Crotonblog - Latest Comments

Re: Animals and Acrobats Returns to Van Cortlandt Manor | Croton Blog

John Retnak — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:51:26 -0000

We attended this event for the firat time and loved it. Please see some photos we took of the animals at http://www.wwnh.org.

Re: Ice Cream Throwdown: Monkey vs. Pig | Croton Blog

foodie321 — Tue, 10 May 2011 19:08:08 -0000

Since The Blue Pig has been under new ownership, (May 2010) it has completely turned around. The new owner, Lisa, is very passionate about what she is doing and it absolutely shines through. Her homemade ice creams and soups (YES HOMEMADE, I have personally witnessed this) with all locally sourced ingredients and absolutely no artificial flavoring or colors, are to DIE for; simply amazing. Her funky flavors, like Burnt Sugar Bacon, are unexpected and whimsical...and DELICIOUS (especially the variations of espressos and their signature vanilla, maybe with a little homemade warm carmel sauce? YUM!). Lisa is at the shop everyday and it is so nice to finally see someone so dedicated to their business. Lisa, along with her wonderful staff, are always so friendly and warm to everyone who walks through their door. Yes, it is a small place, but it is bursting at the seams with warm welcome and great ice cream.

Re: 25 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Tap Water Quality in Croton | Croton Blog

Mold Man — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 10:34:04 -0000

Lead paint is a real problem in Pre-1978 Homes. We have found that Contractors can be the real culprit behind this. They go in, remodel the home and then leave the lead paint dust in the area for children to be exposed to. Thanks

Re: Ice Cream Throwdown: Monkey vs. Pig | Croton Blog

Megan — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:24:13 -0000

I just want to add that now the Blue Pig has changed owners. They use local milk for their ice cream, and they have some wonderfully innovative flavors. Local local local. Delicious! Delicious! Delicious!

Re: Remy's Ratatouille Recipe | Croton Blog

Jessica Lyndsey Smith — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 12:58:20 -0000

i am 11 and i am goin to make this i haave seen the movie so many time i can stand er and act it out for you if i wanted and i have done it before me and my dad went to see it a long time ago in the movie theaters and we absoulutly loved it so i decided to find the recipie to make it for him i am shure he is goin to love it

Re: I Will Vote YES | Croton Blog

crotontaxpayer — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:12:32 -0000

Once more, a forward thinking Democrat has the courage to stand up for the truth against an onslaught of a misinformation campaign based on fear and lies. I will vote FOR John Hall.

Re: Top 10 Reasons Not to Vote for Greg Schmidt | Croton Blog

Guest — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:47:42 -0000

To the editor:

After receiving a flyer in the mail from Schmidt and Swan, I feel compelled to write a letter in support of Ann Gallelli and Rick Olver. As usual Schmidt and Swan have used fear and negativity, mailing a letter that doesn't put forth any new ideas for the betterment of Croton, but instead plays the same old blame game. Where are their ideas, and their vision for Croton? It seems to me that they don't have any. My vote is for Rick Olver and Ann Gallelli because they, along with the mayor and other trustess on the board, are willing to recognize not only the strengths of our village, but also what we all can do to improve our community. They have clear ideas to meet those challenges, and a strong vision. They are proactive, and are always thinking ahead for our village in wanting a desirable commercial district, lower taxes, and a place that all village residents can continue to be proud of.
Emily Prince

Re: Top 10 Reasons Not to Vote for Greg Schmidt | Croton Blog

Guest — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:52:09 -0000

In 2009, property taxes in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson went down. That’s right, Village residents: Ann Gallelli and Richard Olver lowered your taxes. That kind of fiscal responsibility in these tough times should be enough to earn them another term as Trustees, but it’s not the only reason I’m supporting them. I’m supporting them because they have implemented a fact-based rezoning plan for Harmon despite the fear mongering of the plan’s opponents; they contribute to the respectful and inclusive way in which the Board interacts with its constituents; and they embody the non-ideological competence I want in my elected officials. I’m voting for Gallelli and Olver on March 16, and I encourage my fellow Village residents to do so as well.

Andrew C. Leavitt
Croton on Hudson

Re: Cortlandt Town Supervisor Puglisi Endorses Gallelli, Olver for Trustees | Croton Blog

Guest — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:53:51 -0000

Many thanks to Linda Puglisi for her thoughtful comments. Croton has always been a big supporter and it's nice that she supports what's best for Croton as well.

Re: I'm Lisa Marlow Wolland, and I'm Running for Village Justice | Croton Blog

lisamarlowwolland — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:19:43 -0000

To the Village of Croton-on-Hudson,

In less than a week, you will have the opportunity to elect your next Village Justice. As a candidate on the independent, Justice Party line, I look forward to the opportunity to serve our community.

As I have stated before, I believe that my broad experience in the law, serving as a prosecuting attorney, a defense attorney, and a court attorney, gives me a clear understanding of the entire judicial process from every viewpoint. Moreover, because I maintain my office exclusively in Croton, I am always available for any court matters that may arise, including criminal arraignments, and warrants.

I promise that I will be a fair, honest and courteous jurist. I will provide all parties an opportunity to be heard. And, I will apply the law in an even-handed, firm, and judicious manner.

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

Very truly yours,

Lisa Marlow Wolland
Croton-on-Hudson, NY

Re: Top 10 Reasons Not to Vote for Greg Schmidt | Croton Blog

TimArnold — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:44:23 -0000

Looks like the Republican Party’s reckless practice of scare tactics has reached all the way to Croton on Hudson: witness the heated election for Village Trustee(s). Just like their Congressional role models, our Republican-financed local office re-seekers have adapted lying as a political strategy in an to attempt to intimidate voters into condoning another term of their smoke and mirrors politics as usual.

Greg Schmidt and Randy Swan are the very essence of Republican hypocrisy; yeah, I know, Schmidt is a “registered Democrat.” Meanwhile the Croton Republican Committee is hosting his next community rally. Again.

• Lie: Their stated mission is to “minimize tax increases.” Really? Truth: During Schmidt’s four years as Mayor our taxes went up 33%! Meanwhile Ann Gallelli and Rick Olver managed to lower our taxes by 1.9%. And their goal is to reduce our taxes, not “minimize increases.”

Oh, and Schmidt managed to add $4 million to our village budget during his term, while Gallelli/Olver’s efforts resulted in an initial reduction in Village expenses of nearly $200,000 – followed by another $55,000 reduction mid-year.

By the way, Swan doesn’t think any of this applies to him: he’s in arrears for thousands of dollars in back property taxes and Village water bills.

• Lie: Schmidt’s heavy-handed “robo calls” to us villagers claim that his opponents support “high density housing that could overcrowd schools.” Truth: No, they don’t. And in fact there is not one single housing development on the Village table for consideration. Zero, despite Schmidt’s claims to the contrary.

• Lie: Schmidt and Swan object to “today’s total domination by one party.” So how does adding another “registered Democrat” achieve balance? Truth: these guys are Republicans, through and through, despite their labels. It if quacks like a Republican …

Any reasonable citizen would define balance based on actions, management style, skills, beliefs and accomplishments. The record speaks for itself. And the real truth is, it’s already balanced.

A plan to “minimize tax increases” instead of cultivating incremental village revenues and seeking low-cost investors – and lowering taxes - means that our community-minded citizens will be replaced over time with wealthy weekenders, and this kind of creeping evolution will doom this once-great village. Something’s seriously wrong with the current tax-heavy, rent-escalating infrastructure in our village. Do you see all the empty store windows in the Village? I’m mad as hell. Aren’t you?

If you are, and you should be, then we have an opportunity to continue to embrace positive change. Think about it, and then get out there March 16 and vote for the people you know that, deep down inside, are out for our best interests, and not their own. Vote for the truth tellers, not the liars. Swan says “vote for me because I’m a veteran.” Not good enough. Not enough for John McCain, sure as heck not good enough for this local version. I’m a veteran, too, and I’m for the other guys.

Schmidt’s website claims “every voice needs to be heard.” Fair enough, hear mine: you’ve got us headed in the wrong direction. You’ve cost us enough already.

Tim Arnold
16 year resident
Croton on Hudson, NY

Re: I'm Lisa Marlow Wolland, and I'm Running for Village Justice | Croton Blog

lisamarlowwolland — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:32:52 -0000

You may also access my qualifications and plans as your next Village Justice at:

http://www.nyjnews.com/cand...

Re: I'm Lisa Marlow Wolland, and I'm Running for Village Justice | Croton Blog

lisamarlowwolland — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:49:31 -0000

Dear Croton Mom,

As a judicial candidate, there are ethical restrictions placed upon me. Therefore, I cannot publicly endorse any candidates in an election.

Thank you for understanding.

Re: I'm Lisa Marlow Wolland, and I'm Running for Village Justice | Croton Blog

lisamarlowwolland — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:46:23 -0000

"Please click the following link to find out about my qualifications and my plans as your next Village Justice.

http://smartvoter.org/vote/...

I hope that you will consider supporting me on March 16th.

Thank you very much.
Lisa Marlow Wolland"

Re: I'm Lisa Marlow Wolland, and I'm Running for Village Justice | Croton Blog

Croton Mom — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:10:10 -0000

Lisa,

Which candidates are your supporting the upcoming village election?

Re: More on Tax Raiser Greg Schmidt & Tax Delinquent Randy Swan | Croton Blog

Anonymous — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:55:09 -0000

Eddie, Here's the video: http://www.lohud.com/sectio...

Re: More on Tax Raiser Greg Schmidt & Tax Delinquent Randy Swan | Croton Blog

Eddie — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:36:49 -0000

Re: Susan Konig on Croton's 'Dreamers and Schemers' | Croton Blog

publius271 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:24:30 -0000

The Republicans are representing a legitimate point of view that ought to be taken in to consideration. A lot of folks like Croton because Croton is small, and they want to keep it that way. This is a valid position. The problem is that it has become impossible for ordinary people to live here. It is impractical for a young person to move to (or stay in) Croton. Croton could once boast of a strong working class element - but "old Croton" is dying and we've essentially become a bedroom community for the wealthy. Konig mentions property values. A significant decline in property values would be undesirable but frankly not without benefit as far as the long term vitality of the village is concerned. We need affordable housing unless we want to be a community that is at once boring and exclusive. We need to attract businesses in order to maintain our excellent public schools and keep property taxes at a reasonable level. If Konig and her ilk can think of a way to do these things without increasing the size of the village, I am all ears.

Re: Nothing Gained: A Critique Of The Harmon Zoning Changes | Croton Blog

newcrotonite — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:48:17 -0000

Such the positive man you are! "A look I happen to like because of its quaintness and lack of pretension." << This comment says it all about you. The place looks like crap and something needs to be done so people will actually want to take a walk on a warm summer day. You're living in the past my friend. You're obviously bothered by the "new blood" moving in on your territory.

Re: Croton's Cargo Cult Economics | Croton Blog

robertscott01 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:54:12 -0000

Robert Scott’s response:
Mr. Schmidt: I am happy to respond to any questions about my position on the Harmon zoning law changes. First, let me express the wish that commenters avoid the use of the words “village” and “town” interchangeably. In Westchester County, each has a special meaning. Croton is an incorporated village in the Town of Cortlandt.

Also, I did not “elude to the high costs etc.” Elude means “to avoid capture” (“The prisoner eluded his pursuers”). I think you meant to write “allude.” Proponents of mixed use portray it as some sort of a magical solution for Croton’s woes. I pointed out that "Mixed use developments are seen as too risky by many developers and lending institutions" to underscore how little research went into this change to the zoning law and why it is not likely to be meaningful in terms of added tax revenue. Had adequate research been done about mixed use’s unattractiveness and its failure to attract risk capital, wiser legislators would not have passed such legislation. The fact that the zoning change may have little effect has no bearing here. The Village should avoid passing laws that will have little demonstrable effect.

You wrote: “Yet I still hear that opponents are set to file a lawsuit with the effect of costing the town even more money in litigation that it doesn't have in order to fight over a zoning change that will ultimately have no effect...and this is supposed to HELP our town become more fiscally fit? Or do these opponents of the plan just want what they want with complete disregard to the rest of the Village that is scraping pennys [sic] together for our next tax bill?”
My response: You misunderstand the motives of those who contemplate opening an Article 78 proceeding. The basis for such a proceeding under existing New York laws is not to make trouble or to cost the Village money. Village residents who are attorneys will make the claim that the Village did not follow existing rules of law when it passed this legislation. The fact that the Village will have to spend money to defend its unorthodox legislation is immaterial. If the decision does not go in the Village’s favor, the lesson taken from this should be to avoid passing arbitrary and capricious legislation that does not follow established legal rules.
You ask: “And would you prefer the automobile parking lots be in front of the buildings (as they are now at Coco Nails, Nappy, Croton Dodge, the Mystery Named Convenient store, etc)?” My response: Yes, if the alternative is (as it would be in this case) moving the building and putting automobile parking areas closer to residential areas. You should remember that the cost of any newly enabled changes must be borne by the property owners, making them even more unlikely to happen.

You ask: “Finally, what is your solution? Everyone has a problem but no one else is providing a solution. In your next article, please outline your steps to lowering the tax burden on homeowners in Croton. Put together a comprehensive plan to stoke the business environment in our town. Spend more time trying to help, and less time trying to fight something that has passed and is insignificant (due to your aforementioned barriers to development). I'll get behind anything that makes sense in moving our town forward.”

My response: I would point out to those who want to lighten the residential tax load by shifting some of it to commercial taxpayers that when New York established the county of Westchester (and other counties) in 1788, it specifically prohibited unequal taxation. Any community that announces it is trying to shift part of its tax burden onto the backs of business owners and commercial property owners is not going to see many business newcomers.

I have offered positive solutions so often I am getting weary of repeating them. (1) All planning should encompass all of Croton—not just one neighborhood. (2) The Village should make a complete inventory of every commercial property in Croton, its occupancy history, rents, amenities, etc. It may very well be that Croton has too much space zoned for commercial use rather than too little. Look for patterns that could be encouraged or exploited—restaurant row, antique specialty shops as in Cold Spring, etc. (3) Repeal all foolish anti-legitimate-business legislation. (4) Form a Croton Business Authority to encourage businesses to explore Croton opportunities, particularly those that could become “magnet stores” and attract customers from other communities. (At the moment Croton has no magnet stores.) (5) Facilitate the passage through Croton’s glacially-paced permit process of applications of interested businesses. (6) Consider possible incentives like initial short-term tax or rent reduction to enable new businesses to get a foothold. (7) Encourage heritage tourism in Croton and the lower Hudson Valley. Considering Croton’s rich history, it is a natural destination for such tourism. (8) Explore other history-related opportunities (an MTA-sponsored railroad museum, making Croton the homeport of the Half Moon replica, etc. (9) Avoid outside consultants unfamiliar with Croton who make quickie visits here and then offer off-the-shelf boiler-plate recommendations that do not take into account Croton’s special problems (Five widely separated shopping nodes, the isolating Expressway, Croton’s narrow customer base, its unfriendly attitude toward business, the banishment of legitimate businesses, limiting topography.)

In short, until Croton surveys the problem of its commercially zone property and understands its magnitude, all so-called “planning” will be piecemeal and futile. This village in incorporated just as businesses are—but any business that faced its problems in such haphazard fashion would long ago have gone bankrupt. Faced with the problem of rising costs, a true business would trim expenses drastically. This village, unlike a true business, faced with the problem of rising costs, merely increases its revenues (taxes) with the stroke of a pen, something a true business cannot do. It also continues to give annual raises to employees. No wonder Westchester has the highest taxes of any county in the United States. There has to be a breaking point somewhere. The wonder is that the cowed taxpayers have not called a halt to the insane tax burden we bear.

Re: Croton's Cargo Cult Economics | Croton Blog

adamschmidt — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:11:10 -0000

Robert,

In a previous post, you mentioned that "Mixed use developments are seen as too risky by many developers and lending institutions" and you elude to the high costs in order to take advantage of the new zoning change...if this is indeed true, then what are you (and other opponents) afraid of? Status quo will be maintained as anyone that might be involved in actually acting upon these zoning changes (building/business owners) will be discouraged from, if not financially limited, from doing so. The only change will be a new zoning law change that no one actually acts upon or adheres to.

Yet I still hear that opponents are set to file a lawsuit with the effect of costing the town even more money in litigation that it doesn't have in order to fight over a zoning change that will ultimately have no effect...and this is supposed to HELP our town become more fiscally fit? Or do these opponents of the plan just want what they want with complete disregard to the rest of the Village that is scraping pennys together for our next tax bill?

And would you prefer the automobile parking lots be in front of the buildings (as they are now at Coco Nails, Nappy, Croton Dodge, the Mystery Named Convenient store, etc)?

Finally, what is your solution? Everyone has a problem but no one else is providing a solution. In your next article, please outline your steps to lowering the tax burden on home owners in Croton. Put together a comprehensive plan to stoke the business environment in our town. Spend more time trying to help, and less time trying to fight something that has passed and is insignificant (due to your aforementioned barriers to development). I'll get behind anything that makes sense in moving our town forward.

- Adam Schmidt