Pelham

Rosalie Kravitz Named Pelham Manor's Only 5-Star Real Estate Agent

2012-01-29T08:14:00.001-05:00

          Rosalie Kravitz, Principal Broker of KRAVITZ, REALTORS®, LTD., and ANN DeSANTIS REAL ESTATE, Licensed New York State Real Estate Brokers, was selected as the only “Five Star Real Estate Agent” in Pelham Manor.

          Five Star Professional contracts a third party research firm, QMI Research, to conduct the Five Star Real Estate Agent research methodology.

          As part of the research process, real estate agents are evaluated by their customers and real estate industry professionals based on customer service, integrity, market knowledge, communication and negotiation skills, closing preparation, helping you find the right home, marketing the home being sold, and overall satisfaction.

          Real estate agents do not pay a fee to be included in the evaluation process or to be named as a Five Star Real Estate Agent.

2012 Pelham NY 10803 Kravitz REALTORS Realty Report

2012-01-01T12:31:00.003-05:00

As 2012 begins, only 44 single-family homes are for sale in Pelham. Prices range from $355,000 to $3,850,000.

14 Homes sold during the 4th quarter of 2011, priced from $325,000 to $1.400,000. They had been on the marked for an average of 192 days and brought an average price of $297 per square foot.

Lester Kravitz, Licensed New York State Real Estate Associate Broker at Kravitz, REALTORS, Ltd., said brokers from outside Pelham were involved in more than half of the 4th quarter sales. His family-owned company sold more than 20% of the Pelham homes.

Kravitz's mobile web search, which runs on all phone, tablet, desktop and Apple platforms, lists all homes and commercial properties for sale or rent that are listed with the regional MLS in Westchester, Manhattan, Bronx, Putnam, Dutchess and Connecticut.

His mobile site is http://www.hgmls.net/

At a December Gala, Licensed NY State Real Estate Salespersons Cathy P. Taylor (left) and Louise E. Pedretti (standing, right) listened as Associate Broker Linda J. Cortez explained that buyers have an outstanding chance to own in Pelham due to market conditions. Robert Cortez, Linda's husband, also listened to his wife.

Meet Kravitz REALTORS' next generation professionals. At the Gala were Licensed NYS Real Estate Salespersons Lisa H. Kravitz (left) and Jaclyn Klein Walker (right). Between them is college student Mara Kravitz and below the women are their men.

Orange and Purple on Another Gray Day

2011-05-23T16:49:00.002-04:00

When the sun peeked out over the weekend, we took this shot of Orange Rhododendrons growing on the west side of the Ann DeSantis Real Estate office at 4550 Boston Post Road, Pelham Manor. I have never seen orange rhododendrons before. Ann must have planted them before she passed away in early 2006.

Rosalie said the Purple Tulips inside the office looked like a sculpture, so I took a photo of them, too.

Think the sun ever will come out over 10803?

Let's hope so . . .

Vote for Pajama Day (and the School Budget and Board of Elections)

2011-05-17T07:02:00.001-04:00

Lennon/McCartney said it best back in April 1966.

Should we question the Pelham School Board's "ethics" when it comes to getting out the vote for the school budget? The elementary school kids are encouraged to bring mom and dad to the High School because the kids get to vote on whether to have "Pajama Day," "Inside-Out Day," "Ice Cream Day" or another "fun" day at school.

Today is the vote, from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm in the Pelham Memorial High School Gym. And the weather is torrential, with a Flood Watch posted for Town.

So don't be surprised if voter turnout is exceptionally light.

For a last-minute look at the Board of Education candidates, watch the Candidates' Forum at http://pelham.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=180

Bring your umbrella. Sorry, a smile won't be enough to keep you dry today.

Pelham Manor - Looking Good in the Neighborhood

2011-04-20T07:14:00.003-04:00

The steps to the Police Station at Pelham Manor Village Hall, 4 Penfield Place, Pelham Manor, New York 10803 were rebuilt last week by a local contractor.

The iconic building is home to the police, fire department and Village Administration.

Penfield Place was named for Edward Penfield of Pelham Manor, "one of the most notable artists ever to have lived in Pelham Manor," according to Blake Bell, Pelham Town Clerk and Pelham Town Historian.

Bell publishes the Historic Pelham Web Site
http://www.historicpelham.com/ and according to his blog http://historicpelham.blogspot.com/, Penfield served as Pelham Manor Village Street Commissioner for many years.

As such, Penfield gained fame in Westchester County "for his successful efforts at mosquito extermination,"according to an article published in The New York Times:

"For several years he annually drained the marshes about the village, filled in small ponds and oiled swampy places until there is no natural spot for a mosquito to raise a family." Source: Edward Penfield Rids Town of Mosquitos -- Illustrator Destroys Swamps and Other Breeding Places in Pelham Manor, N.Y. Times, Jul. 21, 1923, p. 22.

So next time you visit Pelham Manor Village Hall on Penfield Place, notice the new steps leading to the Police Department and thank Edward Penfield for his service to the Village.

Thanks in part to his efforts, Pelham Manor is a great place to raise a family.

Unless, of course, you're a mosquito.

New at Kravitz, REALTORS®, Ltd. - Pelham NY 10803 - 3D Video - Awards - Achievements

2011-04-07T06:32:00.003-04:00

Kravitz, REALTORS® Announces New 3D Home Videos, Awards, Achievements and "Man in the Hat"

On its YouTube channel USAnyRelocation, Kravitz is posting 3D home video tours Watch in 3D or 2D. Broker Lester Kravitz said, “I believe we are the only firm using YouTube’s 3D platform to showcase our homes.” The videos can be viewed with or without special hardware by following the 3D instructions on YouTube.

■Rosalie Kravitz received a 2010 “Excellence In Sales” award from Westchester-Putnam Association of REALTORS. Each year during the past decade, the White Plains-based trade group has recognized and honored her.

■Elaine S. Moshe was top sales associate at the ANN DeSANTIS Pelham Manor office in 2010. She also is a licensed attorney and successfully sold and rented properties in New York City, Pelham, New Rochelle and the region.

■Linda J. Cortez, who earned her broker’s license, ran the rental desks over the winter and found homes for locals and relocatees. Her clients include apartment building and property owners who prefer to rent outside of the MLS framework as well as multi-listed apartments.

■Georgette Pacia also earned her broker’s license.

■Amy Scarangella began her 35th year selling homes in Pelham.

■Louise E. Pedretti was elected to the Board of Directors of The Pelham Biltmore and serves as Treasurer of the cooperative corporation.

■Jackie Klein Walker completed her job as NY’s First Lady Michelle Paterson’s aide and now attends law school. Jackie, who has an MPA from Cornell, lives in White Plains and specializes in luxury condo sales and rentals at the Trump and Ritz Carlton and other premier properties.

■Mr. Kravitz was elected president of The Guild of Independent Real Estate Professionals, a regional network of 20 offices.

The firm’s Facebook ad was viewed more than 6 million times during the winter and had an exceptional click-through rate. The firm’s new campaign “Ask The Man in The Hat” went live this week on news, real estate and social media sites across the web (www.AskTheManInTheHat.com).

Kravitz, REALTORS®, Ltd. was established in 1989 and is located at 89 Wolfs Lane, Pelham. Five years ago, the firm bought ANN DeSANTIS REAL ESTATE at 4550 Boston Post Road, Pelham Manor. New and experienced sales associates may call Lester at 914-738-7777 to find out more about opportunities with the company.

A New Home for A New Season - Pelham NY 10803 - Just Listed

2011-03-26T06:09:00.002-04:00

It Pays to Go Local - Pelham NY 10803 Home Sales

2011-03-21T07:29:00.000-04:00

Today and tomorrow we are closing on 2 homes in Pelham, New York.
We are selling a home for a client for 100% of asking price.

And helping a client purchase a home listed with an out-of-town Realogy franchisee for 80% of asking price.

For Pelham NY 10803 homes, stick with the local yokels.

OPEN HOUSE SUN 3-13-11 1-3 PM 65 SEVENTH STREET PELHAM 10803

2011-03-12T06:26:00.004-05:00

It Can't Happen Here - Pelham Manor - Innocent Until Proven Guilty

2011-03-10T07:39:00.000-05:00

LoHud.Com The Journal News Gannett Newspapers Online 3-9-11

Leslie Korngold

PELHAM MANOR — A former nanny is accused of stealing thousands from her employer, police said.
Police said Ramsey Wiggens, 25, of Oradell, N.J., used her Bolton Road employer's credit card for well in excess of $3,000 in unauthorized charges between Oct. 8 and Jan. 6.
Police have not completed calculating the extent of the unauthorized charges. But, a Jan. 8 police complaint indicates that 155 unauthorized charges totalling $25,660 were made against the card in numerous states. The credit card had been given to Wiggens, police said, to be used exclusively for household expenses related to her employment.
Wiggens was charged Tuesday with third-degree grand larceny, a felony, after she came in to police headquarters to be interviewed, police said.
She was free on $5,000 and is due in Pelham Town Court Thursday.
Police are also investigating the reported theft of a $25,000 platinum diamond, ruby ring from the same residence. No charges have been filed in connection with the missing ring.

2011-03-07T06:18:00.003-05:00

Want to get your house fixed up for free and appear on television?

Want to get your house fixed up for free and appear on television?

Rosalie Kravitz is scouting for homes in the area that will be featured in a national television program about difficult-to-sell homes.

The show's producers will pay for renovations and improvements to make your home more sellable.

"Before" and "After" videos of the home will be filmed and you will appear on-camera with Rosalie in the half-hour show.

The home must be listed for sale with Rosalie, principal broker of Kravitz, REALTORS®, Ltd., Licensed New York State Real Estate Broker. She can be reached at 914-738-1360.

Hello Highbrook Highline

2011-03-03T06:09:00.000-05:00

The Village of Pelham Board of Trustees approved a resolution "authorizing a nonbinding expression of interest in converting part or all of the NYW&B parcel to a greenspace" at this week's meeting.

The "NYW & B parcel" is where the New York Westchester and Boston Railroad ran through Pelham. The Pelhamwood Station was at Harmon and Storer Avenues. The railroad bridge overpass still stands over Highbrook Avenue at Harmon.

Local homeowners have enjoyed the passive greenspace for decades -- a peaceful buffer behind the homes on Harmon Avenue (the south side of the greenspace) and "little" Young Avenue and neighboring blocks to the north. (Facebook: Pelhamwood Park) Twitter: @pelhamwoodpark

Homes were built on the greenspace east of the Pelhamwood Station over the town line in New Rochelle, but in Pelham, the abandoned railroad tracks have resorted to a natural state home to indigenous flora and fauna.

Part of the area could be a community garden. Locally grown vegetables cut carbon emissions and the fuel burned bringing food into town. Community gardens bring neighborhoods and generations together. They are and they create a healthy environment.

Visit The Highbrook Highline's site for more

New Village Building - Pelham, New York

2011-02-20T08:19:00.001-05:00

Construction continues behind Rockwell's American Restaurant on Wolfs Lane in Pelham NY.

The Village of Pelham's new Department of Public Works building is almost complete.

Additional work at the site will continue in the coming weeks.

Pelham School Distirct Community Forum For Short and Long Term Planning

2011-02-12T12:56:00.002-05:00

School Board member Douglas Hearle, chair of the Board’s Community Engagement Committee, this morning kicked off a process to engage community members in both short and long term decisions facing the district.

More than 100 community members attended,

as well as representatives from the School District, whom Hearle facetiously referred to as "The Rogues Gallery."

The meeting will be cablecast locally on channel 77.

Many More Than Five Guys in Pelham Manor - Grand Opening Today

2011-02-10T12:32:00.004-05:00

Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Carnivore heaven now open in Pelham.

Blue Moon

2010-08-11T07:26:00.004-04:00

Change comes slowly to Pelham, but once in a blue moon, things get done, seemingly overnight.

Last night, at a 3-hour meeting of the Pelham Village Board of Trustees...

(1) The Picture House was granted a parking waiver. More than 100 parking spaces that are required by Village zoning will not need to be provided by the theater.

(2) New parking (42 more spaces), a new Village Garage and Department of Public Works Building were approved. A $2.7M Bond was authorized -- subject to permissive referendum -- to cover the cost of construction and contractors were awarded bids for the job.

(3) FIOS TV finally was approved, after years of negotiation.

Trustee Geoff Lewis "attended" the meeting and voted via Skype. Administrator Robert Yamuder was "there" via conference call and the meeting was cablecast live on TV.

...pretty impressive for the sleepy little Village of Pelham.

Susan Sarandon in Pelham: Scent of an Actress

2010-08-02T07:08:00.008-04:00

When Susan Sarandon came to Pelham for "An Evening With..." at The Picture House, she revealed how scent helps her get into character. Perfumes and peanut butter have been part of her portrayals.

The 30th anniversary screening of Atlantic City was the last special program before reconstruction of the theater starts in mid-August.

The Pelham Board of Trustees will be hold a Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 10 at Village Hall, 195 Sparks Avenue, Pelham NY 10803 to consider a parking waiver for the new theater. While the zoning law requires the rebuilt theater to have 141 onsite parking spaces, the Board is expected to waive the requirement.

Commercial property owners have been silently supporting The Picture House since the building was sold to a non-profit and received a propety tax exemption. Commercial owners now share a fraction of the annual real estate taxes that the theater had been paying since 1921.

Pelham Chamber Fall Fest Set for October 16

2010-07-15T07:04:00.001-04:00

The Pelham Chamber of Commerce is planning a “Fall Fest,” an old-fashioned crafts fair with artisans, homemade food, games, contests and music, for Saturday, Oct. 16, the same day as the Pelham Children’s Center Pumpkin Festival.

Four downtown storekeepers came up with the idea: Christine Farahat of Gracious Living Design Studio, Tanya Scott of The Powderoom, Leslie Allicks of Lola's Tea House and Domenica Comfort of Domenica Comfort Photography.

Chamber President John DeCicco Jr. said that while Fall Fest will complement the Chamber’s annual Street Fair, “Fall Fest is much more traditional—an all-American autumn celebration.” Working with the Chamber on Fall Fest will be girl scouts, boy scouts and other civic organizations.

Artists, craftspeople and vendors may contact Domenica Comfort at 914-738-1198 or by email. For more information, call Christine at Gracious Living at 914-740-7724.

First Friday at Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum

2010-07-09T08:14:00.002-04:00

July kicked-off with First Friday on the 2nd at Bartow-Pell.

Mary Courtney's traditional Irish folk music filled the Orangerie and the grounds with peaceful, authentic ballads for guests who came on foot, biked, drove or took the free Bronx Seaside Trolley.

Valerie Albanese-Fraher, Bartow-Pell's Education Director, welcomed guests and highlighted some of what's on tap at the Mansion:

Morning Yoga in the Orangerie - Tuesdays, July 6 - August 3
Quilling Workshop - July 24
Galleting Galore in the Garden - August 2 to August 6
BPMM Adventures: Summer Sessions - August 9 to August 13

Owl Program - August 18

Valerie also told us that this fall, The Mansion will host an exhibit on The Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor. The Priory was built in 1838. Washington Irving helped with the plans and landscaping for the 3+ acre homesite.

Pelham New York 2010 | Fewest Property Tax Grievances Filed in Almost Two Decades

2010-06-23T08:25:00.002-04:00

The Town of Pelham Board of Assessment Review received 115 property tax grievances last week requesting reduced valuations that could lower owners' future real estate tax bills.

In the 19 years since Assessor Michele Cassandra has served, the 115 grievance filings were the fewest ever filed. She estimated that approximately half of the 115 were filed by commercial property owners.

It has been 13 years since Pelham adopted full-value assessments, with differing tax rates for properties classified "residential" and "non-residential."

Since re-val, some homeowners have refused to allow the Assessor inside their homes, making it more difficult to accurately value them. In some cases, the initial re-val assessment 13 years ago could have been on the high side. Without an interior inspection by the Assessor, the original re-val assessment trended up (and this year, generally down) based upon market conditions. The Assessor's review was limited to consideration of filed building and alteration permits and drive-by inspections.

The Board of Assessment Review has until September 15, when the tentative assessment role becomes final, to rule on the grievances and send notice of determination letters to grieving owners, who then have until October 15 to file appeals.

Stay tuned . . .

Pelham New York Market Snapshot

2010-06-17T07:49:00.002-04:00

Pelham New York | On the Market: 90 1-Family Homes, 11 Multi-Family Homes, 9 Condos, 21 Co-ops, 27 Rentals, 4 Vacant Lots, 6 Commercial Properties (MLS Listings)
Contracts Signed 1-Family Homes: 4 (2 Kravitz/DeSantis; 2 Other Brokerages)
Expired Listings (did not sell or rent): 5 (0 Kravitz/DeSantis; 5 Other Brokerages)

Noteworthy
Congratulations to Georgette M. Pacia of Ann DeSantis Real Estate. This month, 5 Homes were sold through the MLS that were listed by Pelham brokers. Of these, Georgette’s exclusive drew multiple bids and sold for the highest ratio of offered price to sale price: 99.80%.

Felicidades a Carmen M. Chacon de los REALTORS® Kravitz, que alquiló una gran casa en Westchester a un cliente de traslado internacional.

A Kravitz/DeSantis buyer signed contracts to purchase a bank-owned home in Pelham after the listing expired from the MLS.

5 written offers were made for a Kravitz/DeSantis exclusive 3-Family investment property short sale in Dunwoodie that was listed June 1.

Of 6 Commercial Properties on the market, 3 are Kravitz/DeSantis exclusives: A store & offices on Wolfs Ln & a gas station property at Shore Rd & Pelhamdale.

14 Pelham Foreclosures (Judgment of Foreclosure or Lis Pendens) are online at Kravitz/DeSantis’ http://www.pelham-realestate.com/ web site.

Newsworthy
Brokers Elaine Moshe, Peter Mastroianni, Rosalie Kravitz, and Lester Kravitz attended last week’s 2-day national Real Estate Leadership Conference. Peter, Rosalie and Lester also attended last night's Lucky Strike Social Media Club in Manhattan.

Lester, President of the Guild of Independent Real Estate Professionals, a network of 20 leading offices in the region, said that real estate professionals are lobbying in DC to avert a tax credit crisis by extending the June 30 closing deadline.

1,056,166 Facebook users saw our ad last week. 425 clicked through to www.facebook.com/WestchesterHomes
MLS statistics as of 6/14/10

KRAVITZ, REALTORS®, LTD. 914 738 7777 89 Wolfs Lane Pelham NY 10803
E-mail Kravitz@WCMLS.com

ANN DeSANTIS REAL ESTATE 914 738 1360 4550 Boston Post Road
Pelham Manor NY 10803 E-mail AnnDeSantis@WCMLS.com

Realogy's Perriello: REALTORS® Moving to Head Off Tax Credit Crisis

2010-06-10T08:40:00.000-04:00

Alexander E. Perriello III, president and chief executive officer of the Realogy Franchise Group, said real estate industry leaders are asking Congress to extend the June 30 closing deadline imposed by the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009.

Under the Act, qualifying homebuyers who signed purchase contracts by April 30 are entitled to up to an $8,000 tax credit, provided they close their sales by June 30.

But as the deadline looms, buyers are learning that their closings may be delayed because lenders and title insurers have piles of unfinished paperwork due to a spike in April applications triggered both by the tax credit program and an unanticipated market-wide spring surge in contracts signed.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was asked to address the issue now to head off month-end dilemmas for buyers, said Perriello yesterday at a national real estate industry leadership social media conference in Rye, New York organized by RISMedia.

Perriello oversees Realogy's brands, which include Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, CENTURY 21®, Coldwell Banker®, Coldwell Banker Commercial®, ERA® and Sotheby's International Realty®.

Realogy is a owned by Apollo Management, a private equity firm run by Leon Black. Black also was in DC this week, but he was meeting with legislators behind closed doors to rally against proposals to raise taxes on hedge fund profits, according to The Financial Times.

Reservations Being Accepted for Pelpark Luxury Residences

2010-06-03T06:30:00.020-04:00

Pelpark LLC has opened the waiting list for apartment residences at 101 Wolfs Lane in downtown Pelham at First Street. The reservation form is online at the Pelpark.com site.

Five studios averaging 570 square feet, 33 one-bedroom apartments averaging 1,146 square feet and 44 two-bedroom apartments averaging 1,903 square feet are planned. All apartments will have private balconies.

The building will have an indoor pool and health club, a green roof, retail shoppes and parking. The apartment layouts are senior-friendly. The building has an environmentally sustainable design.

The rental cost for the apartments will be based upon market conditions and will be comparable to similar luxury residences. Projected occupancy is mid 2012.

The plans are on the Internet at Pelpark.com or they can be obtained by contacting Pelpark.
Applications also are available by calling 914-738-2222 or by sending an email to info@pelpark.com.

PELHAM CHAMBER STREET FAIR SAT JUNE 5

2010-05-28T07:43:00.002-04:00

Pelham Chamber of Commerce’s annual Street Fair is on Saturday, June 5th, from 10am to 5pm in Pelham, Westchester on Fifth Avenue from 1st Street to Lincoln Avenue.

“This year’s Fair could bring 10,000 visitors to our shopping district,” said Dennis Brooks, Chamber Fair coordinator and past Chamber president.

Along with free rides, family entertainment, music, dance programs, art exhibits, and delicious food, this year’s Fair will showcase a classic car show by Moonlight Cruising and a free concert by Streets of The Bronx – Jackie Dimaggio – Victoria Herrmann.

Chamber merchants in Pelham foot the bill for the annual event, and offer fairgoers special discounts on Fair Day. The Fair is held rain or shine. For further information on the Fair, call Dennis Brooks at 914-738-6705. A limited number of vendor opportunities remain available.

Lester Kravitz of Pelham’s Kravitz Realtors, a past Chamber president, added “Our Fair is one way that our members give back to their customers and thank them for shopping locally. We are looking forward to an extraordinary turnout and are extending a special invitation to all of our neighbors outside Pelham.”

Pelham Chamber of Commerce Inc. is a voluntary non-profit membership organization established in 1949 dedicated to improving shopping and Pelham’s shopping areas.

Commercial Property Price Index Update Shows Increase - First Since Sept 2008

2010-02-04T18:27:00.000-05:00

Commercial Property Price Index Update
February 3rd, 2010 :: Posted by Joshua Zader
Moody’s/REAL Commercial Property Price Index (CPPI) reported a 1.0% increase in month over month property prices for the month of November 2009. This is the index’s first month-over-month increase since the financial crisis began in September 2008.

From an annualized perspective, the CPPI is down 33.5% over the last 12 months and 43.1% over the last 24 months, now resting at levels not seen since 2002.

Westchester Real Estate Shake-up | The Real Deal | New York Real Estate News

2010-02-02T07:34:00.000-05:00

"The Guild of Independent Real Estate Professionals, a Westchester-based association for real estate industry members, has seen a steady stream of interest from new members since it began 18 months ago, according to member and 20-year real estate veteran in the area Lester Kravitz.

"We're like a parachute for some of these agents who are displaced," Kravitz said.

"Kravitz said he became disillusioned with the franchise culture in the region after putting his office, Kravitz Realtors, under the Better Homes and Gardens name 15 years ago.

"He said that more Westchester brokers have become equally disenchanted during this downturn.

"In this micro-market, it doesn't seem that a franchise is necessary," Kravitz said, referring to Westchester. "In my neck of the woods, every franchise gives up its franchise agreement as soon as the initial contract is up."

Westchester real estate shake-up | The Real Deal | New York Real Estate News

Posted using ShareThis

Donate to The Harvest of Haiti

2010-01-19T05:42:00.001-05:00

One Click - 120 Homes and Properties in Pelham NY USA 10803

2010-01-15T19:36:00.000-05:00

and yes virginia, this is the line you need to click to see all of them online in one place at www.tiny.cc/pel

$6,500 Tax Credit for Long-Time Residents

2010-01-09T06:00:00.013-05:00

Learn about the new law and find out how to qualify.

Seminar by Lester Kravitz, Member NY, NJ and Florida Bars.

914-738-2222 89 Wolfs Lane, Pelham NY 10803 Kravitz@NYSBar.com

Welcome Fire Chief Larry Cohen

2009-12-23T07:44:00.003-05:00

On December 15, Pelham Village got a new Fire Chief.
We are lucky to have a Chief as qualified and experienced as Larry Cohen. Welcome aboard!
But to hire the Chief, the Board of Trustees passed a law 12-15-09 authorizing the hiring of non-Westchester residents immediately before swearing in Chief Cohen, who started the job one week ago.
But did the Village have legal authority to swear in the Chief and may the Village legally pay him?
Here is the job description on the Village's web site.
We were searching on the Village's web site and could not find a copy of the proposed (now enacted) law that was passed 12-15-09.
Nor could we find a notice of a public hearing in advance of passage of the new law on the Village's site.
We understand that local laws take effect only after they are filed in Albany.
Was the new law filed in Albany?
Was it filed before the Chief was sworn in and began his duties?
Stay tuned . . .

Remembering Fireman Killed in Pelham Train Wreck

2009-12-13T06:48:00.004-05:00

2010 will be the 125th anniversary of the December 27th train wreck in Pelham which killed the train fireman and injured many others. The train struck a portion of a 100-foot long passenger platform as it passed the Pelhamville Train Station on its way to Manhattan.

In the foreground the undercarriage of the steam engine is visible with the remains of the fire tender immediately next to it. In the background is one of the cars of the train. Workers cleaning the accident scene can be seen milling around on the tracks above and at the base of the raised grade.

Developing in Pelham?

2009-12-02T08:15:00.016-05:00

At last night's Village of Pelham Board of Trustees meeting, development in Pelham was discussed. These were preliminary conceptual discussions and concerned:

Developing Fifth Avenue at Third Street -- The Firehouse and corner parking lots: A Request for Proposals is being drafted to explore funding sources for the possibility of turning over the Firehouse, its parking lot, the ground-level metered parking area across from the Art Center on the corner and the two-level parking deck behind it (which runs back to Fourth Avenue and north towards Lincoln Avenue) to a developer who would build a new firehouse and apartments and stores. The developer would have to "return" to the Village the +/-250 Village-operated parking spots now in the corner lot and the parking deck.

Developing the Boston & Westchester RR site in Pelhamwood -- At the meeting, it was noted that officials had discussions with developers who advised that 4 or 5 houses could be built on the Pelhamwood right-of-way, which is located between Young Avenue at Harmon Ave and "Little" Young Avenue, now a dead-end street off Lincoln Ave.

Pelham Manor On The Cover

2009-12-01T15:56:00.003-05:00

1/3rd Acre | Water Views

2009-10-25T15:23:00.001-04:00

KravitzRealtors http://tiny.cc/NYCTaxes Pelham Schools NYC Real Estate Taxes $2.3M Across from Long Island Sound . . . Building Lot in Estate Area

A FARMER'S MARKET - HERE?

2008-02-03T08:41:00.000-05:00

Printed From The Pelham Weekly
2008-02-01

Public Comment on Farmers Market Idea Encouraged

To the Pelham Community,

A FARMER'S MARKET - HERE?

Are you a self-proclaimed foodie? What does it for you? Does the thought of fresh, sweet corn make you wistful for summer? Or, how about gorgeous heirloom tomatoes, practically bursting at the seams they're so juicy. Perhaps warm, cider donuts sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon sounds enticing to you. What if you could have all that and more, while strolling around with the kids in a safe, friendly, unhurried environment, to pick up an organic, grass fed portion of tender sirloin, and crisp veggies to toss onto the grill that evening?

Where could you sample this little slice of heaven? Right here, at our own front door! The Village of Pelham has a wonderful opportunity to bring The Community Market Farmers Market to us this year!

You may have already sampled some goodies from her outdoor markets in Larchmont, Bronxville, or Rye. Owner Miriam Haas started her first market in nearby Ossining in 1991. She works with local farmers, bakers and other venders who specialize in quality, many times organic, produce, meats, baked goods, wines, jams, honey, and cheeses, bringing their delectable selections to us in a welcoming, friendly fashion – the outdoor market.

The Board of Trustees in the Village of Pelham is reviewing a proposal from The Community Market Farmers Market and would like your input! The proposal for the outdoor market indicates it would be open to the public once a week, between June and November. The proposed location would be on Harmon Avenue. Ms. Haas indicated that for her to secure the vendors for this year, a commitment from The Village Board is needed by mid-February.

To show your support for this endeavor, that could be a positive link to the revitalization of downtown Pelham, please contact the Village Board via e-mail at www.pelhamgov.com. Check the comment box, and type in your opinion in the space provided. Please, also plan to attend the next Village Board meeting next Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 7:30pm at Village Hall on Sparks Avenue, where your public comments will be welcomed.
To learn more about The Community Markets Farmers Market, go to www.communitymarkets. biz.
France DiVitto

Magnificent Home for Sale NY USA

2008-01-20T03:55:00.000-05:00

Near the Long Island Sound in New Rochelle NY 10805
1998 Custom-built Colonial plus oversized garage with loft above and full bath and separate guest house on manicured double-lot. Call Rosalie 914-738-1360.

Saturday Fathers' Forum 1-12-08

2008-01-10T04:50:00.000-05:00

Pelham University Fathers' Forum being held this Saturday morning, January 12, 2008 from 7:45-9:30 a.m. at PMHS. The event is co-sponsored by PACT and the Pelham Civics and promises to be a great discussion. Please help spread the word within your school communities.

Save the Pelham Post Office

2007-12-18T06:04:00.000-05:00

Join your neighbors supportying preservation of Pelham's historic Post Office. The Postal Service plans to move from One Wolfs Lane to First Street and First Avenue. Moving the Post Office off Pelham's main street makes no sense.
Attend the Village of Pelham Board of Trustees meeting tonight, December 18, 2007 at 7:30pm at 195 Sparks Avenue to tell our elected representatives what you think about USPS's plan to move the PO from Wolfs Lane down the hill next to The Hutchinson River Parkway. Contact Pelham Preservation and Garden Society for more information.

247 Per Cent

2007-12-17T06:27:00.000-05:00

From January 1 to December 15, Kravitz Ann DeSantis Realtors grew 247% from 2006 to 2007. Our dollar sales volume increased more than 3 times that of all other real estate agencies in Pelham, New York.

Pelham Girl Wins Regional Siemens Westinghouse Science Competition

2007-12-03T07:11:00.000-05:00

Pelham Memorial High School Senior Alicia Darnell was the regional winner of the Siemens Westinghouse Science Competition.

On Sunday December 2, she competed in the national finals. Here's her presentation.

Children's Center Gala Saturday at Larchmont Yacht Club

2007-06-12T16:25:00.000-04:00

Pelham Street Fair Saturday

2007-06-01T06:07:00.000-04:00

Chamber of Commerce Street Fair Saturday

2007-05-31T06:52:00.001-04:00

Street Fair Saturday June 2, 2007 10:00am to 4:00pm. Contact Ginger at 914-738-3234 or Chamber President Dennis Brooks at 914-738-6705. Call Dennis to Join the Chamber. Click here for Chamber Beta Site or here for old Beta Site.

Watch your mailbox for a copy of the Chamber's Year 2007 Directory & Business Guide and pick up a copy of the June 1st edition of The Pelham Weekly at the Street Fair, with 2007's "Getting To Know Us" section spotlighting Pelham businesses.

At the fair, don't forget to order CFL low-wattage light bulbs from Pelham Girl Scouts Troop 1570.

Memorial Day: Anthem for 2007

2007-05-23T18:53:00.000-04:00

Song For The Soldier in general release tomorrow 2:00pm. Anthem for current and past war casualties by Lance Larson. Will be on new album with Jon Bon Jovi slated for August release.

Drummer is Pelham's own Jack Scarangella.

Larson released free downloads to active-duty service personnel Sunday.

Will this be Song of the Year for 2007?

Free listening sample and download at SongForTheSoldier.com

All-American

2007-05-18T08:34:00.001-04:00

1334 Roosevelt Avenue
Pelham Manor
Sunday May 20, 2007
2:00 to 4:00 pm

NY Times posting. Click here.

Bartow-Pell Mansion's Gardens of the Night Fundraiser on May 12

2007-05-07T05:59:00.001-04:00

The International Garden Club, Inc. will hold its annual spring gala, Gardens of the Night, on Saturday May 12, to support the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum.

The evening will begin with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the Museum's gardens followed by themed dinners in private homes. The dinners will honor famous historic gardens, including: Villa d'Este – Italy, Green Park – England, Winterthur – United States, Parc Guell – Spain, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Summer Palace – China, Tuileries – France, Wave Hill – United States.
Reservations are requested. Ticket prices range from $135 to $250 per person. For more information, call 718-885-1461 or send an email to info@bpmm.org.

The International Garden Club opened the Bartow-Pell Mansion as a museum in 1946 and continues to curate what is now a fine collection of period furnishings, fine arts, and decorative arts. The site and its structures have been cared for by the IGC through its fundraisers and appeals.

Over the last year the IGC Board and staff have developed a Strategic Plan for 2007-09. It was adopted in February of this year along with this revised mission statement: "As the last remaining 'great country estate' in the Bronx Pelham Bay Park, Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum's mission is to create a vibrant site through the preservation, restoration and interpretation of the property and grounds for the benefit of the public through the New York City metro region and beyond." Proceeds of the Gardens of the Night event will assist in implementation of the Strategic Plan.

New AmericanTowns Site Launches Tomorrow

2007-05-07T05:56:00.000-04:00

Great community information resource.

Tonight in Pelham

2007-04-26T07:25:00.000-04:00

Accents on Antiques
Accents on Antiques Anniversary— 6:00-8:00pm, 125 Wolfs Lane. Reception and auction.

Located at 125 Wolfs Lane in Pelham, NY, Accents on Antiques is an upscale antiques and collectibles retail shop, operating for the exclusive benefit of Sound Shore Medical Center. Sponsored by the Pelham Chapter, Friends of SSMC, Accents unique fundraising venture is staffed by a committed team of 60 volunteers from various communities in the Sound Shore region. Accents' spacious 4800 square foot showroom houses a delightful, eclectic collection of antique and period furnishings, art silver, jewelry, crystal, china and porcelain, along with a wide selection of gift items, home accessories and collectibles.

115% Over Asking Price

2007-04-25T19:26:00.000-04:00

13 bids. Listed for $799,000. We sold it for 925,000.

Open Houses

2007-04-22T07:57:00.000-04:00

Open Houses Today, April 22, 2007

1056 Hunter Avenue, Pelham Manor - $637,000 - 1-3pm

509 Fourth Avenue, Pelham - $577,000 - 2-4pm

Joseph Cross in Pelham Tonight

2006-10-19T10:43:00.000-04:00

In Pelham Tonight at 7:30pm at The Picture House: Pelham's Joseph Cross and the benefit premier of Running With Scissors.

Pumpkin Sale Today

2006-10-14T08:25:00.000-04:00

Pelham Children's Center Pumpkin Sale Today
9 am to 1 pm
Town Lawn, Fifth Avenue, Pelham NY

Pelham: We told you so

2006-10-08T05:56:00.000-04:00

In 2001, he bought a home here, paying $225 per square foot.

He's quoted in Today's New York Times: “I come from a blue-collar background,” he explained, “but I bought into Pelham years ago at the right time, so I can afford this.”

"This" is Cappelli's Residences at the Ritz-Carlton Westchester, slated for 2008 occupancy and "he" is a Pelham homeowner who picked the right town five years ago. Full story by Elsa Brenner.

MySpace: Perfect Town

2006-10-07T09:01:00.000-04:00

actual MySpace blog post from 17-year-old girl in Indianapolis:
"...pelham, new york...it's the most perfect town in the whole world."

Tiffany & Co in Pelham

2006-10-07T07:15:00.001-04:00

Did you know that
Tiffany & Co manufactures its jewely here in Pelham?

NY Times Classifieds

2006-10-07T07:11:00.000-04:00

Welcome aboard, New York Times Classified readers.
Tour the VILLA ($5,400,000) in Sunday's ad below.

Real Estate Garage Values

2006-10-06T06:26:00.000-04:00

as posted by Catharine P. Taylor to adfreak.com
". . .The founders of Google . . . stay ahead of the curve:

"They bought the garage—and the house, too—in Menlo Park, Calif., where they founded the company. It was leased to them in the late 1990s for $1,700 a month by Susan Wojcicki, the company’s current vp of product management.

"The company won’t say how much it bought the property for, but pieces of real estate in the area with less legendary status have been selling in the $1.1 million to $1.3 million range. Google also isn’t sure what it’s going to do with the property, although tour buses already are known to swing by, no doubt delighting the neighbors.

"Other garages of note:
The Palo Alto location where Hewlett-Packard started and the Los Altos garage where Apple began."

Georgian Colonial Villa

2006-10-06T06:10:00.000-04:00


Located less than 20 minutes from midtown Manhattan, this is an extraordinary value in Westchester County, New York City's premier suburb. $5,400,000. Kravitz 800.339.9950.

Not in Pelham

2006-10-01T08:38:00.000-04:00

Not in Pelham

Open Sunday

2006-09-30T09:38:00.000-04:00

http://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/rfs/214208694.html

Horizontal Cracks

2006-09-28T06:42:00.000-04:00

Parts of Pelham Manor's Wolfs Lane are in a Federal Flood Zone, which means FEMA Flood Insurance is a must.

Smell fresh paint when you visit a "Just Listed" home? Upstairs floors tilted?

Homes built decades ago still are settling due to normal vibration and earth movement, which can cause minimal cracking. No biggie.

Hastily patched horizontal cracks could mean something else.

Buy a houseboat if you want to be on top of the water. Your pre-purchase engineer doesn't need a physics degree from Harvard, but make sure she or he knows what's what.

Wrong Metrics

2006-09-26T15:38:00.000-04:00

Associated Press National Story:
By MARTIN CRUTSINGER
"Dave Armon, who lives in Pelham Manor, said he started out asking $1.6 million for his six-bedroom Tudor-style home three months ago — below the $1.82 million a neighbor received — but has slashed the price by $300,000 because he has attracted few interested buyers.

" 'l am sitting here thinking maybe if I buy a car and park it out front with a bow on it, that will help,' he said. "
Listening to a real estate professional, that will help, I said.

Wonder why Armon got quoted? He's CEO and President of PR Newswire.

Breakfast Special

2006-09-26T07:12:00.000-04:00

We got a tip from someone who spoke with the property manager . . .
Pelham Cafe will be returning to Fifth Avenue. (Photo at left from The Pelham Weekly.)

This moderately-priced Diner-style restaurant was a local favorite and its return will be welcomed. See this week's Pelham Weekly for full story on Washington Mutual Bank branch to be built at Brick Park, Fifth Avenue at Second Street, across from

Own it

2006-09-22T09:45:00.000-04:00

Want to own your own Pelham business?

Give us a call.

Pelham's Pending

2006-09-21T07:09:00.000-04:00

Seventeen homes have signed contracts as of Thursday morning.

Pelham is still in demand, with A+ Schools, beautiful neighborhoods and a quick NYC commute.

Pass the Popcorn

2006-09-19T08:37:00.000-04:00

“They created a Web site, www.NationOfSize.com, in Pelham, N.Y., where Dintrone lives, not far from Meluso's Bronx residence. . . .

'Persons of size' ask theater owners to consider providing wider seats
Saturday, September 16, 2006 BY PETER FILICHIA

"Tush Tour"
NEW YORK -- It all started in 1995, when Ed Dintrone's wife gave him two tickets for his favorite show, "Jesus Christ Superstar," at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. Dintrone immediately invited Peter Meluso -- a theater buff and his soon-to-be business partner.

Dintrone was surprised when his longtime pal, despite being a "Superstar" fan, didn't want to see the show, even on a free ticket.

"I'd been to that theater before," says Meluso, "and the seats there are very skinny." Meluso is not. He has a size 52 waist, and while he won't say how much he weighs, he insists he hasn't hit the 300-pound mark.

"What I am," he says, "is a person of size."

Last December, the two advertising executives decided to spur awareness of people who don't resemble magazine models -- even though Dintrone, at 5-foot-11 and 182 pounds, isn't noticeably overweight.

Full article here.

Hope the folks planning The Picture House in Pelham are paying attention.

New Rochelle High School?

2006-09-18T16:59:00.000-04:00

Why is Pelham Blog featuring New Rochelle High School?

Because that's where to go to take the real estate licensing course.

It's the closest and least expensive program, and registration is this week, Monday through Thursday.

Registration is at the School from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the lower cafeteria at 265 Clove Road, New Rochelle 10801.

The cost is $200 and classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 (18 sessions).

Details are on page 4 of the brochure, Course No. 42.

The phone number is 914-576-4547 or 4548. Call in the evening.

By the way, New York State just passed new legislation making it tougher to get a real estate license, but the new requirements haven't gone into effect yet.

$2,625,000

2006-09-15T09:19:00.000-04:00

for a home in Pelham. Record price. Closed Tuesday. Info from an informed neighbor.

Thoughtful Comment

2006-09-11T13:04:00.001-04:00

Anonymous said...

I found your blog looking for info about real estate in Pelham. There is so little info out there concerning the Westchester market. All we have to go on are asking prices, which seem to be dropping daily.

We, like many of our friends, are interested in buying a home, but certainly not at the current price points.

Pelham's real issue, as I see it, is not the prices so much as the taxes, which are equivalent to mortgages and are worse than the notorious NJ taxes.

Paying 18K a year in taxes for a 3 bedroom house seems excessive. Is the city planning on doing anything to handle the issue?

11:20 AM

Yes.

The Village of Pelham Manor just approved a retail development at the south end of town which will provide significant added tax revenue:

From The Pelham Weekly 2006-08-18

"Pelham Manor Village Board Approves Site Plan For Acadia Slayton Retail Center."

"Fall of 2007 Opening Expected"

The Acadia/Slayton site plan for a Pelham Manor retail center anchored by Home Depot was approved Monday night by the Village of Pelham Board of Trustees.

Developers said construction of the retail center likely will take 10 to 14 months, making a fall of 2007 opening of the stores possible.

The final form of the site plan reflects comments, concerns and suggestions of residents, the Village Planning Board and the Village Board of Trustees.

“Acadia/Slayton has been very responsive to the Planning Board and community concerns,” said Mayor Lorri Gorman. She noted that the developer was agreeable to several requests, including one that the Home Depot store have a “Colonial design— not the usual Home Depot look.”

After the Board vote approving the site plan, the audience of about 50 people applauded.

Approval of the project culminates a plan initiated in 1999 when then Mayor John Kiernan and the Village Board began work on changing zoning in the industrial district west of the Hutchinson River Parkway that would encourage retail development. A detailed but generic zoning code for retail centers was adopted, challenged in the courts and then validated in the courts. The Village Board then modified the parking requirement in 2003 at the request of the owners of the 14 acre site where Acadia/Slayton is building the new retail center.

Still on the drawing board are modifications to the former Kmart building at the retail center across Pelham Parkway from the Acadia/Slayton project. Levin Management, owner of that property, has presented a conceptual plan for several small stores rather than one large one to replace Kmart.

As part of the Acadia/Slayton project, the developers will spend $1 million on off site traffic improvements on Pelham Parkway that are designed to benefit both retail centers. These improvements include upgrades, if needed, to traffic signals at Secor Lane, Penn Place, Rusciano Blvd and Boston Post Road and pedestrian crossing signals at each traffic light.

Ready, Set . . .

2006-09-09T09:43:00.000-04:00

Go.

Amazing how fast everything got going right after Labor Day.

Seems like many were eager to get past Ernesto and back to the 10-months-a-year routine . . .

including the Pelham real estate market.

Took off like a rocket. Web hits and emails at all-time high.

12 Open Houses Sunday. Don't miss

1307 Roosevelt Avenue.

Let's Eat

2006-09-03T17:04:00.000-04:00

Please feed some healthy food to our NY Times staffers.

On Wednesday, they ran a piece about . . . Pigs in Blankets (Cocktail Franks) . . . and quoted Pelham caterer Nisa Lee:

“They’re a big hit, no matter what.”

She said she liked to put a modern spin on them by using duck sausage, chorizo and andouille and by wrapping them in phyllo or wonton skins.

The following day, The Times ran a piece about college freshmen gaining 15 pounds from campus cuisine and up popped Pelham again:

“I guess some people go overboard with junk food,” said Nina Marie, 17, a Purchase freshman from Pelham, N.Y., who plans to work out six days a week as a member of the tennis team.

“But I already know you shouldn’t eat in your dorm, you don’t snack, and you can’t eat burgers and fries every day,” she added, even as she downed a cheeseburger and fries.

The Times' daily reports on Pelham's culinary preferences are whetting my appetite.

At tomorrow's Labor Day barbecue, I will wrap my hot dogs and cheeseburgers in wonton skins.

Bring your own phyllo.

35 Days to Pay

2006-08-27T12:06:00.000-04:00

Finally fixed the Search Engine so it doesn't default to cheap houses. Here it is.

. . . Will someone please tell me why the Tax Receiver is so darn efficient?

There I sat, enjoying the final Saturday of August and up the walk comes Postman Dave with my School Tax bill.

School hasn't opened yet and the tax may be paid without penalty until September 30.

Guess it's a good idea to get the bills out as soon as possible to give owners enough time to prepare.

We've got a $51.8 MM school budget this year with property tax revenues covering $44.3 MM. The homestead rate is $15.5450 per $1,000 and non-homestead (commercial) properties are rated at $23.1345 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Today's New York Times reports:

Stealth Students Test Tolerance of the Affluent
By Joseph Berger
"Pelham, N.Y., bordered by the Bronx and Mount Vernon . . . budget[s] $50,000 to track down alien students. In the past year, according to Dr. Charles Wilson, the superintendent, it expelled half the 60 students it investigated."

If you think your School Tax bill is too high, feel free to call me.

Believe It

2006-08-25T12:30:00.000-04:00

We sold the house, not the car.

Photo by Alan Michael.

Accident on Pelhamdale at Monterey The Pelham Weekly August 25, 2006, p. 6 (subscription).

The 18-year-old Pelham Manor resident driving the car in the photo at left escaped injury when his car traveled up a telephone pole guide wire at the corner of Pelhamdale and Monterey Avenues. Police said the accident occurred at 6:15pm on Monday, Aug.21 as the car’s driver was making a right turn on to Monterey. No charges were filed.

Midnight Thirty at CBGB Tonight

2006-08-17T15:36:00.000-04:00

Pelham's Midnight Thirty band at CBGB tonight, 7:30 pm. Live Stream here.

Car Hits House

2006-08-09T17:16:00.000-04:00

Imagine buying a magnificent home in Pelham Heights (see post below of August 6) and less than a week later, finding Mercedez Benz parts scattered on your lawn?

"On Monday night Aug. 7 at 10:25 pm, a 2000 Mercedz Benz drove off the Boulevard near Corona Avenue, hitting shrubs and hedges before coming to a stop.

"No one was injured. Pelham police arrested the driver, a 24-year-old Bronx resident, and charged him with DWAI (driving while ability impaired by drugs).

"He was charged with four counts of criminal possession of a weapon (brass knuckles and three electric stun guns) and criminal possession of a controlled substance (ketmine). "

Quoted from August 11, 2006 Pelham Weekly "Police Reports" http://pelhamweekly.com/full.php?sid=1506 (subscription) .

He also was charged with criminal mischief, reckless driving and possession of a hypodermic instrument.

He was arraigned on $1,500 bail by the Town Judge Tuesday morning, and is due back in court on Thursday.

Boulevard Heights

2006-08-06T17:02:00.000-04:00

SOLD

Congratulations to the new owners.
Rosalie Kravitz, Selling Agent.

Another Pelham home selling for more than $2,000,000.

Details here.

Gravel to Grass

2006-08-06T10:21:00.000-04:00

For decades, Parking in Pelham has been the Town's top topic.

The current concern is parking near the High School.

Several citizen committes and three different boards (Board of Education, Pelham Village Board of Trustees and Pelham Manor Village Board) have been studying parking.

Planners, engineers and professional consultants have been paid enough taxpayer-dollars to buy an Enzo.

Almost every week, the local paper publishes one or more letters to the editor submitted by citizens.

What the crux?

When construction of our new Middle School began a few years ago, a temporary teacher parking lot was built on greenspace on a portion of an athletic field. Goodbye grass. Hello gravel. Cue Joni Mitchell.

Our teriffic two-tone Middle School now has opened, but the temporary lot remains. When the temporary lot closes, where will the teachers park?

Some citizens say "on the street." Many add, "but not in front of my house."

Village Boards say "we'll help by parking teachers' cars on our streets." But they're thinking, "Park the teachers' cars on School Board property; the Board of Education has a parking lot two blocks from the High School.

The Board of Education says

Pelham Blogger is happy to report that the parking issue finally has been resolved.

How? Simple: I asked my myspace-gen and facebook-gen kids and

Here is all we have to do.

NY Times Reports on Pelham Parking

2006-08-06T10:15:00.000-04:00

Pelham Parking Plan Stirs Controversy

With the start of the school year just a few weeks away, officials in Pelham have patched together a plan to provide parking for teachers and staff at the town’s high school and middle school building this year. But a permanent solution remains elusive.

The parking problem stems from the hiring of more teachers and staff members to handle the schools’ growing enrollment and the loss of a parking lot for construction of a middle school addition. About 200 spaces were needed in the 2005-6 school year, while 250 to 260 spaces will be needed when school opens.

The school found about 240 spaces on its grounds, including at Ingalls Field, and at other playing fields a few blocks away, but it was still short. So last month Pelham trustees voted to allocate 28 on-street permit spaces for teachers and staff. Those spaces were created under a state provision of the Vehicle Traffic Law, which allows a municipality to set aside parking spaces in areas adjacent to a government facility.

But there is pressure from some residents to get the cars off Ingalls Field, which would result in the loss of about 50 spaces. A parking committee is studying alternatives including allowing school personnel to park on Pelham Manor streets under the Vehicle Traffic Law. But some Pelham Manor officials questioned whether the village, which begins on the other side of the street from the school, was adjacent under the law.

The school district and Pelham Manor then asked the State Attorney General’s Office for an interpretation of the law. Officials in the office, which issued its opinion on July 25, said it was meant to explain the law, but was not meant to give a yes or no answer about the parking. But a Pelham Manor trustee who is also on the parking committee said he believed the opinion did indeed ban parking.

“Basically, the opinion is pretty clear that on-street permitted parking near the high school in Pelham Manor would not be permitted under the statute,” said the trustee, Joseph C. Hays Jr. The opinion is scheduled to be discussed at a meeting of the Pelham trustees on Tuesday.

BARBARA WHITAKER

Rhymin' Simon

2006-08-03T06:57:00.000-04:00

We are writing a jingle for our next commercial.

The theme of the commercial is "Come Home to Ann DeSantis."

The Ann DeSantis Real Estate office at 4550 Boston Post Road, Pelham Manor, New York 10803 has been open since 1928 helping families buy and sell homes and investment properties in Westchester and Bronx Counties.

As we composed our jingle for the commercial, here is the only thing we came up with that rhymes with "Ann DeSantis":

Please let us know if you can think of anything else.

Thanks.

One more thing -- Did you know that the Praying Manits is the Official State Insect of Connecticut?

Hillcrest Drive 10803

2006-07-28T19:39:00.000-04:00

There are eight homes on Hillcrest Drive, which begins in Pelham Manor and continues into New Rochelle. Yesterday, we visited two of them.

One Hillcrest Drive
was built in 1926 by Guy Mariner for Francis H. Ludington, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chase Bag Company.

This remarkable home is now owned by Kathy and Michael Corton, who graciously hosted a Cocktails and Conversation party last evening to support the re-election of State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin.

The Town Supervisor, Mayor of Pelham, Deputy Mayor of Pelham Manor and neighbors and supporters listened as Amy spoke about her recent accomplishments. Most notably, she wrote the law eliminating the statue of limitations for rape.

It was a memorable evening with delicious food and great bartending by the young men.

Related item regarding internet sexual predators from a young woman's point of view.

Earlier in the day, we were across the street at Two Hillcrest Drive, now available through any Realtor in Pelham.

The other six homes on Hillcrest aren't on the market. We'll let you know if any of them become available.

Row at Townsend

2006-07-27T08:41:00.000-04:00

Pelham Community Rowing Association Hawaiian Family Luau Night at Woods' house in the Manor Wednesday evening.

Stopping by to say hello were local reps
Jim Maisano,
Amy Paulin, and
Jeff Klein, all looking good.

NYTimes Photog Flees Pelham

2006-07-26T06:41:00.000-04:00

Music for this Post

Tuesday a New York Times photographer ran into our
Boston Post Road office. "I need a photo of a For Sale sign in front of a house!"

"We don't use For Sale signs in Pelham," explained Rosalie.

"But I need a photo of a house with a For Sale sign and I need it NOW!"

"Try Mount Vernon," we replied.

Whoosh...Slam...Photog runs out door -- Westward Ho.
New York Times Business piece today with

Scene in Magazine

2006-07-26T05:58:00.000-04:00

June 2006
Pelham
BY ANNIE KANE-HORRIGAN

Known as "Westchester's Best-Kept Secret," the town of Pelham maintains a low profile in a county full of well-known destinations.

As local realtor Lester J. Kravitz of Kravitz Realtors, Ltd. notes, "When you think of Westchester, Pelham is not the name on the tip of your tongue."

After visiting this pleasant spot just north of the Bronx, it is easy to see why residents don't advertise its attractions. Peaceful and beautifully landscaped, the town fits two villages into its 2.2 square miles. With a 30-minute train ride into Manhattan on the New Haven line of MetroNorth, Pelham is effortlessly accessible from the city and yet worlds away from its bustle.

Imposing old trees rise from the rocky and hilly terrain here. The main street is lined on one side with small businesses and flanked on the other side by parkland. A sledding spot in the winter and a strolling area in warmer times, the town green reinforces Pelham's status as an oasis. Most residents work in Manhattan and raise their families in quiet Pelham. Nearly all the shops provide for the locals' needs.

Kravitz maintains that most people stay in Pelham for generations: "This is not the kind of place people can't wait to grow up and move away from."

The town's compact size and age—the land was bought from the Siwanoy Indians in 1654—means most homes are older, many grand. Restoration projects combine historical details with modern updates.

Photo by Anastassios Mentis

Pelham
Westchester County
www.townofpelham.com
POPULATION
Town: 11,866
MILES TO NYC: 15
http://www.upstatehouse.com/archive/article.php?issue=37&dept=10&id=606
Copyright © 2003, 2006 Schein Media

Good Pelham Lovin

2006-07-21T19:16:00.000-04:00

Ever hear of a Pelham band named the Stereos?

While attending Pelham Middle School and Pelham Memorial High School, a young man formed a band with his buddies. They rehearsed in Pelham Manor garages.

Later, he formed a new band.

This is how they sounded. He's singing lead.

Disarmed Tomahawk

2006-07-21T10:24:00.000-04:00

BRONX — A disarmed Tomahawk missile that dislodged from a flatbed tractor-trailer truck after a rear-end collision today on I-95 was removed to a police firing range at 8 a.m., WCBS NewsRadio 880 reported.

The 23-foot-long, 5,000-pound test missile was not armed with a warhead and therefore not a danger to explode, authorities said.

But for two hours the cruise missile was treated with extreme caution.

Police closed I-95 south near Gun Hill Road and detoured traffic at Connor Street in the Bronx, near Co-Op City.

It reverberated to New Rochelle, where the southbound New England Thruway was closed at Exit 15.
The missile was removed at 8 a.m. and the Thruway was reopened shortly after 8:15 a.m.

The Tomahawk is a long-range aircraft designed to be fired from a ship or submarine.

It was being transported by a contractor from Rhode Island to a Virginia naval installation.

The accident happened at 5:50 a.m. when the truck stalled and another tractor-trailer rammed into it.

The missile body spilled onto the road near the exit to the Hutchinson River Parkway.

No one was injured. No charges were filed.

The Associated Press and WCBS contributed information for this report.

http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060721/UPDATE/607210420

No News . . .

2006-07-21T10:07:00.000-04:00

. . . Is good news.

Watering roses at 8am (before Tstorm arrived in Pelham @ 9am) and flying 200 ft overhead was a white helicopter.

Figured it was the usual -- The Donald hightailing it to his golf course development or NYPD on aerial patrol over Pelham Bay Park.

Nope.

Learned a military vehicle was in collision w a civilian vehicle on I-95 near Exit 15 ("The Pelhams") and because vehicle was military, only military could clear accident scene.

Garbage Wrap

2006-07-20T08:40:00.000-04:00

Music for this post, with thanks to the Websphere Francophile

Suburban Carting Strike Ends
Trash Pickup to Restart
By ALISON BERT
abert@lohud.com
THE JOURNAL NEWS (Original publication: July 20, 2006)

Garbage collection resumes today for about 35,000 Westchester County residents affected by a strike at Suburban Carting Corp.

Residents in the towns of New Castle and North Castle and in the village of Pelham were holding their noses yesterday and hoping for a swift end to the strike that stalled rubbish removal by the company. Various businesses throughout the county also were affected if they used Suburban or were near the affected customers.

"It stinks," said Lester Kravitz, whose real estate firm Kravitz Ann DeSantis is below a three-story apartment building in Pelham.

"If I'm going to have bags of stinking garbage out on the street ... people aren't going to want to come in here, and they aren't going to want to buy a house here."

Fortunately for Kravitz and his neighbors, the refuse will be removed shortly.

The Suburban employees, represented by Teamsters Local 813, and the company's managers reached a settlement yesterday.

"We've reached consensus, and the Teamsters are back on the job in the morning, and service will resume as normal," said Andreas Gruson, chairman of Suburban, based in Briarcliff Manor, and its parent company, Regus Industries LLC of West Seneca. "We apologize for any inconvenience."

The one-day strike included about 60 workers, who picketed at transfer stations on North State Road in Briarcliff Manor, on Lexington Avenue in Mount Kisco and on Fenimore Road.

Employees have been working without a contract since Nov. 30, when their former agreement expired. Yesterday, the parties agreed to resume contract talks.

Union delegate Louis Romeo said yesterday afternoon that Regus officials were delaying the talks and not being forthcoming with employees. Romeo accused Regus of selling off routes without telling employees, causing them to have to change routes on short notice and lose their seniority and job security. He said workers would not pick up garbage until the company started negotiating fairly.

Gruson declined to comment on specific sticking points, saying instead: "These negotiations are always very complex issues, and I don't think it benefits anybody to negotiate in a public forum. I can assure you that we've reached consensus today, and I guess you could assume there would be no consensus if we didn't address any of the concerns that the labor had."

Regus has owned Suburban Carting since February, when it purchased the company from Allied Waste Systems Inc. of Phoenix

Garbage UPDATE

2006-07-19T21:19:00.000-04:00

Pelham Village now reporting that "it is possible" that normal garbage collection may resume tomorrow, but no further details available.

Best Bet: Revisit Pelspot for updates or call Village Hall 738-2015 Thursday Morning to find out if your garbage will be picked up.

Pelham Garbage Advisory

2006-07-19T17:36:00.000-04:00

Emergency Garbage Advisory -- July 19, 2006

The Village of Pelham has issued the following Emergency Garbage Advisory:

"Please do not place any garbage or recycling at the curb until further notice.

"Please be advised that the Village of Pelham has been notified that our garbage contractor is experiencing a job action, and that garbage will not be picked up today, or possibly for the next few days.

"We are working with the garbage contractor to have garbage pickup resume as soon as possible and will keep you informed of new developments.

"We appreciate your cooperation in this difficult time.

"PLEASE DO NOT PLACE ANY GARBAGE OR RECYCLING AT THE CURB UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE."

Pelham Blogger added:

That stinks!

Dishing it Out

2006-07-19T08:51:00.000-04:00

Pelham and Pelham Manor on National TV this weekend.

Costco Classy Action

2006-07-18T18:54:00.000-04:00

Dear Costco Tax Department,

Thank you.

If you are following the Advisory Opinion, then you're doing it right.

Looks like New York State Tax said, "Tax your members at the rate in effect at the nearest brick-and-mortar store."

Personally, I don't agree.

I'm a member everywhere -- at all of your warehouses wherever they may be and in cyber space, too.

What's the tax rate for cyber space?

Never mind. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,
Pelham Blogger
cc: Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman LLP

Email from Issaquah

2006-07-18T18:23:00.000-04:00

Dear Mr. Kravitz:

Our Call Center forwarded your email inquiring about the sales tax rate charged on the membership renewal you received in the mail. You were concerned that you were being charged sales tax on your membership at the rate in effect at your local warehouse (8.375%) as opposed to the rate in effect at your home address (7.375%).

Per New York Advisory Opinion TSB-A-94(10)S, the tax rate to be charged on your membership is the rate in effect at the store issuing the membership or, in the event no specific store is indicated, the rate in the nearest county to the point of sale in which a discount club store is located. As such, you were correctly charged 8.375% sales tax on your membership renewal, the rate in effect at the New Rochelle location which is the closest location to your home (membership) address. The full text of this opinion can be found at http://www.tax.state.ny.us/pdf/advisory_opinions/sales/a94_10s.pdf.

After reviewing the opinion, if you agree that our practices are in accordance with that ruling, Costco would appreciate it if you would update your weblog at http://pelspot.blogspot.com/ to reflect the correct information.

Thank you,

Operations/Buying Tax Department
Costco Wholesale | 999 Lake Drive | Issaquah | WA | 98027
PH: 425.313.8100 | FX: 425.313.8668 | taxrequest@costco.com

Pelham: Members Only

2006-07-18T07:42:00.000-04:00

Pelham: Members Only

160 / 124

2006-07-17T19:18:00.000-04:00

Not blood pressure.

Not a song by Chicago.

160 Real Estate Tax Protest Grievances were filed in The Town of Pelham in 2006.

124 were filed last year.

$5.4

2006-07-17T19:10:00.000-04:00

$5.4

Shift

2006-07-16T17:27:00.000-04:00

"No one. Please don't put it in the paper," I replied, when Maggie asked, "So who reads it?"

What IS a blog, anyway?

Blog (not to be confused with blob) is an abbreviation for Weblog. A Weblog is a cyberspace diary that can be read by anyone with internet access.

What's the difference between a blog and a Web Site? A blog is a particular type of Web Site. Good blogs generally are updated daily, so people following them get new content every day.

When you read a blog, if you want to react to something, you may leave a comment for everyone else to read. Just click the "comment" button.

Blogs often contain links which you can (you should) click on to get more information. In my blog, there isn't too much on the surface. The good stuff often is in the links. Links are green in my blog. (That sounds like a golf thing, but it isn't.)

Did you click golf ? Aha!

Blogs can have video and audio. Click Cue Joni Mitchell and her song will play. Click the picture of the white-haired men and a video will play.

So what's the big deal with blogs?

There isn't any.

Just one more thing. People subscribe to blogs. There's this technical stuff about feeds and readers, but all you have to do is click the little button on the right in the sidebar and you'll get walked through it. For AOL, there's an AOL button. After you click it, if AOL asks you what blog you want to subscribe to, you may type in
http://pelspot.blogspot.com
and if AOL asks you to check a box for the type of feed you want,
select the "atom" feed.

Today's word, which will be on the next SAT, is "Paradigm."

Anyone drive stick?

Empty Nester Heaven

2006-07-15T19:10:00.000-04:00

Taxes $4,042

Members Only

2006-07-14T08:54:00.000-04:00

We got our Costco membership bill here in Pelham NY.

Our membership dues are $100 per year since we're on the executive plan.

The total amount due on the bill was $108.38.

But we're in 10803, where the tax rate is 7.375%. So the bill should have been $107.38.

Hope Costco is doing the right thing with the extra dollar.

I figure there are hundreds of Costco members in Pelham. If each was mis-taxed by $1.00, that's hundreds of dollars. And if this has been Costco's practice for a decade, that's thousands of dollars.

If Pelham isn't the only Westchester town being mis-taxed, that could be tens of thousands of dollars. And if other counties are being mis-taxed, that's hundreds of thousands of dollars. If there is mis-taxation in other states, that's millions of dollars.

So if you get a chance, look at your Costco membership renewal when it comes in the mail, and let me know whether you were mis-taxed, too.

This would be a good time for Costco to make a contribution to The Danny Fund.

Separate but Unequal

2006-07-14T06:46:00.000-04:00

In Pelham, New York, real estate is assessed at Full Market Value.

A few years back, the Town of Pelham took advantage of a New York State program to "freeze" the relative proportions of real estate taxes paid by residential property owners and commercial property owners.

Why freeze the relative proportions?

In the past, the values of residential properties were increasing at a rate exceeding 10 per cent each year while commercial property values remained relatively flat.

Each year, there was a shift in values reflecting market conditions. By way of example, in Year One, overall relative values were 25% commercial; 75% residential. That is, when the value of all properties in Town were totaled and the results were analyzed, commercial property and apartment buildings made up 25% of the Town's total real estate values, and 75% of the total was from single-family and two-family homes.

Think of it as a portfolio of real estate holdings, where 25% of the portfolio is in commercial property and 75% is in houses.

But in Year Two, overall values shifted to 20% commercial; 80% residential because Pelham house values were booming.

By Year Three, overall values were approaching 15% commercial; 85% residential.

That meant that each year, when the Assessor spread the tax levy (the amount of $$$ needed by the schools and municipalities to meet their budgets) and set the tax rates for the Tax Receiver to prepare tax bills, residential owners were picking up an increasing share of the tax burden relative to commercial owners, simply because residential property values showed double-digit year-to-year increases and commercial property values remained flat or increased only marginally.

What to do?

The Town opted for a New York State program that would help homeowners. The program allowed residential properties and commercial properties to be taxed at two different tax rates. A lower tax rate would apply to residential properties, known as "Homestead" properties. A higher tax rate would apply to commercial properties, known as "Non-Homestead" properties.

[The amount of taxes any property owner pays is computed by multiplying the assessed value of the property by the tax rate. Tax rates usually are expressed in terms of dollars per thousand, called the "Mill" rate. So if a property was assessed at $1,000,000 and the Mill rate was $25.00 per thousand, then the tax bill would be computed by multiplying the $25 Mill rate by the value expressed in thousands. $1,000 x $25/thousand = a tax bill of $25,000.]

In order to qualify for the NY State program authorizing one tax rate for homes and a different tax rate for commercial property, the Town had to revalue every single parcel of real estate in town and establish a Full Market Value FMV assessment for each property. Every home, building and lot in Town was scrutinized, and the Assessor came up with FMVs for each parcel.

Once this was completed, the Town had authority to "freeze" the relative proportions of the two property classes. Now "Homestead" owners had relief from property tax increases caused by the commercial-class vs. residential-class value shifts.

Kinda like Rent Control in the 10803.

It's the government's way of trying to keep the tax burden of homeownership in check.

Prospect Victorian . . .

2006-07-12T23:32:00.000-04:00

. . . in Pelham Manor that we sold today.

Congratulations to the new owners.

Take a Virtual Tour