Government Meetings
PORT CHESTER HOUSING TASK FORCE. Village Hall Conference Room, 222 Grace Church St., Port Chester. 7 p.m. Meeting of this task force appointed by the village board to study housing options in the village and to make suggestions on how to improve them. Open to the public. For information, agenda, call the village clerk’s office at 914-939-5202.
Code enforcement dissected by an expert
Code enforcement—a topic important to every community, not just Port Chester.
Government Meetings
PORT CHESTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Rye Town Justice Court, 350 N. Main St., Port Chester. 6 p.m.: Executive session to interview candidates for the Planning Commission. 7 p.m.: Public meeting. Draft Agenda: 1) Continued public hearing to consider adopting a local law amending the zoning code imposing a temporary development moratorium on self-storage facilities. 2) Presentation from the Port Chester Carver Center which is in the process of completing a third CDBG application for the renovation of the facility parking lot. 3) Public comments. 4) Report of the village manager. 5) From Washington Engine & Hose on the election of Laurence Caligan to active membership. 6) Approving an extension of the Final United Hospital Subdivision Plat Approval by the Board of Trustees dated Mar. 18, 2024. 7) Authorizing the village manager to enter into a retainer agreement with Paul Derohannesian, Esq., an election attorney. 8) Setting a public hearing on a proposed local law amending the zoning code and the official zoning map of the village to rezone properties on Beech Street from R-2F to CD-4MU. 9) Authorizing IMA with the County of Westchester for access to the County Repository for Integrated Criminalistic Information. 10) Setting a public hearing to consider adopting a local law to amend the zoning code to amend provisions relating to parking space requirements and referring same to the Westchester County Planning Board and the Port Chester Planning Commission. 11) FY 2024-25 General Fund Budget Transfer – Fire Department training. 12) Establish capital project for sanitary sewer improvement on Irving Avenue. 13) Public comments and board comments. Regular bimonthly meeting. Open to the public. For information, complete agenda and backup, call 914-939-5202 or visit portchesterny.gov
What’s so bad about dogs in Port Chester parks?
As we have just celebrated International Dog Day on Monday, Aug. 26, let’s talk about dogs in Port Chester parks, which has been a hot topic around the village and a subject of discussion at village board meetings in recent months.
State legislature approves permit parking for P.C.’s Washington Park neighborhood
The Village of Port Chester is on its way to being able to implement a residential parking system in the Washington Park neighborhood to make it easier for residents to find a place to park on the street near where they live.
Government Meetings
PORT CHESTER TRAFFIC COMMISSION. Village Hall Conference Room, 222 Grace Church St., Port Chester. 6:30 p.m. Agenda will include discussion regarding parking on Nella Way within the Fox Commons residential development. Regular monthly meeting. Open to the public. For information, complete agenda, call the Village Clerk’s Office at 914-939-5202.
Out of season
I remember admiring the banners in the Port Chester Marina Parking Lot on Abendroth Avenue and taking photos of them the winter they were installed with snow on the ground.
Government Meetings
PORT CHESTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Town of Rye Justice Court, 350 N. Main St., Port Chester. 6 p.m.: Closed session consultation with village attorney. 7 p.m.: Public meeting. Draft Agenda: 1) Presentation by Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman. 2) Public hearing to consider adopting a local law amending the code imposing a temporary development moratorium on self-storage facilities. 3) Public hearing to consider adopting a local law amending the code to increase the maximum weight of vehicles parked on residential premises. 4) Public hearing to consider adopting a local law amending the zoning code to establish a Public Parking Incentive Zone. 5) Public hearing to amend the code imposing a temporary development moratorium on battery energy storage systems in order to review and make necessary changes to the zoning code. 6) Public hearing to consider adopting a local law amending the code on Senior Citizen Tax Exemptions to increase the extent of exemptions. 7) Public hearing to consider approving the Village of Port Chester’s CDBG application for the purchasing and installation of traffic controls and other improvements at the Westchester Avenue and Bowman Avenue intersection. 8) Public hearing to consider approving the Village of Port Chester’s CDBG application for the design and installation of a sanitary sewer relief pipe to be located at the intersection of Willett Avenue and Broad Street. 9) Presentation by Carver Center which is in the process of completing a CDBG application for the purchase and installation of security cameras.
Redesign of Bowman-Westchester intersection will make it safer for drivers and pedestrians
There are several problematic intersections in Port Chester, and one of them, arguably the most dangerous, will be getting a makeover within the next year. Located close to the Port Chester/Rye Brook border, the place where Bowman and Westchester avenues converge throws the inexperienced or unaware driver for a loop. Coming from Rye Brook on Westchester Avenue, do you stop as you go through the intersection or just yield to traffic filtering in on the right from Bowman?
Government Meetings
PORT CHESTER PLANNING COMMISSION. Town of Rye Justice Court, 350 N. Main St., Port Chester. 6:30 p.m. Agenda: 1) Continued public hearing on application for site plan redevelopment approval for revisions within the 15-story building of 280 residential units, 8,700 s.f. of ground floor commercial space ad 271 self-parking spaces at 44 Broad St. 2) Continued public hearing on application for site plan approval and special exception use to allow for a 3-story self-storage facility at 120 Midland Ave. 3) Continued public hearing on application for site plan approval for reuse of the existing building to convert warehouse space into four loft style apartments at 189 ½ N. Main St. 4) Continued public meeting on application for site plan approval to redevelop the premises at 128-156 N. Main St. with 234 residential units and 245 off-street parking spaces. 5) New public meeting on application for special exception use and site plan approval for a proposed annex to an existing self-storage building at 123 Oak St. (FKA 200 William St.) Regular monthly meeting. Open to the public. For information, agenda backup, call 914-937-6780 or visit portchesterny.gov
Blood drive at AJP on Aug. 10 in memory of Anthony G. Sotire
Maria Sotire is hosting another blood drive in her husband Anthony G. Sotire’s memory on Saturday, Aug. 10 at Anthony J. Posillipo Community Center in Rye Brook. He was the owner of Double R A Construction Corp. in Rye Brook which she continues to operate.
Government Meetings
WESTCHESTER INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY. County Executive’s Office, 148 Martine Ave., 9th Floor Conference Room 912, White Plains. 8:30 a.m. Open to the public. Members of the public may view this meeting online at meetings.westchestergov.com. For information, agenda, call 914-995-2932 or go to https://westchestercountynyexec.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
What a difference!
At the end of May I wrote in this column about an extraordinary eyesore at 123 Pearl St.—a fence surrounding the property that hadn’t been painted in years and often stopped me in my tracks during my weekly trips around the Villages of Port Chester and Rye Brook.
A neater image
The brand new Toter food scrap receptacles at the far end of the parking lot at Rye Brook Village Hall are more secure than the old ones, keeping out raccoons and presenting a neater image.
Government Meetings
PORT CHESTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Village Hall Conference Room, 222 Grace Church St., Port Chester. 6 p.m. Special meeting. Agenda: 1) Setting a public hearing for Aug. 5 for approval of the Village of Port Chester’s CDBG application for the purchasing and installation of traffic controls and other improvements at the Westchester Avenue and Bowman Avenue intersection. 2) Setting a public hearing for Aug. 5 for approval of the Village of Port Chester’s CDBG application for the design and installation of a sanitary sewer relief pipe to be located at the intersection of Willett Avenue and Broad Street. Open to the public. For information, agenda backup, call 914-939-5202 or visit portchesterny.gov.
From Our Editor: Westmore News recognized for its coverage of government
No matter what field you’re in, even local government, conventions are a highlight of the year. Besides being a learning experience, both through seminars and just catching up with and commiserating with other people in your industry about common problems, goals and solutions, they are meant to be fun and rewarding.
The Gulliver’s fire
Two communities remember a tragedy five decades later
The Gulliver’s nightclub fire of June 30, 1974 is ingrained in the psyche of most Port Chester residents who were alive at least 50 years ago, and particularly anyone related to the Port Chester Fire Department. For every volunteer firefighter celebrating 50 or more years with the department, it is the incident they recall most vividly and horrifically so many years later.
Government Meetings
BLIND BROOK BOARD OF EDUCATION. Blind Brook Middle/High School Library, 840 King St., Rye Brook. 6:30 p.m. Reorganization meeting. Agenda includes: Swearing in of newly elected board members, electing president and vice president of the board and yearly reorganization resolutions. Open to the public. For information, complete agenda, call District Clerk Vivian Groccia at 914-937-3600 x1001, email her at [email protected] or visit blindbrook.org
Government Meetings
PORT CHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION. Port Chester Middle School Auditorium, Bowman Avenue, Rye Brook. 5 p.m. Reorganization meeting. Agenda includes: Swearing in of newly elected board members, electing president and vice president of the board and yearly reorganization resolutions. Open to the public. For information, complete agenda, call District Clerk Cathy Maggi at 914-934-7922, email her at [email protected] or visit portchesterschools.org.
IDA awards Westchester Crossing $161.6M financial aid package
Incentive will make mixed-use project on United Hospital site viable
Following a public hearing on May 30 at which no one showed up to speak, the Port Chester Industrial Development Agency (IDA) met again on June 12 and approved a financial aid package to make possible the successful completion of Westchester Crossing, the long-awaited mixed-use development approved by the Port Chester Board of Trustees for the former 15.45-acre United Hospital property.
Government Meetings
RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Meeting Room, Village Hall, 938 King St., Rye Brook. 6:45 p.m.: Executive session to discuss Unimac settlement. 7:30 p.m.: Public meeting. Draft agenda: 1) Considering approval of a legal settlement with Unimac LLC. 2) Considering approval of the scoping document for 975 Anderson Hill Rd. 3) Considering approving road paving list as per contract. 4) Considering approving/denying MOU and 2024 extension of electric service agreement to continue to participate in a community choice aggregation program managed by Sustainable Westchester.
Work can now resume on 30 Broad St. building
Work on the mixed-use building that will house a brewpub, apartments and offices across from the Metro-North station should resume soon.
Crosswalk to Crawford considered
Pedestrian walkway would make crossing North Ridge Street safer and slow traffic
Joe Laronga, who lives across the street from the entrance to Crawford Park, appeared before the Rye Brook Board of Trustees a few months ago to voice his concern about the speeding motorists on North Ridge Street and the need for a crosswalk to safely traverse one of the village’s main thoroughfares to the park. It didn’t take the Village of Rye Brook long to heed Laronga’s call for action.
Government Meetings
BLIND BROOK BOARD OF EDUCATION CELEBRATION OF TEACHING. George C. Trautwein Theater, Blind Brook High School, 840 King St., Rye Brook. Refreshments at 7 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. Recognition of retirees and those receiving tenure. Open to the public. For information, call District Clerk Vivian Groccia at 914-937-3600 x1001, email her at [email protected] or visit blindbrook.org
Government Meetings
PORT CHESTER HOUSING TASK FORCE. Senior Center, 220 Grace Church St., Port Chester. 7 p.m. Meeting of this task force appointed by the village board to study housing options in the village and to make suggestions on how to improve them. Open to the public. For information, agenda, call the village clerk’s office at 914-939-5202.
How many self-storage facilities can you pack into one small village?
Do you believe that within the next few years there could be six self-storage facilities in Port Chester?
Eyesore extraordinaire
Every Thursday I take a tour around the Villages of Port Chester and Rye Brook and am struck by both beauty and ugliness. The deplorable condition of the fence around the house at 123 Pearl St. stops me in my tracks every time, to the point where last week I stopped the car and took a picture.
Government Meetings
PORT CHESTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Town of Rye Justice Courtroom, 350 N. Main St., Port Chester. 7 p.m. Draft agenda: 1) Report of the deputy village attorney giving a two-month update on the prosecution of code enforcement violations. 2) Discussion on 41 Pearl Street/Neri Land Improvement building expansion plan. 3) Discussion on giving an artisanal sales permit. 4) Public comments. 5) Report of the village manager. 6) Setting a public hearing re new vehicle and traffic fines. 7) Support to pass a Strong Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and expand the state’s Bottle Bill. 8) From Putnam E&H on the election of Diego Franco to active membership. 9) Approve taxi dispatching license for Coqui Taxi. 10) Approval to raise the Pride Flag in Liberty Square on June 22 and concurrent brief road closure of Lower King Street.
Government Meetings
RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Meeting Room, Village Hall, 938 King St., Rye Brook. 7:30 p.m.: Public meeting. Draft agenda: 1) Public hearing on draft DEIS scoping outline for 975 Anderson Hill Rd. 2) Considering the permanent appointment of a recreation supervisor. 3) Considering an agreement between AARP and the Village of Rye Brook for a grant award. 4) Considering budget transfers for FY2023-24. 5) Considering removal of fixed assets from the village annual financial reporting for FY2023-24. 6) Considering renewing an agreement between the Carver Center for pool services and the use of Garibaldi Park. 7) Considering approving the use of village streets for Bellefair HOA events. 8) Considering authorizing the reimbursement of training cost for a police officer transfer and the transfer of funds form FY2023-24....
Rye Brook seasonal leaf blower law in effect through Sept. 30
Rye Brook’s seasonal leaf blower ban is now in effect. Except for properties that have received extensions, gas-powered blowers cannot be used from May 1 to Sept. 30 for lawn cleanup or property maintenance.
Water rates will go up 5.9% June 1
While numbers have been bantered about for many months and a settlement was reached between Veolia and the local communities it serves some time ago, earlier this month the Public Service Commission (PSC) finalized its rate review with the water company, and the figures are being made public.
Government Meetings
PORT CHESTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Rye Town Justice Courtroom, 350 N. Main St., Port Chester. 7 p.m. Draft Agenda: 1) Port Chester Police Association award presentation. 2) Public hearing to consider amending the zoning code to establish a new CD-5T Urban Center Transit Character District, making changes to building and lot plan approval authority and amending the official zoning map of the Village of Port Chester. 3) Presentation of the final report of the Form-Based Code Study Committee. 4) Presentation of the Colliers Engineering & Design Master Transportation Study. 5) Discussion: 41 Pearl Street/Neri Land Improvement, Inc.: Building Expansion Plan. 6) Public comments. ...
Adopted 2024-25 village budget exceeds tax cap, adds positions
After comments from two residents and some discussion during the second public hearing on the Village of Port Chester’s 2024-25 spending plan on Apr. 15, the Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a $54.26 million budget that exceeds the state-mandated tax levy cap by $350,000.
Government Meetings
RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Meeting Room, Village Hall, 938 King St., Rye Brook. 7:30 p.m.: Public meeting. Draft agenda: 1) Considering approving a chicken/hen permit application for 59 Hillandale Rd. 2) Considering approving National Resource Recovery service contract form of sale. 3) Considering approving home appraisal values for National Resource Recovery Service. 4) Considering authorizing change of life insurance carrier. 5) Considering authorizing change of dental insurance carrier. 6) Considering reallocation of capital project funds and closing of capital projects. 7) Considering creating a third detective position for the Police Department.
Pretty in pink
This random bright pink rhododendron pops in the beds surrounding Port Chester Village Hall at 222 Grace Church St., nicely landscaped with daffodils in the early spring and annuals as the growing season progresses.
Government Meetings
PORT CHESTER HOUSING TASK FORCE. Village Hall Conference Room, 222 Grace Church St., Port Chester. 7 p.m. Meeting of this task force appointed by the village board to study housing options in the village and to make suggestions on how to improve them. Open to the public. For information, agenda, call the village clerk’s office at 914-939-5202.
Government Meetings
PORT CHESTER PLANNING COMMISSION. Port Chester Senior Center, 220 Grace Church St., Port Chester. 6:30 p.m. Agenda: 1) Continued public hearing on application for site plan approval to construct a 100-unit apartment building at 229 Willett Ave. 2) Continued public meeting on application for site plan redevelopment approval for revisions within the 15-story building of 280 residential units, 8,700 s.f. of ground floor commercial space and 271 self-parking spaces at 44 Broad St. 3) Continued public meeting on application for site plan approval and special exception use to allow for a 3-story self-storage facility at 120 Midland Ave. 4) Continued public meeting on application for site plan approval to reactivate and continue redeveloping the commercial parcels along Midland Avenue now known as 120, 130 and 140 Midland. The applicant is proposing to update the façade of the existing 18,586 s.f. building at the site as well as to construct a 3,370 s.f. addition in the rear of the building at 140 Midland Ave. 5) New public meeting on application for site plan approval by United Pentecostal Church for a new two-story rear extension on the existing building at 35 Traverse Ave. 6) New public meeting on application for site plan approval for reuse of the existing building at 189 ½ N. Main St. to convert warehouse space into four loft style apartments. 7) Referral from the Board of Trustees of a local law amending the zoning code establishing a new CD-5T Urban Center Transit Character District, making changes to building and lot plan approval authority and amending the official zoning map of the Village of Port Chester for review and recommendation. Regular monthly meeting. Open to the public. For information, agenda backup, call 914-937-6780 or visit portchesterny.gov
From Our Editor: The Village of Port Chester deserves better from the MTA
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority couldn’t care less about Port Chester.
Government Meetings
RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Meeting Room, Village Hall, 938 King St., Rye Brook. 7:30 p.m.: Public meeting. Draft agenda: 1) Considering adoption of the 2024-25 budget. 2) Considering approving SEQRA Lead Agency and introduction of site plan and zoning text amendment application for 975 Anderson Hill Rd. 3) Considering a request for an exemption/extension of the village seasonal leaf blower ban for 975 Anderson Hill Rd. 4) Considering a request for an exemption/extension of the village seasonal leaf blower ban for Bulfamante Landscaping. 5) Considering the authorization of funds for the 2024 Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies to be paid to the American Legion. 6) Considering appointing a representative to the Community Development Advisory Group.
Village orders work to stop on 30 Broad Street building
The mixed-use building that will house a brewpub, apartments and offices across from the Metro-North station has been under construction for many months, finally climbing to its approved nine stories. However, more than a month ago, work on the structure stopped.
Government Meetings
RYE TOWN BOARD. Crawford Mansion Community Center, 122 N. Ridge St., Rye Brook. 6 p.m. Agenda includes 3 public hearings on three new local laws: 1) Making the receiver of taxes position an appointed rather than elected position commencing Jan. 1, 2025. 2) Establishing an additional deputy town clerk. 3) Establishing and authorizing the number of deputy receivers of taxes appointed by the town. Regular monthly meeting. Open to the public. This will be a hybrid meeting. The Town will be using Zoom to host those who wish to join. You can also see the video and hear the audio of the live session on the Town of Rye’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TownofRyeNY. For the Zoom link, email Town Clerk Hope Vespia at [email protected] or call her at 914-939-3570.
Making it official: 3 more years
After being sworn in for his fifth three-year term as Rye Brook trustee, David Heiser signs the oath of office before the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Apr. 9. His term also began on Apr. 1.
Tentative village budget is tax cap-compliant
Board considers adding positions and exceeding the cap
The tentative 2024-25 budget presented by Village Manager Stuart Rabin to the Port Chester Board of Trustees on Mar. 18 and explained to the board and public during a presentation by the manager and Treasurer Anthony Siligato on Apr. 1 is tax cap-compliant with a 2.67% tax levy increase which equates to $840,266.
Tentative Rye Brook budget is tax cap-compliant for 12th time
The Rye Brook Tentative 2024-25 Budget, presented to the Board of Trustees on Mar. 20, is now the village board’s budget and being actively reviewed by that five-member body to see if any modifications should be made.
Government Meetings
RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Meeting Room, Village Hall, 938 King St., Rye Brook. 6 p.m. Budget workshop with departments. 1) IT Department. 2) Police Department. 3) Senior Services. 4) Parks and Recreation. 5) Miscellaneous/Other Accounts. Open to the public. For information, call 914-708-7242.
Government Meetings
BLIND BROOK BOARD OF EDUCATION. Blind Brook Middle/High School Library, 840 King St., Rye Brook. 8 p.m. Public hearing and meeting. Agenda includes: Athletic fields update and presentation of budget draft #3. Regular bimonthly meeting. Open to the public. For information, complete agenda, call District Clerk Vivian Groccia at 914-937-3600 x1001, email her at [email protected] or visit blindbrook.org
There’s a new village attorney in town
James Carpiniello retired from Westchester Law Dept. as senior assistant county attorney
After 28 years, there’s a new village attorney at 222 Grace Church St. James Carpiniello began his career with the Village of Port Chester on Mar. 19, having been confirmed and approved by the Board of Trustees at a meeting the night before.
Village takes action to resolve 2 lawsuits challenging rezoning
In response to litigation filed against the Village of Port Chester last year by two property owners, the Port Chester Board of Trustees voted Monday night, Mar. 18, on a measure which could lead to settlement of the two cases.
Boston Post Road location changes from restaurant to veterinary group
The dream of Courtney Bellew, HUB Veterinary Group opened with fanfare on Thursday, Mar. 7 at 316 Boston Post Rd.
Government Meetings
PORT CHESTER PLANNING COMMISSION. Port Chester Senior Center, 220 Grace Church St., Port Chester. 6:30 p.m. Agenda: 1) Public hearing on application for site plan approval to construct a 100-unit apartment building at 229 Willett Ave. 2) Application for site plan redevelopment approval for revisions within the 15-story building of 280 residential units, 8,700 square feet of ground floor commercial space and 271 self-parking spaces at 44 Broad St. Regular monthly meeting. Open to the public. For information, agenda backup, call 914-937-6780 or visit portchesterny.gov
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