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, June 29, 2009

Calling All Pleasantville Music Festival Volunteers

[As received via Village announcements. Last year was great, so looking forward to this year. -Ben]

Pleasantville Music Festival Last call for volunteers!

We still have need for volunteers who would like to work for 2 – 3 hours on the day of the festival.
* 16 and over: we need face painters, helpers with games in the kids area, program ushers.
* 18 and over: Parking pass takers, Morning set-up (Lifting involved), information station attendees
* 21 and over: Ticket takers for the beer and wine garden,
Please contact pleasantmusic@optonline.net with your name, phone number, email address and the area for which you are volunteering.

Volunteers must be registered prior to the July 8, 2009 organization meeting to be held @ 7:30 PM at the Senior Center on Clinton Street.

Sol Skolnick
Mortgage Consultant
Asset Center, Inc.
5 MacDonald Avenue
Armonk, NY 10504
(914) 273-6666 ex 19

Village Taxes Due by July 1st

[As received by Village announcement. -Ben]

Dear Pleasantville Property Owners,

As a reminder, please note that the first half of your Village property tax is due no later than July 1, 2009. Only United States Post Office cancellations can be accepted as proof of timely mailing. If you have questions regarding Village taxes, please contact Ms. Olga Salvato at 769-1997 during normal business hours.

Yours truly,
Patricia Dwyer, Village Administrator

Village Board Work Session Agenda 06/29/09

[As received from Village announcements. Made spelling corrections. See comments for my notes from attending. -Ben]

AGENDA
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2009
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM

7:00pm Miscellaneous Administrative Items
Engineering Evaluation and Recommendations
for Recreation Center/Hillman & Miley Consulting Engineers

Restricting Parking from 10am-11am, Monday through Friday on the East Side of Weskora
Avenue From Manville Road to Spring Street

Matching Funds for Playground Grant

“Smart Growth” Grant Application

Verizon Update

Review of Conservation Advisory Council Recommendations

Establishing a Recycling Committee

Long Term Capital Planning for Refuse Fund

Setting Board Meeting Dates for July and August

9:00pm EXECUTIVE SESSION
PBA Negotiations Update

Monday, June 22, 2009

Planning Commission Agenda 06/24/09

[As received from Village announcements. -Ben]

Pleasantville Planning Commission
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
8:00 P.M.
Village Hall, 2nd Floor
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 - FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAT APPROVAL/SIGNAGE OF LINEN

Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson Inc. – 2 Great Oak Lane, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed renewal of special use permit

Farrow’s Service Station – 332 Manville Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed site plan amendment to establish the sale of propane gas tanks via exchange type system

Kass Realty Building – 21 Paulding Street and 49 Marble Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed legalization of interior renovations and associated site plan modifications

Luk Oil – 1 Pleasantville Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed site plan amendment to establish the sale of propane gas tanks via exchange type system –

Jacob Burns Film/Media Center – 405 Manville Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed modification to previously approved rooftop plan regarding special events

Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda 06/25/09

[As received from Village newsletter. -Ben]

Zoning Board of Appeals
Thursday June 25, 2009
8:00 P.M.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA
Case No. 2009-07– Mr. Stephen Rossnagel (contract vendee) – 100 Nannahagan Road, Pleasantville, New York- Proposal to construct a new garage/deck on-site in violation of section 185-36.B.(1) schedule I “bulk requirements”, regarding an insufficient rear yard setback and section 185-46.C.(2) “exceptions” which prohibits the expansion of a pre-existing non-complying building when the expansion increases the degree of existing building non-compliance thereof

Case No. 2009-08 – Lucy’s Lounge c/o Eyes of Mohr LTD – 446 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to construct additions and change the use on- site from a tavern to a restaurant in violation of section(s) - 185-36.B.(7) Schedule VI “Bulk Requirements”, of the Zoning Ordinance regarding an insufficient rear yard setback and section 185-46.C.(2) “exceptions” which prohibits the expansion of a pre-existing non-complying building when the expansion increases the degree of existing building non-compliance thereof

Pleasantville Music Festival Tickets - Resident Discounts! - Buy Locally

[As received from Village announcement. -Ben]

PLEASANTVILLE MUSIC FESTIVAL - JULY 11th-TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Tickets can be purchased locally (cash or personal check, no credit cards please).

Discounted tickets are available for Village Residents through June 28th.
Discounted rate is $25, normal rate is $35.

They can be purchased on-line www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com or at
6 convenient locations

In Pleasantville
Cold Stone Creamery – 64 Washington Avenue
Dragonfly CaffĂ© – 7 Wheeler Avenue
The Village Bookstore – 10 Washington Avenue
Pleasantville Village Hall - 80 Wheeler Avenue

In Chappaqua
Marmalade - 29 King Street

In Mt.Kisco
Acadia on Main - 115 E Main Street

Village Board Regular Meeting Agenda 06/22/09

[As received by Village announcement. I did attend this meeting, so there will be an update in the comments field. -Ben]

REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE - 2ND FLOOR
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2009
8:00PM

Announcements: - Call In 769-1677

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

Work Session, Monday, June 29, 2009 at 7:00pm

Work Session, Monday, July 6, 2009 at 7:000pm

Pleasantville Music Festival, Saturday, July 11, 2009, 11:00am to 8:00pm
www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com

Regular Meeting Monday, July 13, 2009 at 8:00pm with a Work Session at 7:00pm

Oral Communication:
Suggestions on Improving Recycling Center presented by Dan Turner, Kim Turner, Justine Collins

Verizon Franchise Update

Resolutions:
Res. No. 2009-124-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2009-125-Approval of Minutes/June 8, 2009
Res. No. 2009-126-Authorization to Hold Sidewalk Sales Day-7/11/09
Res. No. 2009-127-Authorization to Close Sanitary Sewer Capital Account
Res. No. 2009-128-Authorization to Increase Sidewalk Capital Project Account
Res. No. 2009-129-Approval of Out of State Conference Request from Treasurer & Deputy Treasurer
Res. No. 2009-130-Accepting Donation for Senior Programs
Res. No. 2009-131-Approval of Budget Amendments
Res. No. 2009-132-Authorization to Advertise RFP for Sale of Former Recreation Center
Res. No. 2009-133-Authorization to Award Bid for Eastview Drainage Project
Res. No. 2009-134-Approval of Survey Services/Hays Hill Road & Greenmeadow Lane
Res. No. 2009-135-Authorization to Renew Village’s Insurance Policies
Res. No. 2009-136-Approval of Part-Time Court Officer

Village Board Work Session Agenda 06/22/09

[As received by Village announcement. I did attend this meeting, so there will be an update in the comments field. -Ben]

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
WORK SESSION
AGENDA
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y.
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2009
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570

7:00pm Miscellaneous Administrative Items
Professional Consulting, Inc. - Hays Hill/Greenmeadow
Capital Program

Lucy’s Lounge License Agreement Request

Kass Realty License Agreement Request/Ed Elliott

8:00pm BOARD MEETING

8:30pm Work Session Continued
Conservation Advisory Council/Nannahagen Park
& Sanctuary Discussion & Misc. Updates

Village Board Work Session Agenda 6/15/09

[As received by Village announcement. I did not attend this meeting, so there will be no updates in the comments field. -Ben]

WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2009
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570

7:00PM
Miscellaneous Administrative Items
Ed Elliott/Easment Agreement Request
Appraisal Proposal for 359 Bedford Road
(Recreation Center)
Hiring of Part-Time Court Security
Metro North/Meeting Update

8:30pm Conservation Advisory Council/Nannahagen Park
and Sanctuary Discussion & Misc. Updates

9:30pm
EXECUTIVE SESSION
PBA Negotiations

Village Board Regular Meeting Agenda 06/08/09

[As received by Village announcement. I did not attend this meeting, so there will be no updates in the comments field. This meeting was posted at PCTV's website. -Ben]

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

Call in # 769-1677

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

Work Session, Monday, June 15, 2009 at 7:00pm

Regular Meeting Monday, June 22, 2009 at 8:00pm with a Work Session at 7:00pm

Written Communication:

Oral Communication:
Building Department Updates/Michael Testa, Building Inspector

Resolutions:
Res. No. 2009-112-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2009-113-Approval of Minutes/May 18th & May 29th
Res. No. 2009-114-Accepting Donations to Beautification Committee Fund
Res. No. 2009-115-Approval of Amendment to 08/09 Snow & Ice Agreement with NYS Dept. of Transportation
Res. No. 2009-116-Approval of Worker’s Compensation Insurance/PERMA
Res. No. 2009-117-Approval of Agreement with NYCONN/Fire Alarm System at 359 Bedford Road (Recreation Center)
Res. No. 2009-118-SEQRA Determination for Installation of a Traffic Signal and Related Streetscape Improvements at the Intersections of Bedford and Pleasantville Road, and Marble Avenue & Wheeler Avenue Intersections on Bedford Road.
Res. No. 2009-119-Award of Bid/Streetscape Improvements
Res. No. 2009-120-Approval of Internship/Police Department
Res. No. 2009-121-Approval of Budget Amendments
Res. No. 2009-121-Authorizing the Appropriation from the General Fund of $150,000 from Fund Balance to a Capital Reserve for Economic Development Purposes

Village Board Work Session Agenda 06/08/09

[As received by Village announcement. I did not attend this meeting, so there will be no updates in the comments field. -Ben]

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2009
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM

7:00pm Miscellaneous Administrative Items
Miscellaneous Project Updates/ Superintendent of Public works

7:30pm Water Billing Inquiry/Pat Spinelli

8:00pm REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Monday, June 1, 2009

Village Board Work Session Agenda 6/01/09

[As received by Village announcement. -Ben]

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
WORK SESSION
AGENDA
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2009
80 WHEELER AVENUE
PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570
7:00PM

7:00pm Executive Session
Police Chief/Personnel Matters
Real Estate Negotiations for 359 Bedford Road

9:00pm Miscellaneous Administrative Items
Review of NYCON Proposal for Alarm Upgrade/359 Bedford Road/

Review of Recommendation of Award for Topographic Survey/Hays Hill & Greenmeadow Roads

Village Board Meeting Agenda 05/29/09

[As received by Village announcement. Made spelling correction on posting. -Ben]

MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF PLEASANTVILLE
VILLAGE HALL
80 WHEELER AVENUE - 2ND FLOOR
MONDAY, MAY 29 2009

9:00AM

Resolutions:
Res. No. 2009-108-Approval of Pre-Check Register
Res. No. 2009-109-Approval to Use Outdoor Barbecue Grill/Holy Innocents
Res. No. 2009-110-Authorization to Wire Transfer Funds for Pleasantville Music Festival
Res. No. 2009-107-Approval of Temporary Parking Restrictions/Farmers Market

Architectural Review Board 6/4/09

[As received by Village announcement. Email announcement had conflicting date (6/4 & 6/6), 6/4 is the correct date. -Ben]

Architectural Review Board
Thursday June 4, 2009
8:15 p.m.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

1. Jamie and Carrie Lent, 151 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed backyard patio and associated stair repair- Note: Property is located in the special character overlay district

2. Ledgerock Gardens Co-op, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed signage rep

Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda 5/28/09

[As received by Village administrator. -Ben]

Zoning Board of Appeals
Thursday May, 28 2009
8:15 P.M.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York


AGENDA
Case No. 2009-04– Mr. and Mrs. James Corey, 119 Pierce Drive, Pleasantville, New York- Proposal to construct new additions and associated improvements on-site in violation of section 185-36.B.(1) schedule I “bulk requirements” regarding insufficient side yard setbacks and excessive building story height-

Case No. 2009-06 – Kass Reality Company - 21 Paulding Street, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to legalize the current use of the second floor office areas and associated improvements at 21 Paulding Street, Pleasantville NY done without obtaining Building permits and associated approvals on-site in violation of section(s) 185-36.B.(7) Schedule VII “Off Street parking and loading requirements” of the Zoning Ordinance regarding insufficient parking being provided on-site

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

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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