May 24, 2025

The Tarrytown Link is issued the Friday after the regular Board of Trustees meeting, twice per month. We welcome community groups to contribute information about events and activities of interest to Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow residents. See more on how to submit information below. Please share this sign-up form with any friends or neighbors who may be interested in receiving regular Village updates.
Board of Trustees in Brief

Report from the Board of Trustees Meeting on 5.19.2025

ICYMI, you can watch Village Board meetings online.

Tarrytown Police Department Awards 2025


On the heels of National Police Week, the Tarrytown Police Department held their annual ceremony to recognize officers who had performed exceptionally well in serving the Village over the previous year. They responded to service calls that included burglaries, stolen vehicles, administering aid following an altercation, evacuating residents from fires, and an extensive investigation involving national and international law enforcement agencies who captured members of an international criminal ring targeting Asian-owned businesses The following officers were recognized in 2025:


For Excellent Police Duty:

Detective Sergeant Dennis Smith

Officer Anthony Rudovic (2)

Officer Blake Butler

Officer Christine Williams

Officer Denny Vazquez

Officer Douglas Weeks

Officer Frank Riley (2)

Officer Nadyne Bennett (2)

Officer Nicholas Galgano

Officer Peter DelMonaco

Officer Steve Amaro x 2

Retired Lieutenant Greg Budnar

Sergeant Christopher Schettino

Sergeant Hugo Medina

Sergeant Matthew Toth

Sergeant Michael Gagliardi

Sergeant Samantha Schubert

For Meritorious Police Duty:

Detective Manace Infante

Detective Matthew Garro

Lieutenant Daryl Stiloski

Good Cause Eviction Law Presentation


The Board of Trustees heard a presentation on the Good Cause Eviction Law by Ann Korchak, the Board President of Small Property Owners of New York (SPONY) and Jason Hilliard of the Building & Realty Institute. The presentation can be seen here (about 37 minutes into the meeting).This was the second of two presentations as the Board of Trustees considers whether to opt into the law. The first took place at the last meeting and can be seen here. The Good Cause Eviction Law went into effect in New York State on April 20, 2024, initially applying to New York City only, but each New York municipality can choose whether to opt in or not.


The Good Cause Eviction Law does the following:

  • Prevents landlords from evicting tenants or refusing to renew a lease without good cause. "Good cause" includes non-payment of rent, malicious or grossly negligent substantial damage to the premises, unreasonable refusal of access for repairs, failure to refuse to reasonable changes to a lease, owner occupancy of the premises as principal residence, demolition, and others.
  • Prevents rent increases above ten percent, or five percent plus the Consumer Price Index (whichever is lower).
  • Does not cover certain buildings including buildings that are "otherwise subject to regulation of rents or evictions pursuant to local, state or federal law, rule, or regulation,"
  • Does not cover units that rent above 245% of HUD Fair Market Rents (FMR). This is because the law is not designed to protect tenants who can afford luxury rentals. A municipality can choose to set that exemption higher, for instance to 345% of FMR, as some have chosen to do. A listing of HUD Fair Market Rents and 245% of Fair Market Rents can be found in the NYS Homes and Community Renewal public notice issued in April 2025.


More information about the law can be found from the Attorney General. The full text of the law can be found here.


The Board will deliberate on the law and there will be opportunity for public comment if and when it is brought forward for public hearing.

Acceptance and Agreements for Two Grant Awards: Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan and PRISM Invasive Species Removal


The Board of Trustees accepted the grant awards and authorized the Village Administrator to sign agreements for two grant programs. The New York Department of State's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grant will allow the Village to finalize the Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (at last). Because ten years has passed since the last draft and the waterfront has changed in the interim, the LWRP offers the opportunity for public review and comment on vision and planning for the Tarrytown waterfront, particularly in light of changes due to climate change. The planning process will begin later this year. The Board will need to assign a volunteer committee to assist with the planning effort. If you would like to be a part of the Committee, please reach out to : administrator@tarrytownny.gov.


The Board also accepted an award for a project that was initiated by the Parks Foreman, Anthony Ross. To help remove invasive vines and vegetation from the Tarrytown Lakes area, and further support the volunteer efforts of the Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council Vine Squad, the Village applied for equipment, professional consulting and the development of educational materials to restore the Lakes trail areas and replace the invasive vegetation with native plants. The project, supported by the Lower Hudson Partnership for Invasive Species Management will help enhance the collaboration between the Parks Department and the volunteer Vine Squad in their stewardship of our open spaces.


Discount Fitness Center Rate for College Students


The Board authorized a discount rate for college students who are home for the summer and want a place to work out. The $15/month discounted rate is for the summer months only. The rest of the year, the normal adult rate of $30/month applies. The Fitness Center is easy to join and has many new classes on offer. Come down to the Recreation Center to check it out.

Upcoming: Public Hearing for June 2nd: Battery Energy Storage Law


The Board scheduled a public hearing to consider amending the Zoning Code to allow for and regulate the installation and operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the Village. The current proposal from Catalyze Tarrytown White Plains Microgrid LLC recommends an Overlay Zone that would apply to four properties in the Office Building (OB) and Mixed Use (MU) districts. Criteria for inclusion in the Zone include:

  • property must be at least 4 acres
  • Have a minimum setback of 100' to the battery cabinets with the exception of any property that borders I-287


The four properties to which the overlay zone would apply are:

  1. 120 White Plains Road
  2. 200-220 White Plains Road
  3. 150 White Plains Road
  4. 303 South Broadway


Even if a property qualifies for inclusion in the overlay zone, a BESS proposal would still have to go through a site plan approval process with the Planning Board.


The Planning Board spent nine months reviewing the Catalyze application. They ultimately issued a Negative Declaration in their environmental review and recommend that the Board adopt the zoning amendment. In the process of review the Planning Board engaged a third party independent consultant to advise, particularly on the numerous safety questions that were raised. The consultant's report can be found in the application package. The Zoning Petition Documents can all be found at this link: Dropbox Link.


Battery Energy Storage Systems enable energy from renewables like solar and wind to be stored and released when the energy is needed most. To ensure the consistency and reliability of energy supply in the transition to cleaner energy sources with lower carbon emissions, battery energy storage is necessary. New York State has set a goal of installing 6,000 megawatts of battery storage capacity by 2030. In addition to helping meet state goals, the Planning Board found that support for Battery Energy Storage Systems is consistent with the Tarrytown Comprehensive Plan.


Members of the public and the Fire Department have expressed understandable concern about safety with Battery Energy Storage Systems in light of several high profile incidents using older more flammable battery technologies. The particular system being proposed has never had a fire in 2,000 installations over the last two years. The independent consultant's review of the proposed system can be found in the application packet. The consultant will also be on site at the public hearing on June 2nd to answer additional questions.


The presentation from the April 23 Work Session can be viewed here. The application packet can be found online here.

Upcoming: Public Hearing on Zoning Code Amendment for Business Change of Use Rules


This law is an effort to make it easier to open new businesses in Tarrytown. Currently, if a commercial property is vacant for more than six months and a new business proposes to move in with the same type of use (ie retail to retail or restaurant to restaurant) the business owner must go before the Planning Board for site plan review. The new law would extend the amount of time the property can be vacant to one year before th Planning Board review is triggered. Under the new law, bulding permit requirements are still in place if any renovations are done, but the extra time and cost of Planning Board review would be waived. The draft local law can be found on the Village website.

Coming up:


The Board of Trustees will hold its next Work Session on Wednesday, May 28 at 6:00pm. The agenda can be found on the Village website.

Want to learn what's on the docket for the Board of Trustees? You can sign up to receive agendas in your inbox here.


Interested in what is currently before the Land Use Boards? Sign up to receive agendas in your inbox, or find them posted on the website, three days before the scheduled meeting.


Current applications before the Planning and Zoning Boards can be viewed online:

Planning

Zoning Board of Appeals

Village News

Village Offices will be Closed on Monday, May 26, in recognition of Memorial Day.

The following are changes to the sanitation schedule:

Appreciating Public Works and Emergency Medical Services Professionals this Week


We said it earlier this week, but it is worth repeating: Many thanks to the men and women who work hard to keep our community healthy, safe, comfortable and clean. Reach out to them and tell them you appreciate them when you see them next.


Annual Water Quality Report Released


The Annual Water Quality Report for the Tarrytown Water System has been released and can be found on he Village website. A paper copy of the 2024 Annual Water Quality Report is also available at the Village Hall and Warner Library. If you would like a paper copy mailed to your home, please contact the Tarrytown Water Department at 914-631-0356.

Friendly Reminder: Taxes Due


This is a friendly reminder that the 1st installment of Village Taxes is due June 1, 2025 and payable without penalty through June 30, 2025. Tax payments received after June 30, 2025 will be subject to a 5% penalty. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Village Treasurer at (914) 631-7873. 

Pool Opening Delayed


From the Tarrytown Recreation Department:


To our valued Tarrytown Pool members:


While our staff has been diligently working at the pool in preparation for opening, the weather over this past week has not been kind to us. Overnight temperatures dropping into the upper 40’s, cloudy skies during the day, and continued rain has resulted in pool water that is very cold and uncomfortable for swimming.

Due to the unpleasant weather this week, combined with an unseasonably chilly Memorial Day weekend forecast with a moderate chance of rain on Saturday and Sunday, the opening of the Tarrytown Pool will be delayed until Monday, May 26th at 10:00 AM.


We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you all for your understanding. We hope to see you on Monday, and many more warm and sunny days throughout the summer.



Thank You,

Tarrytown Recreation Staff

Pictured: 1st Assistant Chief Raymond Tuohy, Lieutenant Jacob Nierman of Tower Ladder Co. 78 and Lieutenant Scott Weaver, Jr. of Riverside Hose Co. 80

Fire Department Recognized for work with Tappan Hill Students


On Thursday, May 22nd, Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Special Services awarded 1st Assistant Chief Raymond Tuohy of the Tarrytown Fire Department with the 32nd Annual American Dreamer Achievement Award. This award recognizes individuals in our schools and communities who perform outstanding works of service, for and on behalf of students with special needs. During Fire Prevention Week, Chief Tuohy and his team of volunteer firefighters visited Tappan Hill School in full turnout gear and brought multiple fire apparatus trucks. The students had the thrill of a lifetime interacting with the firefighters, asking questions, exploring the trucks, learning valuable fire safety and prevention and how to stay safe in case of a fire. They look forward to returning in October to see the excited faces during Fire Prevention Week at Tappan Hill and all the schools in Tarrytown. 

Project Mover Launched


The bikes are in place and ready to ride! Project Mover is a regional, grant-funded initiative to bring affordable, convenient transportation alternatives to Westchester County. Information about how to use the bikes can be found on the Project Mover website. The local map for Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow and other program details can be found on the Village website. In addition to the electric bikeshare, information about other elements of the program including the e-bike discount voucher incentive for income eligible participants and the e-bike library for longer term use can be found on the New York State Energy Research Development Agency (NYSERDA) project page.


A bike skills class will be offered in Ossining on June 7th. We will be bringing one to Tarrytown in July. More information to follow.

Washington Irving Bleachers Project to Begin this Summer


From Superintendent Ray Sanchez: 


On or about June 30, the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns will be starting a summer construction project on our grounds. As part of this work, the removal of the concrete bleachers will take place between June 30 and August 8, with working hours between 8:30am and 4pm. We want to make you aware that this phase of the project will likely be noisy at times due to the nature of the demolition work.


We sincerely apologize for any disruption this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding. Please know that every effort will be made to minimize the impact during this temporary disruption.


Now Hiring! Seasonal Employment with the Village


The Parks and Recreation Departments are hiring seasonal employees to help with Camp Pool and Park activities this summer. Join our team!


CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE POOL APPLICATION


CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE CAMP APPLICATION


News from the Chamber

The Sailhouse recently relaunched for the summer season with a new menu and a renovated space. Congratulations!


Don't forget to come out for the Street Fair on June 1 on Main Street in Tarrytown!

RECREATION RUNDOWN


For information about all of the upcoming events and programs organized by the Recreation Department, click here, or sign up to get the news straight to your inbox every other week.

 

Find the latest TEAC Newsletter here:

Upcoming Meetings



Learn more by visiting the Boards and Committees pages on our website.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Village of Tarrytown benefits from engaged, caring, and talented residents who volunteer their time and expertise to help create the community they want to inhabit. There are many opportunities to serve, whether contributing to the vision and development of public spaces, environmental issues, housing affordability, transportation challenges or recreation programs. Find out more about the Village’s many Boards and Committees and fill out a volunteer application by visiting: tarrytownny.gov/volunteer-to-serve 


For all those who apply to serve on a Committee, because vacancies may be limited, we would like to include you on a general volunteer list for one-off events that may arise. Please indicate in your application whether you are willing to be contacted if the need arises.

 

Other Volunteer Opportunities


Village Committees are not the only way to give back to your community. There are lots of civic groups in Tarrytown doing important work. Like TEAC, the Friends of the Riverwalk are looking for volunteers to help maintain the plantings on the waterfront. Many more organizations are listed in the Volunteer Directory that has been assembled by the Community Coalition and Kids Club of the Tarrytowns.

Community Events
Do you have a Community Event to include in the Tarrytown Link?
 
The Tarrytown Link is released the Friday after the Regular Board of Trustees meeting, twice per month. All info must be submitted by noon on the Wednesday prior to the Tarrytown Link's release. Submissions included in this listing are intended solely to inform of events and info of general interest to subscribers in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. No events that are religious or political in nature will be posted. The Village of Tarrytown does not necessarily endorse, support or take any position with regard to organizations or entities whose events and/or activities are listed. The Village makes no representation as to the accuracy thereof, nor does it assume any liability in connection with same. The Village reserves the right to reject submissions if the proposals received are not timely or do not adhere to these guidelines in part or in full. If submitting a flyer, please consider submitting a translation in Spanish as well.
 
Please submit flyers or information to the following: newsletter@tarrytownny.gov
 
You may submit a flyer (jpg or png) or text in the format below:
Title:
What: [Limit description to 100 words or less]
When:
Where:
Contact: [Name of organization/ individual, phone, email]
 
To review the Village newsletter guidelines, please click here. 
Government News in the Region

“Give Turtles a Brake”



From the Department of Environmental Conservation:


Turtles are nesting in May and June, and are often spotted on or near roads this time of year as they search for sandy areas or loose soils to lay their eggs. Thousands of turtles are killed each year by unsuspecting drivers when turtles cross roads to find nesting areas.


Drivers who see a turtle on the road are encouraged to slow down to avoid hitting it with their vehicle. If the driver can safely stop and exit the vehicle, motorists should consider moving the turtle to the shoulder on the side of the road in the direction it was facing. Motorists are advised not to pick up or drag turtles by their tails. Most turtles, other than snapping turtles, can be picked up safely by the sides of their shells. It is important to maintain a secure grip as turtles may kick to loosen your hold and dropping them can result in potential injury.


Reminder from the Department of Environmental Conservation:


Fawns, Baby Birds, and Other Young Animals Are Rarely Abandoned and Handling or Moving Animals Carries Risks


With spring in full swing and young animals more visible, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded New Yorkers to appreciate wildlife from a safe distance and resist the urge to touch or move young wildlife. Fawns, baby birds, and other offspring may seem abandoned, but their parents are often close by and well-intentioned interference can pose risks to the animals and humans.


“Spring’s warmer weather brings with it more sightings and encounters with wildlife, especially young birds and other animals,” said DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “While some might think these baby animals need assistance, human interactions with wildlife typically do more harm than good. Please remember—if you care, leave it there.”

Did you know?

Local businesses can find resources, classes and other opportunities on the Westchester Catalyst website:


https://westchestercatalyst.com/events/

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