Yorktown Town Board Meeting - July 2, 2024

The regular town board meeting of July 2, 2024, convened in the evening and lasted approximately two and a half hours. The meeting included supervisor reports, a proclamation honoring outgoing Zoning Board Chairman Gordon Fine, the appointment of Lisa Rodriguez to the Conservation Board, discussion of new pet care facility legislation, extensive public comment on multiple development projects, and approval of several resolutions. The board addressed issues ranging from a proposed cell tower, a transfer station, the Navajo Fields overlay district project, Lake Osceola flooding, and an upcoming ATV law vote.

Proclamation & Personnel

• The board honored Gordon Fine for 29 years of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals, reading a proclamation and accepting his resignation.
• The resignation of Deanna Peterson from Parks and Recreation was accepted.
• Lisa Rodriguez was appointed to the Conservation Board.

Pet Care Facility Legislation

• John Tageter presented a new special permit section for doggy daycare facilities, prompted by increased interest. The legislation regulates outdoor space, noise control, multi-tenant soundproofing, and overnight stays. A public hearing on the amendment was scheduled for August 8, 2024. Council members discussed noise limits and soundproofing requirements.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jay Copstein argued that the proposed cell tower on Granite Springs Road is not mandated by the Telecommunications Act and that local zoning authority still applies.
• Joacevedo (Lake Osceola resident) expressed frustration over ongoing flooding and runoff from construction, alleging the town has not enforced its own code to force upstream property owners to clear blockages. He noted a site visit with Councilman Esposito revealed significant debris the town engineer had missed.
• Karen Erickson opposed the cell tower near Hallex Mills wetlands, citing removal of 30 mature trees along her property line and over 100 trees total. She thanked council members for a site visit.
• Doug Erickson supported the board's proposal to have the original cell study firm reassess alternatives. He noted that Homeland Towers cannot guarantee improved service and is only required to offer emergency space to bypass wetland rules.
• John Morone opposed the 40,000 sq ft recycling facility on Route 6, calling it a construction debris transfer station. He also opposed the 250-unit development on Navajo Road, estimating 500 additional students and a thousand new residents, stressing school and traffic impacts. He also mentioned the 800 East Main Street senior project.
• Paul Moskowitz (Huntingsville Association) asked for an update on the ATV law and enforcement.
• Ken Bell promoted Lake Day on July 13th with events at seven locations around Mohegan Lake.
• Howard Gould urged the board to prioritize environmental protection, noting that a mature tree absorbs 48 pounds of CO2 per year and that it takes 30 years for a new tree to mature.
• Jack Ramzuli (Jefferson Village) opposed the 254-unit project, citing traffic, strain on medical services, additional school costs, and runoff into Lake Osceola. He questioned the town's sanctuary county status and lack of help from Senator Schumer.
• Brian Selleck opposed both the recycling facility and the overlay district project, highlighting traffic, safety, and environmental risks.
• Susan Siegel corrected misinformation: the Navajo Fields site is in the same watershed as Lake Osceola. She questioned hiring La Bella for plan review and the town's decision to drop a resolution for General Code (later reinstated). She confirmed Walgreens would pay for Stony Street improvements.
• Sarah Wilson (Yorktown 100) invited residents to an EV show on July 14th during the Lions Club concert.
• Dan Strauss stated there is no code enforcement and criticized the transfer station and cell tower.
• Charles O'Neill (Jefferson Village President) warned that the proposed developments would decrease property values, increase noise and air pollution, and delay emergency response.
• Mark Willeman raised dust and runoff concerns from the transfer station.
• Betty Miko opposed the recycling facility, saying it would bring smoke and noise to Jefferson Village.
• Gene Troyano read a letter opposing 254 units, citing school and tax burdens.
• Joanne Selleck opposed amendment of the overlay district, citing environmental impact, traffic, school costs ($26,000 per student), and sewer hookup fees.
• Michael Kiernan asked about the roles of various agencies reviewing the A-Track transfer station variance request and opposed the facility.
• Juan urged the board to prioritize the community over money, stating clearing the stream is worth $55 million, and criticized lack of transparency on finances.

Discussion Items & Responses

• Supervisor Lacterman responded to public comments, defending the board's integrity and addressing projects individually. He noted that the transfer station is as-of-right and that the town cannot sterilize property. He announced a recodification of the town code with General Code to better define uses. For the Lake Osceola flooding, he and Councilman Esposito detailed ongoing efforts, including working with NYSDOT to clear the Route 6 culvert, using a boat to inspect upstream blockages, and addressing beaver dams. He stated that placing a lien on worthless property is not viable. For the cell tower, he wants both Homeland Towers and Cityscape to return for a study and noted the governor has not yet signed the alienation. The ATV law is scheduled for a vote on July 16. Regarding the Navajo Fields overlay district, he read the eight criteria required for approval and cited Rutgers University studies showing a student multiplier of 0.089 per apartment unit (approximately 8.9 students per 100 units), disputing the public's estimate of 500 students. He emphasized that the town board makes decisions based on facts, not emotion, and that all projects go through rigorous technical review.
• Councilman Esposito elaborated on Lake Osceola efforts, confirming he walked the property and found significant blockage at the Route 6 culvert (state-owned) and will follow up with DOT. He noted that the trash gate at Hill Boulevard is clear, but water is not pushing from the lake mouth.
• Councilman Murphy and Councilman Howitt participated in site visits and discussions.

Key Outcomes

• Pet Care Facility Legislation: Public hearing set for August 8, 2024.
• ATV Law: Scheduled to reconvene and likely vote on July 16, 2024.
• Resolutions Approved Unanimously:
  • Authorized purchase of a used Ford F-150 for the building department ($48,850).
  • Authorized plan review agreements with La Bella Associates for Underhill Farm and Garden Lane projects.
  • Released street opening permit and extended pavement marking bid.
  • Awarded Stony Street Interchange Improvements to SiteWorks Contracting Corp ($207,000), funded by Walgreens escrow.
  • Released various bonds and permits.
  • Authorized agreement with Westchester County for senior transportation funding ($10,113).
  • Approved water department budget transfer ($40,000) and bid awards.
  • Authorized agreement with General Code for recodification of the town code ($15,995).
• Next Steps on Lake Osceola: Continue working with NYSDOT, schedule boat inspection, and address beaver dams.
• Cell Tower: Further study requested; no action until state alienation is signed.