The Croton-on-Hudson Board of Trustees approved a sweeping slate of legislation and capital spending at its June 17 regular meeting, imposing a temporary moratorium on cannabis dispensaries, creating affordable housing preferences for first responders, and authorizing bond funding for infrastructure projects across the village.

Cannabis Moratorium Adopted After Public Debate

The board voted 5-0 to adopt Local Law Introductory No. 9 of 2026, establishing a six-month moratorium on cannabis dispensary applications in the village. The measure, adopted as Local Law No. 8 of 2026, gives trustees time to review existing zoning in light of ongoing regulatory changes from the state Office of Cannabis Management. Village Manager Bryan Healy explained that the moratorium is a temporary measure to give the board the opportunity to review the village's existing zoning based on changes in state regulations. Healy advised that the state continues to amend its cannabis program, and the moratorium gives the board a chance to pause any new applications. The moratorium can also be extended after the six-month period ends, Healy noted, but that would require a board resolution at a regular meeting. The public hearing drew divided reactions. Ed Riely, of Truesdale Drive, stated that he was outraged the village board allowed cannabis dispensaries to operate in the village and expressed concern that they would be targeted to young people, calling it a failure of government, according to the minutes. Gwen Cianfaglione, of Mountain Trail, countered that she had visited dispensaries elsewhere and found that proof of age over twenty-one is required. She asked whether the moratorium would be extended and whether there would be another meeting. Trustee Stacey Nachtaler called the moratorium a great idea that would give the board the opportunity to step back and revisit zoning options. Deputy Mayor Len Simon stated that getting as close as possible to an ironclad map is the real virtue of the moratorium. Trustee Nora Nicholson said the pause would be a good exercise, allowing the village to draft a better law once state rules are clearer. Trustee Maria Slippen asked what the public should expect next. Healy said he has tentatively scheduled a work session in July and is collaborating with the village attorney, planner, and engineer to develop zoning maps and materials. Village Attorney Lori Lee Dickson stated that the goal is to present a zoning code amendment that is defensible, and that she and the planner are studying approval mechanisms and monitoring legal challenges. During public comment on agenda items, Wesley Blount, of Young Avenue, said he did not think the village would need to have a discussion about dispensaries because he believed the community sentiment was largely opposed, and he hoped the board would solicit public opinion thoughtfully. During trustee reports, Nicholson clarified that the board had not stopped a dispensary from opening. According to the minutes, Nicholson advised that the board had preliminary conversations with an applicant regarding a dispensary in the ShopRite shopping center, but the applicant was unable to get a lease from the property owner and withdrew. The board did not block the dispensary, Nicholson emphasized.

Affordable Housing Preferences for First Responders

The board unanimously adopted Local Law No. 9 of 2026, adding occupational preferences for emergency services and medical services workers to the village's affordable housing code. The village had previously been told the preferences were not feasible, but continued working with data and legal counsel to meet housing objectives. Deputy Mayor Simon stated he was incredibly pleased the village was moving forward, noting it showed grit that the village kept working after initial rejections. Nicholson called it a pioneering effort and thanked the village attorney and manager for their research. Nachtaler said she was glad the village would also be exploring including educators. Mayor Brian Pugh noted that it was former Croton Fire Chief Tony Gagliotti who, prior to his passing, had asked the village to do something for volunteer firefighters and first responders. Pugh said he was pleased the village could honor that request. The board issued a Negative Declaration under SEQRA and found the action consistent with the village's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program.

Notice of Defects Law Modernized

Without comment, the board adopted Local Law No. 7 of 2026 (Introductory No. 8), updating Chapter 197 of the village code regarding prior notice of defects. The law had not been amended since 1977. Healy explained the update clarifies how a written notice of defect can be delivered to the village clerk, reflecting nearly five decades of changes in communication methods. The New York Conference of Mayors had recommended municipalities review these code sections.

Major Capital Bond Program

The board approved approximately two dozen bond resolutions funding capital projects across multiple village departments. The largest items include:
  • $1,519,525 for the Brook Street drainage project, including design work and construction
  • $1,250,000 for reconstruction of Half Moon Bay Bridge
  • $910,000 for road reconstruction throughout the village
  • $712,623 for police communication and tech equipment
  • $558,113 for improvements to fire stations
  • $492,000 for Department of Public Works equipment (items costing $30,000 or more)
  • $256,250 for reconstruction of the Farrington Road steps
  • $256,163 for engineering and design of the Croton-Harmon train station parking lot
  • $219,350 for a fire-fighting vehicle, equipment, and apparatus
  • $175,275 for police replacement vehicles
  • $138,375 each for two traffic safety improvement resolutions
  • $117,875 for upgrading the DPW garage air conditioning system
  • $92,250 for a Fire Department command car replacement
  • $84,050 for an engineering department office
  • $80,258 for EMS equipment
  • $71,750 for a Village Manager vehicle
  • $51,250 for park security improvements (with an additional $50,000 from available funds)
  • $41,000 for shoreline resiliency planning at Senasqua Park
  • $86,100 for police capital projects including equipment and a staffing study
Several resolutions were adopted subject to permissive referendum, meaning residents could petition for a public vote. The board also authorized Village Manager Healy to apply to the New York State Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund Program for $701,000 toward the Brook Street drainage project, and accepted a $90,500 proposal from D&B Engineers for design services on the project. The board approved $4,323,840.70 in blanket purchase orders for the fiscal year and approved vouchers totaling approximately $551,031 across the General, Water, Sewer, Capital, and Trust funds.

Service Contracts Awarded

The board awarded the village's roadside and vehicle towing contract to Luposello Auto Body of Croton-on-Hudson for the period June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027. Healy explained the village moved to a single-contractor bid model after research showed it would better serve the community. A tree trimming and removal contract was awarded to New England Property Maintenance of Mahopac at $46,000, and the lawn maintenance program was awarded to La Teja Contractors and Landscaping, Inc., of Ossining at $70,170. The lawn contract includes two additional months, prohibits gas-powered leaf blowers, and adds the Gotwald Circle islands to the maintenance list. The village also renewed its agreement with Mid-Hudson Ambulance District for supplemental EMT services at $48.28 per hour, and extended a dog control services agreement with the Village of Buchanan for three years at a base cost of $1,200 plus overtime.

Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Enforcement

Healy reported that since June 1, the Engineering Department has issued eight violations for gas-powered leaf blower use. Several residents urged stricter enforcement during public comment. David Lowell, of Farrington Road, asked that there be no exemptions to the ban, noting that landscapers continue to use blowers that affect the health of residents and employees. Jason Laguna, of Old Post Road North, spoke in favor of a complete ban. Peter Drexler, of Half Moon Bay Drive, asked that the leaf blower exemption for his neighborhood be lifted, calling the machines loud, smelly, and disruptive to wildlife.

Dog Park Hours Draw Crowd

Multiple residents called for expanded weekend hours at the village dog park, which several noted closes earlier than other dog parks in Westchester. John Sasso, of Morningside Drive, stated that Croton has the only dog park in Westchester that closes at 4 p.m. and asked that hours be extended to 8 p.m. Anne Dimock, of Whelan Avenue, and Margaret Conner, of Grand Street, echoed the request. Healy responded that he does not plan to change the hours this year but will take the feedback into consideration when the dog park is reviewed next year. Trustee Slippen noted that the hours fall under the village manager's authority but hoped a resolution could be found. Nicholson said the dog park would be on an upcoming work session agenda.

Gouveia Park Work Delayed

Healy reported that the Department of Environmental Conservation has asked the village not to resume work at Gouveia Park until September, because eagle season runs from January through August. The project is now considered a Type II action under the new SEQRA law. Village Attorney Dickson explained that the governor signed an amendment to the state Environmental Conservation Law adding new Type II provisions, meaning the project is no longer subject to environmental review. The board approved a resolution to rescind the prior SEQRA resolution for the Gouveia project. In other updates, Healy reported that Cleveland Drive repaving is scheduled for the week of July 13, the Half Moon Bay bridge project is progressing with meetings planned with engineers, Metro-North, and the DOT, and closed captioning for village livestreams will cost $1,375 this year and $1,500 going forward.

Mayoral Appointment and Recognition

The board approved Mayor Pugh's appointment of Corey Cummings to the Sustainability Committee through December 2028. Pugh also announced that Patti Buchanan of Croton 100 was recognized by the Federated Conservationists of Westchester County. All resolutions passed by 5-0 votes, with Mayor Pugh, Deputy Mayor Simon, and Trustees Nachtaler, Nicholson, and Slippen in attendance.