Thursday, July 30, 2026

FROM CROTON'S TOM FARANDA'S FOLLY----FAUCI TAKES THE 5TH 111 TIMES

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.



Since he’d received a broad pardon for his past malfeasance this was a smart strategy. But wow does it look bad.

Here are some prior posts I’d put up on the Fauci issue. GO TO Fauci takes the 5th 111 times. – Tom Faranda's Folly

CROWD-SOURCING A REQUEST FOR SOME ACTUAL HARD DATA

A reader asks:

Do you know how to look up what percentage of our tax base should be commercial vs residential? The news site says 11.4% is commercial in Croton. 72% residential. I think we have too much residential, not enough commercial. In any case, I'd appreciate the help and confirmation of the numbers.

Response: We had this data from back in the day when residents brought the Article 78 against the village's massive rezoning of the Harmon area for housing. Let it suffice to say it is no longer available. If anyone can assist, please email or comment---or post on social media. (We'll hear about it eventually, smile. Stay tuned for the latest YADA YADA YADA later.)

LIVE LINKS--HAD TIME---HERE YOU GO--INFO INCOMINF VIA GOOGLE AI PLS DO YOUR OWN DUE DILIGENCE

Understanding the Commercial vs. Residential Ratio
There is no single "magic number" or mandated ideal ratio for a local tax base. Municipalities vary widely by layout, zoning, and geography, but urban planners generally look for the following dynamics: [1, 2]
  • The "Ideal" Balanced Target: Urban planners and public finance experts often point to a 70% residential to 30% commercial/industrial ratio as an ideal benchmark for a sustainable suburban community.
  • The Benefit of Commercial Base: Commercial properties are highly desirable tax sources because they generate significant revenue without placing a corresponding demand on the local school district—historically the largest portion of a homeowner’s tax bill. [1, 2, 3, 4]
  • The Croton Context: As a bedroom community primarily zoned for single-family homes, Croton naturally experiences a structural tilt toward residential properties. This means a much higher proportion of the overall tax levy is carried directly by local homeowners. [1, 2, 3, 4]

ST. AUGUSTINE 49TH FESTIVAL RAFFLE WINNERS

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.

ST. AUGUSTINE 49TH FESTIVAL RAFFLE WINNERS

CLICK ON THE IMAGE.  CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!!!!!

"EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND" STAR--BRAVE WOMAN--BACKS CALLS TO BAN MAMDANI FROM 9/11 ANNIVERSARY

 

FYI--THE PETITION NOW STANDS AT OVER 48,000 SIGNATURES as OF 7/30; MORE AT Petition · Please sign to support honoring the memory of those lost on September 11th with dignity. - United States · Change.org

AND HERE IS THE ARTICLE: Actress Patricia Heaton, who was in New York City during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, joined families of the victims in calling for Mayor Zohran Mamdani to be banned from the 25th anniversary at Ground Zero. MORE AT Patricia Heaton joins effort to ban Mamdani from 9/11 anniversary ceremony

MYMSMERMAID LIFE ON TIKTOK

Some news: MYMSMERMAID LIFE IS ON TIKTOK; we did not know! MyMSMermaidLife (@mymsmermaidlife) | TikTok


MAY 1963--PATENT TRADER--BY SPECIAL REQUEST--748 BOYS ATTEND CAMPOREE

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.

A reader has fond memories of attending a BOY SCOUT CAMPOREE at Maryknoll "early 60's" and wonders if the blog has anything.

Response: Just this from MAY 1963, PATENT TRADER. Click on the image. The Croton Historical Society may have more.

FROM THE NEW CROTON.NEWS SITE--SOME DATA--"CROTON BY THE NUMBERS"---A DEEP DIVE

This should be useful in the months ahead for future "affordable/pro-housing" initiatives---(100 "affordable" units coming to Lot A, 49 "rentals" near Shoprite, future PILOTS, ETC.)  Many thanks to RED PAPYRUS for the heads-up

PLEASE NOTE: AI-DRIVEN

FOR A VERY DEEP DIVE, go to

NOT AN EASY READ--ABC NEWS--TYLER ROBINSON, ALLEGED KIRK ASSASSIN, AWAITS TRIAL DECISION FROM JUDGE



As Tyler Robinson waits to hear whether he'll stand trial on capital murder charges stemming from the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, prosecutors told the presiding judge his decision to move the case to trial is "straightforward."

"This isn't a close case," prosecutors said in a written argument to Judge Tony Graf.

The Utah County Attorney's Office, which is prosecuting the high-profile case, filed its written argument in the 4th District Court in Provo, saying prosecutors have shown that there is enough probable cause to warrant a trial. MUCH MORE AT Charlie Kirk killing suspect awaits trial decision from judge

PATRICK YEUNG, OBITUARY AND FUNERAL SERVICES

Thank you to assorted readers for the information:

Patrick Yeung's obituary can be found at the following link: 

https://www.osceolamemgds.com/obituaries/Patrick-Yeung?obId=49105643

For those who cannot attend the funeral of Patrick Yeung in-person, the funeral Mass will be streamed and recorded on Zoom--

Topic: Mass of Christian Burial for Patrick Yeung
Time: Aug 1, 2026 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82234278498?pwd=neJVbxqrZQVV2uAnQaD5eBusBr5xOv.1

Meeting ID: 822 3427 8498
Passcode: 029692

Funeral services for Patrick Yeung will consist of private family viewing (10am-11am), public viewing (11am-12pm) and Mass of Christian Burial (12pm-1pm), on August 1, 2026, at Divine Child Chapel (1701 N. Thacker Avenue, Kissimmee, FL, 34741), followed by a celebration of life at the Knights of Columbus Hall (2000 Neptune Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744). RSVP is requested.

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR

   

  

If you're looking for the latest Croton Crafts and Commerce news (with a smattering of other local events too)......just visit the CROTON CRAFTS AND COMMERCE FB PAGE instead.

It's a public page and you needn't be on FB to view the content (or sign in).

Often updated in real time too! Important product recall info posted as well.

Go to Croton Crafts and Commerce | Facebook

And the Croton Crafts and Commerce page has news about The Blue Pig, Melita's, FEED THE BIRDS, MEXTOGO, YUKA'S, BAKED BY SUSAN, Devotion Studio, FRANKI'S GRILLE, MEXTOGO, THE TAVERN AT CROTON LANDING, RAGA, 105-Twenty AND more...........

8/8 MICHAEL. C. MONGERO VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK RE-DEDICATION, TOWN OF CORTLANDT

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.

Join the Town of Cortlandt for a special public tribute to our Veterans and plaque unveiling in honor of Christopher Katz at the newly renovated Michael C. Mongero Veterans Memorial Park. This ceremony serves as a community gathering to honor, remember, and give thanks for service and sacrifice. All are welcome to attend this meaningful dedication as we gather to celebrate the re-dedication of Michael C. Mongero Veterans Memorial Park and honor the lasting legacy of Christopher Katz, age 22. Click on the image. Read more at Aug 8 | Remembering Christopher Katz, Honoring All Who Served: Mongero Veterans Park Re-Dedication | Peekskill, NY Patch

FROM THE CROTON.NEWS SITE--49 APARTMENTS, 31 QUESTIONS: PLANNING BOARD OPENS ITS REVIEW OF 425 S. RIVERSIDE

Croton’s #1 source for AI-generated hyperlocal news--Croton-on-Hudson, New York · Thursday, July 30, 2026--detailed summary and photos from the meeting at 49 Apartments, 31 Questions: Planning Board Opens Its Review of 425 S. Riverside — Croton-on-Hudson, NY

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

SOME RECENT POSTS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED...

Because life gets busy;

***TO THE READER WHO ASKED, NO IT WASN'T THE SCARSDALE DISTRICT BUT BRIARCLIFF (FROM EARLIER THIS YEAR): THE OUTSTANDING BRIARCLIFF SCHOOL DISTRICT, LEADS NYS IN MATH ACHIEVEMENT; click here 

***CROTON SENIOR CLUB 7/31; GO TO EverythingCroton: CROTON SENIOR MEETING 7/31

***7/30 Don't miss it! 7/30--THE NEXT CORTLANDT SUMMER CONCERT & MOVIE SERIES--CLASS ACTION BAND (ROCK CLASSICS)--see more at EverythingCroton: 7/30--THE NEXT CORTLANDT SUMMER CONCERT & MOVIE SERIES--CLASS ACTION BAND (ROCK CLASSICS)

***A READER HAS PASSED ALONG THE FOLLOWING REGARDING DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOUTH RIVERSIDE/HARMON CORRIDOR; MORE HERE

***SARCONE ET AL: EverythingCroton: ASST. US ATTY JOHN SARCONE: UTICA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD EXPLOITATION CHARGES

***SOME RECENT CHARITABLE OPPORTUNITIES, VOLUNTEER OPPORTURNITIES, ETC. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION; CLICK HERE

***KHALID SATARY CAPTURED IN THE MIDDLE EAST, DOJ ANNOUNCES; more here

***NEW YORK VERSUS THE NUNS; GO TO EverythingCroton: NEW YORK VS. THE NUNS

***TRENDING ON LOCAL SOCIAL MEDIA-NY LEADS NATION IN SCHOOL SPENDING--DESPITE 12% FEWER STUDENTS; GO HERE

***VINTAGE CROTON EverythingCroton: A CROTON TORNADO--FROM THE MAILBOX

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PLANNING BOARD ETAL FROM JESSICA DIECKMAN

To the Croton on Hudson Village planning board and Karen Stapelton,

I’m disappointed to hear the village is considering letting a developer put a massive apartment building in across the street from Shop Rite where the children’s gym Straddles and other stores are currently, despite traffic, and steep slope laws.

My three daughters have all enjoyed the Straddles gym which has been there for over 33 years and has had thousands of children go through it. It’s a community asset that’s now on the chopping block for money and development.

I don’t understand why our village is adding a marijuana shop and catering to this business's needs and wants---yet now we looking at a popular gymnastics studio in Croton possibly getting the axe.

As a side note, It was fantastic when over a decade ago CVS decided to stop selling cigarettes in a public effort to promote human health and longevity. Right after that the BOT allowed the vape shop in right next to it which has been busted several times in sting operations for selling illegal substances. Yet their permit was renewed to operate despite how close they are to schools.

It’s disgraceful to see what is going on in Croton. Myself and others literally feel the town is going to pot.

How about taking a long look in the mirror and changing your ways as the great Michael Jackson encourages and saying no to greedy developers, no to drugs and smoking and yes to Children’s gyms and other shops.
 
I am asking you to change the direction we are going in. Our schools are full. I know because ai have one child in each school building. Our roads and services are full. Stop over developing our tiny village. Prioritize citizens and not developers. Prioritize human health. Prioritize Straddles. Say no to this new project.

This letter should be saved with village records of complaints.

As a side note, no one knew last nights meeting was not one that allowed public discussion. It was only standing room last night in the meeting and most people were frustrated we couldn’t speak and share our concerns. Please let me know when exactly the next meeting will be that will actually allow public comments. This is critically important.

Thank you.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: 
To the BOT and Village manager and planning board,

There was an approved plan previously under the previous owner (Tom Farracaro) of the existing building (425 South Riverside Ave) to allow 10 apartments to be built above Straddles with Straddles staying there and two store fronts to be added.

Why is there a new plan out there now to go grandiose and build this big new building now, minus Straddles and you have steep slope issues? What happened to wanting mixed use buildings? Why and when did that change? Look at Samurai and Baked By Susan. What happened to this goal? Why are we now into the plan of cramming people into big apartments with no stores?

The Blaze and the traffic problems there should make this big grandiose apartment a no go immediately. Have the developer go back to the original Tom Farracaro plan immediately.

Please answer my question.

—Jessica Dieckman