Four years ago, when Croton officials considered moving our Village Court to the Town of Cortlandt, more than seventy-five residents spoke in opposition, and approximately fifty others submitted letters expressing their concerns. Residents made their feelings clear: our Village Court is an important local institution worth preserving.
Yet this year, the question of relocating the Court resurfaced through another study. Why are we revisiting a proposal that generated such strong community opposition? And what does this mean for the future of other Croton Village services?
Last year, responsibility for property tax assessment shifted from the Village to the Town of Cortlandt. Now, for the second time, the future of our Village Court has been called into question.
These decisions raise a larger concern: Are we gradually surrendering the local services and decision-making authority that help define Croton as an independent village?
For three years, Voice of Croton (VOC) has emphasized transparency and accountability in local government. This commitment reflects concerns about whether residents are receiving sufficient information and opportunities for meaningful input before important decisions are made.
Consider several examples:
· 1 Half Moon Bay: Residents have questioned how much information about potential redevelopment of the former tire warehouse property was shared publicly, and when that information became available.
· Maple Commons and the Lot A property: Questions remain about access to competing development proposals, their financial terms, and the evaluation process. Residents should have had a meaningful opportunity to understand the alternatives, including a proposal that reportedly incorporated a much-needed community center before final decisions were made.
· Gouveia Park: Residents were initially told that a $1 million endowment and projected annual revenue of $86,500 would help sustain the property. Today, the endowment is being used for architectural, landscape design, and testing expenses, while anticipated revenue has not materialized. A landscaping estimate of approximately $3 million was presented in 2026, yet residents still lack a comprehensive estimate for converting the building to public use. Questions also remain about safe pedestrian and bicycle access along Albany Post Road.
· Assistant Village Manager hiring: The selection of a sitting Village Trustee for this second-in-command Village position raised legitimate questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest, particularly because the candidate was also managing the political campaign of a member of the hiring committee.
· Cannabis retail: Residents have questioned whether the Village was transparent about opting in to retail cannabis sales under New York's 2021 law; that decision can no longer be reversed.
Each of these issues deserves a clear explanation, accessible information, and an opportunity for residents to be heard.
Transparency should not be something residents must fight for after decisions have already been made. It should be a fundamental part of how those decisions are reached.
As more Village responsibilities shift elsewhere, we should ask what this means for local accountability. Could other services eventually be considered for consolidation? What safeguards would protect our local police department, building inspection, code enforcement, and planning and zoning authority? These are questions worth discussing openly, not assumptions about what will happen next.
Voice of Croton is an independent, community-based organization that believes local decisions should be guided first by the needs of Croton residents. We love this village, welcome new neighbors, and recognize that newcomers have always contributed to the vitality and character of our community.
We are not opposed to change or responsible development. We believe change should be thoughtfully considered, financially responsible, and shaped by meaningful public participation.
Above all, we believe residents deserve the full picture before decisions are made—not explanations after the fact.
Once a local service or institution is transferred or eliminated, restoring it can be difficult and costly. That is why these decisions deserve careful scrutiny.
As we approach the November 3 election, I encourage every resident to examine the issues, ask questions, and consider which candidates' positions best reflect their vision for Croton's future.
Our Village's future belongs to its residents. They deserve an informed voice in shaping it. Vote Row F; our future depends on it.
Gary Eisinger
Yet this year, the question of relocating the Court resurfaced through another study. Why are we revisiting a proposal that generated such strong community opposition? And what does this mean for the future of other Croton Village services?
Last year, responsibility for property tax assessment shifted from the Village to the Town of Cortlandt. Now, for the second time, the future of our Village Court has been called into question.
These decisions raise a larger concern: Are we gradually surrendering the local services and decision-making authority that help define Croton as an independent village?
For three years, Voice of Croton (VOC) has emphasized transparency and accountability in local government. This commitment reflects concerns about whether residents are receiving sufficient information and opportunities for meaningful input before important decisions are made.
Consider several examples:
· 1 Half Moon Bay: Residents have questioned how much information about potential redevelopment of the former tire warehouse property was shared publicly, and when that information became available.
· Maple Commons and the Lot A property: Questions remain about access to competing development proposals, their financial terms, and the evaluation process. Residents should have had a meaningful opportunity to understand the alternatives, including a proposal that reportedly incorporated a much-needed community center before final decisions were made.
· Gouveia Park: Residents were initially told that a $1 million endowment and projected annual revenue of $86,500 would help sustain the property. Today, the endowment is being used for architectural, landscape design, and testing expenses, while anticipated revenue has not materialized. A landscaping estimate of approximately $3 million was presented in 2026, yet residents still lack a comprehensive estimate for converting the building to public use. Questions also remain about safe pedestrian and bicycle access along Albany Post Road.
· Assistant Village Manager hiring: The selection of a sitting Village Trustee for this second-in-command Village position raised legitimate questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest, particularly because the candidate was also managing the political campaign of a member of the hiring committee.
· Cannabis retail: Residents have questioned whether the Village was transparent about opting in to retail cannabis sales under New York's 2021 law; that decision can no longer be reversed.
Each of these issues deserves a clear explanation, accessible information, and an opportunity for residents to be heard.
Transparency should not be something residents must fight for after decisions have already been made. It should be a fundamental part of how those decisions are reached.
As more Village responsibilities shift elsewhere, we should ask what this means for local accountability. Could other services eventually be considered for consolidation? What safeguards would protect our local police department, building inspection, code enforcement, and planning and zoning authority? These are questions worth discussing openly, not assumptions about what will happen next.
Voice of Croton is an independent, community-based organization that believes local decisions should be guided first by the needs of Croton residents. We love this village, welcome new neighbors, and recognize that newcomers have always contributed to the vitality and character of our community.
We are not opposed to change or responsible development. We believe change should be thoughtfully considered, financially responsible, and shaped by meaningful public participation.
Above all, we believe residents deserve the full picture before decisions are made—not explanations after the fact.
Once a local service or institution is transferred or eliminated, restoring it can be difficult and costly. That is why these decisions deserve careful scrutiny.
As we approach the November 3 election, I encourage every resident to examine the issues, ask questions, and consider which candidates' positions best reflect their vision for Croton's future.
Our Village's future belongs to its residents. They deserve an informed voice in shaping it. Vote Row F; our future depends on it.
Gary Eisinger
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