Yorktown Town Board Meeting Summary - May 5, 2026

The Yorktown Town Board met on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM (approximate start time) at Town Hall. The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Ed Lacterman, with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. All board members were present: Supervisor Ed Lacterman, Deputy Supervisor Sergio Esposito, Councilwoman Susan Siegel, Councilman Magic Murphy, Councilman Ilon Gilbert, Town Clerk Diana Quast, and Town Attorney Adam Rodriguez. The meeting included reports on community events, pool openings, public comments on housing and land use, a presentation of Women of Distinction awards, proclamations, discussion of a proposed moratorium on multifamily housing, and several resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• Appointment of Michael Pilero to the position of probational lead maintenance mechanic in the Water Department was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jay Copstein (Yorktown Heights) expressed concerns about the proposed affordable housing set-aside law, arguing it focuses on social engineering rather than genuine need. He requested a housing census and that the community housing board oversee compliance.
• Mora Gregory (Mohegan Lake) urged the board to schedule a public hearing for the affordable housing set-aside law, citing the need demonstrated by local food pantries.
• Jan Mirjendani (Yorktown Heights) criticized the late posting of agendas, noting that the housing moratorium was not on the agenda until the day of the meeting. She also expressed concern that the moratorium expires days after the election and asked why certificates of occupancy were issued for Underhill Farms before intersection improvements were completed.
• Sarah Wilson (35-year resident) thanked the board for promoting the garden club sale and expressed surprise at the proposed moratorium on multifamily housing, noting she had not heard prior discussion as a member of the Community Housing Board. She offered to update the affordable housing inventory.
• Karen Erickson asked why the cell tower moratorium was not on the agenda and requested that the board formally rescind the parkland alienation for 62 Granite Springs Road, as the board had previously stated it would not proceed.
• Wendy Frank (Yorktown) also urged the board to protect 62 Granite Springs Road, citing environmental sensitivity. She criticized the late posting of resolutions on the day of the meeting, calling it unethical.

Discussion Items

• Pool and Recreation Updates: Supervisor Lacterman reported that Shrub Oak Pool is scheduled to open June 20, Junior Lake Pool will open Memorial Day weekend, and pool registration opened May 5. Sparkle Lake beach improvements are underway. Summer camps have room, with a second bus added for travel camp (now full).
• Arbor Day and Waterfront Revitalization: The town celebrated Arbor Day with student posters and a tree planting. The Local Waterfront Revitalization Committee is being reconstituted; five members are sought.
• EMS Meeting: A joint meeting with the Town of Cortland on EMS is scheduled for May 28 at 6:30 PM at Town Hall (location may change).
• Upcoming Events: Fam Jam (May 5–6) at Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Field; Paint Recycling (May 15, 9 AM–1 PM) behind the police station; library author event May 8.
• Historical Commemorations: A new monument honoring Revolutionary War soldiers was unveiled at Veterans Memorial Circle on May 2. The Sorrentino Cup baseball game between Lakeland and Yorktown was played. Peter Pratt's Inn hosted a Revolutionary War-themed event.
• Retirement and Recognition: Police Officer Tommy Nadorski retired with distinction. Eagle Scout Jacob Wright was congratulated. YVAC (Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps) held an awards brunch, highlighting a strong junior corps.
• STAR Exemption Warning: Deputy Supervisor Esposito warned residents about a state letter requiring online income verification within 45 days to retain the STAR exemption. He noted that missing the deadline leads to denial, and an appeal process exists but requires mailed documentation.
• Tariff Refund Process: Esposito also shared information about a federal tariff refund program (CAPE) for small businesses, with a webinar on May 6.
• Women of Distinction Awards: Supervisor Lacterman presented certificates from Congressman Michael Lawler to Anna Marie Mandara (for her work with Gigi's Playhouse and veterans) and Cynthia Seacor Smith (for leading the St. Mary's food pantry and Food Insecurity Task Force). Both spoke, with Mandara noting her daughter Gianna, who has Down syndrome, joins her in volunteering. Smith reported that 95% of pantry clients are employed, and over 700 Yorktown households live below the poverty line.
• Proclamations: The board declared May 2026 as Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.
• Poem: Sergio Esposito read a poem by John F. McMullen reflecting on 45 years in Jefferson Valley.
• Community Events: The garden club plant sale is May 9; Fam Jam runs May 5–6.
• Old Business: Councilwoman Siegel raised several items:
  • The telecommunications moratorium (cell tower) was referred out after a motion was made, with the attorney noting tweaks from a previous draft.
  • The need for a 1–3–5-year capital plan, citing four roads with deteriorating culverts (including White Hill Street, which is being prioritized due to a truck hit).
  • The temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) law was not on the agenda due to confusion over whether the public hearing was closed; it will be addressed at a future meeting.
• New Business:
  • Siegel proposed amending the public notice law (Chapter 205) to require that adjourned public hearings have their reconvened date announced at the time of adjournment, applicable to the town board, planning board, and zoning board. The board agreed to consider a policy rather than a law.
  • Siegel requested setting a public hearing for the affordable housing set-aside law in June. Other board members preferred to wait for comments due May 6 before scheduling.
• Proposed Moratorium on Multifamily Housing: The board discussed a six-month moratorium on subdivisions of six or more units and multifamily housing.
  • Supporters (Supervisor Lacterman, Councilmen Murphy, Gilbert, Esposito) argued it would allow time to assess infrastructure impacts from recent developments (Underhill Farms, Garden Lane) and to let the comprehensive plan committee work. They emphasized it is not a permanent stop and that the town can still discuss affordable housing separately.
  • Opponent (Councilwoman Siegel) argued the moratorium is unnecessary because the town board controls rezoning and the planning board can impose conditions through SEQR. She called it an "end run" to delay the affordable housing set-aside law. She also noted the comprehensive plan committee is already reviewing zoning.
  • The board will move forward to draft a resolution for the moratorium, with input from the attorney.
• 485B Commercial Incentive Board: Councilwoman Siegel presented guidelines for the board to review, including whether the incentive is still needed, which business types should be eligible, geographic targeting, and a review of past incentives. She recommended a six-month deadline for a report. Others added the need for a holistic view of benefits (jobs, tax revenue) and suggested appointing former assessor Kim Penner as chair. The board agreed to adopt the framework.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 1 (Personnel): Appointed Michael Pilero to Water Department – unanimously approved.
• Resolution 2 (Fire Prevention): Authorized Carla Esposito to assist fire prevention board at $150 per meeting – approved.
• Resolution 3 (Personnel Manager): Authorized attendance at NY Association of Towns finance school – approved.
• Resolution 4 (Parks): Authorized purchase of a 2026 Ford F-350 pickup truck for $59,817.70 from Hempstead Ford – approved (funds from salary savings due to a vacant position).
• Resolution 5 (Facility Use): Authorized agreement with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church for summer camp – approved.
• Resolution 6 (Police): Authorized two officers to attend security expo in Atlantic City – approved.
• Resolution 7 (Parking Lot Design): Authorized agreement with Site Design Consultants for parking lot design at Tom Diana Park – approved 4-1, with Councilwoman Siegel opposed, arguing the work could be done in-house by the deputy town engineer.
• Telecommunications Moratorium: Referred out to committees for review – approved unanimously.
• Affordable Housing Set-Aside Law: Public hearing date to be set at a future meeting, after comments are received.
• Moratorium on Multifamily Housing: The board will continue drafting a resolution for a six-month moratorium on subdivisions of six or more units and multifamily housing, to be discussed at the next work session.
• Public Notice Amendments: The board will consider a policy to announce adjourned public hearing dates at the time of adjournment.