E-Petition for 2% Cap on Tax Hikes is Legally Impermissible, Town Board Says
August 5, 2010 A group calling itself North Castle Citizens for Change sent residents an e-Petition on August 31, 2010 calling for a November referendum to limit Town of North Castle tax increases to 2% per year.
An accompanying e-mail urging residents to sign the petition was signed by twenty-two men and women, including Mike Fareri, Frank Benish, Anthony Futia, Gina Sinon and Kerry Lutz. Although, we have been informed that one person of the twenty-two (our source has asked to withhold their identity) agreed to the 2% cap, but they were not happy to see their name as a signatory without prior review of the email. Nonetheless, they said the town is approaching a "total financial meltdown" because of spiraling health care benefits and incompetent management. The e-mail also blamed the three longest-serving members of the Town Board for North Castle's loss of its AAA bond rating.
North Castle Citizens for Change as well claimed that it can save the Town "from impending financial disaster" by submitting the e-Petition to the Town Board at its September 7, 2010 meeting. "If we gather enough signatures, they will be forced to put the measure on the November Ballot."
In response, all five members of North Castle's Town Board sent an e-mail on September 3, 2010. "We must advise," the Board members said, "that the petition currently being circulated around Town is legally impermissible. Municipalities in New York State are only permitted to hold referenda on topics authorized by New York Statutes. The question of a tax cap has not been so authorized. Hence, this Town Board is not authorized by law to entertain such a request."
The Board also cited several initiatives that it has taken to limit the budget, and said that the e-mail sent by the North Castle Citizens for Changes contained "inaccuracies and out-of-context statements."
However, Frank Benish, one of the signatories of the North Castle Citizens for Change e-mail sent a follow up e-mail claiming "the current Town Board can also enact a self imposed 2% cap as a 'budget policy'. There is no state statute to prevent them from doing this."
Councilman Diane Roth says, "The Task Force will present their review in a few weeks. If their findings recommend a 2% tax cap, I will stand behind the recommendation. This is the first step towards a strong financial future."
The New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division made a decision regarding Byram Hills school district's petition for disciplinary charges. Click to read further.
Byram Hills Superintendent, Dr. Jacquelyn Taylor, presented a position on tenure reform to the New York State School Boards Association. She says, they "will vote on the proposition put forward by the Byram Hills School Board in October."
The North Castle Police Department is urging parents to teach their children some simple safety tips before they head back to school. Click the bus to read more
Armonk Baseball League’s 12U Bobcats made the trip to the prestigious Cooperstown American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame Invitational Tournament last week hoping to play some good baseball and have a great time. Read more
Proper nutrition is extremely important for football players. This is especially so as football requires short bursts of energy. Read more
Sunglass lenses that absorb and block UV are one of the strongest defenses against ocular damage from the sun. Wear sunglasses (prescription or non-prescription) year-round even on overcast days. Read more
Samantha Gold, a senior at Byram Hills High School says, "I plan on showing other girls that they should have the confidence to do anything that they want. Read more about Samantha's participation in the upcoming Miss Westchester Teen Pageant.
The saying is, “Youth is wasted on the young”, but some people contain that lively attitude long into their gray-hair years. Perhaps it is time we channel into why some people remain young at heart or are fortunate enough to experience longevity? Is a long life simply a result of good genetics? Is it because some people surround themselves with friends and cohorts who foster an atmosphere of growth and caring? Is it because they choose to remain active and viable contributors to society? Is it because they take better care of themselves? Perhaps a bit of all of these qualities are the answers to aging gracefully, healthily and with dignity.
Most of us remember the incredible strength and courage of Christopher
and Dana Reeve. Their commitment to improve the lives of people who have
suffered spinal cord injuries and to help find a cure for spinal cord
paralysis inspired them to establish the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Read more
Have you ever noticed that your friend looks great, but you can’t quite decide why? This “just back from vacation” look is often thanks to Botox, which has rapidly become one of the most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. Read more
Byram Hills is a school district known for its great education and for the opportunities it provides to all who attend. After students leave the high school and chose a career, few return to Armonk with the talents and degrees they have acquired. Two graduates, siblings, Gina Sinon and Marc Mazzarulli, are among of the small number of graduates who have came back to Armonk after college. Read more
The Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain
A summer spent traveling with American Collegiate Adventures (ACA) to Seville exposes students to Spain's colorful history, endless activities, and rich culture. Read more
Some callers report seeing a large bear, others say it is small, but they all say it is a black bear. Read more
Town Board Honors 2009 Girls' and Boys' Staters, Justin Engle, Dylan Mogil, Jenna Hogan, Jaclyn Dornfeld, Chris Cioffoletti and Arjun Patel. Read about the program
Burger Factory's frozen yogurt
Fernando's Italian ices
Burger Factory has secured a spot as All About Armonk’s “Best Frozen Yogurt” in town! While Fernando’s Pizza & Pasta's Italian Ice is a scoop above the rest! Read about our taste-testing results.
Lagond Music School Traveling from room to room, I listened to students playing instruments; guitars, drums, horns, keyboard and their voice. It was clear that this school is all about the kids and music. Read more
On Tuesday, October 12th at 7:00 pm, Alan Sklar will narrate and Tim Grajek will perform live music accompaniment with a special performance of The First Dog by Ben Cheever at Armonk's North Castle Library. While hesitant to tell a child what he or she should learn from The First Dog, Cheever would be very pleased if a child comes away with the importance of having a sense of humor in life. Read more
“Who is a good person and who is a bad person? A good person is one who is more good than bad, and a bad person is one who is more bad than good.” We learn again from Maimonides that no one of us is a saint. We struggle between our good inclinations and our bad inclinations. The season of our New Year is a time not alone to re‑orient ourselves, but to re‑balance ourselves so that we come down more on the side of good than bad. Read more about the Jewish New Year.
In 1929, the Curry's bought this home on Mead Road. Armonk was a smaller community at that time. Residents were employed locally, either by shops or farms. Produce from Conyer's Farms was sold in New York City. Local businesses included a blacksmith, two groceries, a drug store, and a stationery store. By contrast, Meg’s father was one of the first commuters to New York. Read more
Play "I Spy" with your Kids
By Amanda Boyle August 9, 2010
Bringing your children to the Armonk Outdoor Art Show and asking them questions to draw them out about the different elements of a work provides an opportunity for adults to reflect as well. Other things you can do with kids at the Art Show is to play "I Spy" and have kids identify different shapes, colors, or objects to make it fun. Ask your kids to be creative and think about what they would see or smell or hear if they were inside a particular art work. Click here to read the entire interview with Armonk Outdoor Art Show juror, Jane Black.
AROUND TOWN
Sponsored by
The first of a series of discussions in the media room at the library will be an overview of the history and events leading up to the Renaissance.
Intro to Renaissance Art Wed. Sept 8th at 7:00pm
As the Ehrman pool was closing on Monday afternoon, Emma contemplated the end of summer and tomorrow's first day of school.
The women of Windmill Triathlon embrace in the glory of finishing the sprint race.
The Windmill Lake was picture perfect this weekend, sunfish and all.
Vivienne learned you're never too young to enjoy a family dinner at Route 22.
At Ehrman pool all day, Dale expected to be chased away by hurricane Earl 's wind and rain that never came.
Riding shotgun in the sidecar, Jeff and Holly accompany their Dad at local shopping.
L to R, Ilyse and Ronnie took time for iced coffee and a chat amid the foliage outside Mariani's Cafe.
L to R, Debbie and Sarah enjoy a Saturday evening dining at Moderne Barn.
Judy collects costume jewelry. She shows us her dog dangling earrings.
Zoe is a Bichon Frise mix that Elise rescued four years ago. Elise says, "I love that she comes running when I come into the house."
Armonk Square's building application was granted a year's extension by the Town with the condition that the fence along Main Street be moved back 12 feet.
When Jack's family comes from CT to take grandma to Westchester County Airport, he insists that they stop in Armonk to see the ducks.
What's new at the high school? Besides two new Assistant Principals, the lockers lining the hallway outside the cafeteria have been replaced with mirror lined cases.
The geese at Wampus can't wait till the kids arrive at school on opening day, September 7.
Sunday at the library.
Zucchetta Tromboncino is a squash with a fine flavor and firm texture much like zucchini. Mara picked it up at the farmers market and plans to grill it for her weekend company.
Chloe stopped at Broadway North for girl talk with her Mom over a slice of salad pizza.
Though it seems as much of Armonk is away on vacation this week, the chefs at Made In Asia are busy preparing sushi for a crowd.
An idyllic afternoon in Wampus Brook Park.
While visiting Armonk, Cooper and his family had lunch at Mariani's Cafe.
Sam chose an after dinner candy, always a favorite at David Chen's Chinese Restaurant.
Once again and back by popular demand, afternoon tea will be served at The Beehive. Click for more information
Kyle and Irwin's daily workouts are intense and rigorous. Read more.
A three Bedroom Middle Income Housing Unit is for Sale. An open house will be is held on August 21, 2010 2:00PM - 4:00PM. Call 273-4329 to
sign-up. Click for more information
The highway department did some work on the town-owned portion of Tripp Lane, near Byram Hills High School. The underground work addressed the hill's notorious winter ice conditions which cause difficulties in the early morning winter traffic.
Dr. Margaret Adubor Elide Plaza 111 Bedford Road Armonk, NY (914) 273-4264 armonkvisioncare.com. Dr.
Frank Latturulo Family Podiatry Associates, PC 160
S. Central Avenue (Rt 9A) Elmsford, NY (914)345-3400 or Familypodiatrywestchester.com.
Drs. Frank & Lucy Leone, DDS 355
Main St. Armonk, 273-2333 or DrLeonedds.com.
Dr. Robert Silverman 280 Dobbs Ferry
Road White Plains, NY (914) 287-6464 or NYChiroCare.com.
Dr. Fred P. Tripodi, DDS Family Dentistry 530
Main Street Armonk, 273-4071 or fredtripodidds.com.
Arlene Portney Piano Instruction, Performer and experienced teacher for all ages. Phone (914) 273-4934. Prudential Holmes & Kennedy
Real Estate 404 Main St., Armonk, 273.1001 or PruHolmes.com.
AllAboutArmonk.com is supported exclusively by advertising dollars. Please visit and thank our advertisers for supporting Armonk's community Web site. For advertising information, email: ads@allaboutarmonk.com.
Prudential Holmes & Kennedy Real Estate
404 Main Street Armonk, NY (914) 273-1001
WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED
Dr. Robert Silverman NYChiroCare 280 Dobbs Ferry Road Suite 204 White Plains, NY 914.287.6464 Dr.RobertSilverman.com
