What’s Happening in the Village of Pleasantville Update

Update on the Village Pool: The pool reconstruction work is now planned to begin in September 2024. This is a year later than previously hoped, but additional time was needed to address stormwater issues: the location of the pool (at the foot of Nannahagan Pond with the adjacent stream) presents some unique challenges. Improvements will include enhanced water-proofing of the new pumphouse, additional on-site drainage, and the construction of a new culvert. These changes do not affect the design of the pool itself. Information about the project can be found here. 

Moratorium in the Central Business A-1 District: In January, the Board enacted a 6-month moratorium on new land-use approvals (site plan, special use permit and subdivisions), variance relief, and building permits for projects in the A-1 zoning district. The purpose of the moratorium is to preserve the status quo while the Board considers whether zoning amendments are needed. The moratorium is set to expire on July 30, 2023.

Moratorium Analysis: The Village engaged its planning consultant, BFJ Planning, to analyze development potential in the A-1 business district. BFJ has identified vacant or significantly under‐built sites where development might reasonably be expected to occur under the current zoning. Their analysis determines the maximum number of units that could be built on these sites under the existing zoning and projects the impacts that might occur —population, traffic, water supply, public safety, and schools. BFJ’s updated analysis, can be viewed here.

Manville Road Pedestrian Project: Work is nearly complete between Tompkins Avenue and the MTA bridge—replacing curbs and sidewalks, constructing pedestrian bump-outs, and creating a traffic island. Some areas will remain in a temporary condition until new pedestrian poles are delivered. Temporary road striping will be done to align the new crosswalks. Permanent striping will follow when the road is repaved in the last project phase. Work will pause until later this summer when activity will shift to the Grant Street/Memorial Plaza/Manville Road intersection. A retaining wall will be constructed around the monument island, enabling construction of a new right-turn lane, and new traffic signals will be installed. Plantings and trees near the retaining wall will be removed, and the flag poles will be temporarily removed. In the last phase a work, the flagpoles will be re-installed along with new trees and landscaping. For an overview of the Manville Road project, click here.

Work in Memorial Plaza: Re-alignment of northern median, installation of angled parking, and new plantings: This work includes several elements.

• The Manville Road project will result in the removal of the right hand ‘slip lane’ exiting the north end of Memorial Plaza. Reconfigured parking will remain on the railroad side of the median, and we will add plantings, trees and lawn area near the monuments. This work is projected to cost $600,000, which is supported by $450,000 in grant funding. This work contributes toward the proposed civic space, if that project is undertaken in the future. This work is expected in fall 2023 or spring 2024. Click here to view a rendering.
• Redesign of the northern median in Memorial Plaza will provide angled parking on both sides of the street -- replacing the parallel parking spaces between the post office and the diner, and providing angled spaces against the median. This work is currently ongoing.
• Curb and sidewalk have been replaced by the new building next to the post office. We will add 13 angled parking spaces in this area. A new pedestrian plaza will align with a landscaped walkway and crosswalk that will connect Cooley Street and Memorial Plaza.
• Centerline yellow striping will be repainted and straightened in the middle of the roadway.

For a full overview of the work to Memorial Plaza, including potential timeline, please click here.

Con Ed has completed replacement of the gas mains on portions of Wheeler Avenue and Bedford Road. Gianfia Corp. (Con Edison’s utility contractor) recently completed the replacement of the Con Edison 4 inch gas main on portions of Wheeler Avenue and Bedford Road. Gianfia Corp. has begun to re-connect/transfer the existing gas lines serving the eight (8) businesses impacted from new gas main installation. Con Edison is anticipating completion of the private gas service line transfer work by the end of May. Con Edison will be responsible for roadway milling and re-surfacing the entire width (curb-to-curb) of Bedford Road and Wheeler Avenue. 

Traffic signal timing analysis on Bedford Road: We have engaged DTA Provident Engineering to analyze traffic signal timing and optimization for the three Village-owned traffic signals on Bedford Road. The objective is to optimize performance of the traffic signal systems—to enhance efficiencies and safety for motorists and pedestrians. The project will develop a signal timing plan based on actual traffic and pedestrian counts. The traffic count location map can be viewed by clicking here. 

The Pleasantville Police Department has acquired body worn cameras for patrol officers. The Department secured grant funding to support the initiative, with rollout likely this summer or fall. Studies have shown that body cameras provide benefits to police officers and the communities they serve.

Summer Camp Registration: Registration for 2023 summer camp is now open. For more information, please click here.

Summer Jobs: Pleasantville Recreation is looking for summer camp counselors, lifeguards, pool front desk, and a parks laborer. Those interested should complete application linked below, and submit to recreationsuperintendent@pleasantville-ny.gov. 

Seasonal employment applications are available here. 

The Village Board of Trustees recently passed local laws that increase income levels eligible for tax exemptions for seniors and persons with disabilities. State legislation recently changed to allow municipalities to increase the income threshold to $58,999 per year, with partial exemptions based on a sliding scale. Those with questions can reach out to the Village Assessor at assessor@pleasantville-ny.gov.

The Village of Pleasantville has expanded food scrap/compost drop-off hours at 1 Village Lane (Public Works) as follows:

April – November

• Saturdays: 6 am – 3 pm (drop-off bins are outside the gate until 9 am)
• Thursdays: 8 am – 2 pm at (drop-off bins located outside the gate)

December – March

• Saturdays: 9 am – 3 pm
• Thursdays: 8 am – 2 pm at (drop-off bins located outside the gate)

Seasonal ban on fuel-powered leaf blowers has taken effect: The Village Board has passed a local law that bans the use of fuel-powered leaf blowers from May 15 to September 30. Electric leaf blowers are permitted year round. Click here for more information.

Quiet hours expanded on weekends & holidays: The leaf blower law included a change to “quiet hours” on weekends and holidays, which is now in effect. Use of lawn mowers, leaf blowers and similar machines will be prohibited between 5 pm and 9 am on weekends (Sat/Sun.) and federally recognized holidays. This adds 2 hours to the quiet period (which previously started at 7 pm).

Recycling App: The Village and Sustainable Westchester launched a mobile app, “Recycle Right Westchester,” to make it easier for residents to stay connected about waste and recycling collection programs. In the mobile app, you’ll find the garbage, recycling, and special pickup collection schedule specific to your address. The app can also remind you of your collection day. Download the mobile app for Apple or Android by searching “Recycle Right Westchester.” Similar tools are available on the web; search your home address in the “My Schedule” tool: https://www.pleasantville-ny.gov/home/pages/sanitation-schedule-look

Development Update: 

• 444 Bedford Road (former Chase building) – A proposed mixed use development that includes 36 apartments has been submitted to Planning Commission. Due to the moratorium, the application is on hold. See application here.

• 1 Campus Drive – The Village has not received an application for any proposal at this site. The property is zoned for commercial campus/office use, so a proposal for a different use would require a zoning change.

• Girl Scout Property – A proposal for 4 new residential lots is currently under review by the Planning Commission.

• 70 Memorial Plaza – The interior finish work for the development is underway along with the exterior hardscaping. The construction of a pedestrian passage with public easement is underway, with curb and sidewalk work nearly complete. The owner anticipates substantial completion by the Fall of 2023.

• 52 Depew Street –The building was granted a temporary certificate of occupancy and tenants are moving in. The developer is working on amended approvals by the Architectural Review Board.

• 98 Washington Avenue – This is a 14-unit affordable housing project. After years of contract breaches and delays, Westchester County has made the decision to sue MIGI Asset Acquisition LLC, (the property owner) for several breaches and failure to complete the project.

Upcoming Meetings and Events:

**Meeting agendas can be found here. 

**You can sign-up to receive agendas here.