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.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Village Board Regular Meeting Agenda 06/23/08

REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE - 2ND FLOOR
MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2008
8:00PM

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

Monday, July 14, 2008 Regular Meeting 8:00pm with a Work Session at 7:00pm

Resolutions:
Res. No. 2008-142-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2008-143-Approval of Minutes-6/9/08
Res. No. 2008-144-Approval of Out-Of-State Conference
Res. No. 2008-145-Authorization to Correct Errors on 2009 Tax Roll for Senior Exemptions
Res. No. 2008-146-Authorization to Sign Cell Tower Lease/Verizon
Res. No. 2008-147-Approval of Budget Amendments 07-08 Fiscal Year
Res. No. 2008-148-Authorization to Obtain Weather Insurance for the Music Festival
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Village Board Work Session Agenda 6/23/08

WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2008
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM


7:00pm Miscellaneous Administrative Items
Dad’s Club Service Agreement
Verizon Cell Tower Lease Proposal
Review of Agenda Items

8:00pm REGULAR BOARD MEETING

9:00pm EXECUTIVE SESSION
Verizon Franchise Negotiations
Sale of Recreation Center Update
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Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda 06/26/08

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
Thursday June 26, 2008
8:15P.M.
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York
AGENDA
1. Case No. 2008-8 – Mr. Jeffery Carpenter – Cooley Street, Pleasantville, New York- Proposal to construct a new two family dwelling on-site in violation of section 185-36.B(2) schedule II “bulk requirements” regarding insufficient bulk criteria

2. Case No. 2008-9 – Ms. Loise D. Vogt – 70 Pleasant Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to construct a new single family dwelling on-site in violation of section 185-36.B(1) schedule I “bulk requirements” regarding insufficient bulk criteria
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Pleasantville Music Festival 2008 Update

Hello Everyone,

Passing this along. Pleasantville Music Festival line-up and option for free admission is below. So, volunteer and help out the community.

-Ben

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We are looking for Volunteers for the 4th Annual Pleasantville Music Festival to be held at Parkway field on July 12th.

The line-up is spectacular. Headliners include Joan Osborne, Graham Parker, Back Door Slam and the return of deSol. Pleasantville bands include Buffalo Eskimo and Nannyhagen Creek. If you take a peek at www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com you can check out the whole line-up. MacArthur's Beer & Wine Garden, featuring refreshments from Captain Lawrence and Prosperos will be bigger than ever and also feature a clam bake and Pig roast. We have a great kids area with three bands just for kids who will play in the Vendor area and lots of other fun stuff.

Volunteers are needed for
set-up (8:45-11:00 AM)
Parking pass checkers 2 hour shifts beginning at 9:00
Merchandise tent 2 hour shifts beginning at 11:00 AM
Information Booth staff 2 hour shifts beginning at 11:00AM

So, would you be interested in donating two to three hours of your time that day volunteering in exchange for a free admission and a staff t-shirt?

Thanks
Sol Skolnick,Co-executive Director
Cell 914-714-2738
Home 914-747-4566
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Saturday, June 14, 2008

Village Board Work Session June 16, 2008

WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2008
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM

7:00 pm Executive Session Topics

Cable Franchise Negotiation: Consortium Updates
Small Claims Assessment Review Petitions

7:30pm Departmental Updates

Linda Bellofatto, Superintendent of Recreation

Miscellaneous Administrative Items
8:30pm
Setting Summer Board Meeting Schedule

Nannahagan Road Discussion
(follow-up from Board field visit)
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Monday, June 9, 2008

Village Board Regular Meeting Agenda 6/09/08

REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE - 2ND FLOOR
MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2008
8:00PM

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

Monday, June 16, 2008 Work Session at 7:00pm

Monday, June 23, 2008 Regular Meeting 8:00pm with a Work Session at 7:00pm

Public Hearing
Village of Pleasantville’s Application For Transportation Enhancement Program Funding

Resolutions:
Res. No. 2008-127-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2008-128-Approval of Minutes/May 12, 19 & 30
Res. No. 2008-129-Authorization to Sign Agreement with PAMAL Broadcasting/Pleasantville Music Festival
Res. No. 2008-130-Authorization to Sign Agreement with RBA/Phase II Intermodel Study
Res. No. 2008-131-Authorization to Sign Agreement with RBA/Preparation of TEP Grant Application
Res. No. 2008-132-Accepting Resignation/Village Assessor
Res. No. 2008-133-Request for Waiver of Covenant & Restrictions/Guion St.
Res. No. 2008-134-Waiving Moratorium Requirements for 19 & 106 Washington Avenue
Res. No. 2008-135-Approval of Conference Request/Village Administrator
Res. No. 2008-136-Approval of CSEA Agreement
Res. No. 2008-137-Appointment of Registrar of Vital Statistics
Res. No. 2008-138-Engaging Services of Special Counsel/Police Disciplinary Hearing
Res. No. 2008-139-Authorization to Close Public Works Equipment Capital Account
Res. No. 2008-140-Approval of Budget Amendments
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Village Board Work Session Agenda 6/09/08

WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2008
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM


7:00pm Interview/ARB Board Candidate

7:15pm EXECUTIVE SESSION
CSEA Contract Ratification

7:30pm Moratorium Waiver Requests/19 & 106 Washington Ave
Request for Waiver of Covenant & Restrictions/51 Guion

8:00pm BOARD MEETING

8:30pm Work Session/Miscellaneous Administrative Items
Development Discussions/North End of Memorial Plaza
Business Support Council
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Monday, June 2, 2008

Planning Commission Agenda 6/11/08

Planning Commission Meeting
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
8:00 P.M.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

· David Sims – 51 Guion Street, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed re-subdivision of property to establish a new single family dwelling
· 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 Agenda 6/02/08

WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2008
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM

7:00PM EXECUTIVE SESSION
Recreation Center Proposals

7:30pm LaDuca Auto Service/52 Depew Street
Use of Property

8:00pm Mount Pleasant Library/John Fearon
Building Updates

8:30pm Legacy Grant IMA Discussion

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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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