North Castle board approves preliminary step to create Armonk Parking District after heated public hearing

The Town of North Castle Board on June 10 voted to take a formal step toward creating Parking District No. 2 in Armonk, adopting a negative declaration under state environmental review and a preliminary resolution approving the district after a lengthy public hearing and board debate.

Supervisor Joseph Rendy opened the hearing, saying the district would create “a public parking area behind the West Side of Main Street,” standardize maintenance and signage, and provide a dedicated funding source based on assessed value, supplemented by a town share connected to the library’s assessed value, according to Director of Planning Adam Kaufman. Kaufman told the board the goals include improved aesthetics, defined parking rules and long-term funding for operation and maintenance.

The hearing drew residents and property owners with split views. Dean Rossetti, president of the North Castle Public Library Board, urged approval on safety grounds, describing potholes and “safety hazards” in the lot near the library and requesting consideration of traffic‑calming measures. Resident Betty Santurico opposed the district, arguing it would “indirectly subsidize businesses” and asking the board to prioritize essential infrastructure projects—she called for postponing new parking until needs such as water‑system work in North White Plains are addressed.

Property owner and developer Stefan Martinovich, who said he paid a $100,000 impact fee tied to parking improvements for one project, described the permit and parking rules as barriers to business and urged the board to finalize the legislative framework so existing public parking can be used efficiently. Corey Salomon of the law firm Zarin & Steinmetz spoke on behalf of DG Asintos property owners in support of the district, saying consolidated management would bring benefits such as signage, snow removal and lighting.

Board discussion focused on cost allocation and funding sources. Rendy and staff said the town has approximately $3.5 million in community benefit agreement (CBA) funds from prior development approvals that can be applied toward debt service on town obligations connected to the district; Rendy noted some sums remain unallocated. Councilman (last-name) Barra opposed the measure, arguing the town’s effective share is larger than presented once the value of the Verizon lot and other in‑kind contributions are included. Barra also questioned whether adding a modest net number of spaces justified the cost and said the town should explore lower‑cost alternatives.

The board closed the public hearing, received an email from the planning director dated May 1, 2026, and voted by roll call to adopt a negative declaration under SEQR (three aye, one no). It then adopted a preliminary resolution approving formation of Parking District No. 2; certified versions of the resolutions will be filed with the county and the New York State Controller. The board directed staff to prepare the state‑controller application; the controller will review cost‑effectiveness and the proposed district’s impact on members and may take several months to respond. If the state approves, the board will return with a final order and a permissive referendum process is limited to properties included in the proposed district.

Routine consent items followed, including contract authorizations (mold remediation at the highway garage), summer‑camp agreements and several reappointments to town boards and committees. The meeting closed with liaison updates (library website redesign and a planned library survey) and condolences for two recent unexpected deaths in the community.

Votes at a glance: Adoption of SEQR negative declaration — passed (3–1); Preliminary resolution to establish Parking District No. 2 — passed (3–1). The resolutions now go to the county and the state controller for review.

What happens next: Town staff will file certified resolutions with the county and submit an application to the state controller for approval; if the controller signs off, the town will return to the board with a final order to formally establish the district.