[dropcap]I[/dropcap] would like to take this time to extend warm wishes for a happy and healthy new year. I hope you and your loved ones had a festive holiday season. I want to thank each resident for their support during this past year. To date, the Town Council has met some impressive goals and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish in 2017.
As we embark on the new year, I am pleased to report that Harrison continues to add to the success of the last several years while keeping tax increases under control, maintaining a healthy reserve, and managing all of our basic municipal services. In addition to our Aaa (Triple A) bond rating from Moody’s, Harrison’s 2017 budget was adopted and remains under Gov. Cuomo’s mandated tax cap. Continuing this positive trajectory is a priority. I am eager to meet new challenges and look forward to the opportunities ahead.
Please be aware of the following sanitation notice: Christmas trees may be placed curbside, for pickup, through Tuesday, Jan. 31. Please do not place trees in plastic bags. No holiday wreaths or roping will be collected.
Prior to the Jan. 1 deadline, Cuomo signed a bill that will allow the town/village of Harrison to levy a hotel or room occupancy tax for stays at local hotels, specifically the Renaissance Westchester Hotel on West Red Oak Lane, the Hyatt House on Westchester Avenue, and the Westchester Country Club on North Street. The recent passage of the occupancy tax bill is wonderful news for Harrison, providing an alternative revenue source and property tax relief to our residents. The added proceeds will not only allow Harrison to make local, tourism-related infrastructure investments, it will also offset increased traffic and public safety needs. I would like to thank state Assemblyman David Buchwald and state Sen. George Latimer for their strong leadership and continued efforts in helping to pass this very important legislation.
On Saturday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m., join the school community for a wonderful fundraiser taking place in the Harrison High School gymnasium. Watch as the Harrison school faculty competes in a basketball game against the world-famous Harlem Wizards. All proceeds will benefit programs sponsored by the district’s Elementary Enrichment Committee. For more information, visit harlemwizards.com.
Our local libraries continue to offer great programs. This month, at the Harrison Public Library, patrons can celebrate Chinese New Year with a cooking demo and tasting. Learn how to make Chinese dumplings (jiaozi) and explore other prominent flavors and traditions of this joyful holiday celebrated by many Asian cultures around the world. This program will take place on Thursday, Jan. 26, at 11:30 a.m. On Friday, Jan. 27 at 11 a.m., explore the meditative drawing method of Zentangle, a calming way to start the new year.
In closing, please make note of the following sanitation schedule change for the week of Monday, Jan. 16: Jan. 16 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and is a federal holiday. Town offices will be closed. Garbage and recycling normally collected on Monday will be collected on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Garbage and recycling normally collected on Tuesday will be collected on Wednesday, Jan. 18. There will be no bulk trash pickup on Wednesday. The normal collection schedule for household trash and recycling will resume on Thursday, Jan. 19.
