Yorktown Town Board Meeting - July 1, 2025

The Yorktown Town Board convened on July 1, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM (EDT) for a regularly scheduled meeting. The agenda included reports from town officials, public comments, and two public hearings: one on the proposed extension of the Lake Osceola Overlay District to include the Navajo Fields property (a 242-unit residential and commercial development), and another on a $7.2 million pump station upgrade for the Hallex Mills and Osceola Sewer Districts. The meeting lasted over five hours due to extensive public testimony.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved a series of routine personnel actions and resolutions, including the acceptance of a retirement letter from Police Captain James Graham effective July 4, 2025, and the appointment of Justin Foley as Police Captain, Anthony De Pietro as Police Lieutenant, Thomas Barrett as Detective Sergeant, and Chad Delgado as Police Sergeant, all effective July 7, 2025. Other appointments included Laura Constantine to the Conservation Board (term ending Dec 31, 2028), Amy Swann as Assistant Curator at the Yorktown Museum, Kayla Hama as CAD/GIS Technician, and Paul Vasillo as Distribution Superintendent in the Water Department. The resignation of Janice Seriano from the Finance Department was accepted.
• Several erosion control bonds were released, and budget transfers were approved for the Mohegan Beach Park District (bathroom rehabilitation and lawn care). Refunds for zoning application fees were authorized.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Howard Gould (Yorktown resident) criticized Councilwoman Susan Siegel for an alleged "secret private meeting" regarding a state grant for fluoride removal, questioning whether she acted alone in contacting the state. Councilwoman Siegel defended her right to seek information individually, stating she was gathering facts.
• Gwen Darling (Faux Vineyard Church) announced "Hope Fest," a music festival at Jack DeVito Field on August 16, 2025, from 12 noon to 7 PM, featuring bands, food trucks, and family activities. The board expressed support.
• Ken Balfer (President, Mohegan Lake Improvement District) promoted Lake Day on July 12, 2025 (rain date July 13), including a hike, fishing derby, live music, and a documentary screening. Councilwoman Howitt committed to leading a hike.
• Sarah Wilson (Yorktown Heights resident) voiced concern about the "Granite Point" development in Somers on the Amawalk Reservoir shoreline, a critical environmental area. She urged the town to inform residents and noted a Somers Town Board meeting on July 10, 2025. Supervisor Lackterman confirmed he would seek updates from the Northern Westchester Joint Waterworks.
• Larry Killian (Yorktown Heights) questioned why property taxes rose 7.4% when the adopted budget projected 6.6%, asserting an error using March assessed values instead of September values. Supervisor Lackterman and Councilwoman Howitt acknowledged a mistake but denied any nefarious intent, stating the tax levy itself did not increase and that the error would be addressed in the next budget. Councilwoman Siegel added that a mistake was made and should have been acknowledged.
• Patrick Kaminski (Parks and Recreation Commissioner) noted July is National Parks and Recreation Month, thanking staff and encouraging use of parks. He also urged the board to ensure developers contribute to recreational infrastructure.
• Dwayne Simmons (President, Jefferson Village) opposed the Navajo Fields overlay, citing traffic congestion, emergency service access, and changing the character of Yorktown. He urged the board to "prove" they serve the people.
• Several residents spoke both for and against the Navajo Fields overlay. Opponents (e.g., Ann O'Neill, Jan Merjendon, Lonnie Gilbert, Joanne Siller, Jay Kopstein, Brian D., Michael Higgins) cited traffic, environmental concerns (wetlands, stormwater), spot zoning accusations, infrastructure strain, and emergency service limitations. Proponents (e.g., Frank Juvino, Lynn Randini, Andrea Criolo, Michael Sabatelli, CJ Riefenhauser) emphasized the need for sewers, economic revitalization, sports facilities, and housing diversity. Attorney Michael Grace and engineer Zach Pearson presented the project's benefits, including a proposed sewer trunk line to benefit the corridor and a 23,000 sq ft indoor sports facility.
• Lonnie Gilbert (former town supervisor, former Conservation Board member) argued the overlay expansion resembles illegal spot zoning and would damage wetlands. He urged rejection.
• Andrea Criolo (business owner) presented 600 signatures in support of the project, citing increased foot traffic for local businesses.

Discussion Items

• Financial Report: Supervisor Lackterman reported the 2024 audit will be presented later in July; the general fund has a healthy balance of approximately $36 million, with $24 million unassigned. He proposed a capital plan work session in August to address infrastructure needs across parks, highway, and other departments. Councilwoman Siegel cautioned that general fund balance cannot be used for certain infrastructure like sewer extensions.
• Independence Day Proclamation: The board proclaimed July 4, 2025 as Independence Day in Yorktown, and also noted it was "Jim Graham Day" in honor of the retiring police captain.
• Public Hearing on Hallex Mills/Oscéola Sewer Districts: The board held a public hearing on a proposed $7.2 million pump station upgrade (five stations) for the Hallex Mills and Osceola Sewer Districts. Dan (town engineer) explained that a $5.7 million grant from the state would cover most costs; the remaining approximately $1.4 million would be funded through the respective sewer districts. Councilwoman Siegel expressed concerns about cost estimates being based on 2021 figures and asked whether modifications (changing from full demolition to renovation) justified the same costs. Dan responded that scope changes (renovation vs. replacement) saved money, and the cost estimates included contingencies. The board ultimately supported the measure.
• Public Hearing on Lake Osceola Overlay District Expansion (Navajo Fields/Creative Living): This public hearing dominated the meeting. After extensive testimony, the board voted to close the hearing but keep the written comment period open for 28 days to allow the Planning Board and Conservation Board to weigh in. Councilwoman Susan Siegel announced she would vote against the overlay expansion, stating the parcel was never part of the original overlay focus on the lake, that the project's rationale (sewer line as catalyst) was overstated given wetland constraints, and that the process was disingenuous. She also noted the developer's own documents acknowledged limited development potential on adjacent properties. The developer's attorney, Joe Ariel, countered that many public concerns would be addressed during the full site plan review.

Key Outcomes

• Hallex Mills/Oscéola Sewer District Upgrades: The board passed a public interest order and a bond resolution authorizing up to $7.2 million in serial bonds for pump station upgrades (Resolution roll call: Ayes - Esposito, Murphy, Howitt, Lackterman, Siegel; all voted yes). The board acknowledged that the bond would likely be issued in a lower amount after grant reimbursement and alternate financing.
• Navajo Fields Overlay Hearing: The public hearing was closed for oral comments but remained open for written submissions for 28 days (until approximately July 29, 2025). No vote was taken on the overlay expansion; the board will wait for recommendations from the Planning Board and Conservation Board.
• Climate Smart Communities Solar RFP: The board rejected the initial RFP for solar installations on town buildings and authorized re-advertising. Supervisor Lackterman will use his discretion to bring in a consultant from Sustainable Westchester to rewrite the bid specs.
• Other Resolutions: All other resolutions on the consent calendar passed by voice vote.