The Croton-on-Hudson Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) pushed back on a proposed village law Tuesday night, declining to endorse a plan that would add alternate members to the ZBA and Planning Board.
At the request of the Village Board of Trustees, the ZBA reviewed draft Local Law Introductory No. 14 of 2025, which would allow the Village Board to appoint an alternate to sit in when a regular member is absent or recused. However, ZBA members expressed skepticism about the proposal, questioning whether it solves an actual problem.
"Attendance issues were believed not to be an on-going issue," the board noted in its discussion, with members pointing out that neither board regularly struggles to achieve a quorum.
Several board members also raised concerns about the proposed one-year term for the alternate, arguing it is too short for someone to effectively learn the ropes of complex zoning cases. The board also debated logistical questions, such as whether one alternate would be shared between both boards or if each would get their own, and how an alternate would stay informed on ongoing cases without participating in regular discussions.
The lone public speaker, Ed Riley of 110 Truesdale Drive, echoed the board's reservations. He spoke in opposition to the law, calling it unnecessary and "potentially political," and praised the current effectiveness of both boards.
Rather than voting for or against the proposal, the ZBA agreed to send a memorandum to the Village Board outlining its concerns. The board will ask for clearer language regarding the alternate's role and responsibilities, a reconsideration of the one-year term, and an explanation of the specific motivation behind the proposal.
In other business, the board officially welcomed new member William Goldsmith. The ZBA also approved its meeting minutes from August 26 and September 30.
Residents should note a scheduling change: beginning December 16, 2025, the ZBA will hold its regular meetings on the third Tuesday of each month. The shift was made to avoid conflicting with the Planning Board, which recently moved its meetings to the second and fourth Tuesdays. This schedule adjustment will move the ZBA's application deadline back by approximately one week.