MAYOR'S NEWSLETTER
From the Desk of Mayor Brian Pugh
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Croton Community Mourns Loss of Three Esteemed Members: Remembering Ann Gallelli, Ronald Luposello, and John Giglio | |
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the recent passing of three esteemed members of our community: Ann Gallelli, Ronald Luposello, and John Giglio. Each in their unique way contributed to the betterment of our Village. As we mourn the passing of these exemplary individuals, we should also draw inspiration from their lives of service. May we carry forward their legacy with pride and gratitude, ensuring that their contributions to our Village will never be forgotten. | |
Ann Gallelli was a 50-year resident of Croton-on-Hudson who dedicated 35 years of her life to serving the community in a variety of roles. Ann was Planning Board Chair, member of the Board of Trustees, and Deputy Mayor. Ann’s many accomplishments include the modernization of Croton Point Avenue, the development of Croton Landing Park, and the creation of Gouveia Park. In honor of these contributions to the community, she was named “Croton’s MVP” by the River Journal, and was recently awarded the Levine Community Service Award by the New York Planning Federation. | |
Ronald Luposello graduated from Croton Harmon High School in 1950. That same year, he joined the Harmon Engine Company #3 of the Croton Fire Department, where he served actively for over 20 years and remained a member for over 50 years. Ronald's family business, Luposello’s Garage, has been a staple in the Croton community, serving generations of families. He worked alongside his father, then his brothers, and for the last 40 years, his son JR, ensuring the safety of local motorists. Ronald continued his work at the garage until shortly before his passing. | |
John Giglio was renowned for being "Quiet, Humble, and Dedicated." At the age of 16, he became a member of the Croton VFD, serving faithfully in the Washington Fire Company for an impressive 80 years. Beyond his commitments to the fire department, Giglio contributed as a board member of the Croton Recreation Department and played a key role in establishing the Croton Harmon Boosters Club. Honored for his contributions, John was inducted into the Westchester Seniors Hall of Fame and served as the Summerfest Grand Marshal in 2018. John was a veteran of the United States Army and was interned with military honors. | |
Cold War Vets & Gold Star Parents Tax Exemption
Following a public hearing on February 28th, the Board of Trustees adopted Local Law Introductory No. 2 of 2024, amending Chapter 204 of the Code of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson to increase the real property tax exemption for qualifying Cold War veterans and to amend the alternative veterans tax exemption to provide for an exemption for Gold Star parents. Applications for real property tax exemptions must be filed with the Assessor's Office in the Village by December 31st of each year. For additional information, please call: (914) 271-4783.
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Deadline for ADU Legalization Approaches
Earlier this year, Village of Croton-on-Hudson recently updated its Village Code related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) with the adoption of Local Law Introductory No. 21 of 2023. The Village Board has temporarily waived penalties for existing construction undertaken without an Accessory Apartment Permit. To take advantage of this opportunity, homeowners must apply by April 12th, 2024. After this period, noncompliant accessory dwelling units will be subject to enforcement action, and a penalty will be applied. To learn more about a ADUs, please visit the Village's ADU FAQ webpage. Further questions about ADU regulations can be directed to the Village Engineering Department at (914) 271-4783.
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CAC CLEAN Committee Hosts Community Cleanup at N. Riverside
Thank you to the Conservation Advisory Council’s CLEAN Committee for organizing a volunteer community cleanup of North Riverside Avenue, a state road, earlier this month. Together, we cleaned up and removed around 250 pounds of trash from the area! A very special thanks to John Ealer for organizing the clean up and for our DPW for disposing of all the trash collected by the volunteers. Next the CAC’s CLEAN Committee will be at the waterfront, cleaning up Senasqua Park and the Riverwalk on Saturday, April 6th at at 3:00 PM. Volunteers are welcome – please come prepared with work boots and gloves!
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Maple Commons Information Sessions
The application period for Maple Commons (43-45 Maple Street) is now open. Applications can be completed online by clicking here. The deadline to file your application for the housing lottery is April 18, 2024. The housing lottery will take place on May 3, 2024, at 2 p.m.
The Village and Regan Development Corporation have scheduled a series of information sessions where interested individuals can ask questions about the application process and receive assistance in completing their application. These information sessions have been scheduled for:
- Monday, March 18th from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Stanely H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building Community Room, 1 Van Wyck Street, Croton-on-Hudson.
- Thursday, March 28th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Croton Free Library Ottinger Room, 171 Cleveland Drive, Croton-on-Hudson.
- Wednesday, April 10th from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Croton Free Library Ottinger Room, 171 Cleveland Drive, Croton-on-Hudson.
If you have any questions about the application and cannot attend these sessions, you can call 914-332-4144 or email [email protected].
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Our Town: Croton at 125
The oral history film, 'Our Town: Croton at 125' is now available to view online. This special one-hour film, celebrating Croton’s 125th Anniversary, features interviews from over 30 residents who have, cumulatively, lived centuries in our Village. “Our Town” premiered before a packed audience at the Croton Free Library. The film is also broadcast weekly on the Village's PEG Channel 78 (see the Program Guide at crotononhudson-ny.gov/livestream for showtimes).
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Clothing & Fabric Home Pick Up Recycling Service Now Available
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson, through Westchester County, has partnered with Helpsy to offer a free, home pickup clothing recycling service. Croton residents can visit www.helpsy.com/crotononhudsonny and schedule at-home pickups on Thursdays. We kindly request scheduling a pick-up when you have at least three bags to minimize emissions and ensure the efficiency of the program.
After scheduling a pickup, should be left in a clearly labeled plastic bags at the your front door. Home pickups take place between 7 am and 5 pm. For additional questions, please email [email protected] or call 1-800-244-6350.
Drop-off service is also available. Drop-offs can be scheduled online, or by calling the Recycling HelpLine at (914) 813-5425. The Recycling HelpLine is available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Register for the Kayak Lottery
Do you want to store your kayak or canoe near the water? The Croton Recreation Department offers seasonal rentals for racks at Echo Canoe Launch and Croton Landing Park. Residents of the Village and School District can register for a spot through a lottery system happening now until March 28th.
Non-Residents may apply starting April 1st. Due to limited availability, available spots will be assigned on a first-come, first served basis. Learn more and apply online at www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/kayak You can also contact the Recreation Department Office at (914) 271-3006.
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Recent Actions by the Village Board
At our March 13th meeting, the Board of Trustees adopted the following resolutions:
- Scheduling a Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 7 p.m. on the 2024-2025 Tentative Budget;
- Scheduling a Public Hearing on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 7 p.m. on Local Law Introductory No. 5 of 2024 to provide for the regulation of wireless facilities in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson.
- Scheduling a Public Hearing on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 7 p.m. to consider Local Law Introductory No. 6 of 2024, to permit leashed dogs in Gouveia Park.
- Approving the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department members in the Length of Service Award Program for 2023 and authorizing its posting for 30 days;
- Authorizing the Village Treasurer to reassign $90,000 of fund balance to Project 23439, the Grand Street Retaining Wall;
- Authorizing the Village Treasurer to make an interfund transfer in the amount of $5,000 for the appraisal of Lot A;
- Memorializing the Village's Legislative Program and Intergovernmental Priorities for 2024;
- Authorizing the Village Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding with the Croton Business Council related to the "Big Easy on the Hudson" event.
Video and back-up material for the meeting can be found here.
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Upcoming meetings and events in the Village include:
● Planning Board Meeting - Tuesday, March 19th, 8:00pm
● Board of Trustees Work Session - Wednesday, March 20th, 7:00pm
● Bicycle Pedestrian Committee Meeting - Thursday, March 21st, 7:30pm
● Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting - Thursday, March 21st, 8:00pm
For more information on these events click here. Recordings of the statutory board meetings (Board of Trustees, Planning & Zoning) are available under the Village’s live stream channel.
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