LUKIN ON THE CROTON POINT AVE. PROJECT/BIKE LANE

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

The 10/31/13 edition of The Gazette has an excellent letter in it by Teri Lukin. Lukin, a former Croton School Board trustee, avid cyclist and regular commuter, gives her take on the Croton Point Avenue Project/Bike Lane. It's detailed and thorough--and reiterates what almost everyone knows: this is a debacle in the making. The letter is on page 2. We hope to see it online at some point.

For more on this project, its escalating costs--not only in dollars--but in harm to our local business community, visit https://www.facebook.com/stoptheCPAproject

You may also have an interest in Joel Gingold's recent Gazette response to Trustee Raskob: https://www.facebook.com/notes/citizens-against-the-croton-point-avenue-project/joel-gingolds-oct-24-letter-to-the-editor/669881823023559

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HALLOWEEN WITH HOUDINI IN HARMON!

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

ANOTHER SUPERB POSTING OVER AT CROTON HISTORY & MYSTERIES:

Halloween With Houdini in Harmon!

Yes you read that right.  Don't miss this one. Click on the link:

http://crotonhistory.org/2013/10/31/halloween-with-houdini-in-harmon/

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MORE FABULOUS VINTAGE WEBSITES, FINDS, ETC. FROM EVERYTHING CROTON

Right up there with the lunch counter at Woolworth's, Howard Jonhson's was the place for a reasonably priced and tasty family meal. 

Click on the photo to see a 1955 ad--with all the bells and whistles--cars, fashion and 50's pink and turquoise! Love the hat she's wearing!

Lynn's Halloween putz house village; click on the link and keep scrolling down the page--lots of neat photos and more 

http://www.cardboardchristmas.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=466

And if you like the little figures at the link above, check out this link--and Halloween trains too http://halloweentrains.com/buyers_guides/0_gauge_trains/0_gauge.htm

A Tribute to Ted Althof on the one year anniversary of his death: http://cardboardchristmas.com/papateds/one_year_tribute.htm

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PART 2, A LOOK BACK AT 1950'S CROTON FOOTBALL

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

BY SPECIAL REQUEST, A LOOK BACK AT CROTON FOOTBALL--CIRCA 1950'S,PART 2. Click on the photos. Courtesy of the outstanding archives maintained by the dedicated volunteers of THE CROTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY. We hope to have more online soon. With special thanks to Tom Simone and volunteer Aurelia for their help. 

SEE PART 1 HERE http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-look-back-at-1950s-croton-football.html

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HUD HOUSING SETTLEMENT, UPDATE, CROTON ETAL

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

As many of you know, the monitor for the HUD housing settlement (brokered under the Spano administration) has cited 7 communities as having "exclusionary zoning". Croton is one of those communities according to HUD.  This has been reported in the New York Times, The Journal News, The Wall Street Journal, etc.

Examples of exclusionary/restrictive zoning (as the monitor/HUD defines it and has again been reported in the New York Times, the Journal News, the Wall Street Journal) includes items such as special permits for housing projects that would limit families/multi-family housing instead of as of right, limitations on the number of bedrooms, lot size, building height size, density, limitations on the placement of multi-family buildings on single family home residential blocks, etc.

HUD met with the village in August of this year; the village hoped to explain their zoning; however, the monitor was not moved and Croton is still cited as a community that engages in "exclusionary/restrictive" zoning. Residents only learned of this meeting through freedom of information.

County Executive Robert Astorino was given an ultimatum: either agree that the monitor was correct about Croton and the other communities having engaged in "exclusionary zoning" or lose federal grant money.

Specifically, in a JOURNAL NEWS article dated 8/13/13, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development gave Westchester County one last chance to follow its directions in analyzing zoning in municipalities covered by a 2009 fair housing settlement or lose $7.4 million in community development grants from 2011. The county was told that it must agree to adopt a recently completed analysis by the monitor overseeing the settlement that found zoning in seven towns and villages keeps out low-income individuals and families in violation of state law. Again, Croton is one of those 7. 

In addition, the county was told that it had to do an analysis of race-based impediments in one town to HUD’s satisfaction and agree to complete 30 others by Oct. 15. In a letter from Aug. 9, HUD spoonfed the county language that up til now county officials have refused to put in their analyses, including that certain zoning rules may exclude potential residents based on race, national origin or family status.

County Executive Astorino refused to do so.

According to additional documents obtained from the village pursuant to a FOIL request, the village attempted to have a second meeting with the monitor in September. That meeting did not happen for various reasons. It is unknown at this time whether that second meeting was re-scheduled. Additional freedom of information requests to the village will be necessary once again.

The monitor has, in writing, informed Croton that it has an "obligation" of 100 plus "affordable housing" units.

County Executive Robert Astorino has steadfastly refused to allow HUD/the housing monitor to dismantle local zoning, especially in the 7 communities cited by the monitor as engaging in "exclusionary/restrictive" zoning. Again, Croton is one of the 7 communities accused by the monitor/HUD.

When you vote on Tuesday, you may want to take these facts into consideration. 

You can review the HUD/monitor documents online at the County website: http://www3.westchestergov.com/

This posting is closed to comments. 

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A SNEAK PEEK AT ANTON'S, SOFT OPENING, PHOTOS

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

It's not easy to come back from one of the worst storms on record--the red tape alone was epic--but we are happy to report that Anton is open again. It's a soft opening for breakfast and lunch only, and yes they have their liquor license. 

The place looks better than before--warm rose and gold tones with mahogany and walnut woodwork throughout--and they'll have a more formal opening--with dinner--and accepting cards too--in a few weeks. We'll keep you posted.  Click on the photos!  

Anton Restaurant. In the Heart of Harmon. 914-862-4811, stay tuned for more.

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EVERYTHING CROTON'S THE BEST OF CROTON 2013 IS COMING...

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

STARTING NOVEMBER 1ST...Everything Croton's Annual Series continues: THE BEST OF CROTON 2013.

For the next 6 to 8 weeks, EverythingCroton will showcase the best of what life in our village had to offer--throughout 2013 month by month and continuing to year-end----from our schools to our houses of worship to the arts to our business community to our volunteers...and more...Stay tuned.

In the meantime--if you're feeling nostalgic...here are links to the BEST OF CROTON 2012:

See THE BEST OF CROTON 2012 JANUARY THROUGH APRIL here: http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2012/11/time-for-best-of-croton-2012-january.html

See THE BEST OF CROTON 2012 MAY AND JUNE here: http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2012/11/time-for-best-of-croton-2012-may-june.html 

See THE BEST OF CROTON 2012 JULY AND AUGUST here: http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2012/11/time-for-best-of-croton-2012-july-august.html

See THE BEST OF CROTON 2012 SEPTEMBER here: http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2012/11/time-for-best-of-croton-2012-september.html

See THE BEST OF CROTON 2012 OCTOBER here: http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2012/11/time-for-best-of-croton-2012.html

See THE BEST OF CROTON 2012 NOVEMBER here: http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2012/12/time-for-best-of-croton-november-2012.html 

See THE BEST OF CROTON 2012 DECEMBER here: http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2012/12/time-for-best-of-croton-december-2012.html

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& NOW A WORD FROM TAGINE...

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

Sign at the door - FAB TAGINE COCKTAIL IS BACK--The "Tagini" tangerine and champagne cocktail is back in season; learn more about Tagine here https://www.facebook.com/TagineRestaurantWineBarCrotonOnHudson

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MORE 1940'S CROTON HARMON HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

Courtesy of the outstanding archives maintained by the hard-working volunteers of THE CROTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY: CROTON FOOTBALL, CIRCA 1940's.  Click on the photos. Become a member of the society today! http://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/Public_Documents/CrotonHudsonNY_WebDocs/HistoricalSociety/index

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MORE FABULOUS VINTAGE WEBSITES, FINDS, ETC. FROM EVERYTHING CROTON

Was there ever a time when you colored in your postcards? Why yes there was, circa 1905. Click on the photos.

The Christmas putzing crowd has been on a tear--making new houses, experimenting with new finishes, etc. Here's what's happening:

--Coating experiment, click on the link and keep reading down the page http://www.cardboardchristmas.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=464&p=2816#p2816

--Brian's latest take on a vintage made in Japan putz house http://www.cardboardchristmas.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=465

At a recent tag sale, we came a cross of box of very old, crochet Christmas ornaments; a quick handwashing and some starch brought the yellowed beauties back to life; that reminded us of this: http://www.familychristmasonline.com/trees/ornaments/traditional_home_made/traditional_home_made.htm

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& FROM CROTON'S OWN "SERENITY IN THE GARDEN"...

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

Fall grasses, courtesy of Croton's own Jan Johnsen; click on the link--some great photos too  http://serenityinthegarden.blogspot.com/2013/10/great-grasses-for-fall-garden.html

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THE SEASON OF THE VINTAGE: NEW AT CROTON HISTORY & MYSTERIES

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

NEW AT CROTON HISTORY & MYSTERIES: OCTOBER 23, 1862 - Now that “Autumn is touching with wary finger the wealth of forest and orchard, and carefully-tended garden spots,” let’s open our copy of the New York Times—from October 23, 1862—and read the letter, The Season of the Vintage, the Croton Point Vineyards, to learn about the “commodious and cool” wine cellars, the clever “Yankee” solution to an invasion of “ground moles” and the plum-tree lake, where the trees are “planted as to hang directly out over the water” and the ripe fruit is “gathered in boats that moor immediately under the branches.” READ MORE HERE: http://crotonhistory.org/2013/10/29/the-season-of-the-vintage/

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MONICA'S UNISEX SALON IN THE UPPER VILLAGE

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

MONICA'S HAIR SALON in the Upper Village now has gift certificates available. Se habla Espanol. See more here http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/02/monics-beauty-salon-in-upper-village.html

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REV. ANTHONY STEPHENS PROMOTED TO CAPTAIN

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

As many of you know, Our Saviour Lutheran Church's Rev. Anthony Stephens recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan. You can read more about that here and see photos of his homecoming as well: http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/06/our-saviours-pastor-anthony-stephens.html

In recognition of his capabilities for leadership and additional responsibility, Rev. Stephens has been promoted to the rank of Captain in the N.Y. Army National Guard. Congratulations!

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1973-74 CROTON V. TUCKAHOE FOOTBALL SOUVENIR PROGRAM

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

Amazing 1973-74 CROTON FOOTBALL SOUVENIR PROGRAM -- Mention of Coaches Terry Smith and Len Cober; Croton vs. Tuckahoe - COURTESY ONCE AGAIN OF THE OUTSTANDING ARCHIVES MAINTAINED BY THE CROTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY. Click on the scans. You may also have an interest in http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/10/more-1970s-football-coach-smith-too.html

Please note the text was very faded--we brought it back as best we could.

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MORE FABULOUS VINTAGE WEBSITES, FINDS, ETC. FROM EVERYTHING CROTON

In 1966, The Sound of Music record made a great Christmas gift that kept on giving...click on the photo.

AND HERE IT IS: Welcome to the October, 2013 issue of The Christmas Times(tm).
This newsletter is for people who like celebrating holidays, especially Christmas. It is produced in conjunction with the following web sites.
 - Family Christmas Online(tm)  - http://www.FamilyChristmasOnline.com
 - Cardboard Christmas(tm)  - http://www.CardboardChristmas.com
 - Old Christmas Tree Lights(tm)  - http://OldChristmasTreeLights.com
We recommend that you check the newsletter out in web format so you can see the photographs.  If you have web access, please click on the following link.  http://www.familychristmasonline.com/fco_newsletter/13_10_c_times.htm

and

A reader writes: I've inherited on old cotton top putz house in terrible shape and would like to restore it. Any suggestions.

Answer: Well, without a picture it's hard to say--but you are in luck--here's a whole posting on a cotton top re-build--perhaps you'll find something useful http://www.cardboardchristmas.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=302

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HEN HUD LAX, MATT LEDWIN

Hendrick Hudson High School, 2013 Hen Hud grad Matt Ledwin who excels in the Faceoff X, is now a freshman at Johns Hopkins. Read more here http://www.laxlessons.com/2013/10/28/jared-hershman/

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DEAR FOLKS AT HOME, VINTAGE WWI MARINES

Drawn to the cover of this vintage book, DEAR FOLKS AT HOME, 1919, "The glorious story of the United States Marines in France as told by their Letters from the Battlefield"--and happy enough with the price--I couldn't wait to start reading it.

Imagine my surprise, however, when this un-marked old photograph slipped out later. And what a photograph it is. Click on the shots which I've scanned in high resolution so that you can appreciate this wonderful old photo.  As to who these people are, this bears some research if possible. Will keep you posted.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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ANTON IS OPEN!

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

ANTON'S RESTAURANT IS NOW OPEN! WELCOME BACK--breakfast and lunch only--dinner in a few weeks. Warm and inviting interior; stay tuned for more.  Happy Days! 

UPDATED: PHOTOS HERE  http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-sneak-peek-at-antons-soft-opening.html

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NEW FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON @ FEED THE BIRDS

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

Your local business community is stocking up for the holiday season and FEED THE BIRDS is no exception. Check out these gorgeous--and coordinated--glass cutting boards, trivets, serving trays and more. Click on the photos for just a small sample. Made in the U.S.A. Stay tuned for more. AND ALL UNDER $20!

FEED THE BIRDS - in the Heart of Harmon - 326 S. Riverside Ave. 862-4700.

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MORE 1970'S CROTON-HARMON HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL, COACH SMITH TOO

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

MORE 1970'S FOOTBALL CLIPPINGS courtesy of the outstanding archives maintained by The Croton Historical Society. Click on the scans. Enjoy! You may also have an interest in http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2012/07/most-amazing-youtube-croton-football.html AND http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/10/more-1970s-croton-football-clippings.html AND http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/10/even-more-1970s-croton-harmon-football.html

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