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Residents and board spar over combining public‑works and building‑inspection roles
Summary
Multiple residents urged the board to reconsider appointing one official to serve as both commissioner of public works and building inspector, citing understaffing, conflicts of interest and potential risks to code enforcement; supporters said similar arrangements had occurred and praised the commissioner’s emergency leadership.
A string of public commenters pressed the Greenburgh Town Board to reconsider its April appointment to have a single person serve as both commissioner of public works and building inspector, calling the arrangement a governance and public‑safety risk.
Edward Dwyer said the 4–1 appointment raises “serious questions about the effective governance of public safety and responsible use of taxpayer money,” telling the board the building department faces chronic understaffing with multiple vacancies. Dwyer asked whether combining the roles implies reduced hours or pay adjustments and urged transparency about inspections and enforcement.
Arthur Kahane and other residents echoed that concern, saying the building‑inspector role requires day‑to‑day code enforcement that is incompatible with leading a large public‑works operation. Kahane urged hiring a full‑time inspector instead of paying one person to fill both roles.
Supporters of the appointment and some board members pushed back. One board speaker noted the individual in question has performed related duties in the past and that when emergencies arise — including the recent sewer repair at West Rumbrook Park — the commissioner’s coordination was essential. A board spokesperson said the arrangement has been in effect in various forms and that the town will review staffing and reporting requirements.
The debate prompted at least one ethics review and a planned meeting of the ethics board on April 16, residents said. Board members said they would follow up with requests for weekly inspection reports and further documentation about who conducts inspections while personnel cover emergency duties.
What happens next: residents asked for greater transparency, weekly reporting on inspections, and consideration of hiring additional building‑department staff; the board did not reverse the appointment during the meeting but agreed to continue the discussion and to provide follow‑up information.
