Board Highlights June 9, 2026

BAR Threshold Increased

After a Public Hearing was held, three members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) voted to increase the cost of a project that would require review by the Board of Architectural Review (BAR).  Originally set at $10,000 more than fifty years ago, the new threshold is $40,000.

Trustee Ellen Silver recused, and Trustee Maria DeRose was temporarily away from the meeting.

Food Establishment Special Permits

A Public Hearing was held before changing the Village Code to amend the requirement for the renewal of a special permit for food establishments.  Currently, after the initial permit is granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), the permit holder must return to the ZBA for every renewal (typically three years).  Peter Voyiatis, owner of Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company on Mamaroneck Avenue addressed the BOT.  He recounted that getting the original permit cost him $50,000-$60,000 and “took a lot of time.”  He suggested that permits be approved for the length of the establishment’s lease and asked the BOT to “make it easier on us.”

Village Manager, Kathleen Gill, read a letter from Mark Taxiera, owner of Augustine’s on Halstead Avenue voicing similar concerns.

The proposed change would allow establishments who had a clean record to renew their permit without appearing before the ZBA as the Building Inspector will handle renewals administratively.  The proposal passed 4-1 with Trustee Nora Lucas dissenting.  She argued that most of the lengthy applications were due to applicants’ lack of submitting proper information and without changing the Code and the procedures there would be limited relief.  Lucas is also concerned that the public needs to have an opportunity to weigh in if a food establishment was violating the Village Code.  The ZBA also wrote a letter to the BOT urging them not to make the change.  See HERE.

Band for July Fourth

The BOT voted 4-1 to hire a band to perform at Harbor Island on the Fourth of July despite the cost being over budget ($24,000 vs. $20,000).  There was talk about raising the all-day parking fee for that day to cover the overage.  Jason Pinto, Superintendent of Recreation, expects the usual crowd of 15-20,000 people.  He said most of the people who park at Harbor Island are from out of town as locals usually walk to the events.  Trustee Lucas dissented.

Happy 100th Birthday Joe Germano!

The BOT voted 5-0 to make a portion of Claflin Avenue one way to allow for the 100th Birthday celebration for long-time resident Joe Germano.  The organizers are working with the Police and Fire Departments to ensure everything is safe and there will be no disruptions.

Jefferson and Wood Drainage Project Moves Forward

Gill informed the BOT and the public that an email from Senator Chuck Schumer had just been received that afternoon stating that the FEMA funds for the project had been “obligated.”  This news gave the BOT the assurances they wanted and the vote to continue the project will be on the June 23rd BOT agenda.  See previous article HERE.

Village to Hire Firm for Rodent Control

After an evaluation of the rodent situation in the Washingtonville area by Dana Pest Control (at no cost to the Village), Gill sought proposals for rodent control on Village properties.  The most appropriate bidder was Dana with a $12,000 upfront cost and monthly fees to be determined by the option chosen by the Village.  See proposal HERE. The Village transfer station already has a program in place and is not included in this contract.

Gill will determine if residents might be able to work with Dana to get a better price for their own properties and discuss it with the Washingtonville neighbors at an upcoming meeting.

The contract will be on the June 23 agenda for approval.

Outside Auditor

The BOT agreed to engage an outside auditor to review the monthly audit of the bills.  Trustee Silver requested that revenue also be included in the review.  Treasurer Laura Vasami is preparing a Request for Proposals.

Officer Ferraro Commended

Not everyone comes before the BOT to complain.  Resident Elizabeth Dreaper patiently waited for her turn to publicly commend Officer Marco Ferraro for his help during a medical emergency at her home.  Draper described Ferraro as courteous, comforting and professional.  She said he made her feel like he truly cared.  Draper brought her comments in a letter to be placed in Ferraro’s personnel file.

New Land Use Counsel (Again)

The BOT announced a vote that took place in Executive Session to hire McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt as the Land Use Counsel.

Taylors Lane

Trustee Dan Kushnick reported that the former dumpsite on Taylors Lane will be returned to the Village after decades of control by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation following a cleanup and capping of the site after which the site was regularly monitored and tested for safety.  See HERE.

The site is 7 acres with much of it capped to control the underground contaminants.  The Village owns 6 acres, and the Town of Rye owns 1.  The Town has no plans to use their property.  The site is located in a residential neighborhood.

Several options have been mentioned for the site: passive recreation, ball fields, solar arrays, moving the dog park and others.  Kushnick suggested that the Recreation Committee begin the discussion and Mayor Sharon Torres said the community needs to be involved.  She mentioned a possible public conversation to be held in a dedicated meeting.  The need for parking was mentioned and both Kushnick and Torres said parking would be allowed on the site without any danger to the cap.  There will be a lot more discussion on this issue.