Current Issues
Issues actively being debated in board meetings and local coverage. Last updated September 2026.
Rising Property Taxes & Village Debt
Village of Pelham adopted $20.5M FY2026-27 budget — 10.1% increase overriding the state tax cap. Village debt grew from $4.26M in 2021 to $17.88M by early 2026. The fiscal debate is central to November 2026 election.
Receiver of Taxes Vacancy — Appointment or Referendum Under Discussion
Erica Winter, elected Town Receiver of Taxes in November 2025, stepped down after less than a year citing a new professional opportunity. Deputy Receiver Darlene Paolericio assumed her duties and continues to fulfill them. The Town Board made no appointment at its September 14, 2026 meeting and is weighing whether to appoint a replacement or hold a public referendum to make the position permanently appointed rather than elected; full discussion is scheduled for the October 2026 meeting. The Receiver of Taxes is responsible for collecting property tax payments from all Pelham residents.
November 2026 — First Contested Village Race Since 2019
Three contested races: Village of Pelham trustees (Democrats vs. Neighborhood Party/Republican challengers), Village of Pelham Manor trustees (two seats), and Town Supervisor and Clerk (Mohan and Miller re-running per new state law).
Pelham Picture House — Future Still Uncertain
MOU with PHP Partners terminated. Developer James Smithmeyer working directly with Picture House. No plan approved. Picture House continues to operate and ran a successful summer film series.
Colonial Elementary — AC Interim Fix in Place
After parents Ashley Mills and incoming PTA President Concetta Eudicone spoke at the June 24 Board of Ed meeting demanding action, the Colonial, Siwanoy, and Prospect Hill PTAs pledged to raise funds for window AC units. New units were installed in time for the first day of school on September 8, 2026. Full HVAC conversion for all schools is still coming Summer 2027 as part of the $56.2M capital bond approved in May 2025.
Pelham Public Library — $15-20M Transformation Project
What started as maintenance review in 2019 expanded to $15-20M project. Town Council said it's not a top priority (May 2026). Public debate underway via letters to the editor and trustee response in August 2026.
Pelham Manor — Tractor-Trailer Ban on Boston Post Road
Manor board voted unanimously in July 2026 to begin process of banning tractor-trailers from Route 1 (Boston Post Road). Request submitted to NYS DOT. Long process ahead.
EMS Station & Community Church — First Street
Proposed EMS station near Post Office draws opposition over pedestrian safety and green space. Community Church of the Pelhams appeared for sale in April 2026 — raised as alternative site at Town Council meeting. No vote taken.
Con Edison Rate Case — Settlement Cuts the Increase
Con Edison filed for a large rate increase and the Village of Pelham joined a consortium of 40 Westchester municipalities opposing it. A settlement has since cut the electric increase to about 2.8% of the total customer bill, down from the 13.4% originally proposed, and the gas increase to about 2%. The agreement is not final: the Public Service Commission holds an evidentiary hearing before issuing a decision.
Fini Park — Nightly Illegal Fireworks
Residents reported nightly illegal fireworks from Fini Park through summer 2026, often past 11pm. At the July 14 2026 Village board meeting a resident described calling New Rochelle police up to six times a night against only 12 calls logged in their records since Memorial Day. Trustee Howell committed to increased Pelham PD patrols on the Harman/Store Avenue corridor between 8 and 11pm. Residents can send videos to krystal.howell@pelhamny.gov.