Residents Defend "Character" of Old Village

On Monday, the Village of Pleasantville held a public hearing regarding a proposed local law amendment that would limit the hours of operation for commercial businesses in the Old Village to 6 a.m. through 10 p.m. daily.

According to Village Administrator Patti Dwyer, the current law does not limit hours of operation, and no businesses currently open in the area would be hindered by the law.

Residents of the Old Village and beyond spoke in favor of the proposed amendment, stating a 24-hour convenience store in the area at one of the Bedford Road/Broadway intersection's two gas stations could alter the atmosphere of the neighborhood.

Peter Allen, a Broadway resident, recognized the area is unique in that it is a business district surrounded by residences, and stated, "We'd like to preserve the character."

He said residents hope to "reduce noise, lighting and traffic" in the area, which he described as "reasonable goals for preserving the Old Village."

A 24-hour store, he asserted, could lead to late night loitering and potential underage drinking situations, especially once closes for the night.

"I don't want the Old Village to become Marble Avenue," said Allen.

Jennifer Frawley, of Broadway, said she has lived in the neighborhood for 23 years.

"One of the reasons I moved there was because there was a nice meshing of the business and residential," she revealed. "It's a really nice almost European flair and we don't need a 24-hour convenience store."

Some who spoke don't live in the immediate area, but said they supported the law as well.

Claire Schiffman, who lives further down Broadway, said, "I appreciate convenience...[but], it doesn't seem necessary to me."

"I love walking to the Old Village," said Keith Vosberg, of Edgewood Avenue. "It's a beautiful stretch, please preserve it that way."

Helen Meurer of Hays Hill Road said many locals enjoying eating outdoors at Michael's Tavern and on Bedford Road, and a convenience store may add additional traffic to the intersection, depleting the atmosphere.

The Board of Trustees said they would revisit the wording of the proposed amendment with counsel to ensure it is clear and does not leave room for loopholes.

"I would like to note that no businesses came out tonight to challenge this," said Trustee Jonathan Cunningham, who added no existing businesses appear to object to the amendment.

The passage of the amendment was met with applause from community members in attendance.