Your only source for official Village information.
Village Office and Court have begun Summer Hours:
Monday through Thursday 8AM to 4PM
Friday 8AM to 1:30PM
About Brewster:
The Village of Brewster in Putnam County, NY is an historic community about an hour north of New York City, 30 minutes north of White Plains, 10 minutes from Connecticut and the City of Danbury. We are pursuing strategies and resources that will position us to renew our community by replacing worn-out housing stock, broadening our tax and government services customer base, re-purposing vacant buildings, leveraging new and upgraded infrastructure, capitalizing on the hub of two interstate highways, proximity to NYC via commuter rail, and highlighting natural surroundings such as the East Branch of the Croton River and other environmental assets.
News of Interest:
Village of Brewster Receives $7,500 Greenway Grant for Comprehensive Plan Update
(Albany, NY) The Hudson River Valley Greenway is pleased to announce that the Village of Brewster was awarded a $7,500 matching Greenway Communities Grant for a comprehensive plan update. The Greenway Board awarded a total of $80,000 for projects throughout the Hudson River Valley at a recent meeting held in Staatsburg, N.Y.
The Village of Brewster plans to update their comprehensive plan and prepare an Urban Renewal Plan by partnering with Putnam County Planning, Covington Properties and Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. The Village will encourage public participation throughout the project by conducting surveys and public meetings with residents. The plan update is expected to outline a vision to improve commerce, increase job opportunities, increase owner occupied homes, parking, pedestrian access, recreational opportunities, leverage modern existing water and sewer infrastructure capacity, and take advantage of existing or expanded public transportation opportunities.
Mark Castiglione, Acting Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway stated, “Comprehensive planning is critical so that communities can protect the things they value and grow in ways that help realize their vision for the future. The Village’s approach is consistent with Governor Cuomo’s vision for revitalization by balancing environmental considerations with economic development as a strategy for revitalization. The Greenway is pleased to be a partner in helping Brewster realize its vision for the future.”
The Village of Brewster Mayor James Schoenig said, “The Village of Brewster would like to thank the Greenway for this critical funding to update the Comprehensive Plan. The grant will leverage other public and private resources so the Village may create a sustainable and collective vision from the residents and businesses. The planning process will incorporate a series of open, public visioning sessions as to gather concepts and ideas for revitalizing the village and creating a vibrant Main Street. Our mission is to foster a balanced approach to renewed pride, image, and appearance to attract new investment to sustainably grow the village.”
The Hudson River Valley Greenway works with communities on a voluntary basis to assist in the development of local land use plans and programs related to the Greenway criteria. Greenway community planning projects can be undertaken by a single community to address local issues or a group of communities working together to address both local and regional issues. The Greenway Communities Grant Program provides matching grants to help communities develop and implement a vision for their future that balances Greenway criteria of economic development considerations with resource protection and promotion objectives. The deadline for the next round of grant applications is December 11, 2013.
The Hudson River Valley Greenway is a unique state-sponsored program established by the Greenway Act of 1991. Presently, 272 out of the 325 eligible municipalities within the Greenway area have joined the Greenway. The program is designed to encourage communities to develop projects and initiatives related to the criteria of natural and cultural resource protection, regional and local planning, economic development, public access to the Hudson River (as well as other regional and local resources), and heritage and environmental education. It provides technical assistance and small grants for planning, water trail and land-based trails and other projects that reinforce the Greenway Criteria. In keeping with the New York tradition of home rule, the Greenway program has no regulatory authority and participation by municipalities in Greenway programs and projects is entirely voluntary. The Greenway also manages the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.
Visit www.hudsongreenway.ny.gov for more information on the Greenway
Visit www.hudsonrivervalley.com for more information on the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area
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Building Moratorium in place. Local Law 3 of 2013. Available in the Clerk's Office, 50 Main Street, Brewster NY 10509. Copy appears in our online code.
Covington Development LLC signs MOU with Village of Brewster
The Village of Brewster signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Covington Development LLC to achieve substantial improvements in the core downtown area. As part of the agreement, the Village is undertaking a Comprehensive Plan Update (CPU) focusing on Transit Oriented Development, Zoning Code Revisions, and expects to create an Urban Renewal Plan in line with the CPU.
The core downtown area of approximately 50 acres includes both sides of Main Street and extends to adjacent streets from the MTA commuter rail station to the famed East Branch of the Croton River, a world renowned trout fishing destination. Bordering on undeveloped lands of the NYC watershed to the south, new developments will take advantage of the attractive vistas.
The Village goals are;
- to capitalize on the existing transportation infrastructure (Transit Oriented Development) and create new multi-modal transportation networks;
- to capitalize on our existing infrastructure which includes newly modernized water system wells, water tank, and mains; and newly constructed sewer plant and mains; both with ample capacity for expansion;
- to create economic value for the entire Village and greater Brewster area, focusing on the existing downtown core and redeveloping substandard sites and buildings;
- to create jobs and career opportunities for Village and area residents;
- to provide net positive tax revenue to the Village, Town, County and the School district;
- to provide a vibrant downtown and create a diversity of uses (live, work, shop, learn, and play);
- to restore and subsequently maintain the Village as a preeminent regional destination;
- to provide a mixed-use downtown setting to include residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, parks, open space, cultural, civic and other uses;
- to create and enhance Village gateways;
- to improve streetscapes and create a pedestrian friendly “walkable” environment;
- to achieve the adaptive reuse of vacant buildings where appropriate, or to rebuild for that purpose; and
- to create sustainable development by implementing smart growth and green building design elements in an economically viable plan.
To those ends a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Covington Development LLC detailing the level of cooperation, milestones, and priorities required for Village renewal. Subsequently a Master Development Plan and a Land Acquisition and Development Agreement are expected to arise.
Harold Lepler, principal of Covington Development LLC stated; “We are pleased to collaborate with the Village to provide a strong foundation as we strive to realize the vision for a revitalized downtown and balanced, sustainable community future.”
Mayor Schoenig said, “The Village of Brewster is continuing to transform the community in a positive direction and this Memorandum of Understanding moves us to the next step toward the revitalization of Brewster, the Hub of the Harlem Valley.”
Deputy Mayor Christine Piccini said; “Finally we are bringing the dreams of the past decades to fruition. This Board deserves praise for its hard work and dedication. I am excited to have played an important part and will continue working hard to accomplish our goals.”
Covington Development LLC and affiliated associates are builders and developers of large corporate properties, skilled nursing, residential subdivisions and multifamily complexes in Putnam, Dutchess, Westchester and New York Counties. Among their notable achievements are Robin Hill Corporate Park, Mt. Ebo Corporate Center, Terravest Corporate Park, Clock Tower Commons, Highlands Retail Center, Fieldstone Pond, and Reed Farm.
The Village of Brewster in Putnam County, NY is an historic community about an hour north of New York City, 30 minutes north of White Plains, and 10 minutes from Connecticut and the city of Danbury. We are pursuing strategies and resources that will position us to renew our community by replacing worn-out housing stock, broadening our tax and government services customer base, re-purposing vacant buildings, leveraging new and upgraded infrastructure, capitalizing on the hub of two interstate highways, proximity to NYC via commuter rail, and highlighting natural surroundings such as the East Branch of the Croton River and other environmental assets to promote eco-tourism.
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Brewster Environmental Stewardship Project - Cleaning the NYC Watershed
The Village of Brewster in cooperation with the East of Hudson Watershed Corporation and the office of New York City Environmental Protection (NYCEP) is constructing two Extended Detention Basins on land owned by NYCEP. The Extended Detention Basins also known as Retrofits will result in the removal of over 83 kg per year of Total Phosphorus from stormwater runoff. The Retrofits, known as the Tonetta Brook Retrofit on Railroad Avenue and the Wells Brook Retrofit on Marvin Avenue have been in the planning and design phase for about two years. Currently a construction contract has been awarded by East of Hudson Watershed Corporation to Brennan Construction to complete the projects. The projects entail the excavation of each detention basin and the re-routing of a number of existing stormwater drainage outlets to the main detention basins. The piping will require some street excavation and some parking area excavation to lay the new stormwater sewer mains. Both pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be affected by this construction which is expected to end by December of 2013. The significant Phosphorus reduction of NYC water supply is a further testament to Brewster’s vital role in the East of Hudson Watershed. As we begin the process of revising our Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, and anticipated development of an Urban Renewal Plan, we expect to continue building our reputation for environmental stewardship. These combined plans should deliver many characteristics of green building development as Brewster blossoms into a model community for the twenty-first century.
Grant awarded to Brewster Police Department
The Brewster Police Department was awarded $2,073.00 from the NRA Foundation, to purchase firearms safety equipment and ammunition under its 2012-2013 NRA Foundation General Grant Application. Safety is the primary goal of the program, and the safety of our residents and visitors is paramount to the Department. The NRA Foundation was established in 1990, is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization; funds raised by the NRA Foundation, and particularly funds raised through Friends of the NRA events; support a variety of firearms-related public interest projects and activities of organizations. Law enforcement officers throughout the state are required to pass an annual firearm’s qualification and training program. Through the generosity of the 2012 NRA Foundation Grant, the Brewster Police Department purchased sufficient training ammunition for our annual qualification cycle. Chief John Del Gardo, along with Mayor James Schoenig and the Brewster Village Board of Trustees appreciate the NRA Foundation’s generous support of law enforcement officers and safety training.
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PRELIMINARY RTE 6 SIDEWALKS PROJECT AREAS (drawing)
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NOTICE
Property Owners:
Please be advised before you have any work scheduled on your property or house you must call the village to find out if a permit is required.
Starting work without a permit carries a penalty of $250; PLUS the cost of the permit.
Call the Village Office before starting any work. It is in your own best interest.
The Village Code is a great resource and as is our website under the heading above: Buildings & Codes. There are forms and instructions on many common projects.
Generally, before a permit can be issued:
- If using a contractor, they must be licensed by Putnam County.
- Certificates of Insurance must be provided with the Village of Brewster named as additional insured.
- An Owner’s Consent form (notarized) must be submitted with the permit application. Notary is usually available at Village Hall.
- All work must comply with NYS Code and the Village of Brewster Code.
- Remember to schedule a Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance inspection upon completion of the work – and while the Permit is still current. Expired permits require repayment of the permit fee before a CO/C can be issued.
You may access the Village Code on the internet at: http://www.ecode360.com/BR1329
Thank you,
Code Enforcement
Village of Brewster
845.279.3760
Recycling Information English y español
Please maintain your properties. Keeping each property in good condition improves the whole village!
Blight Study - Final, accepted by the Village Board of Trustees Nov. 16, 2011
We urge you to help the village by keeping your property in pristine condition.
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