Croton's Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a new rental registry law on Wednesday evening, a move aimed at ensuring safety in non-owner-occupied two-family homes but which drew skepticism from at least one resident.

Local Law No. 16 of 2025 requires landlords of two-family rental units where the owner does not live on-site to register their properties with the village. Village Manager Bryan Healy explained that while multi-family properties of three or more units are already inspected regularly, smaller two-family rentals currently fall through the cracks. The registry will allow the village to check for proper ingress and egress, working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and minimum standards for light and ventilation.

The proposal originated from a 2021 Housing Task Force report, and Healy noted that many neighboring communities have adopted similar measures. Exemptions are listed in section 186-5 A1 of the Village Code.

Ed Riely of 110 Truesdale Drive was the sole resident to speak on the registry, acknowledging the understandable desire to prevent overcrowding but warning it "could be seen as another way to garnish more fees from the community." When asked what happens if a unit is found uninhabitable, Healy stated the tenant would have to vacate.

The meeting also saw the board advance two infrastructure projects. A Negative Declaration was issued under SEQRA for the Brook Street drainage improvements, a long-awaited project to address chronic flooding along Brook Street and Terrace Place. The village has already applied for Westchester County funding for the preferred alternative identified in a completed drainage study. Separately, the board authorized an easement at 8 Loconto Street to maintain a newly installed stormwater drainage system.

On the capital spending front, trustees approved a $3,500 change order for the Harmon Firehouse addition at 30 Wayne Street to add a second row of windows to the garage doors, and authorized the village court to apply for up to $30,000 in state grant funding for security upgrades.

In other business, the board updated village residency requirements to align with state law, and referred a proposed memorial sign for John "Rifle Jack" Peterson to the Village Historian and Recreation Advisory Committee.

Residents should note that village offices will be closed Monday for Columbus Day, and the yield sign at Morningside will be converted to a stop sign on October 14. DPW has completed this year's street resurfacing on Scenic Drive West, Lower North Highland, Cleveland Drive, and Penfield Street.