Pleasantville NY Town Scoop

Keep up to date with the current zoning, public town meeting agendas, etc. This blog is for keeping Pleasantville residents up to date on what is happening in our town. So, feel free to post about meeting, rumors, etc. The blog will be open for all (no moderation). What started my push for a blog was a 2nd Dunkin Donuts across from Jacob Burns. Voice your opinion and let's keep everyone aware of what is happening in our community. ** See the comments to see feedback from attended meetings. **

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.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Upcoming Pleasantville Election Article in Journal News

Hello Everyone,

Just a reminder, that we are having an upcoming election (March 18, 2009) that involves who will be mayor & 2 board of trustee seats in the Village of Pleasantville. Here is an article in the Journal News about it.

snip
-------
Voters have a choice for mayor next month, the first time Pleasantville has had a contested mayoral election in almost two decades. Two-term Mayor Bernard Gordon squares off against three-term Trustee Peter Scherer.

....

Two village board seats also are up for election March 18 [2009]. Trustee Jonathan Cunningham is seeking re-election. Stephen Lopez, a longtime Planning Commission member, has been nominated by the New Pleasantville Party to run for the seat held by Michael Gilfeather.

......
-------

-Ben

Village Board Agenda 02/23/09

[As received via Village mailing list. -Ben]

REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE - 2ND FLOOR
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2009
8:00PM

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

Work Session, Monday, March 2, 2009 at 7:00pm

Regular Meeting Monday, March 9, 2009 at 8:00pm with a Work Session at 7:00pm

Public Hearing
Continuation of a Public Hearing regarding a Local Law Amending Chapter 185 Zoning, Section 185-3 Definitions and Word Use and Section 185-19 Central Business A-1 District.

Public Hearing pertaining to a Local Law amending Chapter 173, Vehicles and Traffic, Section 173-60 Parking Prohibited At All Times as follows:

DELETE:
Name of Street Side Location
Manville Road South From the intersection of Clark Street west for 40 feet

ADD:
Name of Street Side Location
Manville Road South From the intersection of Clark Street west for 60 feet

Resolutions:
Res. No. 2009-15-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2009-16-Approval of Minutes 1/26/09 and 2/9/09
Res. No. 2009-17-Approval of a Local Law Amending Chapter 173, Vehicles and Traffic, Section 173-60 Parking Prohibited At All Time
Res. No. 2009-18-Approval of Temporary Parking Restriction
Res. No. 2009-19-Approval of Budget Amendments

New Business
Chief Chiarlitti - High School Renovation Proposed Traffic Pattern Changes and Parking. Including the Clinton Street Sidewalk

Res. No. 2009-20-Authorizing Temporary Parking Rules and Regulations During High School Construction Project

Village Board Work Session Agenda 02/23/09

[As received via Village mailing list with spelling corrections. -Ben]

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2009
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM

7:00pm Miscellaneous Administrative Items
Towing Fee Reimbursement Request
Stimulus Funding Update

8:00pm BOARD MEETING

Planning Commission Agenda 02/25/09

[As received from Village announcements. -Ben]

Planning Commission Meeting
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
8:00 P.M.
Clinton Street Center
1A Clinton Street
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

1. Ms. Christine Connelly – 260 Broadway, Pleasantville, New York- Proposal to construct new additions to an existing single family residence which is located within a Village flood zone/wetlands

PUBLIC HEARING

2. Adoption of Resolutions (to be submitted under separate cover by F.P. Clark Assoc.)
A. David Sims – 51 Guion Street, Pleasantville (re-subdivision)
B. Shirley B. DiPace – 109 & 147 Wheeler Avenue (site plan modifications)

Monday, February 9, 2009

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Thu 2/26/09

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
Thursday February 26, 2009
8:15P.M.
Clinton Street Center
1A Clinton Street
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

1. Case No. 2007-30 – Dennis Santucci Contracting Corporation – 112 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York- request by applicant to obtain an extension from previous zoning board of appeals decision dated 2/28/08, regarding the demolition of an existing dilapidated single family residence and the construction of a new single family dwelling

2. Case No. 2008-15– Bruce and Lou Anne Hesch, 11 Hopper Street,, Pleasantville, New York- Proposal to convert a pre-existing, non-complying single family dwelling into a two-family dwelling on-site in violation of section 185-36.B.(2) schedule II “bulk requirements” , section 185-36.B. (2) schedule VII and 185-46.C.(2) “exceptions” regarding insufficient bulk and parking criteria and expansion of a pre-existing non-complying building by increasing the amount of dwelling units

Planning Commission Agenda 02/11/09

[As received from Village announcement. -Ben]

Pleasantville Planning Commission
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
8:00 P.M.
The Clinton Street Center
Located at 1A Clinton Street
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. Shirley B. DiPace – 109 & 147 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed exterior storage, fencing and associated site plan modifications

3. Sulejman and Esma Paljevic 10 Marble Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed wine bar

Bonura - Disciplinary Hearing - Wed 2/11 & Thur 2/12

[As received by Village announcements. -Ben]

This notice is to advise all interested parties that the Journal News incorrectly stated that the disciplinary hearing for Det/Sgt.Bonura was scheduled to resume Monday, February 9, 2009.

Please be advised that the hearing is scheduled to resume Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 7:00PM and continue on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 7:00PM.

Village Board Regular Meeting Agenda 02/09/08

[As received by Village announcement. My feedback from attending are in the comments. -Ben]

REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE - 2ND FLOOR
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2009
8:00PM

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

Village Offices will be closed, Monday, February 16, 2009 in celebration of Presidents’ Day.

Grievance Night, Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 6:00pm-9:00pm, 80 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville, N.Y.

Regular Meeting Monday, February 23, 2009 at 8:00pm with a Work Session at 7:00pm

Oral Communication:
Church Street Sidewalks/Continued Discussion

Resolutions:
Res. No. 2009-15-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2009-16-Authorization to Sign Easement Agreements/Eastview Drive
Res. No. 2009-17-Appointment to Conservation Advisory Council
Res. No. 2009-18-Notice of Public Hearing Amending Chapter 173 Vehicles & Traffic, Section 173-60 Parking Prohibited At All Times/Manville Road at Clark Street
Res. No. 2009-19-Approval of Pleasantville Day
Res. No. 2009-20-Authorization to Close Capital Account
Res. No. 2009-21-Authorization to Engage Surveyor to Survey Church Street
Res. No. 2009-22-Declaring Intent to be Lead Agency-Intermodel Improvements
Res. No. 2009-23-Approval of Budget Amendments
Res. No. 2009-24-Motion to Enter Into Executive Session/Matter of Litigation

Village Board Work Session Agenda 02/09/08

[As received by Village Announcements. See comments for my feedback from attending. -Ben]

VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2009
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM

7:00pm Miscellaneous Administrative Items
2010 Census
Wheeler Avenue Properties/Property Encroachment Issue

8:00pm BOARD MEETING

9:00PM Executive Session
Litigation Matters

Monday, February 2, 2009

Architectural Review Board Agenda 02/05/09

[As received by Village email newsletter. Corrected spelling and extra words. -Ben]

Architectural Review Board Meeting
Thursday February 5, 2009
8:15 p.m.
Village Hall, 2nd floor
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

1. Flour and Sun Bakery – 19 Washington Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed awning with signage - Petition to Architectural Review Board

2. Jacob Burns Film Center – 405 Manville Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed roof solar panels

Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda 01/29/09

[As reviewed by Village email announcements. Apologies for the delay in posting. -Ben]

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
Thursday January 29, 2009
8:15P.M.
Clinton Street Senior Center
1A Clinton Street
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

1. Case No. 2009-01 – Carolyn Ramsey/Christian Lavoie – 286 Broadway, Pleasantville, New York- Proposal to construct a new flag stone patio/deck on-site in violation of section 185-36.B.(1) schedule I “bulk requirements” and 185-46.C.(2) “exceptions” regarding an insufficient rear yard setback and expansion of a pre-existing non-complying building

2. Case No. 2009-02 – Ms. Christine E. Connelly – 260 Broadway, Pleasantville, New York- Proposal to construct new additions on-site in violation of section 185-36.B.(1) schedule I “bulk requirements” and 185-46.C.(2) “exceptions” regarding insufficient yard setbacks and expansion of a pre-existing non-complying building

Bonura - Disciplinary Hearing 1/28/09 Postponed due to Weather

[Received via Village email posting. Apologies for the delay in posting this. -Ben]

NOTICE

REGARDING CONTINUED DISCIPLINARY HEARING for P.O.S. BONURA
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE, NEW YORK 10570

***MEETING CANCELED***

Please take notice that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pleasantville will not convene on Wednesday January 28, 2009 at 5:30PM for continuation of the disciplinary hearing due to inclement weather and the evening’s forecast.

Alternatively, the Village Board will convene at 6:30PM on Wednesday January 28, 2009 for advice of counsel in the above referenced matter. It is anticipated that this meeting will be conducted as an Executive Session.

The disciplinary hearing is scheduled to resume as follows:

Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 7:00PM
Monday, February 2, 2009 at 5:30PM
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 7:00PM
Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 7:00PM

All meetings will be held at 80 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville New York.

The Dunkin Donuts Corner (SPECIAL FEATURE) - Updated Last 2008.10.07

---------------------------------------------------------------
Regular Announcements Below This - Scroll Down
---------------------------------------------------------------

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
----------------

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
-----------------------------------------------------