Yorktown Town Board Meeting - October 20, 2026

The meeting began with community announcements including the Sheridan Gorman Cup field hockey game, Halloween parade, and the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience. Councilwoman Susan Siegel provided updates on e-bike regulation, cell tower moratorium, and the streetscape RFP. A major presentation by Tim Foley of the Building and Realty Institute highlighted Westchester County's housing shortage, with a current need of 16,000 affordable units. Public comments addressed surveillance, parkland use, housing, and tax exemptions. The board adopted four real property tax exemptions for veterans and first responders, with one opposed. Routine personnel appointments and resolutions were approved.

Consent Calendar

• Appointed Justin Flores as Motor Equipment Operator/Stock Clerk in Highway Department (effective November 2, 2026).
• Appointed Nicholas (last name not given) as Laborer in Parks Department (effective October 31, 2026, contingent on drug test).
• Appointed Perry Carbone to Ethics Board for a three-year term expiring December 31, 2029.
• Approved budget transfer for extraordinary legal services.
• Released erosion control bond for Mohegan Colony Association ($500).
• Accepted bonds from Toll Brothers for Catherine Street site ($398,449.78 performance bond, $173,882 control bond).
• Approved meeting date change for budget review (November 5 and November 9, 2026).
• Authorized traffic study request at Barker Street and Route 6 intersection.
• Authorized consulting agreement with Pinsky Law Group to study financial support for volunteer ambulance corps (subject to board review of text).
• Approved change order for fencing at Tom Diana Park ($5,100) and budget transfer for volleyball court project.
• Authorized temporary leasing office at 800 East Main Street.
• Approved refund of duplicate tax payments and penalty.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul Moskowitz urged the board to prohibit commercial development on parkland, comparing a potential cell tower on parkland to a proposed road through Yosemite National Park for a private hotel.
• Mark Lieberman raised privacy concerns about automated license plate readers (ALPRs) on Underhill Avenue, citing Fourth Amendment violations, data errors, and potential misuse. He requested restricting data retention to a few days, limiting access, and posting signs.
• Jake Hopstein requested that all town department heads file monthly management reports, noting that the Village of Buchanan does so.
• Sarah Wilson promoted the upcoming Repair Cafe (October 24 at Grace Lutheran Church) and noted that approximately 500 households are on the affordable housing waiting list, with 56% already in Yorktown or adjacent towns.
• Jan Mirchendani shared her positive experience with affordable housing (Co-op City) and asked how the streetscape RFP aligns with the comprehensive plan update. She also noted the American flag outside the building lacked lighting.
• Anthony Pichette asked about incorporating alternative transportation in housing developments and addressing community concerns about newcomers. He also inquired about the former Uncle Giuseppe's site: now a Torco Plumbing location and a restaurant; the auto parts store is no longer planned.
• Grant Robish (new resident and veteran) sought clarification on veterans' tax exemptions and described difficulties buying a home in Yorktown despite multiple offers.

Discussion Items

• E-Bike Regulation: Councilwoman Siegel reported sending sample laws from Mount Pleasant, Croton, and Ardsley to the police and town attorney. She emphasized education and enforcement, noting the county's public hearing on its e-bike law will be November 9, 2026.
• Cell Tower Moratorium: Siegel expressed concern that the six-month moratorium (adopted July 2026) is running out and discussion on a permanent law has not occurred. An extension may be needed.
• Streetscape RFP: Siegel noted she submitted comments on the revised RFP draft but has not received a final version. Supervisor Lackman stated he will review her comments and bring the RFP back for discussion. The goal is a master plan for the larger Yorktown Heights hamlet, implemented in phases. Siegel objected to language suggesting work would proceed on just Downing and Veterans Road while a comprehensive plan is underway.
• Housing Presentation: Tim Foley (CEO, Building and Realty Institute) presented data from the Welcome Home Westchester campaign: Westchester needs 16,000 new affordable housing units (up from 11,703 in 2019), vacancy rate is 1.9% (healthy is 5%), and more housing was built in the last five years than the previous 25, but it is not enough. He recommended policies such as updating comprehensive plans, creating housing action plans, reducing zoning barriers, green fast-tracking, transit-oriented development, and land use board training. Discussion covered set-aside requirements (10% at 80% AMI is common) and impacts on schools and taxes. Council members expressed interest in set-aside laws and working with the housing board.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Tax Exemptions:
  • Active duty combat zone exemption (25% reduction, capped at $20,000 assessed value) – adopted unanimously.
  • Surviving spouse of police officer killed in line of duty (50% exemption) – adopted unanimously.
  • Surviving spouse of volunteer firefighter/ambulance worker killed in line of duty (50% exemption) – adopted unanimously.
  • 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans exemption (full exemption from town taxes and special districts) – adopted 4-1 (Councilwoman Siegel opposed, citing concern about shifting tax burden when veterans may be employable).
• EMS Study Agreement: Authorized supervisor to sign an agreement with Pinsky Law Group, contingent on board review of the text (per Siegel's stipulation).
• Traffic Study: Authorized supervisor to request NYS DOT to study the Barker Street and Route 6 intersection.
• E-Bike and Cell Tower Laws: Discussion deferred to November work session; e-bike law draft to be prepared; cell tower moratorium may need extension.
• Streetscape RFP: Board agreed to revisit the RFP text with Siegel's comments; no vote taken.

Public Hearing

A public hearing was held on four real property tax exemption resolutions. Sarah Wilson asked about administrative details and effective dates. The board then voted as above.