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, September 24, 2008

Village Board Meeting Documentation 9/22/08

Hello Residents,

Here are some important documents that are relating to the Village Board Meeting on September 22, 2008. Review and do not hesitate to ask questions about this. This is OUR tax-paying money.

Highlight - The Treasurer's Reports are the most interesting. The largest expense is the police department (combined divisions) at $2.8 million dollars which dwarfs all other expenses. It's almost 1/4 of all expenses for the Village.

Clinton Street Senior Center Evaluation of Staffing Document

Pleasantville Village Current Expenditures for 2008 & 2009 Document

Pleasantville Village Current Revenues for 2008 & 2009 Document

-Ben Serebin
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Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Planning Commission Meeting for 9/24/08 CANCELLED

[As notified by Village Clerk on Tue 9/23. -Ben]

Pleasantville Planning Commission
Meeting for Wednesday, September 24, 2008
HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Please contact Michael Testa, Building Inspector
769-1926 for more information

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Pleasantville Planning Commission
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
8:00 P.M.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

1. Media Center for Jacob Burns Film Center – 405 Manville Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed modifications to previously approved rooftop plan regarding special events

2. Triumph Development LLC- Sarles Lane , Pleasantville New York- Request by applicant for extension of preliminary plat approval
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Sunday, September 21, 2008

Village Board Agendas for 9/22/08

WORK SESSION
AGENDA
Monday, September 22, 2008
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York 10570

7:00pm ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES
Village Treasurer’s Report on FY ending 5/31/08
7:30pm EXECUTIVE SESSION
Assessor Interview (Antonio G. Murphy)
8:00pm REGULAR BOARD MEETING
8:30pm ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES (continued)
Sr. Program Updates and Issues
Pleasantville Music Festival Report
9:30pm EXECUTIVE SESSION


REGULAR MEETING AGENDA


BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE - 2ND FLOOR
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
8:00PM

Announcements: - Call In 769-1677

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

Next Regular Meeting Monday, October 6, 2008 with a Work Session at 7:00pm

No Meeting October 13, 2008 - COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAY-Change in Oct. Schedule

Regular Meeting Monday, October 20, 2008 with a Work Session at 7:00pm

JOINT MEETING WITH SCHOOL BOARD, Tuesday, October 21, 2007 at 7:30pm, Pleasantville High School


Resolutions:
Res. No. 2008-195-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2008-196-Approval of Minutes/September 8, 2008
Res. No. 2008-197-Authorization to Close Memorial Plaza for Ragamuffin
Parade
Res. No. 2008-198-Authorizing Mayor to Sign Emergency Water Agreement
with the Village of Briarcliff
Res. No. 2008-199-Changing Date for Continued Public Hearing on
Amendments to Zoning Code
Res. No. 2008-200-Authorizing Mayor to Sign Service Agreement with PCTV
Res. No. 2008-201-Authorizing Treasurer to Issue a Bond Authorization Note
for Village Hall HVAC Project
Res. No. 2008-202-Awarding Bid to Carey & Walsh for HVAC Project
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Monday, September 15, 2008

Village Board Work Session Agenda 9/15/08

[As a reminder, Executive Session items are not open to the public. - Ben Serebin]

WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM


7:00pm EXECUTIVE SESSION
Litigation Updates
PCTV Contract Renewal
Sale of Recreation Center Agreement
8:00pm...........................Assessor Interview
8:30pm...........................Assessor Interview



9:00pm Miscellaneous Administrative Items
Nannahagan Speed Humps
HVAC Bid Results with Design Consultants
Soldiers & Sailors Facility Bid Results with Architect
Water Sales to Briarcliff Manor
IMA with Fire District/Use of Highway Garage
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Monday, September 8, 2008

Planning Commission Agenda 09/10/08

Pleasantville Planning Commission
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
8:00 P.M.
Village Hall
2nd Floor
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York


AGENDA

1. DP 17 LLC – 141 Tompkins Avenue, Pleasantville, New York- – Proposal to modify third floor usage from warehouse/manufacturing to office usage

2. Media Center for Jacob Burns Film Center – 405 Manville Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed modifications to previously approved to rooftop plan regarding special events


CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
Note: the meeting/hearing concerning this matter will be conducted on-site at 405 Manville Road at the conclusion of the regular meeting
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Architectural Review Board Agendas Architectural Review BoardAgenda 9/04/08

[Apologies for the delay in posting this. -Ben Serebin]

Architectural Review Board Meeting
Thursday September 4, 2008
8:15 p.m.
Village Hall
2nd floor
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York


AGENDA


Pleasant Village Estates – 21 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed new single-family residence


Jerry’s Brick Oven Pizza – 475 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to install new entrance sidewalk


U3 Boutique – 473 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed awning/signage -


Anthony Giorgio – 51 Skytop Drive Lot # 1, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to construct a new single-family dwelling on-site


Frank Madonna – 201/501 and 233 Marble Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed addition/alterations
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Sunday, September 7, 2008

Village Board Regular Meeting Agenda 9/08/08

Village Board Regular Meeting Agenda 9/08/08
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE - 2ND FLOOR
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008
8:00PM

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

Monday, September 15, 2008 Work Session 7:00pm

Monday, September 22, 2008 Regular Meeting 8:00pm with a Work Session at 7:00pm

Public Hearings
Local Law Adding a new Chapter entitled “Exemption for Persons with Disabilities and Limited Incomes”

Local Law Amending Chapter 185 Zoning, Section 185-3 Definitions and Word Use and Section 185-19 Central Business A-1 District

Resolutions:
Res. No. 2008-189-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2008-190-Approval of Minutes/August 28, 2008
Res. No. 2008-191-Accepting Donations for Senior Programs
Res. No. 2008-192-Approval of Block Party Requests
Res. No. 2008-193-Local Law Adding a new Chapter entitled Exemption for Persons with Disabilities and Limited Incomes”
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Village Board Agenda Work Session Agenda 9/08/08

Village Board Agenda Work Session Agenda 9/08/08
WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570

7:00pm Miscellaneous Administrative Items
Street Sign Request/In Honor of Frank Galvin
Review of Bid Results-Soldiers & Sailors Facility & HVAC Rehabilitation at Village Hall
Web Casting Agreement

8:00pm BOARD MEETING
- see next posting for full contents

9:15pm EXECUTIVE SESSION
Cablevision Franchise Renewal
Personnel Matters/Police Internal Affairs Investigation
Agreement for Recreation Services/Dad’s Club
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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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