Area code: 914
More Information About Bedford, NY
The Town of Bedford traces its origins to a land transaction, which occurred on December 23, 1680. It was on that date that 22 Puritan men from Stamford, Connecticut purchased land of roughly three miles square known as the “Hopp Ground”. The lands were bought from the native Mohegan Indian Chiefs for an assortment of coats, blankets and wampum totaling “46 pounds 16 shillings and ten pence.” A copy of the original deed is displayed in the Town House lobby. The new “proprietors” promptly set about to lay out their new settlement, planning for a meeting house, grist mill on the nearby Mianus River, and a burying ground.
Today’s Village Green, the graveyard and surrounding principal roadways remain substantially as they were originally planned in 1681. In 1682 the Connecticut Colony legislature established the name of Bedford for the new settlement. As there is no evidence of a linkage of the settlers to Bedford, England, it is thought that the name was chosen by the legislators in accordance with its principle of keeping alive the memory of England. For the next 18 years, as both the colonies of Connecticut and New York grew, a dispute developed as to which colony Bedford belonged. In 1700, by Royal Decree, King William III established that Bedford was “henceforth and forever” part of the royal colony of New York. By 1723, through additional purchases from Chief Katonah and other Mohegan chiefs the Town had grown to over thirty-six square miles. Bedford’s population also grew rapidly. In 1710, but only 156 residents were listed.
By 1790, the population was 2,470 persons. Bedford was part of Connecticut in 1697 when a patent fixed the boundaries as a six-mile square and it wasn’t until England’s King William issued a royal degree in 1700, to settle a boundary dispute that Bedford became part of New York.
The Town’s importance grew during the Colonial period and it was a model for town meetings and self government. Bedford served as the wartime Westchester County seat during the Revolutionary War after the Battle of White Plains and until Bedford was burned by the British on July 11, 1779.
THE HAMLETS Three distinct hamlets, each with its own “personality” and rich history, make up the Town of Bedford. The original 1680 Bedford settlement was in BEDFORD VILLAGE in the southeastern portion of the Town, with its Village Green and historic buildings dating to the 18th and early 19th centuries. Among these are the 1787 Court House and several homes built after the British burned the village during the Revolution. In 1972, the Bedford Village Historic District was established by local ordinance and is listed on both the New York State and the National Register of Historic Places. The burying ground, established in 1681, was apparently still in use after the Colonial period as the latest headstone dates to 1885. A museum in the Court House is open to the public. A museum in the Court House, which is maintained by the Bedford Historical Society, contains exhibits of Bedford’s history and is open to the public.
KATONAH named after Chief Katonah, this hamlet was once located several miles to the north. It was moved to accommodate the expansion of the watershed for New York City. As a result of the move in the late 1890s, and the rebuilding of a new town, the largely preserved architecture provides an attractive glimpse of the Victorian era. The Katonah Village Improvement Society, which still exists today, provided direction for the move, and landscaping for the “new Katonah” was largely the work of the renowned firm of G.S. and B.S. Olmstead. In 1983, the Historic District of Katonah was listed on the New York State and National registers of Historic Places. Katonah is a vibrant hamlet with a lively and most attractive commercial area. Additionally, it is widely known as home to the Caramoor Music Festival, the Katonah Museum of Art (formerly The Katonah Gallery), and the John Jay Homestead.
BEDFORD HILLS, originally known as Bedford Station, this hamlet grew up in the mid nineteenth century, primarily to serve Bedford Village. Following the Civil War it grew to be a transportation and commercial hub for the area. By the early twentieth century residents of farms and estates in the broader area of the hamlet, petitioned the Town to change the name to Bedford Hills. A Centennial celebration of this event occurred in May of 2010. Bedford Hills extends from its bustling business center at the railroad station to farms and estates as it spreads eastward along Harris, Babbitt and Bedford Center Roads, and south along the Route 117 business corridor toward Mount Kisco. The Community House (originally built to serve the needs of returning World War I veterans) is located in Bedford Hills, as is the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, the largest women’s prison in New York State. Bedford Hills is the seat of Town government and home to the Town House, built in 1927.
THE GOVERNMENT
The Town of Bedford, a municipal corporation and a Town of the First Class under the Laws of the State of New York, is governed by a five-member Town Board which functions as the legislative body of the Town and is responsible for the “health, safety and welfare” of its residents. The Board is composed of four Town Councilmen, each elected to a four-year term, and the Supervisor. The Supervisor, who functions as the Chief Fiscal Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Town, is elected to a two-year term. A Deputy Supervisor is appointed to assist with the varied duties of the Supervisor’s Office in their absence. In addition to its legislative responsibilities, the Town Board sets Town policy and is responsible for the adoption of the Town budget each fall. The Town Board also makes appointments to the various boards and advisory groups that operate within the framework of the Town’s government. Among these groups are the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Wetlands Control Commission, Conservation Board, Drug Abuse Prevention Council, Energy Advisory Panel and the Historic and Recreation advisory groups.
We often have openings on these and other Town Boards/Commissions and Committees all of which can be found on the Town’s web site (www.BedfordNY.gov). Letters of interest to should be sent to the Town Supervisor at Supervisor@BedfordNY.gov or mailed to the Supervisor’s Office at 321 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, NY 10507. Traditionally, the Town Board meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 8pm in the Town House in Bedford Hills, except when a holiday causes rescheduling. All meetings are open to the public and only certain, legally sensitive subjects, as defined by the New York State Freedom of Information Act, may be discussed in executive session. Agendas and minutes of these meetings can be found at www.BedfordNY.gov/html/meetings.html. The Town of Bedford, its 39.3 square miles embracing the three hamlets in the rolling hills and rugged topography of northern Westchester County continues to adhere to the objectives of its Town Plan calling on the Town to continue as a predominantly residential community of exceptional character.
TOWN OFFICES Bedford’s town government offices are located in two buildings located at 321, Bedford Road and 425 Cherry Street in Bedford Hills where residents can find almost every necessary municipal service. Offices are open weekdays from 8:30am to 4:30pm. The Town’s website is www.BedfordNY.gov. Detailed information is available on the website for all departments and services or call the Town Clerk’s office at 666-4534 and we will help direct you.
The Town House building at 321 Bedford Road houses the following offices:
The ASSESSOR’S OFFICE (Assessor@BedfordNY.gov) can help a resident find out about the assessment on their home and property. Questions about current taxes, overdue taxes, and tax rates can be answered in the RECEIVER OF TAXES OFFICE (Receiver@BedfordNY.gov) where school bills may be paid in September & January and where Town and County tax bills may be paid in April.
The SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE (Supervisor@BedfordNY.gov) is the busiest in the Town House and where the Supervisor, as Chief Executive Officer, oversees the Town’s day-to-day operations. The statutory duties of the Supervisor are only a small part of the tasks which accrue to this role as community and intercommunity leader.
The PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT (Personnel@BedfordNY.gov) is most employees’ first exposure to the Town of Bedford. Openings for employment as well as managing promotional opportunities and benefits for current employees are also done in this office.
The COURT CLERK’S OFFICE (Court@BedfordNY.gov) is where you would pay any parking ticket issued in the Town. Two Town Justices hold sessions of Criminal Court, Civil Court and Traffic Court. Any one wishing to sue in Small Claims Court, where claims cannot exceed $3,000, should visit this office.
And tucked away on the top floor of the Town House is the TOWN HISTORIAN’S OFFICE (Historian@BedfordNY.gov) which is open limited hours by appointment.
At 425 Cherry Street, you will find the following services:
First Floor:
The Bedford RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT (Recreation@BedfordNY.gov) offers a comprehensive variety of programs and services year round for residents of all ages. In addition to the Town’s three active parks and Dog Park, this department maintains bikeways, greenbelts, historic properties, administers the Meals-On-Wheels program as well as offering a lively seniors program. In each hamlet the department oversees a summer day camp program for elementary school children and a Tiny Tots program for preschool children. A copy of the latest brochure is available at: www.BedfordNY.gov/html/recreation.html.
Second Floor: The FINANCE OFFICE (Finance@BedfordNY.gov) headed by the Town Comptroller, assists in the creation and administration of the Town’s budget, pays the Town’s bills and oversees payroll for the nearly 173 employees. The WATER DEPARTMENT (Water@BedfordNY.gov), a part of the Department of Public Works, is responsible for four water districts serving Bedford. The Cedar Downs District serves approximately 62 customers in the ‘”Stanwood” area of town with a single well and storage tank. Nearly 2,200 homes in sections of Bedford Hills and Katonah are served by the Consolidated Water District while the Farms District in Bedford Village serves 82 customers and The Old Post Road District services 44.
On the Third Floor you will find: The PLANNING DEPARTMENT (Planning@BedfordNY.gov) and Director of Planning should be the first point of inquiry regarding any special permits and property questions relating to subdivisions or any change of use of land or buildings. The Planning Board oversees the planning and development of the Town. In addition, the Planning Department works closely with the WETLANDS CONTROL COMMISSION (Wetlands@BedfordNY.gov) also on the third floor. The office of the BUILDING INSPECTOR and BUILDING DEPARTMENT (Building@BedfordNY.gov) is where requests for building permits, certificates of compliance or occupancy should be directed while the ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS (Zoning@BedfordNY.gov) office can assist a resident wishing to appeal a decision by the Planning Board, Building Inspector or Town Board, depending on the issue.
307 Bedford Road is the home of: The Town’s full-time POLICE DEPARTMENT (BedfordPolice@BedfordNY.gov) consists of 40 full-time sworn officers. In addition to the Chief of Police, there are three Lieutenants, six patrol Sergeants, one Detective Sergeant, four Detectives (including a Youth Officer), one School Resource Officer, one civilian dispatcher, two part-time civilian dispatchers, one full-time Parking/Dog Control Officer, one full-time and one part-time Parking Enforcement Officer, one full-time Office Assistant, one part-time Records Clerk, five school crossing guards, and one fulltime Community Service Worker. The Police Department is a full-service agency providing patrol and investigative services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The department is also the primary 911 answering point for the Town and provides its own police dispatching. The department participates in the DARE program, Westchester County STOP-DWI Program and hosts the Westchester County Zone 5 Arson Investigation Team. The Department also has an Accident Investigation Team, CERT Program, Drug Recognition Experts, Bicycle Patrol Unit, and provides most of its own in-service training with in-house Training Instructors. A police Explorer program was established in 2010 to attract teens to the law enforcement profession. The department also provides inspections of child safety seats free of charge.
301 Adams Street:
Maintenance of the Town’s 120 miles of roads, including 32 miles of dirt roads, is the responsibility of a full-time HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT (Highway@BedfordNY.gov) which has its office and garage on Adams Street, Bedford Hills, and a garage facility on Crusher Road, Bedford Village. The department’s 23 members, directed by the Commissioner of Public Works, are responsible for drainage work, snow removal and maintenance of bridges and commuter parking lots.
BOARDS Residents are encouraged to play an active role in the Town and those interested in serving on the various boards, whether regulatory or advisory, should communicate that interest to the Supervisor (Supervisor@BedfordNY.gov) or any member of the Town Board.
REGULATORY BOARDS
True to its New England tradition of self government and service, the Town of Bedford is served by several boards of volunteer citizens who give their time and energy in a multitude of capacities to oversee and administer the Town’s various ordinances and local laws.
The first Zoning Law in Bedford was adopted in 1681 and it decreed that no house lot should be less than three acres. The regulations today, detailed in the Town’s Zoning Ordinance and Town Development Plan, are much more complex and deal extensively and sensitively with today’s environmental and human concerns. The Town’s various regulations, ordinances and local laws are published in the Code of the Town of Bedford which is available on-line at our web-site, in each of the three hamlets’ libraries and can also be purchased at the Town Clerk’s Office.
The planning and zoning policies provide for the development of the Town as a predominantly low density residential community with a limited amount of higher density and multi-family residences and non-residential support facilities in appropriate areas.
The PLANNING BOARD (http://www.bedfordny.gov/html/boards_planning.html) oversees the planning and development approval processes. Any subdivision of property within the Town must be reviewed and approved by this board, which is also responsible for reviewing site plans, new roads, and new commercial and multi-family residential buildings. The five members of this board are appointed to five-year terms by the Town Board.
Variances to the Zoning Ordinance must be granted by the five-member ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL (www.BedfordNY.gov/html/boards_zoning.html) which meets on a regular basis in open meetings in the Town House at 425 Cherry Street on the first Wednesday of each month. Additionally, it is the responsibility of this board to decide appeals from any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official or agency charged with enforcing the Zoning Ordinance. ZBA members serve five-year terms.
After adopting a Wetlands Ordinance in 1973, the Town Board created the WETLANDS CONTROL COMMISSION (www.BedfordNY.gov/html/comm_wetlands.html) to implement the intent of that ordinance. This five-member Commission is charged with reviewing and recommending action on matters referred by other boards, including the Town, Planning and Zoning boards. The Commission’s main responsibility is to decide on the issuance of permits for any work in or around wetlands as defined on the Town’s official Wetlands Map. The members of the Wetlands Control Commission serve three-year terms.
VOLUNTARY BOARDS
The CONSERVATION BOARD (www.BedfordNY.gov/html/boards_conservation.html), a 9-member board, was created to advise on the development, management and protection of natural resources, to keep an inventory and map defining the Town’s open space, to be involved in projects, such as recycling, which have an effect on the environment. The members, appointed by the Town Board, serve 2-year term.
Also serving the Town, the RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (www.BedfordNY.gov/html/boards_rec_advisory.html), a 9-member panel serving in an advisory capacity to the Recreation and Parks Department. This committee, whose members are drawn from all 3 hamlets, meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month.
BLUE MOUNTAIN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT (www.BedfordNY.gov/html/boards_blue_mountain.html) serves the Town of Bedford as a non-profit organization whose goal is to promote diversified housing while at the same time preserving the integrity of the community plan. The members of Blue Mountain also serve on the BEDFORD HOUSING AGENCY, a public agency created to administer all facets of moderate income housing from tenant selection to rent increases.
DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION COUNCIL www.BedfordNY.gov/html/boards_drug_abuse.html a 5-member volunteer group provides the community and its schools with programs to prevent the abuse of drugs and alcohol by youth and adults alike. The Council, funded by three towns: Town of Bedford, Pound Ridge and Lewisboro along with New York State, provides a direct drug education service and addresses the underlying causes of drug abuse.
The regulations of the KATONAH AND BEDFORD VILLAGE HISTORIC DISTRICTS are within the purview of their respective HISTORIC DISTRICT REVIEW COMMISSIONS which are charged with maintaining the character of their respective Districts by overseeing new building, reconstruction, alternations or demolition of existing structures. In addition, the Town has a HISTORIC BUILDING PRESERVATION COMMITTEE, established in 2003 to help preserve the historical, archeological, architectural and cultural heritage of the Town. To obtain more information or contact any of these committees, please contact the Building Department at 666-8040 or Building@BedfordNY.gov.
The Town of Bedford is committed to energy conservation and to that end has appointed an ENERGY ADVISORY PANEL (www.BedfordNY.gov/html/green.htm). With their help the Town has committed to reducing its carbon footprint 20% by 2020 to promote a sustainable community. Be sure to take a look at all the energy saving tips and information on our website
(www.BedfordNY.gov/html/green_tips.htm).
In addition, the Town has a RECYCLING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (www.BedfordNY.gov/html/committees_recycling.html) formed in 1990 which is responsible for the formation of our recycling center at 301 Adams Street, Bedford Hills, as well as an educational brochure for our residents.
The mission of the Town’s COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE is to provide recommendations to the Town Board in areas such as cable franchise agreements and possible television/web casting of Town meetings.
The Town is committed to preserving its history and has recently appointed a CEMETERY COMMISSION to develop a master plan for restoring and preserving the Town’s more than 30 cemeteries. Since 1997 we have had a TREE ADVISORY BOARD (www.BedfordNY.gov/html/boards_tree_advisory.html) which acts as an advisory group to the Town and its residents on matters related to preservation, planting and removal of trees.
OTHER INFORMATION ANIMALS Dogs: Owning a dog in the Town of Bedford comes with its rewards but also its responsibilities. Restrictions are not only on the animal but on his owner as well. These regulations are detailed in the Dog Control Ordinance, Chapter 48 of the Town Code. All dogs 4 months and older must be licensed. License applications are on our website: www.BedfordNY.gov/html/forms.html scroll to Town Clerk or in the Town Clerk’s Office at the Town House, 321 Bedford Road.
The Town charges a local fee in addition to the State fee. Dogs are not allowed to run unfettered in any Town park (except Canine Commons at Beaver Dam Park with a valid permit) or in the hamlet business areas. A Dog Control Officer is employed by the Town and, along with the Police Department, is empowered to enforce the ordinance.
DOGS ARE NOT allowed to:
o Engage in excessive loud howling or barking
o Damage property or commit a nuisance
o Chase, harass or intimidate any person
o Habitually chase or bark at motor/moving vehicles, bicycles, or other animals,
o Run at large when in season o Attack, bite, molest, or maul any person.
Dogs violating these restrictions may be seized by the Dog Control Officer and a summons may be issued that is answerable in the Town Court.
Cats: Cats do not need licenses in Bedford and you will find additional information on keeping animals in Bedford, in the Town Code, Chapter 125. Horses: Horses are permitted in two and four-acre residential areas with two acres being required for the first horse and one acre for each additional horse. The Zoning Ordinance should be consulted regarding the keeping of horses.
CABLE COMPANIES: You may contact Cablevision, (914) 962-4444, (www.cablevision.com) or Verizon, (914) 741-8740, (www22.verizon.com). Both companies offer TV services and have a franchise agreement with the Town of Bedford. CIVIC GROUPS: Civic Groups abound in all the hamlets, they are all described in a wonderful book called; Bedford….”Our Town” which can be found at www.BedfordNY.gov/html/comm-resources.html.
CULTURE: The cultural life of Bedford — and northern Westchester County — is enhanced significantly by the presence of The Katonah Museum of Art, (www.katonahmuseum.org) formerly the Katonah Gallery, considered the premier gallery north of New York City, and Caramoor (www.Caramoor.org) an outstanding center for musical performances during the summer months and educational opportunities year round.
These two cultural landmarks bring to the northern county performances and exhibits of national importance.
The John Jay Homestead, (www.johnjayhomestead.org) the retirement home of John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the United States and twice governor of New York State, was occupied by his descendants until 1958 when it was purchased by Westchester County and turned over to New York State. The Homestead, now a State Historic Site and a National Historic Landmark, has been restored and refurnished with authentic heirlooms and is known for its collection of American portraits by artists such as Gilbert Stuart. The Homestead is open to the public and guided tours of the house and grounds can be arranged by appointment. Special events include frequent musical concerts, craft programs and Christmas program.
Westmoreland Sanctuary (www.westmoreland.org) is just one of several natural areas throughout Bedford which promotes preservation throughout the region.
With two-thirds of its 625 acres in Bedford, Westmoreland offers a variety of activities and lectures whose topics range from pond ecology to camp cooking. A 200 year old building, a former Presbyterian Church from Bedford Village, was reconstructed at the Chestnut Ridge Road entrance in 1973, and serves as the sanctuary’s museum and nature center.
The Mianus River Gorge Preserve, our nation’s oldest Natural History Landmark and The Nature Conservancy’s pioneer land project, maintains a five mile hiking trail through a pre-colonial hemlock forest and 555 acres at the end of Mianus Road.
The Audubon Society (www.BedfordAudubon.org) conducts bird walks periodically at the 28 acre Palmer H. Lewis Wildlife Sanctuary off Route 121. The Agnes and Eugene Meyer Nature Preserve off Oregon Road are open for hiking and nature study as are the Marsh, Butler and Beaver Dam sanctuaries.
Bedford is served by New York City newspapers, radio, television and cable televisions stations as well as several local newspapers and a Mount Kisco radio station, WVIP.
ELECTRIC AND GAS: Currently both New York State Gas and Electric (www.NYSEG.com) and Con Edison (www.ConEd.com) service the Town of Bedford, depending on where you live. Please check with previous homeowner or a neighbor to determine which supplier you should contact.
FIRE PROTECTION AND AMBULANCE SERVICE: In each of the three hamlets fire protection is provided through the efforts of the wholly volunteer Fire Departments providing round-the-clock fire protection to the Town’s residents 365 days a year: Bedford Village Fire Department (www.bedfordfire.com); Bedford Hills Fire Department (www.bedfordhillsfd.org); and Katonah Fire Department (www.katonahfd.org). The Bedford Village Fire Department also provides an ambulance service while emergency ambulance service in Bedford Hills and Katonah is provided through the Katonah-Bedford Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps (www.kbhvac.org). GARBAGE: Garbage pick up in the Town is by private carter. Call the Town Clerk’s office (666-4534) for a list of properly registered garbage companies to operate within the Town of Bedford. In addition, for those “seniors” (60+) we offer a Senior Refuse disposal program. The program allows for disposal of plastic bagged, non-recyclable refuse at the Town Recycling Center, Adams Street, Bedford Hills (241-2671), Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8am to 3pm. Coupons may be purchased at the Town Clerk’s Office, five coupons for $25.
LEAF PICK UP: The Public Works Department will pick up leaves year-round on properties of one acre or less. These materials must be placed for pickup out at curbside in biodegradable (i.e. paper) bags. Branches (smaller than 3” diameter or 3’ or less in length) bundled and tied will be picked up as well. Bundles and bags must not weigh more than 50lbs. Non-bio-degradable matter such as rocks, bricks, drywall, rubbish or dirt may not be placed in leaf bags. Residents who have bagged leaves or branches out for curbside pickup should notify the Public Works Department: 666-7669. Leaf pick up is accomplished on a first-come, first-servebasis. Residents are asked to keep in mind this service is provided as courtesy and other overriding priorities such as storms and scheduled large construction projects may impact the timeliness of curbside pickup.
The Public Works Department also picks up loose leaves piled and left at the curb from October 1 to November 15 during leaf season (at any other time of the year, leaves must be bagged). The goal of the Department of Public Works will be to visit each neighborhood on a bi-weekly basis. However, due to weather and other scheduling factors, it is difficult to predict the precise time the leaf pickup crew will visit a particular street. Residents may view the leaf pickup schedule posted during leaf season on the Town’s website’s What’s New page.
LIBRARIES: Each hamlet has its own library operated by a Board of Trustees. These libraries, associated with the Westchester Library System, have the ability to reach beyond their own walls by means of the County-wide automated circulation system, Westlynx.
The Bedford Hills Free Library (666-6472) first opened in 1915 in two rooms above a hamlet shoe store. The library moved to its present site, a 140-year-old building, at 26 Main Street in March, 1952.
For more than 100 years the Katonah Village Library (232-3508) has been serving this hamlet and is also home to the Katonah Historical Museum, founded in 1980 to preserve the hamlet’s history. The library boasts the area’s largest reference collection and an active Children’s Library.
The Bedford Village Library (234-3570), housed since 1903 in the former home of The Bedford Academy on the Village Green, traces its earliest beginnings to the Bedford Circulating Library.
MEALS ON WHEELS: Homebound residents unable to prepare meals and have no one to do so for him or her may be eligible for a hot midday meal. Call the Recreation Department at 666-7203 for more information.
MEDICAL SERVICES: Northern Westchester Hospital Center serves the health needs of northern Westchester offering a wide range of support and community services in addition to a modern hospital facility. There are several medical groups and many private physicians in our town and surrounding towns. Please consult your local phone book for names and addresses.
The District Nursing Association serves the region and is available to provide inhome services while ambulance service is provided on a volunteer basis throughthe Bedford Village Fire Department and the Katonah-Bedford Hills Ambulance Corps. in addition to a commercial service in Mount Kisco.
Counseling services are available through the Northern Westchester Guidance Clinic where teens are involved, and the Northern Westchester Shelter offers services in instances of family abuse. Four Winds Hospital is a psychiatric facility in Katonah, and the Westchester County Medical Center in Valhalla is within convenient driving distance.
PARKING: We have parking lots in each hamlet to facilitate shoppers, employees and commuters. Information on the permitted lots and metered daily parking is available at www.BedfordNY.gov/html/d_parking.html.
SCHOOLS: Bedford is served by three exceptional public school districts and several private schools. The largest public district is Bedford Central School District which also serves Pound Ridge and Mount Kisco. Byram Hills School District serves a small area in southeast Bedford and the Katonah-Lewisboro School District serves nearly all of Katonah. Both private and parochial schools are also available to Bedford residents.
SENIOR PROGRAMS: The Recreation and Parks Department offers a variety of programs for seniors. For information on program offerings and schedules, please call 914-666-7203 or check our website (www.BedfordNY.gov/html/recreation.html) for the latest Recreation brochure.
SNOW REMOVAL: The Public Works Department is responsible for plowing snow on all roads in the Town that are not owned by the State or County or that are Private Ways. On-street parking is prohibited in the Town from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am from November 15 through April 1 of each year. Snow Removal Policy for residents: No owner or occupant of any premises abutting any Town street shall throw, place or deposit any snow or ice into or on any such street, with the exception that the same may be deposited in the gutter (i.e. the area extending 3’ out from the edge of the road/curb), only in the event that there is no facility to deposit the same on the premises. It is against the law to throw or place snow from private property onto a roadway or to plow across the street. In general, in residentially zoned areas, the Town is responsible for snow and ice removal on sidewalks. In commercial areas, the owners and/or occupant of premises abutting and/or bordering on paved sidewalks along town streets shall remove all ice and/or snow from the sidewalks, or in the case of ice which may be so frozen, thoroughly cover it with sand, within twelve hours.
WHO TO CALL
Call the BUILDING DEPARTMENT if you plan to renovate or build an addition to your house, change the electrical or plumbing systems, install a fence or take down a tree. In many cases, you will need a permit – better to be safe than sorry!
Call the CONSERVATION BOARD with questions about environmental constraints on your property. Does it have or adjoin steep slopes, swamps, streams? Will trees be clear cut? Is your land in the Critical Environmental Area? Aquifer Protection Zone? One hundred year Flood Zone? Ask to see the Natural Resources Index Maps and other Town studies that may include your property.
Call the HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT if you are thinking of putting in a new driveway, building a new fence or stonewall along a Town right of way, or putting in a new driveway with a new curb cut on a public road.
Call the HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION if you live in the Bedford Village or Katonah Historic Districts, before you make plans to change the appearance of your home or your property.
Call the PLANNING BOARD if you are considering subdivision of your property, an accessory apartment or any change of use of a commercial building.
Call the TOWN CLERK if you need a dog license, dog park permit, marriage license, hunting license, fishing license, or need to register to vote or are unsure who or where to call. We will try our best to steer you in the right direction. We provide copies of all ordinances in the Town Code as well as maps of our Town, biking trails and information for resources throughout Westchester County.
Call the WETLANDS CONTROL COMMISSION if your property contains wetland, moving water or adjoins a wetland and you are considering any physical changes within 100’ of these areas.
TOWN OFFICES TELEPHONE DIRECTORY Department Number Contact Department Number Contact Alarms 666-7273 Alex O’Connor Police Non-Emergency 241-3111 Chief Bill Hayes Assessor 666-5149 Harry Girdlestone Police Emergency – Call 911 Building Dept 666-8040 Steve Fraietta Public Works 666-7669 Kevin Winn Conservation Board 666-4434 Simon Skolnik Receiver of Taxes 666-4475 Amy Pectol Court Clerk 666-6965 Nancy Artese Recreation Dept 666-7004 Bill Heidepriem Dog Control Officer 666-4855 Ray Teetsel Recycling Center 241-2671 Drug Abuse Prevention 234-3227 Patty Warble Senior Citizen Line 666-7203 Jim Whiting Finance Office 666-8283 Edward Ritter Supervisor 666-6530 Chris Burdick Highway Dept 666-7669 Foreman: Andy Rosafort Town Clerk 666-4534 Boo Fumagalli Historian 666-4745 John Stockbridge Water Dept 666-7855 Bill Nickson Parking Permits & Meters 666-8097 Jacqueline Johnson Wetlands Control Comm 666-5140 Andrew Messinger Personnel Office 864-0045 Joan Gallagher Planning 666-4434 Jeffrey Osterman Zoning Board of Appeals 666-4585 Peter Michaelis Planning Board 666-4434 Deirdre Courtney-Batson Additional Important Telephone Numbers: Bedford Central School District 241-6000 Bedford Hills Fire Department 666-8253 Bedford Hills Library 666-6472 Bedford Village Fire Department 234-3133 Bedford Village Library 234-3570 Katonah-Bedford Hills Ambulance C 232-5872 Katonah-Lewisboro School District 763-7000 Katonah Fire Department 232-4570 Katonah Village Library 232-3508
LOCAL, COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SUPERVISOR Chris Burdick Two year term ending 12/31/15 Supervisor@BedfordNY.gov 914-666-6530 / FAX: 914-666-5249 TOWN BOARD Francis T. Corcoran Town Board Member Term ending 12/31/17 FCorcoran@BedfordNY.gov David Gabrielson Town Board Member Term ending 12/31/15 DGabrielson@BedfordNY.gov Mary Beth Kass Town Board Member Term ending 12/31/17 EVKass@Optonline.net Town Clerk Lisbeth (Boo) Fumagalli Term ending 12/31/17 321 Bedford Road TownClerk@BedfordNY.gov 914-666-4534 / FAX: 914-666-5249 Town Justices Court@BedfordNY.gov 914-666-6965 / Fax: 914-666-2490 Erik Jacobsen David Menken Term ending 12/31/17 Term ending 12/13/16 Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni 110 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd White Plains, NY 10601 914-995-3080 cclerk@westchestergov.com Executive Robert P. Astorino 148 Martine Avenue White Plains, NY 10601-3327 914-995-2900 ce@westchestergov.com Legislator – 2nd District Peter Harckham (D) West. County Building 148 Martine Ave. White Plains, NY 10601 914-995-2810 Harckham@westchesterlegislators.com New York State Senate – 37th District George S. Latimer (D) 222 Grace Church Street, Suite 300 Port Chester, NY 10573 914-934-5250 latimer@nysenate.gov New York State Assembly – 93rd District David Buchwald (D) 125-131 East Main Street, Suite 204 Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 914-244-4450 buchwaldd@assembly.state.ny.us United States Senate Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D) 531 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 202-224-4451 http://gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/ United States Senate Charles E. Schumer (D-IN-L) 757 Third Ave., Rm. 17-02 New York, NY 10017 212-486-4430 senator@schumer.senate.gov United States House of Representatives 18th Congressional District Sean P. Maloney (D) 123 Grand Street Newburgh, NY 12550 845-561-1259 https://seanmaloney.house.gov/contact/email-me
According to Bedford’s town clerk Lisbeth “Boo” Fumagalli, by law, owners of wild animals are required to report them every year. The law states that each person owning, possessing or harboring a wild animal must report its presence to the town clerk’s office by the end of April.
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