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.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Village Board Regular Meeting Agenda 04/28/08

REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE - 2ND FLOOR
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2008
8:00PM

Scheduled Meetings: All meetings are held at Village Hall, 80 Wheeler Avenue, 2nd Floor, Pleasantville, New York

Monday, May 5, 2008 Work Session at 7:00pm

Monday, May 12, 2008 Regular Meeting at 8:00pm with a Work Session at 7:00pm

Resolutions:
Res. No. 2008-89-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2008-90-Approval of Minutes, April 7th, April 9th, April 14th
Res. No. 2008-91-Authorizing the Settlement Between Croton Point Landfill Joint Defense Group and the Village of Pleasantville
Res. No. 2008-92-Approval to Amend the Master Fee Schedule/Escrow Deposit Fees
Res. No. 2008-93-Approval to Use Roselle Park Re: Lions Club
Res. No. 2008-94-Authorization to Sign Agreement with Pierce Promotions
Re: Pleasantville Day Activities
Res. No. 2008-95-Approval of Escrow Payment Agreement/Duwe Subdivision
Res. No. 2008-96_Adoption of 2008/2009 Village Budget
Res. No. 2008-97-Adoption of 2008/2009 Water Rates
Res. No. 2008-98-Adoption of 2008/2009 Refuse Collection Rates
Res. No. 2008-99-Adoption of 2008/2009 Pool Rates
Res. No. 2008-100-Approval of Budget Amendments
Res. No. 2008-101-Authorization to Refer Moratorium Waiver Requests to Planning Board
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Village Board Work Sessiion Agenda 04/28/08

WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2008
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM

7:00pm Moratorium Waiver Request from properties located at 106 Washington Avenue and
19 Washington Avenue

7:30pm Conservation Advisory Board Candidate Interviews

8:00pm Board Meeting

8:30pm Work Session Continued
1. RBA Proposal/Manville Road TEP Grant Application

2. Proposal from Verizon Wireless to lease space at 456 Castleton Street/Expansion of a Wireless Telecommunication
network on an existing facilty

9:00pm Executive Session
Peak Agreement
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Thursday, April 24, 2008

Architectural Review Board Agendas Architectural Review Board Agenda 05/01/08

Architectural Review Board Meeting
Thursday May 1, 2008
8:15 p.m.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

1. Anthony Giorgio – 55 Skytop Drive Lot # 2, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to construct a new single-family dwelling on-site

2. Mr. and Mrs. Steven Zucker – 301 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed renovations on-site

3. Mahopac National Bank 57 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed wall signage change – Petition to Architectural Review Board

4. Mr. Ed Marquette – 119 Broadway, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed porch renovations on-site – Letter from Steve Miller, Contractor –

5. *Believe Salon & Spa – 395 Manville Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed wall signage – Petition to Architectural Review Board – Application for sign permit

6. Discussion:
General discussion with Architectural Review Board regarding submission criteria for applicants and possible amendments

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Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda 04/24/08

[3 versions of this was posted to the announcement emails, so I took the final one posted. -Ben]

Zoning Board of Appeals
Thursday April 24, 2008
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York
8:15P.M

AGENDA

1. Case No. 2008-4 – Mr. and Mrs. Al Schaal – 115 Manville Road, Pleasantville, New York- Proposal to construct a wooden deck on-site in violation of section 185-36.B(1) schedule I “bulk requirements” regarding bulk criteria and section 185-46.C.(2) “exceptions” which prohibits the expansion of a pre-existing non-complying building when the expansion increases the degree of existing building non-compliance thereof

2. Case No. 2008-5 – Mr. and Mrs. Michael Tellone – 1 Hildreth Place, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to install a residential generator on-site in violation of section 185-12.B.(2)(a) “accessory uses” of the municipal zoning code concerning a deficient front yard setback

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Planning Commission Agenda 04/23/08

Planning Commission
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York
8:00PM

AGENDA
General Discussion

Continued Discussion with Planning Commission concerning the recent moratorium enacted within the Central Business A-1 and A-2 zoning district within the Village of Pleasantville
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Village Board Work Session Agenda 04/21/08

WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM

7:00pm Executive Session
Real Estate Matters

7:30pm Music Festival Update

8:00pm Water Billing Issues

8:15pm 2008/09 Tentative Budget Review
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Village Board Work Session Agenda 04/14/08

WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2008
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570

7:00pm Executive Session
Personnel Matters

8:00pm BOARD MEETING

9:00PM Work Session
Beautification Committee Proposed Budget
Pleasantville Country Club Entrance Pillars
Parking Inventory Update
Duwe Escrow Agreement
Escrow Fee Schedule Amendment
Aged Parking Ticket Collection Services
New Copier Leases
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Village Board Agenda 04/14/08

REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE - 2ND FLOOR
MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2008
8:00PM


Scheduled Meetings: All meetings are held at Village Hall, 80 Wheeler Avenue, 2nd Floor, Pleasantville, New York

Monday, April 21, 2008 Work Session at 7:00pm

Monday, April 28, 2008 Regular Meeting 8:00pm with a Work Session at 7:00pm

Public Hearing
2008/2009 TENTATIVE BUDGET

Resolutions:
Res. No. 2008-74-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2008-75-Approval of Minutes/March 24, 2008 & April 9, 2008
Res. No. 2008-76-Approval of Budget Amendments
Res. No. 2008-77-Approval of Agreement with SPCA
Res. No. 2008-78-Authorization to Accept Donations
Res. No. 2008-79-Approval of Out of State Conference Request
Res. No. 2008-80-Approval to Hold Memorial Day Celebrations
Res. No. 2008-81-Approval of Construction Administration Services for Pool Liner Installation
Res. No. 2008-82-Approval of Alcoholic Beverage Permit
Res. No. 2008-83-Approval to Use Gazebo/Pleasantville Garden Club
Res. No. 2008-84-Authorization to Sign Agreement with Westchester County Department of Public Safety Re: Law Enforcement Data System
Res. No. 2008-85-Authorizing PCTV To Appoint to the PCTV Board
Res. No. 2008-86-Authorization to Surplus Equipment
Res. No. 2008-87-Appointment of School Crossing Guard

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Monday, April 7, 2008

Planning Commission Agenda 04/09/08

[This is an important meeting to attend since it relates to the business moratorium in the Pleasantville business district. -Ben]

Planning Commission
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
8:00 P.M.
Village Hall, 2nd Floor
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA
1. David Sims – 51 Guion Street, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed re-subdivision of property to establish a new single family dwelling – CONCEPTUAL DISCUSSION ONLY

2. General Discussion

Continued Discussion with Planning Commission concerning the recent moratorium enacted within the Central Business A-1 and A-2
zoning district within the Village of Pleasantville
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Saturday, April 5, 2008

Village Board Annual Organizational Meeting Agenda 04/07/08

VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
Monday, April 7, 2008 at 7:30pm

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
by Village Justice John Curley

OPENING REMARKS
Trustee Peter Scherer
Trustee Mindy Berard

Mayor Bernard Gordon
State of the Village Address



RESOLUTIONS
Res. No. 2008-60-Mayoral Appointments
Res. No. 2006-61-Official Appointments
Res. No. 2008-62-Appointments to Board, Commissions and Committees
Res. No. 2008-63-Schedule of Regular and Work Session Meeting 2008/09
Res. No. 2008-64-Procedure for Calling A Special Meeting
Res. No. 2008-65-Designation of Official Newspaper
Res. No. 2008-66-Authorized Signatories for Financial Transactions
Res. No. 2008-67-Designation of Bank Deposition for Village Funds
Res. No. 2008-68-Attendance at Conferences
Res. No. 2008-69-Setting the Rate for Mileage Reimbursement
Res. No. 2008-70-Advance Approval of Claims
Res. No. 2008-71-Approval of Investment Policy
Res. No. 2008-72-Approval of Purchasing Policy
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The Dunkin Donuts Corner (SPECIAL FEATURE) - Updated Last 2008.10.07

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Regular Announcements Below This - Scroll Down
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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
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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
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