Yorktown Town Board Work Session Meeting - October 8, 2024

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence marking the anniversary of October 7th, with prayers for hostages, peace in the Middle East, and those affected by Hurricane Milton. Councilman Esposito delivered a historical address on the origin of Columbus Day as a response to the 1891 lynching of Italians in New Orleans, arguing it should remain a celebration of Italian-American heritage rather than be renamed Indigenous Peoples Day. The board then heard presentations on the Pines Bridge Monument Committee's plans for the 250th anniversary, discussed a $100,000 CREST grant for electronic signage, and reviewed the upcoming budget, which will require a tax cap override. A public hearing was held for the proposed redevelopment of 800 East Main Street into senior housing, with extensive traffic analysis and public comment. The meeting concluded with the adoption of several resolutions.

Discussion Items

• Pines Bridge Monument Committee / Yorktown 250th Anniversary – James Stripoli, Michael Conn, and Joe Ryan presented plans for a commemorative event on May 2–3, 2026, honoring the Battle of Pines Bridge and the First Rhode Island Regiment (African American, Native American, and European soldiers). They highlighted the monument's significance, a virtual tour of 11 Westchester sites, and efforts to secure living historians. The committee requested town support and noted that the event would boost heritage tourism. Council members expressed strong support, with Supervisor Ed Lachterman recalling his experience at the Bicentennial.

• CREST Grant – Electronic Signage – The town received a $100,000 grant from Senator Harkum. Supervisor Lachterman proposed using the funds for electronic signage at the library and the Cappellini Center (formerly the 6th Grade School) to promote programs and events. Councilwoman Susan Siegel suggested seeking broader community input before deciding. Councilwoman Luciana Muscente supported the proposed locations, noting they serve many residents. The board agreed to solicit ideas from department heads and community leaders while moving forward efficiently due to the grant’s reimbursement timeline.

• Budget Discussion – Tax Cap Override – Town Comptroller Janelle explained that after five years of flat or reduced taxes, rising inflation, utility costs, and insurance (liability insurance doubled in five years) necessitate breaking the state tax cap. The town will propose a local law to override the cap, with a public hearing scheduled for November 19, 2024. She noted that because the town did not raise taxes in prior years, the cumulative tax burden is still lower than if 2% increases had been made annually. There are no longer state rebate checks for staying under the cap. Council members acknowledged the need for the increase to maintain services.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 800 East Main Street Public Hearing – Several residents spoke. Ann O'Neill (Jefferson Village) supported the rental concept but questioned the timing of traffic counts (May–June) and whether school buses were included. Charles O'Neill (Jefferson Village) supported the project but worried that new signals would push cut-through traffic onto Hill and Lee Boulevards. Jesse Kemzer (760 East Main Street) raised concerns about truck damage to Old Route 6, school bus traffic, and the need for a comprehensive traffic study. Joanne Sellett (Jefferson Village) asked about the discrepancy between 278 parking spaces and only 60 peak-hour car trips, and what would happen if units could not be rented at $3,000–$4,000 per month. Dan Strauss (58-year resident) supported the project, argued the traffic impact is minimal, and questioned the need for traffic lights, noting only nine accidents in three years at the intersection. Sarah Wilson (resident) praised the reduced footprint but urged consideration of broader age demographics and affordable units. Ken Belfer (Mohegan Lake) supported the project, called for unit diversity, and noted that the intersection improvements would benefit safety. Anthony Pachette (resident) echoed calls for age diversity, smaller units, fewer parking spaces, and shuttle services. Several residents from Jefferson Village clarified their support for the project.

Key Outcomes

• 800 East Main Street Public Hearing – The hearing was closed after extensive testimony. A 10-day written comment period was established to allow additional input. The applicant will prepare a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) responding to all comments within 45 days.
• Tax Cap Override – A motion to refer the proposed local law to override the tax cap was approved. A public hearing will be held on November 19, 2024.
• Resolutions – The board approved a series of resolutions (all by voice vote with no dissent):
  • Authorized the supervisor to sign a premises access license with Verizon New York Inc.
  • Awarded a bid for emergency generator maintenance to Peak Power Systems ($38,207.30 effective October 9, 2024).
  • Released erosion control bonds to Terrence and Joan Stenstrom ($500) and Brendan Goodwin ($500).
  • Released a tie-in drainage permit ($1,000).
  • Extended the bid for stone, gravel, and concrete materials for the highway department through December 31, 2025.
  • Appointed Aver Sperling as probationary recreation assistant effective October 21, 2024.
  • Authorized the supervisor to sign a contract with ESI Employee Assistance Group.
  • Authorized the library director to sign a service level agreement.
  • Scheduled a town board meeting for October 22, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
  • Extended the bid for automotive and small engine parts for the water department through October 19, 2025.
  • Authorized the purchase of two 2025 Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicles for the water district.
  • Set disciplinary charges against a police officer (payroll #300157) with a hearing set for November 6, 2024 at 10 a.m.
• The meeting adjourned.