James Contini

The meeting included continued public hearings concerning a Local Law to Establish Downtown Adjacent Planned Unit Development Districts (PUD) and the Preliminary Planned Unit Development approval for the 235 Elm Road project (Renaissance Briarcliff Manor). Key discussion points for the 235 Elm Road project involved the feasibility and enormous abatement costs of Dow Hall, visual corridor impact, height analysis, and driveway configuration, with neighbors expressing concerns regarding visual massing and wetland intrusion. The public hearings were adjourned to February 3, 2026. The Board also authorized the Village Manager to execute a five-year Snow and Ice Agreement with Westchester County. New under-18 memberships for the Briarcliff Manor Fire Department were approved. Finally, the Board approved amendments to the Master Fee Schedule for Recreation Fees, including updates for various programs and permits for facilities like Pickleball, Platform Tennis, and pools.

The Zoning Board of Appeals addressed application V-1-2026 concerning SCIALDONE/BIBB at 239 Cedar Drive East. The application proposed the construction of a new accessory two-car garage at an existing single-family dwelling. This application was denied due to nonconformity with the minimum side yard dimension requirement outlined in Schedule 220 Attachment 2 of the Code of the Village of Briarcliff Manor, where 16 feet was proposed against a required minimum of 30 feet.

The meeting included continued public hearings regarding Chapter 186-7 (Streets and Sidewalks) and a Local Law to reorganize various chapters of the Village Code, including the establishment of Chapter 220-21 Specialty Zones. The Board adopted Local Law No. 7 of 2025. Announcements covered community events like a holiday decoration swap, singing, and a toy drive. The Village Manager emphasized nighttime walking safety and reporting outages of streetlights. The Annual Auditor's Report for FY 2024-2025 was presented, resulting in an unqualified opinion. The Board approved operating and capital budget transfers for FY 25/26, including funds for a library elevator repair and various capital projects such as street lighting and water main construction. A bid for fire hydrant purchase was awarded to Ferguson Waterworks. Additionally, the Board reappointed a member to the Library Board and approved an under-18 membership for the Fire Department. A presentation was heard regarding the 1030/1050 Briarhouse, LLC proposal for 86 apartments.

The Briarcliff Manor Local Development Corporation held a regular meeting where the FY2024-2025 audit presentation was given, and financial reports for September and October were reviewed. The board authorized the Chief Executive Officer to execute an agreement with BFJ Planning for planning services related to the redevelopment of 1030/1050 Pleasantville Road. There was also a discussion regarding the Justice Center schematic, and the board requested revisions to make the renderings more official and blend better with neighboring buildings.

The Board of Trustees held a meeting with several key agenda items. The discussions included continued public hearings on adding a chapter regarding procurement using best value and amending definitions and affordable housing regulations. There were also public hearings to renew a special use permit for Congregation Sons of Israel, including an amendment for a rooftop solar installation, and a zoning text amendment for Briarhouse LLC. The board also reviewed the quarterly financial report for FY 25/26, considered amending the master fee schedule, and authorized the Village Manager to execute a supplemental agreement with NYSDOT for snow and ice management. Additionally, the board addressed library board appointments and reviewed minutes from previous meetings.