Greenburgh department head discussion with Town Bd: how departments are operating during COVID-19
https://greenburghny.swagit.com/play/04072020-1765
Building dept observations: construction, supermarkets, social distancing, Governor's directives
Every Tuesday the Greenburgh Town Board will meet around 6 PM to discuss with department heads how their departments are functioning during the COVID-19 Crisis. Last night’s presentation was very interesting. The link to the discussion is below. While much of the world is on pause, our employees are doing the best they can to maintain the basic services that town government provides residents with during this difficult time. I think you’ll be impressed if you watch the video link.
The Building department provided us with the following memo highlighting their efforts to enforce the Governor’s social distancing directives. See the memo listing how they are enforcing the ban on non essential construction and on safety/health at supermarkets among other businesses.
IF you feel that businesses, individuals are violating the social distancing directives you can make an anonymous complaint to the police department by dialing 411. For building department concerns call 989-1560. The Police Chief indicated that summons will be issued. The Governor’s order imposes up to a $1000 fine. I would appreciate it if you would also e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
I have been spot checking fields, supermarkets since the weekend and believe that most people are staying away from each other. However, there are still some people who are careless or insensitive to others. I don’t think people should have the right to infect others and get people sick from COVID-19. Many people locally are dying from this horrible illness. Please be extra careful. Last night I received an e mail from a resident who lives near a field on school grounds--people were playing touch soccer. Not fair. Not right. not smart.
https://greenburghny.swagit.com/play/04072020-1765
PAUL FEINER
The building department staff is working diligently to protect and educate the public. As per the Governor’s orders and working in conjunction with Town Attorneys Office, the Building Department has developed a new “VIOLATION NOTICE” that we will be issuing to business owners, homeowner and contractors that specifically outlines his order. Should the order not be followed a summons to appear in court will be issued. Just to clarify the governor’s order as single employee is allowed to remain on a job site. Below is an excerpt from the States Guidance on the Executive Order section 9 for construction:
- For purposes of this section construction work does not include a single worker, who is the sole employee/worker on a job site.
As of today the inspectors have visited 27 construction projects in the Town that were verbally told they must shut down due to the order. Upon revisiting these sites 3 did not shut down their construction activities and were now issued violation notices. We also stop a new subdivision where they had more than one person working on the sites. The owner of the subdivision said he would abide by the order. Upon revisiting the site the inspector found them to be in compliance. Many other sites were visited with no construction activity at this time.
The inspectors also visited the supermarkets and below is a description of what was found:
- Shoprite (Midway) – Security guards were at the entrance and exits limiting the amount of people that enter. They had system down as 10 people left the store 10 people were allowed in. They had trash cans in the parking lot, but unfortunately some people were not using them. The inspector advised them to put signs up for people to dispose of their mask and gloves properly.
- Apple Farm-Talk to management. At the time of inspector visit employees was directing customers when people can approach the registers with lines marked on the floor while management was enforcing the 6’ rule. Inspector advised them to get wipes and gloves for their customers.
- Trader Joe’s – Guard at the entrance limiting the amount of people that enter the store. People waiting to get in obeying the social distancing rule.
- HMart-Guard at the entrance limiting the amount of people entering the store. Handing out wipes to the people. Lots of trash cans present, no littering reported.
- ACME-Inspector consulted with the manager. When store approaches 20% capacity they have employee’s limiting the amount of people entering. Provides wipes for their customers. They were advised to place trash cans out for gloves and masks.
- Kmart-Talk to management advised on social distancing. Had 6’ lines on the floor by registers.
- Stop & Shop- Interior distance line in place at registers. Inspector directed the management to place signs so people could properly dispose of mask and gloves.
Other sites that were visited by the inspectors:
- Westchester Puppies- Advised the owner to make appointments for the customers to avoid lines
- 207 E Hartsdale-Nail Salon – Inspector ordered them to close
- Metropolis Golf Corse – Talk to management- no golf carts are being used at this time. Only walking golfers allowed. Pro shop and club house closed
- Game On driving range- 50% reduction was implemented. Every other Tee closed. Pro shop closed.
- Sunnyingdale County Club-Inspector talk to management, no carts are being used.
- Walgreens-Inspector talk to management. He went over procedures with him and is following the social distancing rule.
The Building Department will continue to monitor these sites as well as others for compliance.