Frequently Asked Questions by Residents

Last Updated 2009.07.27

Upcoming/Recent Events
Farmer’s Market Opened - Sat, May 30th, 7:00am to 1:00pm, Memorial Plaza

Q: Do you know you can watch Board Meetings, School Meetings, and a number of other events live and recorded?
A: They are available via the PCTV76 website.

Q: What's going on with the run-down home at 55 Pleasant Avenue?
A: The County is considering donating the above dilapidated home for rehabilitation for middle class housing as managed by A-Home, a non-profit. The house would include an accessory apartment as well. This is allowed under Village Zoning ordinances (section 185-31). Currently, it's not on Village tax rolls and is an eye sore. So, this could be a win-win situation. There has been some local neighborhood negative feedback due to flood control and house size issues. This project is still in the planning phase.

Q: What is the status with Verizon FiOS TV service?
A: The board has been negotiating with Verizon almost on a daily basis as reported by the Mayor, and has requested the same deal offered to neighboring municipalities. Verizon has been extremely slow to respond. The Village TV station and other services are based on the tv fees, so it's important they are not cut. Once Verizon offers a "fair" amount, they will be welcomed into the community. Keep in mind, Verizon FiOS internet costs more than Cablevision's so I'm not sure it'll reduce everyone's cable costs.

Q: What is the status of the Church Street sidewalks?
A: At the Mon 5/18 board meeting, the board has hired a traffic engineering company (Adler) to look into the feasibility of sidewalks on Chruch Street. At the end of June 09, Adler should have their initial report ready. Board had been looking into what options exists from a traditional sidewalk to path.

Q: How can I ask a question?
A: Send an email to Ben Serebin. My email address is: ben "the @ symbol" serebin "dot" com.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

RFP for Sale of Recreation Center (359 Bedford Road)

[as sent to the Pleasantville News mailing list.]

The Board of Trustees has issued a Request for Proposals in contemplation of the sale of 359 Bedford Road ( the Recreation Center). Interested persons are invited to partipate in the same. Please contact my office for a full copy of the RFP with attachments. All responses are due on or before April 30, 2008.

Yours truly,
Patricia Dwyer, Village Administrator

LEGAL NOTICE

Request for Proposals (RFP) 359 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY

The Village of Pleasantville is seeking proposals from qualified persons interested in the acquisition and restoration of 359 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY. The Request for Proposals (RFP) with all specifications can be obtained from the office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, 80 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville, NY. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 4PM.
Judy Weintraub
Village Clerk
February 11, 2008


Request for Proposals (RFP) 359 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY

INTENT
The Village of Pleasantville, New York (hereinafter “Village”) seeks proposals from individuals or organizations experienced in the rehabilitation and restoration of architecturally significant structures that are interested in acquiring and restoring the premises located at 359 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York. This unique structure served the Village as its first public library, and thereafter has been utilized as its recreation center.
It is the intent of the Village to establish a relationship with a successful responder for the express purpose of negotiating the sale of this property. The Village reserves the right to reject any and all proposals at any time during this process if, in the Village’s sole discretion, it is deemed to be in its best interest to do so. The Village also reserves its right to privately negotiate the sale of this property if, in the Village’s sole discretion, it is deemed in its best interest to do so. The responders’ financial information will remain confidential at all times. The Village will not be liable for costs incurred for any preparation or presentation in response to this RFP, or in conjunction with any other due diligence undertaken in response to this RFP.
By participating in this process you are not entering into a contract to purchase this property. You are, however, expressing serious interest in the property and in pursuing contract discussions
with the Village of Pleasantville.


GENERAL INFORMATION

PROPERTY ADDRESS 359 Bedford Road, Village of Pleasantville, Town of Mount Pleasant, Westchester County

TAX MAP DESIGNATIONS Section 3, Block 14, Lots 13/14 (V)
Section 106.6 Block 2, Lot 61 (T)

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION The subject site is improved with a building containing 3900+/- square feet of area. Construction of this building was completed in 1896.

SIZE OF LOT(s) .26+/- acre

ZONING R-2A Two-Family Residence District
Special Character Overlay District

APPRAISED VALUE $700,000 Landmark Appraisal
(As of October 2007) $640,000 Valuation Plus, Inc.

OBJECTIVES OF THE VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
Responders to the RFP must demonstrate an understanding, acceptance of, and adherence to the following objectives of the Village of Pleasantville:

1. Structural rehabilitation shall result in the preservation, restoration and replication of original architectural treatments and features circa 1896. Project concepts will be evaluated using the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. These preservation principles are as follows:
· Choose new uses that minimize changes to character-defining features.
· Retain distinguishing qualities and characteristics.
· Repair existing features, materials and finishes. If deteriorated, replace in-kind.
· Be authentic: if a feature is missing, use historic documentation to guide replacement.
· Respect the evolution of historic changes, fashion, taste and use.
· Do not use treatments that damage historic materials.
· New construction should not destroy historic features or materials, nor alter historic character.

2
. Alterations and/or repairs shall not materially expand or contract the original building envelope circa 1896. Lot 14 shall remain open and green as a side yard to the principal structure.
3. The responder agrees to take title to premises “as is, where is”. The Village makes no representations other than to state it will deliver title free and clear.
4. The intended use is to conform to R2-A permitted uses and to adhere to the supplemental design guidelines set forth in the Village Zoning Code for properties located within the Special Character Overlay District. If responder proposes a use other than a permitted use, the responder must advise if its offer and proposal is contingent upon the issuance of a variance by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
5. The conveyance by the Village will be subject to deed restrictions and/or covenants on both subject parcels to ensure that the architectural features, design, and character of the building, as well as green spaces, are preserved.
6. The plan for restoration (including time to perform) must be approved by the Village Board and will be specified and set forth in the contract of sale. Changes proposed thereafter must be agreed to by the Village Board.

FORM OF PROPOSAL
Responders are to submit eight (8) copies of all materials submitted in response to this RFP. All submissions shall become the property of the Village of Pleasantville. The Village may request additional information from any responder or may modify this RFP at any time. All proposals shall include the following elements.

1. Conceptual Plans to provide, at a minimum:
a) An illustrative site plan showing an off-street parking area, the intended use of the side lot, and any site amenities such as landscaping and ornamental lighting.
b) Floor plans for each interior floor level existing or proposed, drawn to scale.
c) Materials list and color charts for exterior envelope including window casings, ornate friezes, railings, steps, doors, and porticos.
d) Materials list and color chart for replication of the cupola.
e) Materials list and color chart for roof, leaders and gutters.
f) An illustration of exterior as proposed, in color.
g) An estimate of the cost of all improvements proposed (in itemized detail).
h) The bid price you are offering for the property.



2.
Statement of Qualifications to provide, at a minimum:
a) The names and addresses of all individuals (or if a firm its corporate officers) submitting the RFP.
b) Evidence of experience in the preservation, development, and/or rehabilitation of architecturally significant structures.
c) Name and address of licensed architects, engineers, and/or professional consultants that are either working with, or will be engaged by the responder for this project.
d) Evidence of pre-qualification for a traditional mortgage by a NYS licensed mortgage lender (if financing a portion of the purchase price). The Village will require 10% earnest money down upon agreement of sale price and terms.
e) Evidence of financial resources available to successfully complete a project of this scale and scope. Include a schedule for completion.

SITE VISITS
Site visits are available by appointment on regular business days, 9AM to 3PM.Please contact the office of the Village Clerk (769-1975) or Village Administrator (769-1940) to schedule a walk through.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The following information is available at Village Hall:
1. R2-A Zoning District information
2. Special Character Overlay legislation
3. Conditions report for 359 Bedford Rd
4. Illustrations circa 1896 and 1920
End of RFP

No comments:

The Dunkin Donuts Corner (SPECIAL FEATURE) - Updated Last 2008.10.07

---------------------------------------------------------------
Regular Announcements Below This - Scroll Down
---------------------------------------------------------------

Tue 10/7 Update
Last week, Dunkin Donuts decided to hang up a traditional Dunkin Donuts sign violating the Signage Ordinance and the Architecture Review Board's agreement with the Donuts Donuts franchise owner, TBG. Numerous complaints were lodged with Village Hall and they demanded TBG immediately remove the illegal sign which they promptly did. TBG complained that the wood curved sign was taking too long, hence they broke the rules to advertise Dunkin Donuts.

Wed 9/10 Update

On Monday, 9/8 the Pleasantville Board of Trustees announced the following proposed amendments to the introductory local law 2008-181 which to summarize the major points improves upon the definition of what a restaurant is, prohibits drive-throughs for non-bank establishments, adds a new formula fast food establishment definition and restricts their establishment, and clarifies and restricts 1st floor permitted uses for professional services (e.g. legal services, architectural, brokerage firms, accounting, etc) in the central business districts. Public comment is open now. You can read the original document on the Village's website. Next public comment meeting is on the agenda for the Mon, October 27th meeting. Please provide feedback to the trustees and village administrator before then as well.

- Ben Serebin, Pleasantville Resident
----------------

Hello Everyone,

The vast majority of the people I speak with are upset to hear about the planned Dunkin Donuts across from the Jacob Burns (2nd Dunkin Donuts in Pleasantville), so I realized it would be good if I had a special section dedicated to it. I'll update this area with Dunkin Donuts related issues which includes the business moratorium and ordinance changes.

This issue was caused by a ruling by the Pleasantville Building Inspector (Mike Testa) on 11/28/07 due to the lack of definition of the current zoning for a bakery (section 185:11, no definition of bakery), simplistic definition of a fast food restaurant (more than 8 seats with ready to consume food), "one hundred feet of the intersection" of any business street as per section 185-22 section 12 (a) [4], and "lack of applying the interpretation or conflict of the zoning and ordinances, the more restrictive language should apply" (section 185-59 section B). His consultation of a dictionary for defining what a bakery is should have been targeted to the board of trustees for clarification especially since most people would probably classify Dunkin Donuts as fast food (since the company labels it as such and so does the franchise owner). In essence, the application was a technique of a wolf in sheep's clothes. Challenges via a Zoning Board Appeal in section 185-55 or an article 78 to applications are required within 30 days, which was not available to me since I became aware of this after that period.

There is a solution that we can promote to prevent uncontrolled increases of fast food businesses and franchises in Pleasantville, and it's called Business Formula Ordinances (BFOs). To summarize the explanation of this, it means that each business would need to be to a certain degree unique and could not be cookie cutter like, e.g. same trademark, signage, tables, lighting, menus, uniforms, etc. The BFOs can be as restrictive (e.g. no businesses sharing trademarks, menus, signage, etc) or accommodating as desired (e.g. capping the # in an area or entire business district, such as up to 5 business allowed in the village sharing trademarks, menus, signage, etc). Traffic safety should also play a role in approving businesses in Pleasantville.

Read the following PDFs or websites just by clicking the links:
Original Building Permit Application filed by T.B.G. Food Acquisition Corp (aka Dunkin Donuts owner Manhattan based private equity firm The Beekman Group L.L.C.) on November 25, 2007. There are mistakes on the application and the identity of the signature of the owner is unknown even to Mike Testa (building inspector).

Background on The Beekman Group Private Equity Firm and TBG as per Westchester County Business Journal interview with John Troiano and Peter Marrinan. Peter has attended at least one Pleasantville meeting. Or read it on the Westchester County Business Journal website.

The Examiner Article of March 10, 2008 announcing the Pleasantville Downtown Business Moratorium and "know your Neighbor" highlight of Ben Serebin.

The New York Times Article on May 25, 2008 "Punching a Hole in Paradise" about the planned Dunkin Donuts and use of Formula Businesses. Interview with Mayor Bernard Gordon and Pleasantville Resident Ben Serebin. Or read it on the NY Times website.

Pleasantville Zoning Map of Business Districts (A1 & A2) Affected by Business Moratorium.

[Provided to Pleasantville Board of Trustees during May 19, 2008 meeting & Westchester County Legislator John Nonna who was present]
List of some Municipalities that have Implemented Formula Business Ordinances (e.g. Port Jefferson NY, Fairfield CT, Bristol RI, Chesapeake City MD, Nantucket MA, Portland ME, Ogunquit ME, Coronado CA, Pacific Grove CA, San Francisco CA, Sanibel FL, Sauslito CA, & York ME to name a few.

Formula Business Ordinance upheld by California Court of Appeals

[Provided to Pleasantville Board of Trustees during May 19, 2008 meeting & Westchester County Legislator John Nonna who was present]
Port Jefferson, NY (on Long Island) Business Formula Ordinance (BFO) Code (I've provided the exact sections that discuss the BFO.)

City of Portland, ME's BFO Code. This is a good example like the Port Jefferson, NY code.

Pleasantville, NY Local Law code for Signage as of Jan 2008

Dunkin Donuts Website Press Release announcing that Dunkin Donuts received the award of "Best Fast-Food Coffee"
- maybe they are a fast food franchise company?

-Ben Serebin, Pleasantville Resident
-----------------------------------------------------