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.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Architectural Review Board Agenda 6/05/08 (Thursday)

[As announced on the Pleasantville-ny.gov mailing lists. -Ben]

Architectural Review Board Meeting
Thursday June 5, 2008
8:15 p.m.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

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

Mahopac National Bank - 57 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed wall signage change –

Mr. Ed Marquette – 119 Broadway, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed porch renovations on-site –

Dunkin Donuts – 2 Washington Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed façade
improvements/modifications

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Cahill – 359 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed preliminary design plans and schematics for renovation/conversation of the Pleasantville Recreation Center to a new single-family dwelling

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Townsend – 309 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed fencing update, driveway modification, walkway and patio improvements

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Annual Firefighters' Parade May 30, 2008

[As posted on the Pleasantville mailing list. -Ben]

Dear residents,
The Pleasantville Fire Department will host its annual parade on Friday, May 30, 2008.
We hope you are able to attend and show your support for our local volunteer firefighters.
The parade begins at 7:00PM at Bedford Road and Romer Avenue.
You can view the parade along portions of Bedford Road, Memorial Plaza, Manville Road,Grove Street, Edgewood Avenue and Washington Avenue.
In order to accomodate the large number of participants, there will be parking restrictions and traffic diversions along the parade route. It is advisable that you avoid driving into the downtown area.

Yours truly,
Patti Dwyer
Village Administrator
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Pleasantville Music Festival 2008

[As reported on the Pleasantville mailing list. I've attended the last 2, and they have been great (relaxing and fun). -Ben]

The 2008 Pleasantville Music Festival will be held on July 12, 2008 at Parkway Field.

Tickets may now be purchased in advance at www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com.

and at several local businesses listed on the website.

Residents will receive a discount on tickets purchased prior to June 30, 2008.

Please visit the festival website for more information regarding the event.
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Mount Pleasant Public Library Meeting for Planning Process

As reported on the Pleasantville mailing list. -Ben

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Hello Everyone,

The Library is currently engaged in a community based strategic
planning process. The goal of the process is to allow the community to
assist the Library's Board of Trustees in designing a plan for
programs, services, collections and use of Library space that is
consistent with the wishes of the community.

I'd like to make you all aware that this Thursday (May 29, we're
holding a public meeting at the Main Library, 350 Bedford Road at 7pm.
All residents and users are invited to attend to share their ideas,
opinions and feelings.

Regards
John Fearon
Director
Mount Pleasant Public Library
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Sunday, May 25, 2008

Planning Commission Agenda 05/28/08

[As announced by Judy Weintraub via the Pleasantville website, sign-up for the Planning Commission Agendas to receive such announcements. http://www.pleasantville-ny.gov/subscriber.shtml - Ben Serebin]

Planning Commission
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
8:00 P.M.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York0
AGENDA
1. 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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Friday, May 16, 2008

Village Board Regular Meeting Agenda 05/19/08

Hello Everyone,

Do not forget to check comments to see any feedback from the meeting or other comments.

-Ben

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REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE - 2ND FLOOR
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2008
8:00PM
Scheduled Meetings: All meetings are held at Village Hall, 80 Wheeler Avenue, 2nd Floor, Pleasantville, New York
Monday, June 2, 2008 Work Session at 7:00pm
Monday, June 9, 2008 Regular Meeting 8:00pm with a Work Session at 7:00pm
Resolutions:
Res. No. 2008-116-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2008-117-Authorization to Sign Agreement with PROACCT/Outstanding Tickets
Res. No. 2008-118-Award of Bid/Vintage Lighting Fixtures
Res. No. 2008-119-Authorization to Apply For Community Development Block Grant Applications
Res. No. 2008-120-Appointment as Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate
Res. No. 2008-121-Authorization to Hold Chamber of Commerce Sidewalk Sales Days
Res. No. 2008-122-Appointment of Food Service Helper
Res. No. 2008-123-Approval of Budget Amendment
Res. No. 2008-124-Approval of Block Party Request
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Village Board Work Session Agenda 05/19/08

Hello Folks,

Don't forget to check the comments to see any follow-up comments.

-Ben

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2008
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM

7:00pm Executive Session
Personnel Matters

8:00pm BOARD MEETING

8:30pm Parkway Field Update

9:00pm Farmers Market Update

9:30pm Executive Session
CSEA Negotiations
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Pleasantville Reminder: May Water Bills Due

Hello Pleasantville Residents,

The Village Administrator announced.....

-Ben

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Dear Residents,

This notice is being sent as a courtesy and reminder.
Water bills are due this month, payable by May 31st.

Yours truly,
Patti Dwyer

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Sunday, May 11, 2008

Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda 05/29/08

Zoning Board of Appeals
Thursday May 29, 2008
8:15P.M.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

1. Case No. 2008-6 – Mr. Edward Marquette – 119 Broadway, Pleasantville, New York- Proposal to reconstruct a deteriorated front porch on-site in violation of section 185-36.B(1) schedule I “bulk requirements” regarding bulk criteria and section 185-46.C.(2)

2. Case No. 2008-7 – Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stargiotti – 43 Romer Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to construct additions and associated alterations on-site in violation of section 185-36.B(1) schedule I “bulk requirements” regarding bulk criteria and section 185-46.C.(2)
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Village Board Regular Meeting Agenda 05/12/08

REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE - 2ND FLOOR
MONDAY, May 12, 2008
8:00pm

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

Due to the Memorial Day Holiday On May 28th, the Board of Trustees will be holding their Regular Meeting on Monday, May 19, 2008 at 8:00pm with a Work Session at 7:00pm

Oral Communication:
Dvirka & Bartilucci/Storm-Water Management Annual Report

Public Hearing:
Community Development Block Grant Program Applications

Resolutions:
Res. No. 2008-105-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2008-106-Approval of Minutes/April 28, 2008
Res. No. 2008-107-Accepting Donation/Tree Plantings
Res. No. 2008-108-Authorization to Sign Agreement with Westchester County Department of Emergency Services/Personal Protective Equip
Res. No. 2008-109-Establishment of a School Zone on Ashland Avenue and Nannahagan Road
Res. No. 2008-110-Authorization to Write-Off Escrow and Water Accounts
Res. No. 2008-111-Approval of Budget Amendments
Res. No. 2008-112-Authorization to Close Wheeler Avenue South of Bedford Rd/Dedication of Clinton Street Garden
Res. No. 2008-113-Approval to Use Outdoor Barbeque Grill/Holy Innocents
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Village Board Work Session Agenda 05/12/08

WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, MAY 12, 2008
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
6:00PM


6:00pm Nannahagan Road Site Visit
7:00pm Dept. of Public Works Updates/Stephen Johnson
7:30pm Parking Ticket Collections Service/ProAcct
8:00pm BOARD MEETING
9:00pm EXECUTIVE SESSION
Design Development Proposal
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Monday, May 5, 2008

Village Board Work Session Agenda 05/05/08

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2008
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM

7:00pm EXECUTIVE SESSION
CSEA Negotiations Update

7:30PM Intermodal Study RBA Grant Application
IQ’s Conceptual Development Plan
Business Support Council

8:30pm Miscellaneous Adminstrative Items
Community Block Grant/May12th Public Hearing
Webcasting Proposal

9:00pm EXECUTIVE SESSION
Recreation Center Proposals
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Planning Commission Agenda 05/14/08

Planning Commission Meeting
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
8:00 P.M.
Village Hall
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

2. Denise Treco DBA, Flour and Sun Bakery, 19 Washington Ave. Pleasantville NY – Review by planning commission for Referral comments back to Village Board of Trustees regarding the current moratorium

3. Mario Lombardi- 106 Washington Ave, Pleasantville, New York - Review by planning commission for Referral comments back to Village Board of Trustees regarding the current moratorium

4. 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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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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