fiscal, environmental, and quality-of-life perspective.
· I have heard directly from many residents that they are dissatisfied with the Town government, and one recurring element is the sense of a lack of openness. That can be easily addressed. I will seek to have Cablevision and other providers broadcast our Town Board Meetings. We will also have the meetings broadcast via the internet. We will update the Town website so that the proceedings of the various committees, job postings, and contracts for all products and services are clearly identified and readily accessible. I will markedly improve the level of communication between the Town Government and its residents. The decisions may not always be the most popular, but they will be there for everyone to see, comment upon, and, hopefully, more often than not, improve the particular situation. There are a lot of great ideas and resources within our community; I hope to put some of them to work for our town.
Specifically, what differentiates you from other candidates seeking the same Town Council position?
I believe that my educational background, professional experience, and record of community involvement make me unique among those who are currently seeking the position of Tuxedo Town Supervisor. Having grown up just down the road in Suffern, before moving to Tuxedo nearly ten years ago, I have the perspective of seeing the evolution of Ramapo, Tuxedo, and the region. I must say, however, that I possess neither all the answers nor all the ideas for the issues ahead of the Town of Tuxedo, but I do know, if asked, the residents of the Town will step forward to help and provide insights and ideas that I will welcome hearing and using to create great future for Tuxedo.
COUNCIL CANDIDATE RESPONSES:
SHAUN NEIL:
Briefly, why are you running for public office, and what credentials do you have for this service ?
As a father of 5 young children, I am concerned about the future of Tuxedo and want to play an active part in shaping the way that the town is developed.
As the Director of Corporate Technology at Merrill Lynch, I was responsible for managing over 100 people and a budget of $50,000,000 per year. Currently I own and manage a technology consulting company with a staff of 50 employees. I also run the day to day operations of a law firm and serve as a paralegal on most of the cases. I have a hands-on, practical understanding of New York law.
What are the major Town issues that you feel require your attention ? (please list)
Dealing with Tuxedo Reserve when the Article 78 petition is ruled on. I have previously litigated successfully against the town to compel them to accept my private road for dedication. I have a deep understanding of municipal law from a real lawsuit.
Establishing a comprehensive disaster recovery plan. My technology company currently provides disaster recovery development and business continuity planning services to business in New York, so I am well qualified to do this. I was also responsible for the disaster recovery response at Merrill Lynch World Financial Center north tower during the 9/11 event. I have substantial practical experience in developing and executing a disaster recovery response.
Auditing the finances of and evaluating the environmental issues around the “mulch pile”.
Addressing the myriad environmental issues of the East Village.
Enhancing communication between the Town Board and the School Board.
Specifically, what differentiates you from other candidates seeking the same Town Council position ?
I am the only candidate who possesses the unique blend of practical legal experience and substantial executive management experience. As a person “outside of the political process”, I can provide a fresh perspective and apply a clean slate approach with no conflicts or ties to other interests.
THOMAS DARLING:
Briefly, why are you running for public office, and what credentials do you have for this service?
a. I love the town I live in and I understand why people want to live here. I want to help long time residents as well as new families settling new roots in a wonderful place.
b. Four years on the town board, two years on the ARB, twenty six years and counting with the tuxedo fire dept.' pres and vice pres of Co #2, I lived one year on the circle, four years on Brandy Hill, and in four houses over forty one years in Laurel Ridge.
What are the major Town issues that you feel require your attention? (please list)
he continued responsible management of Tuxedo Reserve
Finding business that compliments the town and is tax positive
Responsible town management
Specifically, what differentiates you from other candidates seeking the same Town Council position?
Experience
BILL LEMANSKI:
Reason for running for office:
I have decided to pursue and gain public office once again because of my multiple concerns for the future of Tuxedo:
• Hurricane Irene, which recently ravaged the East Village section of Tuxedo, was not effectively handled by the town board. I believe with my professional experience I am uniquely qualified to protect the community to a much higher degree.
• Having worked for a number of years (1998 to 2005)with the previous Town Board, crafting a reasonable special permit for the Tuxedo Reserve project, I am troubled by the present administration’s disregard of the many community protections we codified within the document. I believe reopening what was an approved, finalized version and the implementation of the so called “Smart Code” will lead to the financial disadvantage and jeopardy of the town.
• In these unstable times of economic challenges for both municipal government and taxpayers alike, the current board’s attempt to grant themselves a substantial pay raise without a public hearing or any public knowledge is unacceptable. This type of action should not be tolerated and is proof of the necessity for changing the current board.
• As a thirty-year resident who has held many town offices, my detailed knowledge of Tuxedo’s history, demographics and land-use issues, along with its commercial challenges places me in the best position to lead the community into a secure and prosperous future.
Credentials for holding public office:
• I sat on the Tuxedo Town Board as Councilman for two terms.
• During this period, participated in the many studies, meetings and analysis pertaining to the Tuxedo Reserve project. I assisted in developing and approving the special permit.
• I chaired a committee reviewing and revising the town code.
• As liaison to the police department and later, police commissioner, I was instrumental in the acquisition and relocation of the department to their present location on Route 17.
• I have experience in negotiating public-sector contracts having negotiated two contracts with the Tuxedo PBA.
• In regard to public safety and welfare, I have extensive experience working within high-risk environments:
• I am retired from a thirty-five year engineering career, most of which was spent in the nuclear power industry. While in the nuclear power field I served on the emergency response team for the Indian Point Nuclear facility. I have been involved with the emergency evacuation plan for Westchester and Rockland Counties. I have extensive training in nuclear safety and response, and working in hazardous environments.
• I served two tours of duty in the Viet Nam War as an Infantryman with the U.S. Army. I also served with the Combat Engineers.
• I have extensive management experience. While in the electric power industry I supervised and managed large groups of highly skilled and highly educated people engaged in very complex, large-scale activities.
• I have managed budgets in the tens of millions of dollars and handled very complex and critical schedules.
Town issues that require my attention:
• The Tuxedo Reserve project clearly requires considerably more oversight and consideration than has been demonstrated by the current town board. The reopening and revisions to the special permit and the acceptance of the “Smart Code” require knowledgeable review, analysis and reconsideration as to just how they will affect the community.
• The town board needs a higher level of candor, professionalism and expertise.
• The town board needs a much higher level of concern for the safety and welfare of its citizens.
What differentiates me from the other candidates?
• I will welcome and ensure the new board’s willingness to communicate in an open, honest and respectful manner.
• I believe I have a much greater understanding of public safety and sensitivity of the issues facing the community.
• I believe I have considerably more experience with and concern for the Tuxedo government and its issues. . Having been a former board member, I have more experience in the Tuxedo Reserve project, zoning and land-use issues, and town budget issues. As a former member of the emergency response team for Indian Point, participating in the development of the emergency evacuation plan for Westchester and Rockland Counties and serving as a combat soldier in the Viet Nam War, I feel I have considerably more experience with emergency issues and disaster planning.
• As the leader of the Northern Tuxedo Taxpayers Association and my research in property tax assessment policy both locally and within the state, I believe I have direct knowledge of tax issues and property assessments which I can bring to bear in property tax issues in the entire town.
GARY PHELPS:
Dear Neighbors,
I am writing today to respectfully ask for your vote for re-election as your Town Councilman on November 8, 2011.
It has been my privilege to serve as Councilman since 2008, a position that is both demanding and rewarding. My prior 17 years of service as a member of the Planning Board, which provided me with a fundamental understanding of the Town, the region, and the technical elements of land use and community planning, has been a valuable basis for me in dealing with issues facing the Town Board.
A 27-year homeowner in Tuxedo, I was drawn to civic advocacy early in my residency here when I joined the Town’s recycling committee, which was successful in establishing the Town as the very first municipality in Orange County to formulate and implement a comprehensive household recycling program. This positive experience spurred me to involve myself further in the community, such as with the multi-modal transportation panel, and my commitment to improving the welfare of our residents has continued ever since.
As the sole proprietor of my own carpentry business in Tuxedo, coupled with my post as Vice President in the Tuxedo Chamber of Commerce, I have first-hand knowledge of the concerns and challenges confronting our local businesses, particularly in this depressed economic period. Thus, I am a champion for the viability of Tuxedo’s commercial enterprises. For instance, I immersed myself in revising the Town’s sign law to insure that it was more business-friendly and -supportive, and less costly.
I am proud of my contributions to the Town Board and of our record of hard work, informed decision-making, fiscal responsibility and expansion of recreation amenities, all with the deliberate purpose of enriching the lives of our citizens and enhancing their health, safety and well-being. Some of these achievements, in which I am honored to have been influential, include:
Increase in Town Revenues (e.g., income from rentals, court fines, inter-municipal cooperation fees)
Decrease in Town Expenses (e.g., insurance premium reductions and savings in office equipment costs)
Reduction in Town Debt (e.g., pay-off of loans through shrewd financial planning and foresight)
Decrease in Tax Rate Levies (e.g., average decrease of 8.7% compared to prior administration)
Additions to Recreation Fields (e.g., improvements at Murphy, Tichy, Powerhouse and Lucky Fields)
Additions to Recreation Programs (e.g., ice skating, skateboarding, dances, exercise classes, trips)
Renovation of Train Station
I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me to endeavor to make a difference to the Town I value so greatly and for which I have a deep affection. I would appreciate your support in November to enable me to undertake other ventures such as flood mitigation measures and development safeguards, as we progress forward as a cohesive community.
KRISTIAN MATTHEWS
Briefly, why are you running for public office, and what credentials do you have for this role?
I am running for public office because I want to give back to the town that I grew up in and where I am raising my family. I want to do this in an official capacity to be a voice and make a positive impact for the Tuxedo of today and tomorrow. As an entrepreneur, business owner and manager, I have a vision for business growth and proper fiscal management. My university education in the building trades and exposure to important architecture studies around the world prepares me for understanding town issues related to building and infrastructure issues.
What are the major town issues that you feel require your attention?
Preservation of Tuxedo's natural beauty and historical elements
New business development, attractive business environment
Transparent town planning
Town unity
Ramapo River
Specifically, what differentiates you from other candidates seeking the same Town Council position?
40 year Tuxedo resident
Lived in both the Hamlet (East Village) and the Village of Tuxedo Park
Business owner with a business based in Tuxedo and often serving the residents of Tuxedo
Orange County Approved for FEMA Individual Assistance Funding
Click here to read
The Woodlands at Tuxedo in Tuxedo, NY becomes the area’s first community with a full scale LED street light deployment
The Woodlands at Tuxedo, a residential subdivision in Tuxedo, New York, recently installed over 120 new energy efficient light emitting diode (LED) street lights throughout the community making it the area’s first full scale deployment of LED lamps for street lighting.
Funded through a grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Administration (NYSERDA), The Woodlands expects energy and maintenance savings to provide a return on the investment in less than 4 years.
The Woodlands at Tuxedo operates as a Homeowner’s Association with a private road system and street lighting network. Electric expenditures and street light maintenance are a major component of the community’s budget. The community looked at its street lighting system, some portions which were nearly 25 years old, as an opportunity to control maintenance costs, reduce electric consumption, minimize electric expenses and reduce its carbon foot print. As a community, residents knew it was the right time to control their electric costs and consumption.
According to Frank Peverly, President of the Homeowner’s Association, “the community sought ways to become more energy efficient, achieve greater energy independence for the State and reduce the need for new electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities.”
Mr. Peverly further stated, “The community looked at new and alternative lighting technologies, piloting several variations of LED street lighting, recognizing this new technology as affording the best area lighting for its purpose and certainly for the anticipated fiscal and environmental savings. The new street lights use nearly 80% less electricity without any reduction in light quality or illumination and eliminate the equivalent of nearly 63 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.”
The new lighting fixtures were developed and purchased through the Lighting Science Group located in Satellite Beach, Florida. As part of the community’s test process Lighting Science Group provided reports from independent, Department of Energy approved testing laboratories. LED lighting clearly advances the U.S. government’s goals of improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions (lower electricity usage means fewer new carbon dioxide emitting power plants). J.C. Electric of Mahwah, New Jersey, completed the installation work for the community.
Now that sustainability has become popular with the general public, The Woodlands at Tuxedo can point to its track record of being responsible stewards of the environment through its leadership role in advancing high efficiency street lighting systems.
Chamber Of Commerce Launches New Website
The Tuxedo Chamber Of Commerce has launched a newly designed, more expansive website. Check it out by clicking here.
2011 Town of Tuxedo Preliminary Budget & 2011 Town of Tuxedo Tentative Budget
Click here to view the 2011 Town of Tuxedo Preliminary Budget
Click here to view the 2011 Town of Tuxedo Tentative Budget
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