Mayor Mullen Reports Horrific Apartment Fire on 17 Fifth Avenue

By Stephen E. Lipken

Mayor Chance Mullen opened the February 22nd Village of Pelham Board of Trustees, calling for Trustee Reports.

Trustee Kim McGreal noted that the Pelham Schools Mask Mandate will be in effect for the first week of March; optional shortly thereafter, respecting whatever parents choose to do. 

“On Friday, March 4th, the Pelham Arts Council in coordination with Village Board and Mayor are dedicating a mural on 139 Fifth Avenue at 10am,” McGreal added.

“At approximately 8:09pm the Fire Department was called to the fourth floor apartment fire at 17 Fifth Avenue on February 19th, that resulted in one neighbor’s fatality,” Mullen reported.  

For assistance, Mullen said that tenants should first contact the Building Manager/Superintendent, then call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Pelham Civics; Junior League and Pelham Together are organizing a list of affordable apartments and have financial assistance available.

In other news, Police Officer Mohamed Kamel received the Black Excellence Award from Progressive Women of Pelham and Joseph Zale was appointed to Zoning Board of Appeals. 

During the Work Session, Resolution calling for Public Hearing on March 8th for Local Law No. 4 of 2022, amending Chapter 73 of the Pelham Village Code, “Real Estate Tax Exemptions,” increasing the Real Property Tax Exemption Caps for Military Veterans as permitted under NYS Law was discussed by Administrator Chris Scelza.  

“We were notified by Town Assessor, Joseph Battaglia that Westchester County recently passed Legislation adopting new maximum State levels for Veterans Exemptions, authorized by NYS Real Public Tax Law, 458 A and 458 B, Alternative and Cold War Veterans Exemptions, with additional exemptions for Combat Zone and Service-Disabled Veterans. 

“We take the number of exemptions times the increase.  For example, an increase of $21,173 divided by 1859 veteran parcels equals Overall Tax Increase of $11.39,” Scelza concluded.