Yvonne Cech

The meeting addressed several new business items requiring referrals for site visits and public hearings scheduled for January 17th and January 22nd, 2026. Key agenda items included an application for renewal of a special permit to store a commercial vehicle in a residential zone (Charis application), an application to construct a garage addition requiring a sideyard setback variance (3408 Fenmore A application), and an application for a building permit for a loading dock with a rear setback variance (380 Downing Drive LLC application). A significant discussion involved the Yorktown Community School's application for a special use permit renewal to allow daycare facility operations, which requires coordination with planning, the fire marshal, and the building inspector. Additionally, the board addressed adjourned agenda items, culminating in the approval of a new special use permit for an accessory apartment at 3240 Hollywood Street for a period of three years, subject to plan adherence. The board also reviewed a complex application for a use variance for a Tier 2 battery storage system at 3666 Old Yorktown Road, reviewing comparisons with past decisions in White Plains and Tarry Town, confirming compliance with new fire codes, and clarifying that the developer, not the property owner, holds responsibility for facility maintenance.

The meeting began with the reading of a resignation letter from board member Robert Waterhouse, expressing gratitude for his service. Key agenda items included a discussion on correspondence related to the Homeland Towers LLC application, which was noted to be in the work session for discussion between the applicant and the board without public input. The minutes from the December 22nd, 2025 meeting were reviewed and accepted with abstentions. The public hearing for the Partry Golf Course was adjourned to the January 26th meeting. The board approved the reapproval of the preliminary subdivision layout for the Garage Subdivision. They also approved a time extension for the Underh Hill Farm subdivision approval, pending health department sign-off. During the work session, discussions covered proposed amendments to the Underh Hill Farm site plan, including the construction of a pump house, installation of historic signs, and the location of a backup generator, alongside updates on intersection improvements involving new sidewalks and pedestrian-controlled crossings. A referral from the Zoning Board regarding the Yorktown Community Nursery School's application for a special use permit to operate as a daycare (extending hours beyond the current three-hour limit) was reviewed. The presenter detailed compliance with various town code requirements pertaining to lot size, indoor/outdoor space, fire inspection, insurance limits, parking, and sanitation facilities.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence honoring Veterans Day and first responders. Key discussion points included a report on a learning trip to Israel and the West Bank, noting observations on progressive initiatives like a large capped landfill. The board welcomed a new administrative assistant, Cindy Smith. Updates were provided on the Lions' annual turkey drive benefiting St. Mary's food pantry, scheduled for late November. Public works updates covered the ongoing construction of the Krompon Road bridge, which is expected to be completed in early December. The board also announced two important public hearings: one regarding a solar law banning solar farms in residential neighborhoods (with grandfathering for two projects), scheduled for the following week, and a budget hearing on December 2nd. Other community updates included ribbon cuttings for Sports Time Pickle Ball and the library's renovated children's center, information on the Toys for Tots drive, congratulations to high school volleyball teams, recognition of a 15-year business anniversary for Pure Salon, shout-outs to local football teams, and the opening of a new pastry shop, MDG Cakes. A significant portion of the meeting involved congratulating Don King for his induction into the Assemblyman Matt Slater Veterans Hall of Fame, recognizing his service in the UDT during the Korean War and his extensive efforts in establishing Korean War Memorials. The board also heard a presentation regarding necessary budget transfers within the water department to compensate for losses incurred due to water main breaks and the draining of the French water tank for maintenance.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence to honor a deceased resident and first responders for their work during a recent house fire and storm. Key discussion points included updates on the Master Plan, where reports are being devised following a meeting with planning and engineering, and general safety reminders regarding clearing snow from fire hydrants and checking smoke detectors. The Supervisor addressed concerns about parking during snow emergencies and the enforcement of overnight parking regulations. Updates were provided on the success of local high school athletic and cheer teams. The board discussed clarifying public notification laws for hearings, noting that only adjacent property owners are typically notified unless the board or planning board expands notification scope, and advised residents to subscribe to online agendas for comprehensive updates. The decision on the solar law will be delayed pending input from the Planning Board and Climate Smart Committee. The board will discuss the long-term financial viability of the volunteer ambulance services (Yorktown Ambulance Corps and Moheaggan Volunteer Ambulance Corps) in a future work session. Two proclamations were made: one recognizing Black History Month (February 2026) and another proclaiming February 2026 as Youth Leadership Month. Presentations were given regarding the Alliance for Safe Kids, detailing their mission in substance misuse prevention, mental health, and recovery resources, and mentioning a significant reduction in county funding starting in 2026. An announcement was made regarding a diaper and wipes drive to support babies in need.

The meeting began with a proclamation honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, encouraging residents to reflect on his legacy through service and commitment to justice. The primary discussion centered on the town building solar Request for Proposal (RFP) results. An analysis of NYSEG electric bills revealed that for many town accounts, 80% of the cost stems from instantaneous peak demand (kilowatt usage) rather than continuous energy flow (kilowatt-hours). Consequently, standard rooftop solar installation alone would result in long payback periods (estimated 65-70 years) because it only offsets the continuous energy use. The recommendation was to obtain interval data (15-minute usage metrics) from the utility to better understand peak occurrences, which could potentially be managed through behavioral changes (load shifting) or battery storage to address the peak demand charges. Furthermore, the analysis confirmed that 13 accounts utilizing community solar have generated approximately $19,000 in savings over the past 12 months. The availability of community solar for street light accounts (which have low peak demand) was also discussed as a new opportunity for savings.