North Salem Town Board Meeting: Public Hearing on Croton Falls Plan and Worksession – September 9, 2025

The Town of North Salem Town Board held a public hearing and regular meeting on September 9, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM with an executive session and resuming at 7:00 PM. The main agenda included a public hearing on the proposed Croton Falls Master Plan, worksession discussions on no-parking designations and pickleball court locations, and consideration of numerous resolutions, including a major bond issuance for the Croton Falls Sewer District. The board also addressed retirement and resignation of personnel, approved various payments and agreements, and discussed the Delancey Hall renovation and water district matters.

Public Hearing: Proposed Croton Falls Plan

• The public hearing was opened for the proposed Croton Falls Master Plan, a supplement to the town's 2011 comprehensive plan. The board acknowledged receipt of a response from the Westchester County Planning Board, which encouraged more affordable housing but generally considered the plan reasonable.
• One resident (Cynthia) expressed concern that the board's recent placement of a farmer's market trailer in the Croton Falls parking lot without screening contradicted the plan's aesthetic goals. She urged adherence to the plan and noted that a sign on the trailer violated the town's zoning code on signage. The board acknowledged the concern and discussed possible screening, but noted the trailer sits over a drainage system and may need to be relocated.
• Cynthia also raised concerns that the sewer district and county letter signal development pressure, particularly for affordable housing around transit. Supervisor Warren countered that the grants carry no specific housing mandates and that the town already has a high percentage of affordable units (4% FAH and 13% ADUs). He detailed the sewer project costs: $16.282 million total, with $15.3 million secured from various grants and only $58,000 in annual operation and maintenance costs. He estimated annual costs per home at around $399–$400 per year.
• A business owner (Tom) spoke in favor of the sewer system, noting that his restaurant (High Grade) must use disposable tableware due to failing septic systems. He stated no business owner he spoke with opposes the system.
• The board closed the public hearing after no further public comments. They will later adopt the plan following an environmental termination.

Worksession: No Parking Designations on Route 121 and Bloomer Road

• The board discussed a proposed local law to establish no-parking zones on sections of Route 121 and Bloomer Road near a popular car meetup (first Sunday of each month). Residents and the Highway Superintendent described safety hazards: cars parked on both sides of the road, obstructing sight lines, and pedestrians lying in the road. Police have received complaints.
• The board debated the length of the no-parking zone, with some favoring extending it to the guardrail on Bloomer Road to prevent overcrowding. They agreed to set a public hearing for October 14, 2025, and to measure exact distances. The highway superintendent will place markers. The board also discussed towing authority but decided to include it in the signage.

Worksession: Pickleball Court Locations

• The board considered a complaint from a resident living 187 feet from the tennis court at JB Park, who cited loud pickleball noise. Supervisor Warren noted a standard recommendation of no pickleball courts within 500 feet of homes.
• The board discussed alternative locations, including Purdy's Field (near I-684, but DEP restrictions on impermeable surfaces and dog parks), Volunteers Park (wet area), and indoors at a commercial facility ($52/hour). The Recreation Committee is updating its master plan; the board decided to cease pickleball at JB Park immediately, post signs, and refer the issue to the Recreation Committee for future site assessment.

Resolutions and Approvals

• Consent Calendar (unanimous): Approved payment of town bills ($250,182.52) and highway bills ($46,443.00). Accepted monthly reports from all departments for August 2025.
• Appointments and Personnel: Reappointed Elaine Sweeney to the Board of Assessment Review (term to Sept. 30, 2030). Acknowledged resignation of Recreation Assistant Sage Kilborn (effective Aug. 28, 2025) and retirement of Highway Department employee Anthony Lundy (effective Sept. 9, 2025).
• Croton Falls Sewer District: Authorized a resolution to issue $16,282,000 in bonds (as required by EFC, though no actual borrowing is needed due to grants). Vote: 2 ayes (Warren, Brent), 1 nay (Peter) – Peter cited concerns about growth pressure. Also authorized applying for a $2 million Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) grant.
• Other Resolutions: Accepted hold harmless agreement from Verizon for communications facility renewal. Set public hearing for Oct. 14, 2025 on the no-parking local law. Approved 2025 omitted/revised water billings (~$950 total). Authorized use of school facilities for men's basketball. Approved refunds for recreation programs ($275 and $208). Signed cleaning agreement with Crystal Blue Cleaning Service for biweekly cleaning at multiple town buildings. Signed revocable land use permit for Purdy's Field (annual fee $3,240.52). Released wetland escrow ($1,000) for 173 Baxter Road. Paid $6,250 to Robert Walsh Associates for engineering services on the Sunset Ridge Water District PFAS removal system.
• Audit Findings: Postponed acceptance of the 2024 audit findings to the next meeting at the request of the auditor, Andrew Arias of Cooper Arias, LLP.
• Payment to Cooper Arias, LLP: Approved $26,500 for preparation of 2024 financial statements; Supervisor Warren abstained due to family relationship.

Delancey Hall Update

• The board discussed renovation progress at Delancey Hall. A structural engineer found some beam and sill issues that require repairs. The building needs to be emptied of heavy fireproof cabinets to reduce weight. Supervisor Warren authorized renting two PODS (not to exceed $2,500 for six months) and will get quotes for moving services. Town Clerk Maria Halushko noted the move forces a records management discussion, including scanning options and future use of office space.

Other Discussion: Pabst Water District

• Supervisor Warren reported on the Pabst (PAPS) water system: a 20,000-gallon buried tank was inspected after 47 years, and the board authorized cleaning it for a cost not to exceed $2,100. He also noted a $131,000 testing requirement from the Department of Health for the Croton Falls Water District's PFAS equipment, which he is contesting. He submitted a $535,000 grant request for water system improvements.

Key Outcomes

• Public hearing on Croton Falls Plan closed; adoption pending environmental termination.
• No parking on Route 121 and Bloomer Road: public hearing set for October 14, 2025, with final signage and distances to be determined.
• Pickleball at JB Park terminated; future siting referred to Recreation Committee.
• Bond resolution for Croton Falls Sewer District passed 2-1 (Peter opposed).
• Cleaning agreement for Delancey Hall PODS authorized (not to exceed $2,500).
• Pabst water tank cleaning authorized (not to exceed $2,100).