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.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Planning Commission Agenda 10/22/08

[Apologies for the delay in posting, but posted for historical purposes. -Ben]

Planning Commission Meeting
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
8:00 PM
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

1. Triumph Development LLC- Sarles Lane , Pleasantville New York- Request by applicant for extension of preliminary plat approval

2. Discussion - request from Patricia Dwyer, Village Administrator to designate a board liaison to the CBD (Central Business District) Master Plan Update Committee
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Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda 10/30/08

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
Thursday October 30, 2008
8:15 PM
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

1. Case No. 2008-13 – Mr. and Mrs. Brian Murphy – 156 Mountain Road, Pleasantville, New York- Proposal to construct a new rear addition to increase the size of the existing master bedroom on-site in violation of section 185-36.B.(1) schedule I “bulk requirements” and 185-46.C.(2) “exceptions” regarding an insufficient side yard setbacks, and expansion of a pre-existing non-complying building

2. Case No. 2008-14 – Ms. Frances Moretti – 30 Columbus Avenue, Pleasantville, New York- Proposal to construct a new one story addition on-site in violation of section 185-36.B.(1) schedule I “bulk requirements” and 185-46.C.(2) “exceptions” regarding an insufficient front yard setback, and expansion of a pre-existing non-complying building
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Monday, October 20, 2008

Village Board Regular Meeting Agenda 10/20/08

[As received via email from the Village website. Corrected spelling mistake. As always, I'll post my comments after the meeting. -Ben]

REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE - 2ND FLOOR
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2008
8:00PM

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

JOINT MEETING WITH SCHOOL BOARD, Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 7:30pm, Pleasantville High School

Frank Galvin Street Naming Dedication, Wednesday, October 22, 2008, 5:30pm at the corner of Academy and Bedford Road

Work Session, Monday November 3, 2008 at 7:00pm

Regular Meeting Monday, November 10, 2008 at 8:00pm with a Work Session preceding at 7:00pm

Public Hearing
Continuation of a 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. 2008-209-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2008-210-Approval of Minutes - October 6, 2008
Res. No. 2008-211-Establishing Hours For Village Assessor
Res. No. 2008-212-Releasing & Renewing Bonds with Omnipoint Communications
Res. No. 2008-213-Approval of Budget Amendments
Res. No. 2008-214-Award of Bid/Soldiers & Sailors Facility
Res. No. 2008-215-Bond Anticipation Note Authorization for HVAC Project
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Village Board Work Session Agenda 10/20/08

[As received by email announcement. See the Village Website to sign-up for these. As always, I'll post my comments after the meeting.]

WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2008
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM

7:15pm PEAK/Pleasantville Music Festival Update

7:30pm Miscellaneous Administrative Items
PCTC/Webcasting Presentation
Bisou Pattisserie/Carolyn Atamian/Request for additional Seating
Designating a Handicap Parking Space in Memorial Plaza

8:00pm BOARD MEETING

8:30pm Nannahagan Road/Speed Hump Report/RBA Group
Intermodel Study Update/RBA Group
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Central Business District Master Plan Update Committee Meeting 10/15/08

Central Business District Master Plan Update Committee Meeting
will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 7:30pm
Village Hall, 80 Wheeler Avenue, 2nd Floor Board Room

The Central Business District Master Plan Update Committee was formed to recommend to the Board of Trustees whether to make changes and if so what changes to the Village’s Master Plan as it pertains to the Central Business District (CBD) as defined as those properties lying within the A1 Zoning District and such other commercial areas.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings.

If you are interested in serving on the committee please contact co-chairs, Peter Russell 769-5889 or Steve Lopez 769-7606.
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Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Journal News Article - Pleasantville Rally for Detective Bonura 10/06/08

The following article was in the Journal News about discussing the Pleasantville Rally for Detective Bonura that occurred at the Monday, October 6, 2008 Board of Trustees Work Session Meeting. You can see my notes about the meeting in the Work Session posting. The local news was present at the meeting and video taped a portion of it.

http://www.serebin.com/ben/pleasantville.blog/Pleasantville_Rally.for.Detective.Bonura_2008.10.06.pdf

- Ben Serebin
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Monday, October 6, 2008

Central Business District Master Plan Update Committee Upcoming Meeting - 10/01/08

[Spelling correction. Posted for historical purposes. -Ben Serebin

THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT MASTER PLAN UPDATE COMMITTEE
WILL BE HOLDING A MEETING
ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2008, 7:30PM
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE, PLEASANTVILLE, NY
2ND FLOOR BOARD ROOM

INITIAL PRESENTATION COVERING AN UPDATE ON THE GOALS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE
EXISTING MASTER PLAN, IMPORTANT ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE COMING MONTHS AND HOW
TO SEEK TO ENGAGE FULL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

PLEASE LOOK FOR BACKGROUND MATERIAL ON THE VILLAGE WEBSITE EARLY NEXT WEEK

PERSONS INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THIS COMMITTE MAY CONTACT CO-CHAIRS
PETER RUSSELL 769-5889
STEPHEN LOPEZ 769-7606

PETER ESCHWEILER, CHAIR EMERITUS
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Architectural Review Board Agendas Architectural Review BoardAgenda 10/02/08

[Posted late. Sorry about that. I figured it's better to have it available for historical purposes. -Ben Serebin]

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

AGENDA

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

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

Hudson Dental Care – 75 Cooley Street, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed wall signage

Foxwood Condominiums – Building 16, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to reconstruct building 16 which was destroyed by fire
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Village Board Work Session Agenda 10/6/08

[FYI: Executive Session is closed to the Public as I noted below. -Ben Serebin]

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2008
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM

7:00pm Miscellaneous Administrative Items
Fire District Agreement/Use of Village Maintenance Garage
Soldiers and Sailors Facility Update

8:00pm BOARD MEETING

9:30pm EXECUTIVE SESSION [Closed to the Public]
Cablevision Franchise Negotiations
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Village Board Regular Board Meeting Agenda 10/06/08

REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE - 2ND FLOOR
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2008
8:00PM

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

No Meeting - October 13, 2008 - COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAY

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

JOINT MEETING WITH SCHOOL BOARD, Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 7:30pm, Pleasantville High School

Resolutions:
Res. No. 2008-202-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2008-203-Approval of Minutes/September 22, 2008
Res. No. 2008-204-Amending Resolution 2007-172 “Establishing a Central
Business District Master Plan Update Committee
Res. No. 2008-205-Establishing Date of Village Election
Res. No. 2008-206-Approval of Change Order Request/Sanitary Sewer Lining
and Manhole Rehabilitation
Res. No. 2008-207-Appointment of Part-Time Assessor
Res. No. 2008-208-Appointment of Town of Mount Pleasant Building Inspector as Acting Building Inspector for 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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