Fifteen years after federal funding was first secured, downtown Croton is finally getting its paving project. The Board of Trustees unanimously voted Wednesday to appropriate $1,032,000 to move the long-stalled Downtown Croton paving project forward.

The project, formally known as PIN 8763.03, will use federal aid to cover 80% of costs, with the Village advancing the full amount upfront before seeking reimbursement. Village Manager Bryan Healy credited the late Congressman John Hall and former Village Manager Rick King for originally securing the funds. "We are happy that we can put these funds to good use," Healy said. Trustee Simon directed residents to the project page on the Village website for more details.

In other infrastructure news, the board approved a $20,000 transfer from the Water Contingency Account to replace failing water meters. Dozens of meters recently stopped transmitting data, forcing the Water Department to issue estimated bills. The board also transferred $10,000 from the general contingency fund to repair a diesel particulate filter on Croton EMS Ambulance 55B2, a repair not covered by warranty.

Residents on Hastings and Young avenues will have a chance to weigh in on expanded residential parking permits. The board scheduled a public hearing for November 19 at 7:00 PM to consider extending the permit system to all blocks between Crest Street and Devon Avenue, following a September survey that showed majority support on those blocks.

The board also took steps to modernize village regulations, hiring Cohen Law Group for $3,750 to help rewrite the 1998 Telecommunications Towers law, and LaBella Associates for $6,950 to review outdated code chapters covering electrical, plumbing, sewers, and water.

During public comment, Ed Riely of Truesdale Drive criticized the village's fire department awards and recreation fees, while David Lowell of Farrington Road submitted a written request for a permanent ban on gas-powered leaf blowers.

On the practical side, Village Manager Healy reminded residents that seasonal parking permits are now on sale and required after November 1, leaf pick-up begins next week, and early voting continues at Village Hall. Healy also confirmed that Westchester County has approved advanced funding for the Brook Street drainage project.