Town Board Work Session – July 14, 2026

The Yorktown Town Board held a work session on July 14, 2026, beginning at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence in memory of two individuals: U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (who passed away July 12) and Robert “Bobby” Gage, the town’s former deputy highway superintendent who died of pancreatic cancer on July 2 after 36 years of service. Town Clerk Susan Siegel corrected an earlier announcement about five affordable senior units at York Farms by providing the correct phone number: 914-686-3474.

Public Hearings

• Water District Extension No. 1 – The board convened a hearing to expand the district to include 82 residential homes (77 of which are currently out-of-district customers). In-district customers pay $710 per 9,000 gallons; out-of-district pay $1,420. The change will give those 77 homes an annual savings of about $2,130. Five other homes will be added for future connection. Public speakers Nancy Harper Kelly (Glassbury Court) expressed happiness and asked that the clubhouse be included, which Superintendent Paul Vasillo confirmed will be covered once the boundary changes. Dana Laporta (Glassbury Court) asked when the change would take effect; Paul said the next billing cycle if approved. Peter (off Hanover Road) asked about hookup costs; he currently has a well. The tap fee for in-district will be $1,200 rather than $10,000, but two of five houses can tap immediately; the remaining three require a 700-foot main extension (hoped for next year). The hearing was closed and the board unanimously voted to establish the extension, subject to state approval (expected in a few weeks).

• Zoning Amendment – Chapter 300 (CRC Special District) – The board heard a proposal to amend the zoning for the Jefferson Valley Mall to add “indoor recreation and amusement center” and “brewery” as permitted uses. Town Planner Robin explained that the current list is too restrictive and these uses are needed to adapt to changing mall trends. No public comments were made. The board closed the hearing and unanimously voted to add the uses.

Discussion Items

• Lake Day 2026 Recap – Ken Belfour from the Mohegan Lake Improvement District presented a photo summary of Lake Day held the second week of July. Events included a kids’ fishing derby (more children than poles), kids’ games at Mohegan Highlands, a water taxi between beaches, a talk by Lynn Briggs on Rochambeau, a “melting pot” ethnic food station, art on the lake, a scavenger hunt after Ranger Rick canceled, a square dance, kids’ poster contest, Clear Water Chorus, and Chinese floating lanterns (disrupted by fireworks from a nearby postponed July 4th event). Water temperatures have risen significantly (June 2023: 60.8°F; June 2026: 77.9°F; July 5, 2023: 69.4°F; July 10, 2026: 84.7°F). Ken noted the lake looked unusually clear but no single explanation was known. Supervisor Ed Lachterman commended the event and thanked all volunteers.

• Proposal: Downing Street Car Wash (372 Downing Drive) – Attorney David Steinmetz (Zaren & Steinmetz) presented a plan for a flagship car wash on a 1.7-acre C3-zoned parcel opposite Downing Drive. The 11,500 sq ft building would be fully automated with a conveyor system (one wet belt, two dry belts). Vehicles queue off-site with space for about 15 cars; typical maximum queue is 12–13 vehicles. The site includes a trailhead and wetlands; the proposal relocates 200 feet of trail to a sidewalk and crosswalk, and would add traffic signal improvements (estimated $1.25–$1.35 million) if deemed necessary by the state DOT. The project would create 25–30 employees (10–12 on shift). Parking is limited to 4 spaces because company data shows fewer than 50% of employees drive to work. Concerns raised by board members: The site is in the heart of a congested commercial corridor (Route 118); traffic and queuing could exacerbate existing congestion; the integrated car wash code dates to 1994 and mostly addresses gas stations; sewer capacity is very tight (current plant flow near 1.3 MGD vs. permitted 1.5 MGD, with a 2.5 MGD design capacity but permitting hurdles). Councilwoman Susan Siegel noted the 2010 comprehensive plan oversight left this parcel as C3 (highway zone) despite being in a hamlet, and that the 2021 overlay district did not fix it. Board members expressed mixed feelings – some saw potential safety improvements for the trail crossing, others questioned the wisdom of a car wash in that location. The application is filed and will proceed to formal review.

• 600 Kitchenwan Road – Single-Family Home – Engineer Tim Allen (Bivot Associates) presented a proposal to build one single-family home for a family member on a 16.6-acre lot (with 21.7 adjoining acre owned by same person). Disturbance is just over 20,000 sq ft (threshold for board review). The home (approx. 20×60 ft, three bedrooms, one-car garage under) will be accessed via a common driveway from the adjacent property. Slopes are steep elsewhere but driveway slope under 8%. The board agreed to handle it administratively, with referral to the Conservation Board per standard practice. The applicant was directed to work with Town Engineer Dan.

• Shrub Oak Park Roller Rink Grant – A group called Friends of Shrub Oak Memorial Park Roller Rink (led by Cassandra Vasquez, Frank Vasquez, Matt Lauria, Chance, and others) presented a phased plan to reconstruct the dilapidated rink. Phase 1 (using a NYS Environmental Protection Fund grant – maximum $675,000, requiring a 50% match) includes demolishing existing slab, pouring a new concrete slab with trench for eventual refrigeration piping, installing boards/glass or chain link, and erecting a canopy (with solar capability). Total Phase 1 cost estimated at $1.3 million. Phase 2 (funded through additional grants, NHL partnerships, and a public-private RFP for refrigeration) would add real ice (plant, Zamboni) for seasonal ice hockey. Phase 3 would add bathrooms and concessions. The group has letters of support and a grant writer (Tara). They requested board blessing to apply. Board members expressed general support, though Councilwoman Siegel raised a capital planning question about prioritization among multiple grant applications (sensory trail, Downing Park, etc.). The board gave verbal consensus to proceed with the grant application.

Key Outcomes

• Water District Extension No. 1 – Approved unanimously (voice vote) after public hearing; will be sent to state for final approval, expected before next billing cycle.
• Zoning Amendment (CRC Special District) – Approved unanimously (voice vote) to add indoor recreation/amusement and brewery as permitted uses.
• Downing Street Car Wash – Application filed; will return for formal review; board asked for more details on traffic, sewer flows, and parking.
• 600 Kitchenwan Road – Determined administrative; applicant to work with Town Engineer and Conservation Board.
• Shrub Oak Park Rink Grant – Board agreed to support application; blessing to proceed granted.
• Resolutions (Consent Agenda) – Approved unanimously: personnel (resignation from Highway Department), release of escrow deposit, bid award for parking lot paving at Granite Knolls ($89,000 to Cerone Construction Inc.), budget transfers for park projects, police youth program agreement, intermunicipal agreement with school district, renewal of commuter lot license, stormwater agreements, library digital sign bid ($12,092 to Glow Neon Signs), stormwater maintenance agreements, release of consultant payment, and solid waste agreement.