As Spring Approaches, we ask that you please remember how everyday activites can have an affect on stormwater and our environment.

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that doesn't soak into the ground but runs off into waterways. It flows from rooftops, over paved areas and bare soil, and through sloped lawns while picking up a variety of materials on its way. The quality of runoff is affected by a variety of factors and depends on the season, local meteorology, geography and upon activities which lie in the path of the flow.

Whats the Problem?

As it flows, stormwater runoff collects and transports pollutants to surface waters.

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Town of East Greenbush has been awarded a grant in the amount of $275,000 for the purchase and installation of a 50 kW Photovoltaic System at the Department of Public Works garage. This system will produce approximately 67% of the annual energy required to run the facility and an estimated maximum annual cost savings of $14,783. The project will benefit the environment with annual emission reductions of:

1. CO₂: 55,876 lbs
2. SO₂: 180 lbs
3. N₂0: 62.74 lbs

Upon completion, the performance and environmental impact of this project will be posted on the town’s website for the public to monitor.

It’s NOT too late!  You may be eligible for an Exemption on your property – the deadline to file is March 1, 2010.

Residential STAR (Basic) is available to all property owners, regardless of age or income.  To be eligible, applicant must own and reside on the property, as of March 1, 2010.

 Proof of residency is required.

 Enhanced STAR (Senior) is available to those property owners, who are 65 years of age or older and for property owners who will be 65 years of age in 2010.  Single and combined incomes cannot exceed $74,700 on the 2008 Federal Adjusted Gross Income Tax Return. 

 Proof of residency is required.

Partial Tax Exemption of Aged Persons is available to those property owners, who are 65 years of age and for property owners who will be 65 years of age in the 2010 year.  Single and combined incomes of husband and wife cannot exceed a 2009 Gross Income of $37,400. (Income includes wages, pensions, and social security – contact your Department of Assessment for more details.)

 Proof of Residency is required.

Persons with Disabilities and Limited Incomes

No age requirement –income requirement is the same as the partial tax exemption of aged persons.  Proof of Residency is required. Proof of disability required is:  Benefit Letter from the Social Security Administration, Certificate from the State Commission for the Blind or Award letters from the US Postal Service, Railroad Retirement Board or Department of Veterans Affairs.

For further details on the above information or to inquire about other types of exemptions, please call Susan F. McCarthy, Assessor at 518-477-9710 

The Town Board has scheduled a public hearing on February 10, 2010, at 6:30pm at the Town Hall, to hear public input to consider the entry into a new contract between the Town Board and Best Luther Fire Company Inc., proposed in the amount of $91,740 for fire protection. A second public hearing will be held on February 10, 2010, at 6:45pm at the Town Hall, to hear public input to consider entry into a new contract with the Best Luther Fire Co. on behalf of the Third Ave. Fire Protection District, in the amount of $6,550.

By order of the Town Board,

Linda Kennedy                                                                                                                                                             Town Clerk

 The January 28, 2010 Special Town Board Meeting, to be held at 7:00 p.m., has been cancelled and all business will be addressed in the regularly scheduled, February Town Board Meeting. The Public Hearing concerning possible Water and Sewer rate changes, to be held at 6:30 p.m., is on schedule.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda Kennedy                                                                                                                                                            Town Clerk