YADA YADA YADA THIS FINE SATURDAY

Many of us are not on social media but we often get to hear about it---and are sometimes sent screenshots---currently hot on social media:

---Lots of chatter about the Yorktown TD Bank mugging; here's the media coverage: EverythingCroton: ALL OVER YORKTOWN SOCIAL MEDIA---AND YOUR REMINDER TO STAY ALERT PLUS UPDATE

---HOT Across local and non-local pages and media--THE JASON ARDAY CAMBRIDGE scandal. Let it suffice to say that a Cambridge degree (or professorship) ain't what it used to be. Those brave souls who sounded the alarm early (and were branded racists for doing so) have now been officially vindicated. You'll have no trouble finding all this just about everywhere.....youtube, facebook, X, Instagram.......

---Lots of chatter about the village online minutes revealing a not so inclusive DEI/I.D.E.A. Committee, possible first amendment issues, which the substack Croton Chronicle plans to address, the role of that committee, the alleged/actual power structure and influence it has, etc. If you want to follow all this, some pages allow more discussion that others. Choose accordingly.

---Lots of chatter about that failed gonorrhea vaccine again all of a sudden but many of us believe that Alex Berenson provides the most cogent---and reliable---information--- see more at A gonorrhea vaccine fails - and reveals a much bigger problem with the studies health bureaucrats use to push flu and Covid jabs but of course, do your own diligence.

---Bots, bots, bots....everywhere a facebook bot....TDS....TYLER ROBINSON....ghoulish Graham commentary, lots of nonsense unworthy of repetition---nothing to be done......

---ASSORTED EDITORIALS FROM THE AI SITE CROTON NEWS under discussion; for those who just want the editorials, minus the chatter, find them at Editorials — Croton-on-Hudson, NY

---LOTS OF CHATTER about the village being essentially divided--with Harmon being slated for multi-family, affordable housing, pot shops, etc. Too much to go into. All easy to find. The next planning board meeting is 8/25; the Gazette reports that 8/11 meeting was cancelled due to a lack of agenda items--and the 8/6 edition has a lot of letters worth reading and some are under discussion on assorted fb pages.

---LOTS OF COMMENTARY about a new driveway built at Gouveia but haven't a clue what this is about.

8/11 PLANNING BOARD MEETING CANCELLED

THE 8/6 GAZETTE reports that the 8/11 PLANNING BOARD meeting has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. (PAGE 2)

The next meeting is 8/25--in which the planned development at 425 S. Riverside is supposed to be on the agenda.

FROM THE MAILBOX--WHAT DOES IT MEAN EXACTLY---THAT CROTON IS A "PRO-HOUSING COMMUNITY"

There seems to be some genuine confusion about what Croton's status as a 'PRO-HOUSING COMMUNITY" actually means--and what one can expect as a result.

Google AI provides the most concise explanation but of course you should confirm this all with officials and/or staff:

When a municipality applies to become a certified New York State Pro-Housing Community (and the village just re-certified itself as such), it must officially adopt the Pro-Housing Communities Pledge by passing a local board resolution. 

Through this pledge, the community formally acknowledges that NYS is facing a critical housing shortage and commits to taking specific, measurable steps to remove local development barriers.  HERE IS WHAT WE HAVE COMMITTED TO DO--INDEED WE HAVE ALREADY STARTED:

The Core Commitments

By adopting the state-vetted resolution, a village, town, or city commits to endeavoring toward five key actions: 

1. Streamlining Permitting
   The community must pledge to simplify and accelerate local permitting processes for various housing types. This includes multifamily housing, affordable housing, accessible housing, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and supportive housing. 
2. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
   Localities commit to implementing policies that actively promote fair housing choice, reduce residential segregation, and ensure equitable access to housing opportunities. 
3. Incorporating Regional Housing Needs
   Instead of viewing development purely through a hyper-local lens, the community commits to factoring regional housing demand and broader market requirements into its local planning and land-use decisions. 
4. Increasing Residential Development Capacity
   The municipality pledges to maximize or expand its local zoning capacity to allow for a higher density and volume of residential uses. 
5. Enacting Diverse Housing Policies
   Local governments commit to passing zoning codes and rules that incentivize a wide range of development projects rather than restrictive single-family-only zoning. 

The Data Sharing Requirement

In addition to signing the policy pledge, a community must make a operational commitment to data transparency. To achieve certification through NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), the locality must submit comprehensive historical records to the state, which include: 

• Local zoning maps and land-use codes.
• The past 5 years of municipal housing planning documents.
• Detailed building permit data tracking local construction approvals over the previous 5 years. 

Why Communities Make This Commitment

While the pledge represents an intentional effort to ease local zoning restrictions, it is financially incentivized. Municipalities that fulfill these commitments earn certified Pro-Housing status, granting them prioritized or exclusive access to up to $750 million in highly competitive state discretionary grant funds

ANOTHER SUPERB LETTER---8/6/2026 - BOBBY VAICELS

Page 2--Questioning the merits of so-called "multi-family" development in Croton--actually Harmon shouldering most of the planned changes--and so much more. You are encouraged to read it.

The Gazette does not have an online presence but is available just about everywhere.

IT'S SATURDAY IN CROTON AND....

Finding the latest Croton Crafts and Commerce news (with a smattering of other local events too), is easy----just visit the CROTON CRAFTS AND COMMERCE FB PAGE.

It's a public page and you needn't be on FB to view the content. Often updated in real time too! Go to Croton Crafts and Commerce | Facebook

And the Croton Crafts and Commerce page has news about The Blue Pig), Melita's, MEXTOGO, Devotion Studio, Croton River Artisans Gallery, YUKA'S LATIN FUSION, Feed the Birds, 105-Twenty, Franki's, THE CROTON GRILLE, LA CATRINA, Robbin's, Apple Farm, BAKED BY SUSAN, MEXTOGO, Croton Mini Deli, Deprez, The Tavern at Croton Landing, MONDAYS GIFTS, BARRE ON HUDSON, THE ORGANIC TEACHING KITCHEN, Matters Coffee, Van Wyck Wines and Liquors, Franzoso Contracting, Raga, and more.

AOL -- MORE ON OPERATION CLEAN SWEEP -- FITZPATRICK, SARCONE ETAL.

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

EXCERPT.....READ the entire article and see photos/videos at the link below

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Local and federal law enforcement agencies announced 13 arrests, along with 980 grams worth of drugs seized, as part of the “Operation Clean Sweep” initiative. Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said in a press conference that the city of Syracuse has a list of nearly 1,000 gang members, often suspected of drug or firearm-related crimes.

However, because of bail reform, state laws cannot be used to prosecute or hold those on the list in jail. First U.S. Attorney John Sarcone III then offered to use federal laws to place them in federal custody, so they could then be prosecuted in federal court, Fitzpatrick said.

......According to a statement from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), this strategy led to the arrest of 13 people tied to narcotic distribution and firearm offenses.

NARCOTICS AND FIREARMS TAKEN IN OPERATION CLEAN SWEEP: 
“To put that into perspective, 365 grams of fentanyl equates to approximately 180,000 potentially lethal doses. That is enough fentanyl to fatally poison the equivalent of more than four sold‑out crowds at the JMA Wireless Dome,” said Sarcone. MORE AT 13 people arrested, 980 grams total of crack, fentanyl seized in Onondaga County in local, federal law enforcement initiative - AOL

WELL DONE CROTON EMS AND ANGELA OUTHOUSE

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton-on-Hudson: our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship -- in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.



By Croton On Hudson Emergency Medical Services
August 4, 2026

Through this yearlong program, Angela Outhouse will receive training, resources, and support to help strengthen mental health, wellness, resilience, and peer support within our agency. We are excited to be a part of this important work! Croton Emergency Services is proud to have a member chosen to participate in the New York State Department of Health Division of State Emergency Medical Services Mental Health Fellowship, in partnership with MHANYS - Croton On Hudson Volunteer EMS

TONIGHT'S CONCERT MOVING INDOORS

PLEASE NOTE: Due to heat advisory and possible thunderstorms. 

CHICAGO...IS ANYONE TRULY SURPRISED? CHICAGO ABANDON GOVERNMENT-RUN GROCERY STORES AFTER $13.5M INVESTMENT

Chicago's proposed $13.5 million government-run grocery store initiative faces cancellation as city officials pull back on the controversial plan. 'The Big Money Show' analyzes the economic failure of municipal grocery stores. Critics argue government intervention in retail sectors ultimately hurts local communities and wastes taxpayer funds---more at Chicago abandons government-run grocery stores after $13.5M investment | Watch

WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE: A TIMELESS HOME IN CROTON-ON-HUDSON GETS A MODERN REFRESH

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton-on-Hudson: our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship -- in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

Back in April, we featured this architect's Croton renovation (READ MORE EverythingCroton: RAVI RAJ RESTORES A CENTURY-OLD CROTON-ON-HUDSON RESIDENCE)

Westchester Magazine apparently has an article: A Timeless Home in Croton-on-Hudson Gets a Modern Refresh---go to https://westchestermagazine.com/home/croton-on-hudson-home-refresh/

ANOTHER SUPERB LETTER---THIS ONE FROM JOSEPH BENCIVENGA IN THE 8/6 GAZETTE PAGE 2

Questioning the merits of so-called "multi-family" development in Croton and much more. You are encouraged to read it.

The Gazette does not have an online presence but is available just about everywhere.

BEST ICE CREAM CAKE EVER!!!

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton-on-Hudson: our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship -- in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

BEST ICE CREAM CAKE WE HAVE EVER HAD

FROM BAKED BY SUSAN OF COURSE

Facebook

IN THE NEWS---LATE LINDSEY GRAHAM'S RUSSIA, IRAN SANCTIONS BILL EASILY PASSES SENATE

The Senate approved a long-stalled Russia and Iran sanctions bill Friday in a final tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who championed the legislation before his sudden death last month. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was passed in a 86-11 vote. MORE AT Senate passes late Lindsey Graham’s Russia, Iran sanctions bill

LETTERS OPPOSING THE 425 S. RIVERSIDE DEVELOPMENT

Please pick up the 8/6 edition of The Gazette. In addition to an interesting letter from Joel Gingold endorsing Sam Watkins for Village Justice (and so much more), there are least three letters opposing the development slated for 425 S. Riverside Ave. The Gazette does not have an online presence but is on sale just about everywhere.

Here is one of the three aforementioned letters---it's from Jessica Dieckman and re-printed with permission BELOW.

Also FYI: THE NEXT PB MEETING IS 8/11. As soon as the agenda is available....UPDATED EverythingCroton: 8/11 PLANNING BOARD MEETING CANCELLED

*******

To the BOT, Village Manager and Planning Board,

I’m disappointed to hear the village is considering letting a developer put a massive apartment building across the street from Shop Rite where the children’s gymnastics studio Straddles and several other businesses are located, despite traffic concerns and steep slope laws.

Many Croton children and children from neighboring communities have enjoyed and benefitted from Straddles, which has been there for over 33 years. It’s a Croton asset that’s now on the chopping block for the sake of money and development.

I don’t understand why our village facilitated the installation of a marijuana shop, catering to that particular business’ needs, and now wants to turn its back on a popular gymnastics studio.

It’s disgraceful to see what is going on in Croton. Many long-time and new residents alike feel that the village is very different from what they moved to initially; they feel their town going literally to pot. Over a decade ago CVS stopped selling cigarettes to promote health and well-being. Right after that the BOT allowed the vape shop to open (ironically right next to CVS), a shop which has subsequently been busted several times in sting operations for selling illegal substances. Despite this, and despite how close they are to schools, their permit to operate was renewed.

How about taking a long look in the mirror and saying no to greedy developers, no to drugs and smoking, and yes to long-standing and constructive businesses (like children’s gymnastics)?

I am asking you to change the direction we are going in. Our schools are at capacity, our roads and services can realistically only handle so much. Stop over-developing our tiny village. Prioritize citizens and not developers. Say no to this new project.

There was an approved plan some time around 2018 under the previous owner of 425 South Riverside Avenue to allow 10 apartments to be built above Straddles with Straddles remaining and two store fronts to be added. Why is there a new plan to go grandiose and build this big new building now, minus Straddles, with clear steep slope issues? What happened to the goal of mixed-use buildings like those that house Samurai and Baked By Susan? Historic Hudson Valley’s annual fall Blaze event and the prospect of traffic problems should make this big apartment plan a no go immediately. The Lot A project, with one hundred apartment units, across the street from the train station has not yet even been built.

It’s interesting to note that the mayor and trustees frequently talk about helping small businesses in our area, and how to attract shoppers from nearby towns, yet they neglect to consider what the impact of closing Straddles will have on nearby businesses. Many parents drop off their children for gymnastics and go through the village, shopping at other local businesses. Straddles creates a healthy ecosystem in Croton and is long overdue for some respect and aid from our village government and locals.

As a side note, no one knew that the 7/28 Planning Board meeting was not one that allowed public discussion. It was standing-room only, and most attendees were frustrated we couldn’t speak and share our concerns. Please let the public know exactly when the next meeting will be that will actually allow public comments. This is critical!

I encourage everyone to attend the next village or Planning Board meeting discussing the development of 425 South Riverside Ave.

Sincerely,

Jessica Dieckman