Town of Bedford
April 8, 2022
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Dear Bedford,
It has been quite a busy week with the culmination of a lot of projects that crossed the finish line!
Let's celebrate! This week in 1897, mail addressed to Katonah was delivered for the first time to Katonah’s new location. Visionary residents had around 50 buildings moved here before old Katonah was flooded for a reservoir. A 125th celebration will take place to celebrate Katonah on May 21st. Also… this weekend, Bedford Playhouse is celebrating 75 years since the movie theater opened in Bedford Village.
Speaking of reservoirs, below is an update about the situation with the Consolidated Water District and an upcoming switch that will affect taste and odor for one week in April. Also on the topic of water, see below for the real deal to aerate Lake Marie.
While the weather refuses to cooperate with moving forward, business at the town is moving along quite well. At Tuesday night’s board meeting, my colleagues and I voted yes:
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to prohibit gas powered leaf blowers town-wide with exemptions for them to be used during specific time periods to clean up debris in the fall and spring;
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to increase limits on certain tax exemptions for Veterans;
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to provide for permits for targeted vegetation management by goats and sheep;
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to approve numerous contracts including to engage an auditor for this year's audit; extend ConEd Westchester Power agreement; hire a new IT company; purchase DEP property in Katonah; approve Westchester County snow and ice agreement; award the concrete supply bid; and enable another town to join in the Northern Westchester Regional Wireless Master Plan;
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to confirm capital expenditures for solar powered traffic safety speed signs and a DPW trailer;
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to approve pool membership fee for nonresident school district families;
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to request traffic safety studies by NYS DOT including signal study at the corner of West Patent and Route 172 and speed studies along the 172 corridor;
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to approve events and co-sponsorships of some of our favorite town events:
- St. Patrick’s Carnival, May 18-22
- Katonah Fire Dept. Parade, June 8 at 7pm
- KVIS Road Races (5k and Kids 1 mile run), Sept. 10
Thanks to Town Board Member Andres Castillo for pulling together a great group of volunteers for the Community Health Fair Working Group.
Thanks to Town Board member Bobbi Bittker for the Proclamation we made at the Town Board meeting to establish this week as the Week of the Young Child and to the Bedford Hills Women’s Club for the display regarding child abuse prevention and awareness that will be up in Bedford Hills.
Please let me know if you have concerns or want to connect. I am always happy to hear from you.
Be well,
Ellen
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Bedford Commemorates the Week of the Child and National Child Abuse Prevention Month |
At this week’s Town Board Meeting, the Town of Bedford proclaimed April 2-8, 2022 as the Week of the Young Child, affirming the importance of high-quality early childhood education and recognizing the outstanding work of the organizations and schools that work so diligently to provide that service to the children and families of our town.
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April is also National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In observance of the children who have been abused and those who will be abused, the Bedford Hills Woman’s Club will erect a small display to honor those children on the triangle close to the Bedford Hills Fire Station. It is both a privilege and an honor to have children. Together, as a community, we can help prevent child abuse. Being a child shouldn’t hurt. Thank you to the Bedford Hills Woman’s Club for putting together this display.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call the New York State State Central Register telephone hotline, accessible 24/7 at (800) 342-3720, or call 911.
For more information regarding child abuse and mistreatment, click here to visit the Westchester County Child Protective Sevices website. Click here to view a comprehensive list of organizations providing child and family protective services from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
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Tax Assessor Harry Girdlestone wants to remind you:
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May 1st is the deadline to file for tax exemptions
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June 1st the tentative assessment roll is filed
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June 1-21 is the application period for grievances
- Click here for info.
Tax Receiver Amy Dickan wants to make sure you:
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received your tax bill (mailed last week)
- avoid penalties by paying your taxes by April 30th
- pay taxes online or by mail anytime, in person or via drop box in front of the town house 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday.
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sign up for an email confirmation that your tax payment was received.
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Click here for info.
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Recreation and Parks welcomes you to purchase your pool pass and register for spring and summer programs and camps. Click here for info.
Town offices need summer interns! We have paid opportunities for interns to gain experience with policy, marketing, communications, research, data management, event planning, and more. Send resume and cover letter to rsurace@bedfordny.gov. See below for info about employment with Rec and Parks for lifeguards, camp counselors, and other seasonal workers.
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Gas Powered Leaf Blowers - Seasonal Ban Begins May 15 |
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The Town Board voted to include gas powered leaf blowers in the existing town-wide noise ordinance given that their decibel levels exceed allowable limits already established by that law. However, exemptions were included to allow for the use of gas powered blowers during certain dates in the spring and fall. We will be preparing informational and educational materials to share in the coming weeks. |
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Goat Landscaping Permits Available Soon |
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For landowners who want to hire a herd to manage a meadow or a forest overrun by invasive species, permit applications will soon be available through the Town Clerk’s office. Your goatscaping provider will need to supply information and insurance to obtain a permit ($100 fee). We hear Harvey School will be applying for a permit for an invasive species removal effort using a goat herd later this spring. (Photo by Fat and Sassy Goats!)
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Bedford Hills Lake Marie Aeration |
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Yes, synchronized swimming in Lake Marie was an April Fools joke. In truth, the Parks department will be installing a new aeration system to address and resolve ongoing issues with algae growth and fish kills. The new system will include 12 diffusers (bubblers) to increase oxygen in the lake and reduce algae growth to create a healthier water environment for fish and plants. This will result in the elimination of two of the fountains, leaving one primary fountain and a much healthier Lake Marie! |
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From April 18-25 you may notice a change in the taste or smell of your water if you are in the Bedford HIlls/Katonah Consolidated Water District (map of CWD). For one week NY Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be shutting down the aqueduct that delivers upstate water to your tap. DPW Commissioner Kevin Winn and the Water Department are sampling the various alternative sources weekly and working on treatment and supply to make sure that the alternate supply is safe, clean and that we optimize taste and odor.
This temporary shutdown and shift to alternative water supply is in preparation for the planned October 2022 - May 2023 shutdown necessary for DEP to connect the Delaware Aqueduct to a new 2.5-mile-long bypass tunnel 600 feet under the Hudson. When complete, the bypass tunnel will be connected to the existing Delaware Aqueduct on either side of the Hudson River to convey water around a leaking section of the tunnel. The 85-mile-long Delaware Aqueduct, the longest tunnel in the world, not only delivers water to Bedford residents in the CWD, but it typically conveys about half of New York City’s drinking water each day from reservoirs in the Catskills. Isn’t that amazing?
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Bring Your Yard Waste and Get Free Mulch |
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We are working to reduce the noise and dust so that the operations at our yard waste recycling facility do not seriously impact the experience of our dog park users next door. We will begin planting trees for screening this spring and continue to look into solutions that will allow this facility to operate and benefit our Town and our residents.
The yard waste recycling facility on Beaver Dam Rd is open daily 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM and will be open on the following Saturdays for residents to bring yard debris and pick up free mulch and compost:
- April 16, 23, and 30 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- May 7 from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM
- June 4 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
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Town Boards and Committees Celebration April 19th |
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On Tuesday, April 19th at 5:30 pm we invite all members of all town boards, commissions and committees to join the Town Board at the Bedford Hills Community House. This will be part work session and part party to thank volunteers. Each chairperson will be invited to give a 2-minute quick overview of their team’s work. Given the over 100 volunteers on boards, committees, and commissions, we have to have this at the Bedford Hills Community House and will livestream it on the Town's Instagram page. The Town Board will leave the party early and hold the regular Town Board meeting in the courtroom at the Town House starting with a public hearing at 7:30 to repeal the old leaf blower law. |
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Over a period of a few years with a final agreement in 2020, Westchester County moved forward to replace two existing emergency service towers on Town land with one larger tower with emergency communications equipment for fire, ambulance, DPW, and police. The Bedford Historical Society (empowered to enforce covenants in the deed on this land) determined that use of the land for the emergency communications tower and equipment was consistent with the covenants.
At this time, the County has built the tower, will landscape around it, and will remove the two smaller towers next to it. The tower provides critical infrastructure to emergency service providers throughout the region.
I hiked the trail up Guard Hill this weekend with my son and we really enjoyed the hike up and the nice view from the top. It was lovely! There is a public trail with parking area off of West Patent just past Rochambeau Farm on the left as you head toward 172.
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Free COVID Test Kits will be distributed
in Bedford Hills tomorrow,
Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 11am-2pm
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The Katonah Museum of Art will be hosting a series of kid-friendly, artist-led projects next week, Tuesday through Friday. If your kids' Spring Break is a STAYcation, add a dose of artistic fun into their days, including magical creatures, textile arts, and mixed-media sculptures.
Kids ages 3-8 must be accompanied by an adult. Kids ages 9-12 can be dropped off. Click here for registration and more information. |
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AVOID PENALTIES. Pay Your Taxes by April 30th |
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County and Town taxes for 2022 are due. Click here for the Tax Receiver's notice and understand the penalties if you don't pay this month!
The Tax Receiver's Office is open 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday thru Friday and is located at the Town Hall, 321 Bedford Rd, Bedford Hills. You may pay online at bedfordny.gov and sign up for email confirmation when your payment is received. |
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Spring/Summer Registration
and Pool Pass renewal has begun!
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The Parks and Recreation Spring/Summer program registration began this week, as well as 2022 Pool Membership sales!
For more information on programs being offered, click here
Pool Membership Renewals: Visit our online registration page and go to "Pool Pass Renewal" located along the top of page. This will give you access to renew your 2021 pool membership for the 2022 season.
New Pool Membership or Change in Type
Those looking to purchase a pool pass for the first time, or change the type of pass you had in 2021, please complete a hard copy "Pool Registration Form" and submit with two proofs of residency to the Recreation Office at 425 Cherry Street, Bedford Hills. This can be done by mail, the drop box located outside the office, via e-mail to or in person during business hours, Monday – Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. General pool info, pass fees and the 2022 pool registration form can be found online on our department webpage under "Pool Info."
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PERFORMANCE: Searching for Tevye:
SOME SEATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE
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Friday, April 8, 7:00pm
The Bedford Community House Theatre
74 Main St, Bedford Hills, NY 10507
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*Ticket proceeds will go toward keeping our programs and senior programs free to Bedford residents. |
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April 23 “Everyone Can Write” Presenter: Patti Ivry
Come try your hand (literally) at putting words on paper (or screen) to tell a story, describe a moment, express a viewpoint, or send some love. READ MORE
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Meet Bedford 2030's Personal Energy Coach, Bob Fischman while enjoying FREE wine & cheese at the Bedford Playhouse!
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Enjoy complimentary wine and cheese while sharing ways to save money, make your home more comfortable and help the environment! Participants will also receive FREE energy saving LED lightbulbs for attending – Bring your friends for a fun, informative night out!
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Volunteers Needed for Guild & Grange |
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The CB Gallery in Katonah is looking for volunteers for the Guild & Grange Artisan Market at John Jay Homestead! Guild and Grange will host 30 different artisans selling their hand made products, featuring everything from furniture to ceramics to jewelry and more. The market will be free to visit on Saturday and Sunday, with a special "Meet the Makers" event on Friday Evening.
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Seasonal Employment Opportunities |
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Bedford Recreation and Parks Department |
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The Bedford Recreation & Parks Department in now accepting applications for summer 2022 jobs! The department will be hiring for day camp, pool and seasonal park maintenance positions. If interested, please submit an “Application for Seasonal Employment.” Feel free to contact our office by phone at 914-666-7004 or by e-mail at recreation@bedfordny.gov with any questions.
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Below is a list of committees
that either have vacancies or have members with expiring terms
through June 30.
We will aim to conduct interviews for these prior to April 1st.
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Senior Advisory Committee: Seeking members of any age to fill 4 vacant positions for 3-year terms. The Committee meets on an “as needed” basis.
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Veterans Advisory Committee: 3 year term, 4 open seats. The committee works with veterans to navigate the local, state, Federal and many non-profit organizations which provide benefits and assistance. Non-veterans may apply!
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Bedford Playhouse Presents a three night celebration of their 75th anniversary:
Click here for tickets and more information on all three events
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An American in Paris
April 8 @6:30
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An Evening with Medium Thomas John
April 9 @7:30
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Broadway Behind the Curtain: Fran Weissler
April 10 @4:30
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Friends of Lasdon Park & Arboretum presents
100 Acre Wood Exhibit
April 9 - May 29
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Westmoreland Sanctuary presents
April Bird-Banding
April 9 @10 AM
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Muscoot Farm presents
All about Owls
April 9 @1 PM
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Caramoor presents the
Callisto Quartet
Available until April 10
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Bedford Riding Lanes Association and Endeavor Therapeutic hosts
An Inclusive Walk on the BRLA - Endeavor CampusTrails
April 10 @2
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Bedford Playhouse presents
Listen to the Movie:
"The Harder They Come" – Screening and Talk
April 12 @7 PM
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Katonah Village Library presents
April Showers
April 14 @ 3
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Bedford Riding Lanes Association hosts
An inclusive walk on the BRLA - Endeavor Therapeutic Trails
April 10 @2 PM
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The Bedford Presbyterian Church has put out their food collection tent and requesting donations from the community. Donations will be split between the Community Center of Northern Westchester and the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry. |
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Families in Bedford, Pound Ridge, and our surrounding towns stand in solidarity with Ukrainian families being displaced by the threat of war.
As this humanitarian crisis continues, we hope you will donate to our community fundraiser for the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
IRC is providing critical aid to children, parents, and other civilians fleeing their homes.
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Hosted by the Pound Ridge Human Rights Advisory Committee and with support from Idea committee of Bedford NY, the community fundraiser will also feature a candlelight vigil* in Scotts Corners at 7:00 pm on Monday, March 7 (at the corner of Westchester Avenue and Trinity Pass) during which residents can gather to stand in solidarity and also drop off donations of humanitarian supplies. Supplies will be donated to the Yonkers-based Afya Foundation to ship to the frontlines.
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Past Supervisor newsletters:
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