Town Board Meeting - August 4, 2025

On August 4, 2025, the Yorktown Town Board held a regular meeting that included proclamations honoring military service members, reports from board members, extensive public comment on several controversial developments, and the approval of a three-year experimental biological treatment permit for Mohegan Lake. The board also discussed code enforcement, recreation fees, and upcoming community events.

Proclamations & Special Recognitions

• The board issued proclamations for United States Coast Guard Day (August 4, 2025), Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (July 27, 2025), and National Purple Heart Day (August 7, 2025).
• Purple Heart veteran Neil Gross spoke about the ongoing crisis of veteran suicide, urging the community to watch for signs and provide support. He stated, "22 veterans, retirees, active duty people... are committing suicide... Freedom is not free... these people are suffering."

Reports to the Town

• Supervisor Ed Lacterman highlighted upcoming events: National Night Out (August 5), New York Forward grant information session (August 13, 12–4 PM at Town Hall), Lions Club concerts (final two, with military tribute concert on August 24 at 5 PM), a senior picnic planned for September 25, and the ongoing renovation of the Triangle Center (expected completion late October/early November). He also announced a $100,000 CREST grant from Senator Pete Harkum for outdoor improvements.
• Councilman Patrick Murphy shared that he played his first pickleball game at the new courts and praised the library's programs.
• Councilwoman Susan Siegel provided detailed updates: work has started on Old Crompond Road bridge closure after delays due to trout spawning and Con Edison gas main relocation; NYSERDA updated fire codes for battery storage effective January 1, 2026 (she is checking if existing facilities must comply); the Hillcrest Mill sewer extension is stalled awaiting DEC approval; a new county septic repair grant program (no income restrictions) expected in September; she discovered a code requiring quarterly reports from the building department on violations and complaints; she raised concerns about a grant application due August 15 for a community center when funds could be used to repair the existing YCC; and she proposed two legislative initiatives: steep slope regulations and a comprehensive overhaul of recreation fees. She recommended forming an ad hoc committee including the town attorney, planning director, rec superintendent, recreation commission, and a board member to consolidate and strengthen recreation fee laws.
• Councilwoman Luciana Howitt reported on the pickleball court ribbon cutting at Tom Diana Park, noted that the rag fee issue (recreation fees) needs attention, and discussed commercial code compliance (Chapter 225) encouraging native plantings and landlord accountability for beautification.
• Councilman Sergio Esposito noted that the Triangle renovation is underway and attracting interest. He warned about AI-generated phone number scams, noting that "AI is about 70% accurate" and urged caution.
• Councilman Patrick Murphy (in discussion) corrected that state law already provides a mechanism for recreation fees but agreed that local code needs strengthening.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jay Hopstein (385 Kear Street owner) alleged the owner continues to operate in noncompliance with site plan and board resolution, with HVAC gates left open and environmental mitigation undone. He urged the board to call the bond and take legal action.
• Jim Flandro (Mark Road) requested a speed sign be reinstated on the detour route during the bridge closure and asked what happens if the bridge isn't finished by spawning season.
• Howard Gould (resident) praised the town's budget and expressed concerns about large-scale development (Navajo, solar farms) overwhelming infrastructure. He suggested using AI with historical town data to simulate impacts.
• Peter (Center Street) criticized a new four-way stop sign on Hanover Street, calling it an "overkill" that forces unnecessary stops and creates long lines, especially near churches.
• Sarah (Granite Point) urged the board to resume involvement in the Granite Point subdivision, citing a 2003 resolution asking NYSDEC to intervene. She said the property threatens the Amawalk Reservoir drinking water for 36,000 residents.
• Michael Hickens (candidate for town council) thanked the finance department for a clean audit, noted the fund balance is "on the high end" at $24 million, and asked why four water fountains in parks are out of order (estimated $6,000 each to repair) while the fund balance could cover it.
• Anna O'Neill (Yorktown Heights) argued that the B-line bus service on Route 6 is experiencing financial and operational difficulties, so it cannot alleviate traffic from the proposed Navajo development. She cited recent power outages and brownouts, and warned that increased population will require new fire apparatus, firefighters, police, and teachers, raising taxes.
• Joanne Silicato (Yorktown Heights) read from a July 25 memo by Planning Board member (and former supervisor) Aaron Bach, which stated that the Navajo property "does not foster economic growth," that the traffic study is "unreliable," and that the statement of minimal demand on emergency services is questionable. She urged the board to consider the memo before voting.
• Mike (resident) spoke in support of allowing the overlay inclusion for the Navajo Fields Project, stating that the overlay "does not green light the project" and that concerns about traffic, wetlands, and sewers should be addressed by unbiased professionals.
• Brian (Jefferson Village) opposed the Navajo project due to wetlands and settlement issues, saying building on wetlands (which cover 5% of U.S. land) creates mold, mildew, and foundation cracks.
• Jamie Chandani (Yorktown Heights) urged a "no" vote on the overlay because it would dilute the downtown commercial hub. She also promoted the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce as a resource for businesses.
• Charles O'Neill (Yorktown Heights) thanked board members for their service, noting it's a thankless job.
• Neil Gross (Mohegan Lake) thanked Dave Paganelli for road work and asked about the Asplundh tree contract; trees near power lines on Stony Street need trimming.

Discussion Items

• 385 Kear Street Compliance: The board discussed the ongoing noncompliance (HVAC not moved to roof, off-site mitigation not done). Supervisor Lacterman stated they have already spoken with legal and the building department, and the property owner was out of the country. Councilwoman Siegel called for calling the $20,000 bond. Supervisor reiterated that bonds are a common tool and they are moving forward but cannot discuss details due to legal advice.
• Recreation Fee Reform: Councilwoman Siegel formally proposed an ad hoc committee. The board received support from PJ (Recreation Commissioner) who said loopholes in the code allow developers to avoid fees, costing the town potential revenue. He asked the board to "be the one that actually solves this ongoing problem." Councilwoman Howitt confirmed she has researched other towns' fee structures. The board appeared supportive; resolution to form committee expected at next work session.
• Navajo Fields Overlay Decision: Multiple board members acknowledged the planning board's critical memo. Supervisor stated they have all the information and a decision may come at next week's meeting. Councilman Esposito noted the project could generate significant tax revenue (estimated $1.25M for schools, $250K for town), but he wanted to discuss the planning board's findings with the author. Councilwoman Howitt emphasized the need to consider existing infrastructure capacity.
• Mohegan Lake Biological Treatment: Ken Belfer (MLID President) presented a proposal to install an automated system that brews and delivers natural bacteria to the lake bottom over three years to accelerate decomposition of 21.5 feet of nutrient-rich muck. The bacteria strains have passed DEC-required toxicity tests at 4,000x dosage. Equipment will be placed at Mohegan Beach Park and Mohegan Colony Association Beach. The proposal is experimental and would set a precedent for New York State. Public comment from PJ (Mohegan resident) was strongly supportive, calling it a "benefit" and noting the town has a vested interest as a property owner. The board voted unanimously to approve the wetland permit and adopt a negative declaration under SEQR.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Wetland permit for Mohegan Lake biological treatment (WP-027-25), with conditions including pre-construction meeting, town engineer approval, DEC permits, and periodic inspections. Permit valid for three years from commencement of treatment.
• Adopted: Negative declaration under SEQR for the lake project.
• Approved: Consent agenda including fuel management system upgrade ($39,149.25), various personnel actions (Mark Bistro as permanent water service worker, Nauen Perrell to Senior Advisory Committee, accepting Donna Polito's retirement), release of erosion control bonds, budget transfers for parks and recreation to cover salary increases, attendance of police officer at crash investigation training, signing of a stormwater maintenance agreement, and change order for water main extension engineering services.
• Next Steps: Town board will discuss and potentially vote on the Navajo Fields overlay at the August 12 work session (not a public hearing, but public may attend). The recreation fee ad hoc committee will be formed; Councilwoman Siegel will prepare a resolution for next week. Councilman Esposito will speak with Con Edison about power line tree trimming. The building department will pursue compliance on 385 Kear Street bond.