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Season’s Greetings to all! Although a bit chilly, last evening’s Holiday Celebration was a great way to kick off the holiday season. With the Menorah on display, the Christmas Tree lit and a visit by Santa Claus himself, Vassallo Park was the place to be! I hope you will continue to celebrate the holidays in our Village by shopping local in our business districts and dining local at our great restaurants.
Following a public hearing held on November 20, 2024, the Village Board decided to table Local Law Introductory 14 of 2024, which would have terminated the Village’s status as an Assessing Unit, and transferred assessment responsibilities to the Town of Cortlandt. The Village Board will be revisiting this issue after the tentative assessment roll for 2025 is published on February 1, 2025. In the meantime, I encourage all those who are interested in this process to review the materials available on the Village website.
The Village Board of Trustees continue to review the special permit application for a multifamily residential building at 1 Croton Point Avenue. On Wednesday evening, the Board reviewed Part 3 of the environmental assessment form, which provides a synopsis of the studies undertaken for the project and the reasoning behind issuing a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), as well as the potential conditions to impose through the granting of a special permit. The Village Board will be considering the adoption of two resolutions for the project at the December 18th board meeting: one issuing a negative declaration under SEQRA and another issuing the special permit with various conditions.
The end of major construction for the train station solar canopy project is quickly approaching. Yesterday, a walkthrough of the site took place to identify a punch list of items which need to be addressed before the system can be connected to the grid. Sections D (handicapped) and E (preferred) re-opened for use on November 30. Thank you for your continued patience.
Two public hearings on local laws have been scheduled for January 2025 by the Village Board. The first public hearing, Local Law Introductory 15 of 2024, is scheduled for January 8, 2025. If enacted, the local law will implement the provisions of the state’s Good Cause Eviction law. The second public hearing, Local Law Introductory 12 of 2024, is scheduled for January 22, 2025. If enacted, the local law will implement various cleanup items in the Village’s Zoning Code. A memo detailing these cleanup items can be reviewed here. Members of the public are welcome to attend the public hearing(s) and provide their comments, or are welcome to write to the Board in advance with their comments.
Please remember to check the Projects and Initiatives page of the Village website for updates on various other work being done. These pages are updated regularly as more information becomes available. As always, residents are welcome to contact me at bhealy@crotononhudson-ny.gov or 914-271-4848 with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Bryan T. Healy
Village Manager
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REMINDER: Current annual alarm system permits expire on December 31st. The annual renewal invoice ($50 for residential, $100 for businesses) will be mailed to permit holders in January. Residents with private alarm systems are required to register their system with the Village. Alarm permit applications are available at the Village office or on the Village website. The initial registration fee for an alarm system is $100 for private residences and $200 for businesses. | | |
Some Not-Snow-Fun Reminders...
A friendly reminder that the Village Code requires the clearing of snow and ice from the full width of the sidewalk 12 hours after the cessation of snowfall. The Village will declare an official end time to each storm, which will be posted on the Village website and social media. Residents can sign up to receive Snow Alerts via email by registering here.
The Village thanks you in advance for clearing your sidewalk of snow and ice — doing so creates a safer environment for our pedestrians and especially children who walk to school. Sidewalks not cleared after the prescribed 12 hours will be cleared by the Village’s contractor. Property owners will be billed for this service. Any bills which remain unpaid shall be levied to the property owner’s Village tax bill.
In order to facilitate keeping our streets clear of snow and ice, no parking is allowed on any Village street when there is 2 or more inches of snow. For residents that have no viable off-street parking, Village municipal lots are available for parking. Seasonal hardship parking permits are also available for those who qualify. Hardship permit holders shall move their vehicles no later than 12 hours after the snow stops. For more information on the above, please call the Village office at 914-271-4781.
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Holiday Gifts for History Lovers
The Historical Society offers a variety of Croton-themed items, such as t-shirts, note cards, tote bags, books, and a historical coverlet, at their office in the basement of the Municipal Building on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Croton is a Dam Town T-Shirts are also available for purchase in the main Village office on the second floor of the Municipal Building. Proceeds from the sale of these products help support the Croton Historical Society. For more information, contact archivist@crotonhistoricalsociety.org or visit crotonhistoricalsociety.org.
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Tax Exemption Applications Due December 31st
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson offers various tax exemption programs, including new options this year. Seniors aged 65+ and individuals with documented disabilities may qualify for exemptions based on income. Volunteer firefighters, wartime and Cold War veterans, and Gold Star parents may also be eligible.
Property owners who construct accessory apartments or living quarters for senior family members, improve properties for ADA compliance, or enhance homes with green building standards may benefit from related exemptions. First-time homebuyers of newly constructed homes meeting income criteria are also eligible.
Applications are available on the Village Assessor’s page and must be submitted by December 31, 2024, to the Engineering Department. For questions, call the Village Assessor at 914-271-4783.
The Village does not process STAR exemptions. For assistance with STAR eligibility or other exemptions offered by the Town, please contact the Town of Cortlandt at 914-734-1000.
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DPW Moves Forward with New EMS Facility Construction
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson is making significant progress on the construction of a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facility at the Harmon Firehouse. This project was launched after the original EMS building at 44 Wayne Street was deemed uninhabitable in 2021 due to structural issues, requiring EMS operations to temporarily relocate to the firehouse.
After a thorough review process with Sullivan Architecture, P.C., it was decided that an addition to the Harmon Firehouse would serve as the permanent solution. Funding for the project has been allocated from the Village’s capital budget.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) has played a pivotal role in overseeing construction and ensuring the project stays on schedule. By performing a significant portion of the work in-house, the DPW has achieved substantial cost savings for the Village. Recent work includes the installation of the building’s concrete foundation, steel framework, and pouring of the concrete slab for the second floor.
Once completed, the new facility will provide a modern, permanent space for EMS operations, enhancing the Village’s emergency response capabilities.
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Village of Croton Holiday Home Decorating Contest: Let the Festivities Begin! | |
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson invites you to light up the season and spread holiday cheer by entering the annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest! Whether you're a fan of twinkling lights, whimsical inflatables, or classic seasonal displays, this is your chance to showcase your creativity and join a Village-wide celebration of festive spirit. Visit crotononhudson-ny.gov/holidayhomecontest to learn more and sign up. | |
Santa's Mailbox Returns to Croton: Drop Off Your Letters by December 13th!
Santa's elves are busy and calling children of all ages! Santa's mailbox will be here from the North Pole from December 2nd to December 13th. All Croton kids are invited to drop off their letters to Santa Claus at the Municipal Building as well as the mailbox at Sav-Mor Pharmacy.
Return name and address must be included. No postage required. Be sure to drop off your letters by December 13th to give Santa time to answer!
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H.E.A.R.T. Committee Honors Pete Tsagarakis for Community Contributions
On November 18, 2024, the Village of Croton-on-Hudson presented Pete Tsagarakis with the H.E.A.R.T. Award in recognition of his many contributions to the community. The event, held at the Croton Free Library and hosted by Deputy Mayor Len Simon, highlighted Pete’s efforts to support various local organizations, including the Croton Lions Club, Croton Caring, Run Against Hunger, and Croton Little League.
The evening included a video interview with Pete and remarks from representatives of the charities he has supported. Mayor Brian Pugh presented the award, followed by a brief speech from Pete reflecting on his work and the importance of community service.
The event concluded with refreshments, offering attendees an opportunity to gather and celebrate Pete’s achievements. The H.E.A.R.T. Committee, formed earlier this year, is committed to recognizing individuals and organizations that contribute to the betterment of the village. The next honoree will be announced in spring 2025.
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Wheels for Croton: Bicycle Donation Program Accepting Donations Through March 2025
Croton Caring and the Croton PBA are excited to announce the "Wheels for Croton" bicycle donation program, which is accepting gently used bicycles and tricycles for children now through March 1, 2025. This collaborative effort aims to bring the joy of cycling to local children, encouraging outdoor activity and fun.
Donations can be dropped off at two convenient locations:
- The Croton-on-Hudson Police Department at 1 Van Wyck Street
All donated bicycles and tricycles must be in good condition and are intended exclusively for children. Join Croton Caring and the Croton PBA in making a meaningful impact by donating a bicycle today!
For any questions about the program, please contact Molly Lemeris at molly.lemeris@crotoncaring.org.
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Calling All Musicians!
The Lorraine Hansberry Coalition (LHC), a volunteer-driven group, produces events throughout the year to amplify the life and work of playwright, author, and activist Lorraine Hansberry and her connection to the Village of Croton-on-Hudson. The LHC is currently looking for local musicians to perform at future events. If interested, please send a link to a recent performance, fee schedule, and contact information to: coh.di.lhc@gmail.com. All ages and genres of music encouraged.
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Croton Artisans Holiday Boutique
Dates: Friday, December 6: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, December 7: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, December 8: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Community Room, 1 Van Wyck Street (Stanley Kellerhouse Municipal Building)
Join local artists for a festive shopping experience filled with unique handcrafted gifts and goodies to get you in the holiday spirit. Shop local for holiday treasures, meet the artisans, and spread holiday cheer.
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Breakfast with Santa
Date: Sunday, December 8, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Harmon Firehouse, 30 Wayne Street, Croton-on-Hudson
Join Croton Fire Patrol and Harmon Engine Company #3 of the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department for their 1st Annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser! Celebrate the season, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and support your local fire companies at this festive community event. Admission prices are $10 for Adults (13+), $9 for Seniors, and $8 for children. Payment will be accepted at the door.
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Croton Welcome Wagon’s Winter Cookie Exchange
Date: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Municipal Building Community Room,1 Van Wyck Street
Meet and mingle with new and long-standing Croton residents! Bring two dozen baked treats to exchange and a storage container to take new treats home. Enjoy hot drinks and free face painting for kids! Questions? Please email crotonwelcomewagon@gmail.com.
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Croton Fire Department Candy Cane Run
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Location: Streets of Croton-on-Hudson
After a 5-year hiatus, the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department's beloved Candy Cane Run returns! On Saturday, December 14th, CFD fire trucks and "CFD Elves" will spread holiday cheer throughout the community, handing out candy canes to smiling children along the route. Stay tuned for route details and additional information.
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Holiday Toy Drive
Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Municipal Building, Community Room
Bring holiday cheer to those in need by participating in the Holiday Toy Drive, sponsored by the Croton Police Department and Croton Caring Committee. Bring a new, unwrapped toy (toys for all ages are welcome). Enjoy holiday treats and take a photo with Santa!
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Manny Albam Riverview Jazz Series Featuring Jenny Hill
Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Croton Free Library
Join the Croton-on-Hudson Arts and Humanities Council for an afternoon of jazz featuring Croton's multi-reed artist Jenny Hill, accompanied by Manu Koch on piano, Dan Asher on bass, and Todd Isler on percussion. Special guest performances include Ingrid Jensen on trumpet and Andy Farber on saxophone. First come, first served — and previous concerts in this series have been very popular, so please plan to come early because the space might fill up! This Jazz Sundays series is co-sponsored with the Croton Free Library.
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