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By Joyce Farrell

At the Village of Pelham Manor’s Board of Trustees meeting on October 28, Mayor Jennifer Monachino Lapey recognized twelve young ladies, Cadet and Senior Girl Scouts from Girl Scouts from Troops 2617, 2834, and 1561 Pelham Service Unit, for achieving their Silver Awards. Mayor Lapey noted that Silver Award recipients “used their knowledge and leadership skills to make a difference in their communities and the world.” She then highlighted the topics of their projects. 

Mayor Lapey announced the passing of long-time Pelham Manor resident Harold “Chip” Arnett, a financial journalist, highly regarded in his field, and the dear brother of the Village’s Deputy Clerk, Maryalice Barnett. The mayor also noted the passing of Frank Taubner, a lifelong Pelham resident, active in the community. He served with distinction on the Village’s Planning Board and was active in the New York Athletic Club.

In mid-October, Deputy Mayor Breda Bennett attended a Pelham Together meeting, which took place in Town Hall.  One of their programs, Bringing Students Together, allows sixth graders to mentor fifth graders with a transition to middle school. They also have a focus on mental health and have interns from local universities who spoke of their work supporting students and families. Officer Robert Vogel attended the event with her.

Trustee Maurice Owen-Michaane informed the Board that the Village’s new refuse truck has been acquired and came in under budget.  

Trustee Timothy Case congratulated Deputy Mayor Bennett, who will receive the Doctor John Marshall Award from the Pelham Recreation Department. The award was established in honor of the late Dr. Marshall, an accomplished orthopedic surgeon and Pelham resident who gave tirelessly to the community. Deputy Mayor Bennett served for 14 years as Pelham Recreation Commissioner, where one of her many accomplishments was to expand the rec basketball program to make it the success it is today. She also held other leadership roles in Pelham Little League, in the Booster Club, on the Prospect Hill PTA, and in the Girl Scouts as a troop leader. The award will be presented on Tuesday, November 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Daronco Town House.

Police Chief Thomas Atkins again gave tips regarding fraud to the residents. He cautioned all that if someone calls claiming to be from their financial institution, they should never give any financial information over the phone or give access to their accounts but hang up and call their financial institution themselves. He informed the Board that larcenies have been down during this past month at ShopRite. 

Chief Atkins also reminded residents that gas leaf blowers may only be used through December 15 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays that are not legal holidays and on Saturdays from noon to 4:00 p.m. They may not be used at all on Sundays or Mondays. He also reported that in response to recent car thefts, the police department has increased patrols and redirected resources, which has resulted in only one stolen car since early September. Speaking in her capacity as Police Commissioner, Breda Bennett reminded residents to be vigilant and lock their car and house doors. She also congratulated Chief Atkins and the  Police Department on Pelham Manor’s receipt of the Community Traffic Safety Award for 2024, granted by AAA Northeast, stating that is in recognition of the Village’s and the Police Department’s commitment to traffic safety. 

Proposed Local Law 4 of 2024 was approved by the Board. Under this law, stop signs will be installed at three specified locations in the Village. Two of the signs, which had previously been removed from Grant Avenue, will be brought back; a new one will be put on Hudson Street at Plymouth Street.

The Board then unanimously approved by roll call vote the sale of real property which had been donated to the Village several years ago. After considering three realtors who handle commercial properties, the Village decided to enter into a brokerage agreement with Rakow Commercial Realty Group for a 2.5% commission and is now in contract to sell the property to KSR Capital for $2.6 million. Village Manager Lindsay Luft cautioned all to remember that this is a one-time revenue.