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Update...budget 2011! The comptroller and I continue to review the 2011 budget submissions line item by line item, and have gone back to most of the department heads looking for ways to further reduce spending. We will look to use a portion of fund balance to help offset rising costs of materials, health care, maintenance and equipment. While Penfield has the fifth lowest tax rate of the 19 towns in Monroe County, we continue to look for further ways to manage our costs.
One way to help offset the tax rate directly to single family residents is by looking to develop more mixed uses on a controlled basis within, and adjacent to, our six commercial districts. Today, approximately 92% of the town's land is zoned for residential uses and approximately 5% is zoned commercial or industrial. On Monday, August 30 at 7:30 PM the Town Board will hold a public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan in the Town Hall auditorium. This plan is intended to provide an overall framework for future public and private investment in our community, as well as serving as the foundation upon which planning and policy decisions are to be based.
In this plan, the Town will seek to develop new mixed-use areas which will be a blend of commercial, residential, or community uses. Doing so would add the potential for additional tax revenue for the Town. While many residents have been involved with the development of this Comprehensive Plan, and several comments have been received to improve on the plan to date, I am encouraging everyone to read through the document and to comment either online at www.penfield.org or by attending the public hearing.
I recently attended The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester's (BCCR) seventh annual Terri Schmitt legislative reception. The Rochester Coalition is beginning their thirteenth year as the only full scope organization in the area focused exclusively on Breast Cancer. Their mission is to work more closely with the Greater Rochester area towards eradicating Breast Cancer. As a husband, a father of two daughters, and a grandfather of two grand-daughters, this is a very important interest of mine. For more information on this wonderful organization and the work they do for the residents of our community, please log on to www.bccr.org .
Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 12 from 12-5 PM to "Celebrate the Glen Festival" at Corbett's Glen. This event will feature a Glen Artwork Exhibit, 1928 Corbett's Glen Film Debut, guided nature and history tours, historic photos, the new Glen Cookbook, Corbett House tours, and more. While today this historic nature park is located within the Town of Brighton at Penfield's southwest border, its historical roots and public enjoyment extended to nearby Penfield parcels along Allens Creek, as we know from historic maps and photos. Additional details on this event for location and parking can be obtained at www.corbettsglen.org .
I remind everyone that the Pen-Rec fall brochure was recently mailed to every home in Penfield; if you did not receive this publication, please contact our Recreation Offices at 340-8655 or log on to www.penfield.org to sign up online for all the wonderful programs offered. Also, the August newsletter for "Renew Penfield" is available online. Check it out for what's new, saving money, and buying green!
I recently completed the "Walk Around Penfield" fitness program sponsored by Penfield Recreation in conjunction with our wellness partner Wegmans. This was an eight-week program designed to track your daily steps. If you averaged 5,000 steps a day, you will have walked around Penfield and have completed a "full marathon." There were some members of the Town Board (who shall remain nameless) who believed they would out-walk the supervisor; well I am pleased to report that did not happen...enough said on this topic, I will look to challenge them to another wellness event. Cardiovascular exercise such as walking can reduce the risk of heart disease; improve heart function and muscle tone, and lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and the risk of stroke. Remember, walking is an activity the entire family can enjoy; give up a little screen time for some scenery time!
Until next week, be well...
Tony
www.supervisor@penfield.org
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