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.

Showing posts with label Architectural Review Board Meeting. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Architectural Review Board Agenda 12/03/09

[As received by Village announcement. -Ben]

Architectural Review Board Meeting
Thursday December 3, 2009
8:15 p.m.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

PNV PV Realty LLC – 6-8 Paulding Street, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed new siding, windows and store front - Petition to Architectural Review Board – Letter dated November 20, 2009 from Frank J. Tancredi, Architect – Building Application November 20, 2009 – Short EAF dated November 20, 2009 – Photos and associated improvement plan - enclosed

Monday, December 21, 2009

Architectural Review Board Agenda 10/01/09

[As received by Village announcement. -Ben]

Architectural Review Board
Thursday October 1, 2009
8:15 p.m.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

Mr. David Sims – 51 Guion Street, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed new single family dwelling as part of a recent sub-division approval.

Nevae`h Cuisine – 146 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed new awning and window signage

Westchester Stone - 181 Marble Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed siding, trim, facia, door and associated building improvements

Architectural Review Board Revised Agenda 09/03/09

[As received by Village announcement. -Ben]

Architectural Review Board Meeting
Thursday September 3, 2009
8:15 p.m.
2nd floor
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

REVISED AGENDA

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hayes – 193 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed porch repairs, tree removal and associated improvements

Pleasantville Pizzeria – 34 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed new awning recovering and associated awning signage

Lordae Realty LLC c/o Christopher Santomero – 42 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to replace deteriorated windows

Steven Zucker – 301 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed replacement fencing/modification

Mount Pleasant Public Library - 350 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed exterior site improvements

Architectural Review Board Agenda 09/03/09

Architectural Review Board Meeting
Thursday September 3, 2009
8:15 p.m.
2nd floor
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hayes – 193 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed porch repairs, tree removal and associated improvements

Pleasantville Pizzeria – 34 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed new awning recovering and associated awning signage

Lordae Realty LLC c/o Christopher Santomero – 42 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to replace deteriorated windows

Monday, June 1, 2009

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

Monday, May 11, 2009

Architectural Review Board Amended Agenda 05/07/09

[As received by Village announcement email. -Ben]

Architectural Review Board Meeting
Thursday May 7, 2009
8:15 p.m.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AMENDED AGENDA

Joe’s Repair Shop, - 159 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed pole signage modification

Jacob Burns Film Center – 405 Manville Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed ground sign

Jerry’s Brick Oven Pizza – 475 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to install window signage

Monday, May 4, 2009

Architectural Review Board Agenda 5/07/09

[As received by Village announcement. -Ben]

Architectural Review Board Meeting
Thursday May 7, 2009
8:15 p.m.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

Joe’s Repair Shop, - 159 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed pole signage modification

Jacob Burns Film Center – 405 Manville Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed ground sign

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

Monday, December 29, 2008

Architectural Review Board Agendas 01/08/09

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

AGENDA

1. Hilmar Development Group, 343 Manville Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed wall signage

2. Sun’s Nails - 475 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed awning signage

Monday, December 1, 2008

Architectural Review Board Agenda 12/04/08

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

AGENDA

Manville Holdings LLC, 332 Manville Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed site signage amendments

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Architectural Review Board Agendas Architectural Review Board Agenda 11/06/08

Architectural Review Board Meeting
Thursday November 6, 2008
8:15 p.m.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

1. Jessie’s Villa – 160 Marble Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed wall signage and pole sign modification

Monday, October 6, 2008

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

Monday, September 8, 2008

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

Monday, August 4, 2008

Architectural Review Board Agenda 8/07/08

[FYI - corrected spelling mistake and added 914 prefix. -Ben]

Architectural Review Board Meeting
Thursday August 7, 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

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Hardy – 125 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to remove shag bark hickory tree - HOUSE IS LOCATED IN THE SPECIAL CHARACTER OVERLAY DISTRICT

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

Steve and Jackie Zucker – 301 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to modify previously approved plan/deviation HOUSE IS LOCATED IN THE SPECIAL CHARACTER OVERLAY DISTRICT

Jacob Burns Media Center – 405 Manville Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to modify previously approved Architectural Review Board submission

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON EACH CASE PLEASE CONTACT THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT 914-769-1926

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Architectural Review Board Agenda 6/05/08 (Thursday)

[As announced on the Pleasantville-ny.gov mailing lists. -Ben]

Architectural Review Board Meeting

Thursday June 5, 2008

8:15 p.m.

Village Hall

80 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

Anthony Giorgio – 55 Skytop Drive Lot # 2, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to construct a new single-family dwelling on-site

Mahopac National Bank - 57 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed wall signage change –

Mr. Ed Marquette – 119 Broadway, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed porch renovations on-site –

Dunkin Donuts – 2 Washington Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed façade

improvements/modifications

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Cahill – 359 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed preliminary design plans and schematics for renovation/conversation of the Pleasantville Recreation Center to a new single-family dwelling

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Townsend – 309 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed fencing update, driveway modification, walkway and patio improvements

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Architectural Review Board Agendas Architectural Review Board Agenda 05/01/08

Architectural Review Board Meeting
Thursday May 1, 2008
8:15 p.m.
Village Hall
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

AGENDA

1. Anthony Giorgio – 55 Skytop Drive Lot # 2, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to construct a new single-family dwelling on-site

2. Mr. and Mrs. Steven Zucker – 301 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed renovations on-site

3. Mahopac National Bank 57 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed wall signage change – Petition to Architectural Review Board

4. Mr. Ed Marquette – 119 Broadway, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed porch renovations on-site – Letter from Steve Miller, Contractor –

5. *Believe Salon & Spa – 395 Manville Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed wall signage – Petition to Architectural Review Board – Application for sign permit

6. Discussion:
General discussion with Architectural Review Board regarding submission criteria for applicants and possible amendments

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Architectural Review Board Agendas Architectural Review Board Agenda 03/06/08

Architectural Review Board Meeting
Thursday March 6, 2008
8:15 p.m.
Village Hall, 2nd floor
80 Wheeler Avenue
Pleasantville, New York

1. Dunkin Donuts – 2 Washington Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed signage and associated façade improvements - Carried over from last month

2. Dennis Santucci Contracting Corporation (contract vendee) – 112 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to demolition an existing single-family dwelling and reconstruct a new single-family dwelling on-site within the special character overlay district – Carried over from last month

3. Jerry’s Brick Oven Pizza – 475 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed awning signage – Petition to Architectural Review Board - Application for sign permit

4. Haven Restaurant – 472 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed window signage - Petition to Architectural Review Board - Application for sign permit

5. Jacob Burns Media Center – 405 Manville Road- Pleasantville, New York – Proposed façade renovations

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Architecture Review Board Meeting (Dunkin Donuts, Residence Work, & Bud's Service Center) - Thur Feb 7 at 8pm

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
Thursday, February 7, 2008, 8:00pm @ Village Hall, 80 Wheeler. 3rd Floor

*AMENDED AGENDA

1. Dunkin Donuts – 2 Washington Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposed signage and associated facade improvements – letter dated January 28, 2008 from Michael Mastrogiacomo, P.E. and amended drawings enclosed
Carried over from last month please bring past agenda packet

2. Dennis Santucci Contracting Corporation (contract vendee) – 112 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to demolition an existing single-family dwelling and reconstruct a new single-family dwelling on-site within the special character overlay district – Petition to Architectural Review Board and associated drawings enclosed

3. *Bud’s Service Station c/o Princeton Realty Group – 24 Marble Avenue, Pleasantville, New York – Proposal to modify building colors and sign – Letter dated January 28, 2008 from Edwin O. Elliott, Architect and amended drawings enclosed

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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