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I hope that you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday season with friends and family members! This past month was full of great events in the Village, including the 125th Anniversary Committee jazz concert with The Juilliard School and the time capsule dedication (featured later in this newsletter). As we wind down our 125th year, I want to thank the dedicated anniversary committee members and volunteers for planning such a great celebration of Croton-on-Hudson’s history. Here’s to the next 125 years!
With 2024 only a few days away, Village staff have begun the preparations for the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget. The tentative budget for the upcoming year will be filed in the office of the Village Clerk on March 20, 2024, as required by law. Between now and then, I will be working closely with the Village Treasurer and our department heads to develop a spending plan for the upcoming year while striving to keep any potential tax increase low. The public hearing on the 2024-2025 budget will be held on March 27, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building. I encourage anyone with questions on the budget process to reach out to me at [email protected] or 914-271-4848.
The Lot A Task Force is currently reviewing the proposals which were received in response to the Request for Proposals (RFP) that was released by the Village earlier this year. The task force, which is made up of a broad spectrum of Village residents, will be providing a report to the Village Board, who will make the ultimate decision on the sale of the property to any potential developer. More information on this process, including the full RFP document, can be found on the Lot A project page on the Village website.
At the most recent Village Board meeting, the results of the 2022-2023 fiscal year audit were presented. The Village ended the year on May 31, 2023, with a surplus of approximately $3.7 million; $2 million of this surplus was a result of the sale of Village-owned property on Maple Street. This large operating surplus allows the Village to finance capital projects, such as the purchase of a new ladder truck for the volunteer fire department, using cash instead of bonding for the purchase. This will bring substantial savings to the Village over the course of time, as interest payments will not need to be budgeted. It also allows for a portion of the surplus to be used to balance the upcoming 2024-2025 budget, which will help to reduce any potential tax increase.
Finally, please remember to check the Projects and Initiatives page of the Village website for updates on various other work being done (such as Gouveia Park and the wireless master plan study). These pages are updated regularly as more information becomes available.
On behalf of all Village employees, I wish you and your family a safe, enjoyable and healthy new year!
Sincerely,
Bryan T. Healy
Village Manager
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Fire Department & EMS Election Results
The Croton-on-Hudson Volunteer Fire Department held their annual election in December. The members of the fire department elected Josh Karpoff as Chief of Department, Chris Colombo as First Assistant Chief and Chris Caterino as Second Assistant Chief.
The Croton Emergency Medical Services also elected their slate of officers for the upcoming year. The following officers were elected: Phil Dinkler as Captain, Tiffany Gilleo as First Lieutenant, and Ken Gilleo as Second Lieutenant.
The Village extends congratulations to the officers of both organizations and thanks all our volunteers for their service!
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2024 Veterans Banner Program
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson is proud to offer the annual Hometown Hero Banner Program as a way to recognize the sacrifice and commitment of those who served or presently serve in the armed forces. The banners can be purchased by friends, families, community organizations or businesses. The banners are prominently displayed from Memorial Day through Veterans Day along main roads in the community. The Village is now accepting banner orders for 2024. For more information and to order a banner, click the button below:
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The Village’s Department of Public Works will pick up discarded Christmas trees during the month of January. Trees should be placed curbside and be free of all trimmings, tinsel, or wires. Please do not bag discarded trees. | |
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2024 Summer Employment Opportunities with Croton Recreation
The Recreation Department will begin accepting applications for 2024 summer employment opportunities, including day camp counselors, life guards at Silver Lake, and gate attendants at Silver Lake and Senasqua Park starting on January 2, 2024. Applicants must be at least 16 years old as of July 1st. Lifeguards must be at least 15 years old as of July 1st. Working papers issued by the school Guidance Department are required for those under 18 years of age. Applications will be available at https://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/recreation-parks/files/application-employment.
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Quarterly utility bills were mailed on December 15th and are payable by Monday, January 15th without penalty. The bill includes both the water and sewer fees. As a reminder, bills can be paid online by going to the Village website, may be mailed to the Municipal Building or paid in person at the Village office. Questions regarding your bill should be directed to the Finance office at (914) 862-1419. | |
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No Heat Issues
Residents who live in rental units within the Village boundaries who experience no heat issues should contact the Village Code Enforcement Dept. during regular office hours from 8:30 AM to 4 PM at (914) 271-4783. If the situation occurs outside of office hours, contact the Police Dept. at (914) 271-5177. Code enforcement personnel will visit the location to measure the temperature and contact the owners as necessary. This applies to all rentals, including two-family houses, where the owner does not live onsite.
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New York State of Health, the state's official health plan marketplace, is currently open for enrollment for both health and dental insurance plans that are being offered for the 2024 coverage year. The website allows individuals, families, and small businesses to compare insurance options, calculate costs and determine their eligibility, enroll (and/or renew their) health insurance. Learn more at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/enrollment.
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125th Committee Dedicates Time Capsule to be Opened in 2048 | |
On December 15th, the Croton 125th Anniversary Committee, Croton Senior Club, the Village Manager, and Village Board of Trustees gathered in the Dorothy Fiorito Community Room to dedicate the official 125th Anniversary time capsule, which is to be opened on the Village’s 150th Anniversary in 2048. The time capsule box was handcrafted from red oak by Woodworker and Croton Artisan AnnMarie Sasso, and contains numerous mementos from Croton’s past, present, and well wishes for the future. The capsule is currently on display in the Village Offices, Room 24, of the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building. | |
Sustainability Committee Works to Secure Clean Energy Grant Funding | |
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As a top ranking Clean Energy Community, the Village of Croton-on-Hudson is eligible for $425,000 in grant funding from the State’s energy agency (NYSERDA), which was announced on December 13th. The Sustainability Committee is actively assisting the Village in applying for the funding, which can be used to support installations of solar arrays, public electric vehicle (EV) chargers, the purchase of municipal EVs, heat pumps in municipal facilities, and a food scrap recycling program. The Sustainability Committee has previously secured $242,500 in NYSERDA grant funding, and another $155,000 in grants from the State’s Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The Committee’s most recent installation includes a 36 kW solar array atop the Washington Engine firehouse on Riverside Avenue (pictured).
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Conservation Corner
A Monthly Column written by the Croton Conservation Advisory Council
The Croton Conservation Advisory Council would like to thank everyone who participated in the Village's first-ever Repair Café on December 9th! We had over 80 items repaired that day. That's 80 items that were saved from the trash! We look forward to seeing you again in the spring. If you have an item to be repaired and weren't able to make the December 9th event, the Town of Cortlandt will be holding a Repair Café on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Muriel H. Morabito Community Center.
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson and CCAC will be hosting the annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Senasqua Park. The following Saturday, May 4, 2024 is the rain date. If you are interested in participating in Earth Day, please contact CCAC at [email protected]. Please note that CCAC meetings are now held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM. Feel free to join us.
Our upcoming initiatives are Dark Skies/Light Pollution, and restarting The Green Living Educational Series. Please look for information regarding these initiatives in the coming months in this space.
|  | Thank you to the volunteers who helped make Croton's first Repair Café a resounding success! Photo from Repair Cafe HV | | |
Village Offices will be closed on Monday, January 1st for New Years Day, and on Monday, January 15th for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. | | |
Mobile Shredder @ Croton Free Library
Saturday, January 6, 2024 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Croton Free Library
171 Cleveland Drive
Clean up and clean out your old documents for the new year! The Westchester County Mobile Shredder will be stationed in the parking lot of the Croton Free Library (171 Cleveland Drive) for your use. Each person is permitted a maximum of 4 file boxes, approximately 10” x 12” x 15” each box. All bindings and metals must be removed and no bound or hardcover ledger books are accepted. First come, first served. For more information, call the recycling helpline at (914) 813-5425 or visit the Westchester County Recycling website.
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River View Jazz Concert Series: Celebrating the Life of Maestro Manny Albam
Sunday, January 7, 2024 - 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Croton Free Library
171 Cleveland Drive
Join us at the Croton Free Library for an afternoon of jazz with the Geoff Keezer trio, featuring Gillian Margot! This is the second concert in of a four-part series offered in tribute to the late Manny Albam, a long-time Mount Airy resident, a renowned trombonist, arranger, and director of the BMI Composer's Workshop. Seating is first come, first served — and the first concert in this series was very popular, so please plan to come early because the space might fill up! This Jazz Sundays series is co-sponsored by the Croton Free Library and the Village of Croton-on-Hudson's Arts & Humanities Advisory Council.
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Croton Historical Society Presentation: The Stone Houses
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building, Community Room
1 Van Wyck Street
The Stone Houses were constructed in the Village of Croton between 1900 and 1938. Village Historian Marc Cheshire will take us behind the stone walls to see these remarkable homes and learn about some of the famous people who lived in them. Register here.
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Travelogue Series: Japan (Adult 60+)
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 - 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building, Community Room
1 Van Wyck Street
Chase away the winter blues as we experience beautiful and diverse destinations. Watch a short travelogue exploring the culture, art and landscapes of Japan. Afterwards, enjoy conversation and tasty treat inspired by the country. Continue the journey with a meal at Samurai Sushi & Hibachi (optional). Learn more and register at www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/seniors or contact the Director of Senior Recreation at (914) 271-5804.
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Teatown Hudson River EagleFest 2024
Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 (Snow date is Sunday, February 4th)
Croton Point Park
Save the date! Teatown’s 20th Annual Hudson River EagleFest will take place on Saturday, February 3rd at Croton Point Park. EagleFest is an all day celebration of Bald Eagles as they descend upon the Hudson River during their annual winter migration. The program includes thrilling live bird shows spotlighting birds of prey, bird walks where you can view eagles through spotting scopes, heated tents filled with educational displays and exhibits, crafts and games for children, food trucks, and more. For tickets and more information, visit teatown.org/eaglefest
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