Yorktown Town Board Meeting - March 18, 2025
Yorktown Town Board Meeting - March 18, 2025
Introductory paragraph summarizing the overall meeting: The meeting opened with a pledge, moment of silence, and recognition of the late Nita Lowy. Supervisor Ed Lachman reported on community events and the Hallex Mills sewer extension. Councilmembers provided updates on parks, business development, and open government. Proclamations were issued for Down Syndrome Awareness Day (March 21), Vietnam War Veterans Day (March 29), and National Kidney Month. Four Mohegan Volunteer Ambulance Corps members were recognized for exceptional service. A detailed discussion on the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) law led to a decision to amend and re-refer the draft. The board also passed several resolutions. Public comments addressed veterans' treatment, local businesses, traffic safety, solar/battery storage, and the ADU process.
Consent Calendar
- Authorized the supervisor to sign a lease renewal with Bright Beginnings at the Albert A. Cappellini Cultural Center, subject to permissive referendum.
- Authorized the central garage to sell obsolete parts and equipment at auction through Absolute Auctions and Realty Inc.
- Authorized the personnel manager to attend the New York Association of Towns conference (April 21–24, 2025).
- Authorized the supervisor to sign an agreement with Marshall Alarm for library perimeter access control, reimbursed by a CREST grant ($60,000); town cost $11,900.
- Authorized Weston & Sampson to perform wetland delineation verification for the proposed Puggy Aureliale Poggiarley Day Care.
- Authorized the supervisor to sign a service agreement with Granicus for webcasting services.
- Authorized the water department to sell obsolete vehicles (2008 Ford F-350, 2008 Chevy Uplander, 2014 Jeep Cherokee) at auction. All items passed unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Neil Gross (Vietnam veteran): Expressed deep gratitude for the Vietnam War Veterans proclamation; shared his painful experience of being spat on and denied jobs after returning from service. Called the proclamation meaningful and said he finally feels "home."
- Bob Giordano (1795 Hunter Brook Road): Requested board support and free tables for an April 26th marketplace at the Cappellini Center (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) for artists, crafters, small businesses, and nonprofits. Noted it will coincide with another town event but believes the town is big enough for both. No admission fee for public.
- Jay Kopstein: Thanked ambulance corps; praised clerk's office for FOIL responses; urged that ADUs be required to pay their fair share of taxes/fees (e.g., garbage tax). Cited 275 ADUs from building department data.
- Larry Killian (Yorktown Heights): Questioned declining retail value and tax revenue from new retail; noted the $1.9 million tax cert for JV Mall and no increased revenue from Uncle G's. Argued that the BJ's gas 485B tax break was not needed; called for an immediate review of 485B policy.
- Dan Strauss (58-year resident): Criticized battery storage in residential zones; urged stronger enforcement against litter at businesses and basketball court; requested stop signs or warning signs at London & Quinlan and Quaker Church Road.
- Michael Hickens (Yorktown Heights): Praised the open ADU discussion earlier in the meeting but criticized the process regarding Michael Grace's comments. Argued that the appearance of special access undermines trust; urged the board to work for residents who are too busy to attend.
- Howard Gould (25-year resident): Reported dangerous driving on Route 6N near the golf course – tailgating, speeding. Requested speed limit signs or stop signs with lights.
- Linda Miller: Urged the board to celebrate and promote long-standing local businesses (Taconic Pharmacy, Fabric Mart) equally with new chain stores. Noted Fabric Mart has 73 years of service; opposed turning Yorktown into a town of chain stores.
- Anthony Pachette: Promoted a YCNS school fundraiser on April 4th; pleaded for better sidewalk enforcement; asked the board to discuss traffic and alternative transportation.
- Ken Belfer: Presented a resolution (forthcoming) supporting state legislation to allow use of nutrient inactivants in lakes to combat blue-green algae blooms. Urged board support.
Discussion Items
- Supervisor's Report: Lachman highlighted St. Patrick's festivities, Maple Weekend (March 22-23 & 29-30), Easter events (April 15 & 19). Provided update on Hallex Mills sewer extension: exploring alternative funding, $13 million available; awaiting word on potential $10 million federal appropriation; considering East of Hudson funds. Defended seeking input from former officials on ADU law, emphasizing transparency.
- Councilwoman Howitt: Noted camp registration filled in 30 minutes; working on extra groups. Stated she is against ground-mounted solar in residential zones and wants specifics on sensory garden before supporting it (cost currently estimated at $150,000, source of water unknown).
- Councilman Esposito: Reported new businesses openings, including Wipe Your Paws, potential new restaurant in former Turkles building, and a popular Bronx Italian bakery interested in opening in town. Announced police beard-growing fundraiser for Alliance for Safe Kids and United for the Troops ($3,000 raised).
- Councilman Murphy: Reminded of library activities; mentioned a utilities Zoom call and upcoming energy forum.
- Councilwoman (Susan): Spoke about Sunshine Week (March 16-22), encouraged use of FOIL and Open Meetings Law. Provided sensory garden subcommittee update: grant of $50,000, but estimates now at $150,000+; water supply needed. Discussed Hallex Mills sewer extension – requested cost breakdown for $13 million to serve as many houses as possible; urged April 11th meeting for figures. Noted $5.8 million grant for pump stations; bond council meeting planned.
- Proclamations: Read and adopted for World Down Syndrome Awareness Day (March 21), National Vietnam War Veterans Day (March 29), and National Kidney Month.
- Poet Laureate Reading: A poem by John McMullen about a stair lift and a fall causing a broken hip; board sent well wishes.
- Recognition of Mohegan Volunteer Ambulance Corps: Four members awarded for accumulating 800+ points (calls/hours) in 2024: Robert Grasso (866 points), Paul (Pauly) (975 points), Michael Cole (1,019 points), Gus (1,823 points). Chief Matt Nass credited a cultural shift boosting membership and morale.
- ADU Law Discussion: Extensive debate on the draft law. John Taggater (Town Planner) expressed concern that allowing new detached ADUs up to 1,000 sq ft could change neighborhood character. Council members and the community housing board representative (Ken Belfer) suggested adding the word "existing" to ensure only existing accessory structures qualify. Consensus reached to rescind the earlier referral, add the word "existing" (and possibly differentiate size limits for interior vs. detached), and re-refer the law. The board also discussed amnesty for illegal ADUs and notification of renewal deadlines.
Key Outcomes
- Resolutions Approved: All seven consent calendar items passed unanimously.
- ADU Law Re-referral: The board rescinded its prior referral and voted to refer a revised draft that clarifies ADUs in detached buildings must be in existing structures (new construction not permitted). The draft will also maintain 800 sq ft for detached units and 1,000 sq ft for interior units. An Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) will be prepared; the law will be sent to planning and zoning boards for feedback.
- Public Hearing Scheduled: A public hearing on the solar law will be set for April 15th after additional board discussion.
- Review of 485B Policy: Councilman Murphy committed to review the 485B tax break policy, responding to resident concerns about declining retail revenue and tax certs.
- Sensory Garden: The subcommittee continues to develop cost estimates; the board awaits a full plan before committing additional funds beyond the $50,000 DASNY grant.
- Hallex Mills Sewer: Supervisor will report at the April 11th work session on how many streets/houses can be sewered with $13 million plus homeowner contributions. Pump station work to be phased to avoid tax burden.
- Traffic Signs: The board will investigate adding stop-ahead warning signs on Route 6N and London/Quinlan, subject to state traffic law constraints.
- Marketplace Support: The board agreed to revise and issue a press release for Bob Giordano's April 26th market; will provide free tables to some nonprofits.
- Ambulance Corps Recognized: Formal certificates of achievement presented; board thanked volunteers for exceptional service.
(Note: The agenda and minutes were not provided; this summary is based solely on the raw transcription.)
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to the town board meeting of March 18th, 2025. If we could all rise for the national anthem. National Anthem. No, no, Jay, you're singing. You're singing the National Anthem, Jay. No, okay. And uh drink in the world. Wow, so today I will ask our uh Vietnam veteran in the audience, uh Carl uh Deliverte to lead us. Deliverto, I'm sorry. Carl, it's been a long day. And your emails. Which expands Underground and individual liberty and justice for all. And if we could all remain standing for a moment of silence, uh as we especially um uh well I want to add one thing. Uh we want to uh recognize the passing of uh Nita Lowy uh who served our uh state uh very well for decades and uh I've had I had the uh pleasure of meeting her quite a few times in uh in the over the years and uh no matter what side of the aisle you stand on, she had clear vision of doing great for uh for New York. And uh we also of course want to keep in our prayers those that keep our uh keep our our freedoms free, uh those who pay the price for it, and we want to also thank, of course, our first responders who make us safe on the home front, as we have uh quite a few of our first responders here today. Um keep them in our prayers. Thank you. So we'll do introductions starting. Am I right? Good evening, everyone. Morrill Weiss Letter, Deputy Town Clerk. Good evening, everyone, Luciana Howitt, Councilwoman. Supervisor Ed Lachman. Sergio Esposito, Deputy Supervisor, Patrick Murphy, Councilman. Rudy Zoda, acting town attorney. Robin Steinberg Town Planner. Thank you, Robin, and thank you, Rudy. Um report from the town supervisor. I did want to just go over a few things. Uh first, a uh uh had a great time with a lot of the St. Patrick's celebrations in town. Uh the uh the American Legion had something with their fundraiser, the Elks on St. Patrick's Day, the Senior Center, uh with a great, great program. Uh we also had the uh the Elks with a program. So, you know, a lot of a lot of festivity. And uh, you know, I thank everyone for especially during Irish Heritage Month, making sure that they kept that uh kept that running. Uh it's it's nice to see the camaraderie, and it's it's everyone for the for the day. My name was Eddie O'Lactiman. And uh we we had a great time and uh it was uh fantastic. Wasn't it fun with the seniors? Oh, the seniors were amazing. Yep. I didn't even get pinched that much this year. Usually during the dance of this well, usually during the dancing, I get pinched. Um there will be uh the Sons of the American Legion because they did the St. Patrick's Day celebration on their normal third Sunday. Uh they will be doing a breakfast this coming Sunday starting at 9 a.m. to 11. So you'll have an opportunity if you want to support uh the veterans in our community. Uh you could see the American Lead uh the American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion will do their breakfast.
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