Well, here they go again.

Our opponents have no ideas and nothing to offer the Village. So they are once again broadcasting their patented brand of nonsense to Croton voters. Their campaign of disinformation and distortion does nothing but waste time, discourage voter participation and degrade our political process.

We have NEVER advocated for over-development, high-density housing or a shopping mall at the train station. Those are but three of the stream of baseless, unsupportable claims made by our opponents. Their constant reliance on such tactics only serves to make clear that they have nothing to say about how they would help this Village to move forward.

Thanks to your support last year, we accomplished more for this Village than our opponents did in the previous four years. These are but a few of the many facts regarding our fiscal responsibility:

• We lowered your Village taxes, without cutting a single service.
• We decreased wasteful spending, cutting over $250,000 from the budget.
• We increased future revenue potential by pursuing significant grants.
• We conducted a mid-year budget review and cut spending without cutting services. A FIRST FOR CROTON!
• We began a program to use fewer resources, and use them in a more sustainable way. ANOTHER FIRST FOR CROTON saving taxpayers even more money.

The accusations from our opponents of “frivolous spending and lack of fiscal responsibility” seem comical coming from a man who bloated the budget by $4 million while in office and a running mate who is an active tax evader.

In the past year we also made strides to increase the quality of life in the Village. For example:

• We fought to establish a farmers’ market, which was wildly successful.
• We developed a community garden, which residents asked for—planting will begin this Spring!
• The fabulous new Croton Landing Park was finally dedicated and opened, with tremendous help and cooperation from the County and State.

We must plan for the future by taking actions today. We need to increase the commercial tax base in Croton, so that we can reduce the tax burden on homeowners and preserve our diverse and wonderful Village. We believe we can’t do anything without extensive community input. That’s why we conducted a thorough study, and solicited extensive public comment, before enacting the re-zoning of the Harmon business district. This is the kind of forward-thinking, citizen-driven change that Croton needs in order to keep Croton, Croton.

Consensus doesn’t mean that everyone agrees. A vocal minority opposes revitalization of Harmon. Their last minute filing of an Article 78 lawsuit (a complaint that the Village didn’t follow rules about changing zoning) is simply a political ploy. That much is clear from the timing—they had four months to file and chose the week before the election. This is a frivolous lawsuit—we took great care to follow all the rules and provided multiple opportunities for community input—and it will cost taxpayer money to defend.

Our opponents’ lack of vision is astonishing. And their inability to take any action other than saying “NO!” is tragic for the Village. They opposed the Harmon re-zoning plan because they don’t seem to comprehend that under the previous zoning restrictions it had become very difficult for the property owners to generate sufficient income without charging rents so high that many buildings now stand vacant. Something needed to change, and, with your help, we changed it.

Similarly, our opponents don’t grasp that our train station parking lot is Croton’s #2 source of income (second only to property taxes) and say “NO!” to investigating revenue potential there. The more we increase revenues from the parking lot, the more we can cut the tax burden on homeowners. Did you know that every space in the lot is sold and there’s a waiting list of over 300 people? So we are doing a professional study to explore the possibility of generating more income there. Our opponents seem to have forgotten that they actually voted for this study.

Unlike our opponents, we know we must plan for the future and actively seek solutions to our community’s problems. Leadership requires planning and action. Saying “NO!” is not a plan. Doing nothing is not an option. The Journal News recognized this in their endorsement of us on March 9, 2010.

That’s the kind of leadership we will continue to provide for our Village. We can’t do that without you. We humbly ask for your vote on March 16, 2010. Polls are open from 6 am to 9 pm at the Municipal Building.

Sincerely and with respect,

Ann Gallelli and Richard Olver

But yesterday, on the heels of her writing “We should all, as a community, disassociate ourselves from hateful, nasty attacks.” on a message board, in a Journal News article, Ms. Konig’s chickens came home to roost.

Here’s an excerpt:

The Westchester County Fair Campaign Practices Committee, which promotes responsible and factual campaign tactics, found fault with a number of Republican claims in campaign advertisements and flyers over a recent zoning change—one that is now the subject of a lawsuit.

The GOP used a stock image of a city street on a flyer (see scanned flyer below) to illustrate its contention that new zoning changes promoted by Democratic elected officials would lead to “overdevelopment.” The committee found the picture an unfair campaign practice.

They also cited the Republican campaign for claiming that Democrats Ann Gallelli and Richard Olver were planning to build apartments in the Harmon section of town and a retail mall at the train station. In fact, Gallelli and Olver have not come out in favor of any specific building plans.

Another finding of an unfair campaign practice concerned the Republicans using the word “toxic” to describe a new community garden where residents can grow produce. The garden was found to have contained a small amount of asphalt debris in it, which was removed, but it was not considered a danger to public health. In any event, organizers of the garden decided to use raised beds and fresh topsoil for the project.

Here’s the flyer:

I am writing in support of Ann Gallelli and Rick Olver to be re-elected as Village Trustees in the upcoming election on Tuesday, March 16th.

I know first hand how hard both of them work for the residents of Croton and how dedicated they are to solving issues and planning for our community. Both Ann and Rick have worked closely with Mayor Leo Wiegman and other Trustees to keep the Village taxes and costs low. This past year they had a reduction of 1.9%. I applaud them for these efforts. It’s so very important to keep taxes under control for our residents and local businesses.

At the same time, Ann Gallelli and Rick Olver are working closely with the Mayor and me on important energy conservation plans, practices, and initiatives. We are charter members of the Northern Westchester Energy Action Coalition, which was formed in 2009.

Both Ann and Rick deserve another term to work on important projects, plans, and ideas they have for Croton. Most importantly, they listen to you and are always interested in your vision for the lovely community of Croton-on-Hudson.

Thank you so much for your consideration in re-electing Ann Gallelli and Rick Olver as Trustees to serve on the Village Board.

— Linda Puglisi, Supervisor of the Town of Cortlandt

An Article 78 was filed against the Village of Croton today by a few residents led by the Republican Party. While we recognize a responsible citizen’s right to file this lawsuit, we maintain this is a political action timed to support a weak candidate team in their quest to win seats on the village board as they have had 3 months in which to file this claim. We view this as a selfish political act at the expense of the residents of Croton.

An Article 78 is a legal action that challenges a municipal board’s decision based on failure to follow the prescribed procedures required by law. This lawsuit was filed in reaction to the recent change of zoning passed into law in December by the current board of trustees. This was a contentious issue and at one of the public hearings the threat of this lawsuit was mentioned by one of the anti change group.

Residents should know that the Village Attorney, Jim Staudt, aware of a minority but vocal opposition to the zoning action, and being very experienced in the required procedures, reviewed and directed the actions from its inception to ensure that all procedures were followed to the letter. Harmon Economic Development Committee Chair, Kieran Murray, who is well versed in this issue said, “As a lifelong Republican, I am embarrassed at my own party’s role in this action. This represents the politics of obstructionism at its worst.”

Because of this selfish act, taxpayers will pay on both ends: first and foremost in the cost to defend this frivolous lawsuit which could result in tens of thousands of dollars and more importantly, it will discourage currently interested parties from further investment in Harmon as they await the outcome of the lawsuit taking long term money away from Croton as well. Meanwhile Harmon continues to exist in a state of decline, empty storefronts lining the street.

We encourage all citizens to make their feelings known about this frivolous lawsuit that affects our pocketbooks, our image as a village, our property values and our property taxes.

— Eileen Henry and John McBride, on behalf of the Croton Democratic Committee

The March 16th Village election approaches, and the differences between the two parties and their candidates are clear and stark. The Republicans, through their campaign literature, have proven themselves to be adept at coining toxic slogans, making wildly exaggerated claims and utilizing distasteful code words and imagery as weapons of fear mongering. They hype the mythical benefits of balance on the board for the sake of…balance. And they have yet to put forward any actual programs or to articulate any ideas about how to handle the issues and problems that the Village faces today and in the future.

As I write this, it is rumored that the Republican leadership or their surrogates will soon file an Article 78 legal challenge to the recent Harmon zoning changes, oh-so conveniently timed for the election cycle. If filed, this challenge — based on procedural rather than substantive grounds — will yet again prove the Republicans to be expert at saying “no,” cynically employing the tactics of obstruction while holding the entire Village hostage for their political gain, and frivolously wasting taxpayer dollars. I sincerely hope for all of Croton’s sake that this is just a rumor.

By contrast, the Democratic candidates Ann Gallelli and Richard Olver, and the rest of our current Village Board, have shown that they are willing to roll up their sleeves to do the hard work and make the tough choices and find solutions to take Croton forward. They have worked with the citizens of Croton and also looked beyond our village borders for ideas and funding to maximize the quality of life for our residents, now and into the future.

Croton’s citizens deserve leadership that knows how to say “yes” and then deliver on its goals. That’s why I’ll be voting for Ann Gallelli and Richard Olver on March 16th.

— Adam Rothberg, Croton on Hudson

A small, vocal, core group of Schmidt/Swan supporters failed to make any meaningful challenge to the overarching rationale for the Harmon Business District rezoning during the State Environmental Quality Review Process (SEQR).

Now it appears they will use the Article 78 process and its 1+ year timeline as a political tool to influence the 2010 election and cripple any hope of positive change in Harmon. In addition, if the Croton GOP regains the board majority in 2011, they can effectively roll back the Harmon rezoning without having to hold one single public hearing or input session by abandoning the village’s defense of their own supporters’ Article 78 action.

And this apparent Croton GOP political strategy could very well cost the village (and its taxpayers) over $100,000+ to defend itself against.

Regardless of your political persuasion and/or position on the Harmon Business District rezoning, please join me (a Republican) in sending a strong message to the Croton GOP leadership that the politics of obstructionism WILL NOT BE TOLERATED in Croton by voting for Ann Gallelli and Rick Olver on March 16th.

— Kieran Murray

In his letter Mr. Swan stated that contrary to the allegations made in the letter to the editor, he was not charged with, nor had he ever been convicted of the crime of assault. Further, he stated that the incident referenced in an appended comment to the letter to the editor did not result in the conviction of any crime, misdemeanor or violation of the law.

However, it remains factual that in 2004, three 8th grade boys trespassed on his property and a confrontation between them occurred. It also remains factual that all three of the boys reported to an interceding neighbor that during the confrontation, Mr. Swan made physical contact with one of the boys thereby causing redness and swelling on his face. It also remains factual that only after Mr. Swan admitted to making physical contact with one of the boys to the same interceding neighbor, that police were called to the scene. It also remains factual that Mr. Swan was taken from the scene in handcuffs by responding officers from the Croton police department.

10) Schmidt increased the use of Executive Sessions (meetings closed to the public) by 400% as Mayor.

9) Schmidt did not take ONE SINGLE recommendation from a volunteer committee, NOT ONE!

8 ) Schmidt disbanded the Comprehensive Plan Committee leaving Croton Point Park zoned residential, jeopardizing our schools and leaving us at risk for skyrocketing school tax increases.

7) Schmidt OPPOSED funding for the walking bridge at Croton Landing, preferring to leave it a swamp instead of the beautiful trail it is today.

6) Recreation fees and train station parking fees SKYROCKETED under the Schmidt administration.

5) Schmidt invented “Sewer Rent” as another way to raise taxes and fees on residents.

4) Schmidt played shell games with the water and general fund to give the appearance to voters that he was controlling expenses.

3) Schmidt tried to add the controversial chemical Zinc Orthophosphate to our drinking water with NO public input in only two short weeks.

2) Schmidt raised taxes EVERY SINGLE YEAR he was in office.

1) Schmidt increased village spending by $1,000,000 EACH AND EVERY YEAR he was Mayor.

— Troubled

As previously reported, when nominated in early February, Mr. Swan owed back taxes of $52,257.00 for 2008 and 2009. We’ve been accused of lying about this matter, therefore we are compelled to update the numbers. As of March 5, 2010, Mr. Swan continues to owe $18,137.89. See the numbers below, confirmed by phone to Town and Village offices on March 5, 2010.

Property at 1 Crest St. (map location)

Total taxes owed on 2/1/2010: $52,257.00
Village taxes pd 2/9/10: $15,685.95
School/Town pd 3/3/10: $18,433.16
Still owes: $18,137.89

Unfortunately, Mr. Swan is willing to shift his tax burden to all the rest of the Village taxpayers. Croton Democrats maintain this shows a lack of consideration for Croton residents and poor judgment on the part of former Mayor Schmidt in selecting him as a running mate.

— Eileen Henry and John McBride, on behalf of the Croton Democratic Committee

Both comments have since been deleted.

And to prevent such comments from appearing on Crotoblog in the future, we’ve tightened the comment system settings for the most control; where only comments from registered users with verified email addresses will be published after editorial review.

We hope that this change will lead to more constructive dialogue among readers.

On accepting the Republican Party nomination to run for Village Trustee, in the Village of Croton on Hudson, Randall Swan sent a letter to the editor for publication in “The Gazette,” the local weekly newspaper. In his letter he stated that he had had difficulty paying his village taxes.

A few simple phone calls to the village offices and the town offices reveal that Candidate Swan has not paid any property taxes on his property at 1 Crest Street in the Village for two years. The property is listed as having 5 residential units. The total outstanding taxes due to the village, the school, the town and the county are $50,705.

TOWN OF CORTLANDT RECORDS for Randall Swan, 1 Crest Avenue

Vacant Lot:
2009-2010 School Tax: $2,019
2009 Town/Cty Tax: $483
2008 School/Town/Cty: $2,306

Improved Lot:
2009-2010 School Tax: $12,851
2009 Town/Cty Tax: $ 3,078
2008 School/Town/Cty: $14,530

TOTAL TOWN TAX OWED: $35,267

VILLAGE OF CROTON RECORDS for Randall Swan, 1 Crest Avenue

Water Bill (08/09): $1,279
Property tax lien 2009: $8,408
Property Tax 2010: $5,751

TOTAL VILLAGE TAX OWED: $15,438

GRAND TOTAL TAX OWED For RANDALL SWAN: $50,705

Mr. Swan, and Mr. Schmidt through his decision to run on the slate with Mr. Swan, ask us to trust them to run this village responsibly. Voters need to know that Mr. Swan has for the past two years been irresponsible with paying his village taxes. Mr. Schmidt, while he was mayor, would often chastise residents who failed to pay their taxes or maintain their property. Ninety-five percent of property owners in this village pay their taxes on time. It is simply unacceptable that the former mayor, now running to be a trustee, would choose a tax scofflaw as his running mate.

Most disturbing is the fact that over $30,000 of the delinquent taxes owed are for the funding of our public school system. How ironic during “School Budget Week” when the School Board is working extremely hard to better manage the cost of educating our children in this challenging economic climate, that we find a candidate seeking to be elected to a position of public trust, who has such an outstanding school-tax debt. Swan and Schmidt are demonstrating a callous disregard for the fiscal health of Croton Schools and the community as a whole.

We want voters to know the facts about the candidates for the village board. We have had enough of politicians like Schmidt and Swan, who betray the voters’ trust.

— Eileen Henry and John McBride, on behalf of the Croton Democratic Committee

Trustee candidates discuss the issues in Croton-on-Hudson during a meeting with the editorial board March 2, 2010. (Video by Amy Garcia)

There is a distinct difference between fact and fiction. It’s our intention to supply our readers with a REALITY CHECK on false claims that circulate so readily on websites and in the streets during election season. We will update this page as appropriate in order to supply you with the truth about the complex issues facing our village.

WE LOWERED YOUR TAXES.

No spin - just cold, hard facts. During Greg Schmidt’s 4 year tenure as Mayor, the Village Budget grew $4 Million. Your taxes were raised 22% during this same time. The public record shows that his running mate, Randy Swan owes back taxes for properties dating back to 2009 in the amount of $8408.38 and for this year in the amount of $5,751.02. His water bill is currently past due for two years in the amount of $1279. We understand that these are tough economic times. What we don’t understand is why Mr. Swan isn’t supporting the candidates who, for the first time in Croton history, LOWERED TAXES 1.9% while cutting the Village as well - and as recently as two weeks ago by $55,000.00.

WE DO NOT SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH DENSITY HOUSING IN HARMON OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE VILLAGE THAT COULD OVERCROWD OUR SCHOOLS.

There is NO housing development on the table anywhere in the village. Take a look at the zoning changes and supporting data for yourself. The changes we enacted promote business and encourage small scale, attractive, private improvement of individual lots. They remove red tape for business owners, and add substantial new net revenue for the village, town and schools.

WE HAVE BALANCE ON THE BOARD

Balance is more than just labels. As a registered Democrat, Greg Schmidt should know that. Balance is diversity in skills and talents. Your current Village Board has the balance of skills and talents that it takes to move the Croton on Hudson through these difficult financial times while positioning us for a more prosperous future.

Ann brings extensive planning knowledge on successful strategies for preservation as well as economic development plus a wide network of planning people and resources. She has demonstrated an ability to bring residents together to get things done through her service on the Bicycle Pedestrian Committee (BPC), Economic Development Committee (EDC), Comprehensive Plan Committee and Public Art Committee to name a few.

Rick brings some of the best professional management practices to the table, which enables the staff to communicate better and work as a team. He is a master at the art of reaching consensus enabling the board to move ahead. Rick was instrumental in the budget cuts of the past year, which resulted in the lowering of your Village taxes by 1.9% - first time that’s ever happened!

During Greg Schmidt’s tenure as Mayor, the Village budget grew an average of $1Million a year for 4 years. Your taxes were raised accordingly. Randy Swan has never been seen participating in Village affairs - whether that includes service on a committee, participation in a public hearing or expressing his opinion at a Village Board meeting. The public record does show that he is currently in arrears on his property taxes dating back to 2007.

If you think labels achieve balance, then you should vote for Greg Schmidt and Randy Swan.

But if you are looking for responsible, diverse leadership, that brings results we think you’ll agree - Ann Gallelli and Rick Olver are the right choice for Croton.

Source: Croton Democrats

My name is Lisa Marlow Wolland, and I am pleased and excited to tell you that I am running, as an independent, for Village Justice. I believe that I am qualified to serve as our local magistrate, and my decision to run stems not only from my professional experience, but also because I believe that the Croton voters are entitled to a choice of who will serve as their Village Justice for the next 4 years. That is why I have entered the race as a candidate on the Justice Party line.

After graduating from Cornell University and St. John’s University School of Law, I served as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens County, NY from 1993 until 1997, handling a variety of criminal matters, including domestic violence and special victims cases. I was appointed to the Appellate Division, Second Department, as a court attorney, analyzing and briefing criminal and civil cases for the appellate justices from 1997 until 1999. Since then, I have been a practicing appellate attorney, concentrating on criminal law appeals. And, in 2005, I was named of counsel to Mischel & Horn, P.C.

I believe that my broad experience with criminal law and the judicial system makes me an outstanding candidate for our Village Justice. Because criminal matters and traffic cases encompass the majority of our court’s weekly calendar, my experience will allow me to “hit the ground running.” And, because I maintain my office exclusively in Croton, I am always available for any court matters that may arise.

As your Village Justice, I promise that I will treat all parties with respect, I will give you an opportunity to be heard, and I will apply the law to the facts of each case in a fair and judicious manner. I will be honest, ethical and fair.

I am very proud to be a resident of Croton, and I want to serve this community. Because my husband, Glen, and I chose to raise our 3 children here, I have a vested, long-term interest in our village.

I hope I can count on your support on the Justice Party line on Election Day — Tuesday, March 16th.

Very truly yours,

Lisa Marlow Wolland, Croton-on-Hudson, NY

On behalf of the Croton Harmon Education Foundation (CHEF) we would like to thank all of the people who helped make the Dine A Round a huge success.

Our winter fundraiser began at the beautiful home of Electra and Bruce Martin where over 100 guests gathered for drinks and appetizers. A string quartet made up of students Hannah Moy, Rebecca Rose and Sylvia Lustig with their teacher, Sarah Worden played for the guests. We thank them for the generous gift of their talents.

Everyone then went on to one of 14 homes for a delicious and elegant dinner. Foodies all, we thank these very generous folks for exceeding all expectations. A big thank you to Daria & Devin Archer; Catherine & Michael Arkin; Michele Cortese, Joe DeGenova and Suzanne & Rob Luntz; Tim Dinger, Claire Cronin & David Leveen; Suzanne & Rob Gardos; Kristi & Ed Godek; Jessica & Kevin Kearns; Laurie Lecthaler & Terry Yanni; Tamie & Evan Lobel; Bianca & Paul Mancinelli; Jennifer & Michael Minihan; Donna & John Nikic and Elissa & Jonathan Kuber; Judy and Philippe Rayer and Ann & Jim Tyre. The Dine A Round could not happen without you and your incredible talent! Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Finally, the guests converged at the final stop: the fantastic home of Hayley and Dan McNatty. There they enjoyed delicious desserts and dancing to the popular Croton band The Real Rough Diamonds. The band, led by Frank “mig” Diamond along with Erik “double-e” Diamond; Ken “lockdown” Diamond; Mark “the mink” Diamond, Mark “hurricane” Diamond and Matt “mattyboy” Diamond rocked the night away. The Diamond donation proves again that diamonds are a not-for-profit foundation’s best friend! Thank you to all.

The party also relied upon very generous donations of wine and beer. Deprez Wines and Old Post Road Liquors donated some of the wine for the event; Captain Lawrence Brewery donated all of the beer. CHEF relies on local businesses heavily and these three have been stalwart supporters for years.

And finally, a big thank you to our guests without whom the whole evening would never happen! Croton’s continued support of CHEF allows us to fulfill our mission to be a catalyst for innovation and experimentation, have an enduring presence through contributions of lasting value, build a partnership with the schools and the community and to work for the whole child and every child. We thank each and every one of you for your support. See you at Under the Stars in May!

Sincerely,
Abbie Voss & Demetra Restuccia
Co-Chairs, Dine-A-Round 2010

Upon consultation with a deepthroat located deep within the bowels of the Croton GOP and after careful analysis of innuendos made by the Croton GOP \ NCN Malcontent’s many alter-egos and aliases on the NCN forum, we have been able to piece together the 2010-2011 Croton GOP Election Strategy.

Misinformation 2.0 - Former “Trustee” Konig will lead a stepped up and intensified misinformation campaign that will intensify the labeling of successful democratic initiatives with purposely misleading soundbytes such as “Mini-City” and “Toxic Garden”. These soundbytes will then be repeated ad-nausium on blogs, in Gazette letters and verbally throughout town. Blogs containing shameless, misleading propaganda will also be utilized such as the newly created Croton Local blog, and will not offer the ability to comment on a series of factually flawed opinion pieces.

Use Rouge Democrats To Attract Mainstream Democratic Voters - The Croton GOP has enlisted former Mayor Schmidt (D) as a Trustee candidate and Robert Scott (D) as Head Cheerleader to try to unseat Ann Gallelli. Neither of these two gentleman share true Republican beliefs and ideals, but they have deep rooted personal vendettas against Ann Gallelli and the Croton GOP leadership will use this personal motivation to their benefit. In exchange for his efforts, Schmidt likely has been promised the Croton GOP nod to run against Mayor Wiegman in 2011.

Obstruct Democratic Initiatives with Legal Challenges - Croton GOP supporters will likely wait and launch an Article 78 lawsuit regarding the new Harmon Zoning Laws in the heart of the 2010 election season. Winning is not the objective, it is creating distractions and providing content for an election misinformation 2.0 campaign. The Croton GOP \ NCN Malcontent originators of this lawsuit are entitled to one appeal as of right. It takes 6-8 months to get a decision on the original Article 78 (September-November 2010) and then another 6-8 months (March-June 2011) to get the as of right appeal decision. The 2011 Croton GOP election campaign will likely include the promise to drop the village’s defense of the Article 78 appeal of the Harmon Zoning Laws if re-elected, effectively rescinding them without having to go through the SEQRA process to change them back.

Claim “Balance” is Needed on the Village Board - With no definable platform of their own given the fact that the Democrats are moving their own agenda forward while cutting taxes more than the Republicans ever where able to, the Croton GOP will resort to the age old argument that “Balance” is needed on the board. For those not paying attention to the fact that the Democrats have successfully hijacked the fiscal responsibility platform from the Republicans, this is a logical strategy to mask the fact that the Croton GOP has NO platform at all.

It is critical that the public at large is aware of this strategy ahead of the election season so they do not fall prey to this trickery. If the Croton GOP would put half as much effort into the development of an actual platform as they do into their annual misinformation campaign and deceptive trickery, they may actually get elected on merit one day in the future.

I look forward to your comments. It is critical that ALL voters understand this two year Croton GOP strategy and the disastrous implications of it’s successful execution.

PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO ALL UNSUSPECTING VOTERS!

— Anonymous

The caucus, chaired by John McBride, nominated Village Trustees Rick Olver and Ann Gallelli to run for reelection to their current positions. Sam Watkins was also tapped to seek reelection for the Village Justice position.

Holly Anzani of Georgia Lane Avenue placed Gallelli’s name in nomination for Village Trustee, “I brought my daughter tonight so she could see that it takes good, talented people to keep Croton on the right path. That person is Ann Gallelli.” Rachel Bersnstein seconded the nomination of Gallelli, saying, “Ann Gallelli does more homework than anybody. “

“I have a single, over arching short-term objective - to lower your Village property taxes. The entire Board shares that objective,” stated Gallelli, “Day to day problem solving is important, but it does not move the Village ahead very much. To make meaningful cuts in your taxes, that are sustainable over time, a long-term vision is needed. Decisions on each of the areas of revenue enhancement and cost reduction must be based on a real cost-benefit analysis and tax consequences. I pledge that decisions will be fact-based and not on whims. Most importantly, these decisions require engaging with the residents of Croton and our employees to help us. I seek your support helping the board find the best creative solutions to building our community while reducing taxes over the next two years.”

Emily Prince nominated Mr. Olver saying, “I supported Rick in his efforts to redevelop and revitalize the Village. He is thoughtful, intelligent and willing to listen to all sides.” Lisa Cohen of Old Post Road North seconded Rick Olver for Trustee. “Rick Olver’s plan to reduce government spending resulted in a 1.9% tax reduction last year. He’s not prone to making pie in the sky promises for political gain.” “I have a vision for Croton,” Olver stated, “in which we come together to truly realize the vision we share of a “village in a park” that is affordable for all of us, with a government that provides support for a high quality of life in a sustainable manner. That vision requires three things: increasing our village revenue, cutting village costs and sponsoring low-cost improvements to our quality of life. “

Tim Siglock, of Sunset Drive nominated incumbent Village Justice Sam Watkins for a second term, stating, “Sam has performed as Village Justice in the highest manner, befitting the post. I am proud to support him and place his name in nomination for another 4 year term. “

The year’s Village Elections occur on a Tuesday, March 16, 2010.

Further information will be posted in coming days at the Croton Dems’ website: www.crotondems.org

The Public Forum held last Wednesday at the Harmon Firehouse regarding the feasibility of building a structure at the parking lot was attended by over 60 people reflecting the diverse make-up of the Village and commuters. Ideas and opinions were exchanged in a respectful manner and in some cases consensus was achieved among participants. This was just the beginning of a process helping Croton to determine the possibility of maximizing the income from its second largest revenue source, the train station parking lot. The goal is to alleviate the tax burden on the primary source of revenue - you, the homeowner.

We insisted on a study of the feasibility of a parking structure in return for our support for the recent repaving because we believe that just maintaining the lot was not good enough. We need to find out if our parking lot can be optimized to provide more revenue in the future to help relieve the burden of sky-high property taxes on our residents. Although the $3 million project to raise and repave the flood-prone areas of the lot is complete now, and hopefully will last for at least 15 years, this investment was totally at the taxpayers’ expense and does not add more spaces or more revenue to our coffers. It was a maintenance project.

We believe as Trustees it is our duty to explore every possible option to help the Village either generate income or offset expenditures, without impacting the quality of life for our families. This can only be done by taking an in depth look at how the Village generates income.

By instituting the first-ever mid-year budget progress report we can track spending and income to date in this fiscal year; the first step to responsible fiscal management. Having reduced your Village taxes by nearly 2% for 2009-2010, this report will be key in achieving our goal to cut taxes again this year. Reducing expenses in the Villages takes a great deal of study, homework and budget “know-how” but we are determined to reach our goal.

We successfully requested and have received $750,000 from the Federal Government with help from Congressman John Hall, which reduced the overall parking lot expenses as well as $1.2 Million grant for improvements on Croton Point Avenue.

Approximately 7 weeks ago, the current board approved rezoning to provide potential for increased revenues and have begun the process of marketing these improvements to potential businesses.

Unfortunately, last week we read in this section of the Gazette some incredible accusations regarding the feasibility study but reality paints a far different picture.

On a unanimous vote by former Mayor Gregory Schmidt, former Trustees Sue Konig & Tom Brennan as well as current Trustees Ann Gallelli & Rick Olver the Village Board approved plans to mitigate flooding in the train station parking lot as well as begin a study on the feasibility of a parking structure. Now that we have entered the political season, a former Trustee has either forgotten her vote on the subject or, at the very least, the specifics of the motion on which she voted to approve.

The approval was to study a parking structure, not to build housing at the parking lot. Any attempts to tie the current parking structure feasibility study to an old Transit Oriented District (TOD) report are made up. The consultants will examine demand for more parking, the ability of the ground to support such a structure and costs of building it, improvements to the lot as a whole and possible ways of financing a structure without requiring a contribution from Village taxpayers. Any comments to the contrary are simply not true.

Please don’t take our word for it. Go the link provided and see for what the Trustees unanimously voted on February 2, 2009: http://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/PublicDocuments/CrotonHudsonNYTrustMin/2009/02-02-09.pdf

We believe it’s demeaning to the Village and its residents to denigrate those who participated in the dialogue last Wednesday; particularly without offering any alternative plans to address the tax burden on the homeowner. What the Village needs are more residents who are willing to participate and for leadership to bring creative ideas to solve the real problems we face here so that we can enjoy the beauty and small-town charm that Croton has to offer today and for years to come.

Ann Gallelli, Trustee
Rick Olver, Trustee

Fee: $20/Chili Entry, $5/Side Dish Entry

Please join Croton Bridges for the 1st Annual Great Bowls of Fire Chili Cook-Off. All proceeds go directly to their trip to build two houses in Nindiri Nicaragua with the non-profit Bridges to Community.

Tickets are on sale now for:

• $15/Person
• $20/Couple
• $35/Family

Come enjoy a night filled with friends, food, live music, silent auction, and some of this areas best chili.

For Ticket Purchases & Information please contact: The Huigens Family at 862-2312 or email crotonbridges@gmail.com

If you would like to enter the Cook-Off please contact: Denise Weale at 862-4050 or email denise@gowestchester.net

To see pictures and video from their trip last year or to donate online visit their page: http://firstgiving.com/crotonbridges

Event flyer:

Seating is limited - reserve your tickets now!!!

• The ticket price of $50 includes Dinner, Wine, Beer, Desserts, Coffee, and Tea, and a fabulous show.
• Wonderful raffle gifts - look for advance ticket sales - you need not be present to win.
• Reservations for cabaret-style seating for groups or individuals must be made and paid in advance.

Call now to reserve your seats. Scroll down or click here for more information.

Need babysitting? CHHS students from the non-profit organization, Croton Bridges, are available to babysit at reduced rates for this special event. Call Denise Weale at 862-4050 for details and to reserve your babysitter now! Visit their website for more information: http://www.firstgiving.com/crotonbridges

PS. We need volunteers to set up and serve the night of the event. We also need people to help sell raffle tickets throughout town. And of course, gift donations are always welcome.

Time: February 27, 2010 from 7pm to 11pm
Location: Holy Name of Mary Church
Website or Map: http://comedy.crotononhudson.org/2010/
Phone: Anna Reisner 271-9011 or Joann McLellan 271-4476
Event Type: Fundraiser
Organized By: CHHS PTSA & Croton Teen Theater

For years, whenever the tide rose, our train station parking lot would flood. For years, nothing was done to fix this. When taxpayers with destroyed cars complained, their concerns were dismissed by the old gang at the municipal building with a shrug.

During the two years I served as Village trustee with Mayor Greg Schmidt, we went to work to fix this problem. We hired engineers to develop a 30-year fix, put out bids for contractors, scheduled the construction, secured the funds to raise and repave the lot, and got the job done. No more flooding.

Now Ann Gallelli and the current Village Board want to build on that success - literally. They want to build housing and shopping on the parking lot. The dreamers and schemers who can’t stand to see our little Village remain little are thinking BIG. Twenty million dollars big. They want to spend $20 million to turn the train station parking lot into a mini-city.

And you think it’s tough getting in and out of that lot during rush hour now?

Who will pay for this latest over-development scheme? How would a mini-city on our train station parking lot affect our property values? Why is the current board so driven to transform our little village in-between two rivers into a not-so-shiny city on a hill?

This board treats the taxpayers’ money as a no-limit credit card. In the last issue of the Gazette, Ms. Gallelli demonstrated a fundamental lack of understanding of our village’s finances. In reference to the drastic reductions in the Village’s tax rate increases achieved by the Schmidt administration, she wrote: “reserves…were used as ‘false’ income and reported to you as ‘a low tax increase.’” Her assertions that our village surplus was “raided” and that our decision to return some of the taxpayers own money to the taxpayers (a novel concept in our village!) rather than hoarding it in government coffers was somehow “false income” are unfounded and defamatory against former officials and the current staff of the village.

If Ms. Gallelli and the current board are really interested in saving the taxpayers of this Village money, how about cutting the $3600 a year the Village pays Ms. Gallelli to write the Village newsletter. This nicely doubles her annual trustee income.

It’s only $3600. But a $3600 newsletter here, a $20 million dollar parking lot mini-city development there…it starts to add up.

— Susan Konig, Croton-on-Hudson

The third-floor of each new or remodeled building is reserved specifically for residential use, presumably to preclude any opportunistic retail discounter from renting there and advertising, “Walk up two flights and save.” Third-floor units could actually be more desirable, being farther from the odors wafting up from an exotic ethnic restaurant on the ground floor and its incessant music of cymbals, chimes and gongs. Similarly, the area behind ground-floor retail units is limited to residential use. But if living over a store is déclassé, what is living behind a store? One advantage: If you run out of sugar, you can always knock on the back door and borrow a cupful from your neighbor, the ever-smiling and obliging chef with the flashing cleaver. Can’t you see the hordes of young couples that will desert the Upper West Side and move to Croton to live in such desirable quarters? Fat chance.

The second floor may house any combination of retail and residential uses. Professional occupancy was originally an important part of the rental income formula of retail stores sharing space with professional offices and apartments. A felicitous amalgam intended to milk increased tax revenue from “revitalization,” it also conjured up images of lawyers’ clients stumbling over prams and strollers parked in the hallways. But not to worry. Such frictions will never come to pass. Professional offices are nowhere mentioned in the new law, which defines mixed use as “a combination of residential dwelling units and other permitted and/or special permit users.” I kid you not. It will be apartments and retailers plus whatever undefined “others” are able to pass muster with the Planning Board and receive special permits required from the Village Board of Trustees.

As if to emphasize Croton’s aggressive unfriendliness to commerce, the new law repeats the Gateway Law’s categories of banned legitimate businesses that are beyond the pale. In today’s hard times when we should be welcoming business of every stripe, Croton is like a panhandler insisting he will only accept a quarter if it’s a scarce collector’s commemorative coin. The recently enacted zoning changes do not represent intelligent planning; they are planning run amuck.

The earlier laughable Rube Goldberg concept of parking spaces shared between the various categories of tenants and customers has been quietly swept under the rug. In its place is a simple formula based on bedroom counts. Retailers will have to fall back on existing commercial district parking regulations—formulas that are notoriously inadequate, particularly for restaurant parking.

Advocates of the zoning change were loud in their criticism of the “dowdy” look of Harmon’s commercial area. A look I happen to like because of its quaintness and lack of pretension. In Harmon, what you see is what you get. Proponents promised that the zoning changes would alter that look, but don’t hold your breath. The committee’s original recommendations at least gave a nod to appearance in the following virtually unintelligible statement that “the third story must be designed to within the roofline and dormers, gables or other aesthetically pleasing design possibilities.”

The zoning changes say absolutely nothing about aesthetics. What they do say is, “buildings in the area shall be subject to such additional design guidelines as may be adopted by resolution of the Board of Trustees from time to time.” So, after all the fuss and bother, the vaunted zoning changes are revealed to be nothing more than a work in progress! Still to come are the inevitable onerous nit-picking regulations that are the bane of venture capital investment.

I can comfortably make a prediction: Local Law No. 4 of 2009 will bring as much new development capital to Harmon as the 2004 Gateway Law brought to Croton in almost six years—which is to say, zero, zip, zilch, nada, nothing. One year, five years, ten years from now, Harmon will look pretty much the way it does today. And we can all thank our lucky stars for that.

Readers can read the text of the zoning changes adopted on December 7, 2009, as Local Law No. 4 will find it at the following link: http://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/publicdocuments/crotonhudsonnywebdocs/2009-11-locallaw.pdf

— Robert Scott

I am responding to a rather curious letter published in last week’s Gazette concerning the 12/8 information meeting for Harmon property owners by an “Eileen Henry”. I attended this meeting along with fellow residents and other officials. For the record:

a) While “25 people” were indeed present at this meeting, this number largely consisted of members of the Economic Development Committee, the Village Board (Mr. Olver was absent), and a few residents. According to village staff, more than three dozen letters were sent to property and business owners in the Harmon area. However, less than a handful attended.

b) Not one, repeat not one, property owner present stated any support of the re-zoning proposal. Although there was an exchange of ideas, the fact is that property owners were at best skeptical of the alleged benefits. (The one property owner that did seem “open” to the idea quickly decided otherwise when someone pointed out that his taxes “would only go up” upon re-assessment.) Indeed, the Harmon proposal was described as “unrealistic”, “fantasy-driven” and a “dream”. Instead, property owners cited the need for tax breaks, that the parking scenario envisioned under the Harmon proposal “would not work”, that “banks are not lending money”, that “three stories would not be profitable”, etc.

I do not know what meeting Ms. Henry attended that was the subject of her letter to the paper. However, it was not the Harmon information meeting that occurred on December 8th.

In the words of Mr. Palladino that night, owner of the Dodge property, the committee is “trying to sell a dream”. That’s not surprising given Trustee Gallelli’s published commentary on May 26, 2008:

“We want to get the public to buy into this for support of the zoning changes.”

http://nycom.groupsite.com/discussion/topic/show/51472

On, December 8th, both Trustee Gallelli and the committee, who strangely chose not to televise this meeting to the public, rang up yet another “No Sale” instead.

Sincerely,

Maria Cudequest

During the Second World War, the island of New Guinea was invaded first by the Japanese and then by Australian and American troops. Large amounts of supplies and war materiel were brought in by air, impressing the natives. Missionaries and colonial authorities normally present had been evacuated, and so the local villagers had no one to explain the significance of these large-scale war activities.

After the occupying troops departed at the conclusion of the war, religious cults sprang up in the belief that the goods brought in were originally intended for the native peoples and had been diverted by the foreigners. Leaders of these so-called “cargo cults” proclaimed that the manufactured goods of the invaders had been created spiritually by the natives’ own deities and ancestors, and were intended for them, but the foreigners had unfairly gained control of these objects by attracting the materials to themselves.

Examples of cargo cult activity included the clearing of mock airstrips in the jungle, construction of “hangars,” “offices” and “mess halls.” Western goods, such as “radios” made of coconuts and straw and “headphones” carved from wood, were used in mock control towers. Believers performed parade ground drills with wooden or salvaged rifles and painted their bodies with military and national insignia to look like soldiers, treating the activities of Western military personnel as rituals to attract the cargo. Having fabricated these items and performed the rituals, the cult members then waited patiently for the cargoes intended for them to arrive.

Croton will begin practicing its own form of what I call cargo cult economics at 7:30 p.m. next Tuesday. Letters have been sent out by the mayor to commercial property and business owners in Harmon inviting them to a meeting at the Kellerhouse Municipal Building. The Village’s website lists this as a meeting of the Economic Development Committee. Its purpose is to explain the opportunities under the recently passed zoning changes. Like suckers roped into attending a free time-share luncheon, attendees can expect to be pitched with an unrelenting spiel intended to encourage them to take advantage of the new law’s myriad of blessings.

Thus, the owner of a property with a retail establishment on the ground floor and an apartment on the floor above can undertake to raze the building and construct a new three-story structure closer to the sidewalk line. The advantage to those in adjoining residential areas behind the existing building is that the new building will be farther away. Left unsaid, undoubtedly, will be the fact that the space created will become an automobile parking lot.

Those who choose to remodel instead of rebuilding will have an equally daunting task. Most of the existing structures are what architects call “stick-built,” a method in which a sturdy skeleton of columns and beams was erected and then sheathed internally and externally. Because of the 35-foot total height limit, to create a third floor for an additional apartment, the heavy joists if the second floor attached to the building’s skeleton must be lowered, a major task, and additional third-floor joists, flooring and ceilings must be added above.

Rebuilt or remodeled, the resulting structures will not be inexpensive, In addition, business owners or apartment renters will have to vacate existing buildings during the process. The yield to the property owner in either case will be high building or remodeling costs, a higher assessment, higher taxes, and a third-floor walk-up apartment of doubtful desirability under the eaves. The added tax revenue for the Village will be negligible. So I say, “Welcome to cargo cult economics.” With outcomes like these, asking property owners to attend such a meeting is like asking a condemned man to bring the rope to his own hanging.

— Robert Scott, Croton-on-Hudson

Preparation for the installation of the parking meters has begun and will be ready for activation at the beginning of January 2010. In order to ensure a smooth transition to the new system, village staff will be on hand to assist customers throughout the process of working with the new meters.

The new meters will accept coins, bills and credit cards, in addition to providing parkers with receipts that show the date and time of purchase.

The goals of the Village in implementing the new parking meter system are to reduce the cost of collecting revenue and provide the public with a greater range of options and increased convenience when paying for parking.

To learn more about the new parking meters and how they work, please visit the Village Web site at http://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/PublicDocuments/CrotonHudsonNYParking/FAQ