Law Department

Phone: 914-670-3090
Fax: 914-835-2738
E-Mail: law@harrison-ny.gov

Frank Allegretti serves as Town attorney and Jonathan Kraut, Joseph Latwin and Fred Castiglia each serve as Village attorneys for the Town of Harrison and Village of Harrison. The Town of Harrison and Village of Harrison are co-terminus municipalities, and therefore present unique and interesting legal issues. Collectively, the attorneys advise Town boards, departments and officials and handle a wide variety of legal matters affecting the operation of Town and Village governments. They also represent and defend the Town and Village, its various boards and officials in state and federal litigation. 

The attorneys must possess a thorough knowledge of, and interpret, Federal, New York State and Town and Village Laws as they pertain to Harrison. They are called upon to advise the Town and Village Boards, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board, Architectural Review Board and department heads with respect to ordinances, contracts, and matters involving personnel and labor relations. Their expertise also encompasses the provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review, Open Meetings Law and Zoning Ordinance of the Town and local laws of the Town or Village, as well as master the differences between towns and villages.

When the Town Board plans to enact a new ordinance or local law, the attorneys must draft the law so that, if challenged, it will withstand judicial scrutiny while accomplishing the Town Board's goals. The attorneys also prosecute all local law and code violations, and defend and monitor property damage and personal injury claims presented against the Town of Harrison and Village of Harrison. They also have the responsibility of coordinating all litigation involving insurance, personal injury and property damage compensation cases, employment, federal civil rights and appellate litigation.

Building Department

Phone: 914-670-3050
Fax: 914-835-7491
E-Mail: building@harrison-ny.gov

Assistant Building & Plumbing Inspectors: Bill Gerety

Code Enforcement Officer: Ed DiBuono

The Building Inspector is responsible for inspecting and approving all construction within the Town, to insure that such construction meets the Town standards and codes. Building permits are issued for all new commercial and residential buildings in Harrison, as well as any additions, alterations, accessory structures or facilities. Plans and specifications are reviewed for compliance with construction codes and the Zoning Ordinance. The Building Inspector is responsible for issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

Most residential construction requires approval from the Architectural Board of Review. Building permits and applications for sheds, decks, pools, interior alterations are also reviewed, with permits issued and approved by the Building Inspector. New commercial construction and site division requires site plan approval from the Planning Board and Architectural Review Board.

In addition, permits are required for fences, driveways, tree removals, signs, awnings, plumbing and electrical work, blasting, temporary structures, special outdoor events, excavation and regarding, fill and trucking, demolition and ADA compliance. Signage and awnings require the review and approval of the Architectural Review Board.

The department is also responsible for contractors' insurance and blasting bonds and to follow-up on bona-fide complaints regarding the Zoning Ordinance and State and Local Codes.

Assessor

Phone: 914-670-3060
Fax: 914-835-7491
E-Mail: assessor@harrison-ny.gov

James J. Calandruccio, Assessor

Mark Heinbockel, Deputy Assessor

Within the Town/Village of Harrison there are approximately 6,846 parcels of real estate, including residential, commercial and vacant properties. A permanent record of each parcel is kept in the office on a Property Record Card. Official Tax Maps are also maintained and updated as new parcels are developed. The Assessor determines a value for each parcel based on current market value and current cost. The resulting assessment is utilized for the purpose of determining market value and is then calculated against the current tax rate to determine the property taxes on each parcel.

The value of each property is based on both the land and improvements, including the size of the lot and its location, the gross living area of the building, the quality of construction, age and any amenities included such as a fireplace, deck, pool etc.

It is required that a building permit be filed whenever any changes are made to the home whether it be renovations, additions, alterations or new construction. The Assessor is notified of such work, and upon completion, will make an inspection together with the Building Inspector. At that time, the Assessor will update the information on the property record card and record all changes. He will evaluate the cost of those improvements and then upgrade the assessment accordingly.

On June 1 of each year, the Tentative Assessment Roll is filed and is available for inspection by any property owner or their representative. Each owner who has had a change in their assessment will be notified in writing and will have the opportunity to challenge the value if they disagree with it. Grievance Day, which falls each year on the 3rd Tuesday in June, is the deadline to file for an assessment review. Applications are available in the Assessor's Office. The Board of Assessment Review will meet to review these complaints and determine if a change is warranted. If a property owner or applicant is dissatisfied with the Board's decision, they may seek further judicial review through a Small Claims Assessment Review which is filed with the Westchester County Clerk's Office. On September 15 of each year, the roll is made final with no further changes except for Certiorari or Small Claims Settlements.

The property owner may be entitled to an exemption on their assessment based on age, military status or ownership, i.e., owner occupied.

"Senior Citizens" exemption is based on age, income and ownership. Annual renewal is required for this exemption.

The "Alternative Veterans" exemption is available to property owners who served during a specific military service in time of war.

The "STAR" exemption is a tax savings on the school tax only. There are two types, the "Basic STAR" and the "Enhanced STAR" which is income based.

The Assessor is also responsible for maintaining a list of all Non-Profit Organizations such as Churches, Synagogue, Schools, etc., which are exempt from certain taxes.

Special Franchise and Utility Companies are also a special class and are monitored by this office.

Engineering

Phone: 914-670-3070
Fax: 914-835-8064
E-Mail: engineering@harrison-ny.gov

The Engineering Department 670-3070 is responsible for preparing the Specifications and Drawings for all town projects. This includes new buildings, changes in older buildings, construction or changes in parking lots, new sewers, storm drainage systems, sidewalks, road resurfacing, flood information, etc.

This Department also reviews all Subdivision Plans and Construction Drawings as well as Commercial Site Plans, for proper Engineering Design, and for compliance with Town Standards. The Department is responsible for inspecting and approving all road and utility improvements related to new subdivisions. The Engineering Department works closely with the Federal, State, and County on various projects that involve the town.

Click on the following links for information on the new N.Y.S.D.E.C and E.P.A Stormwater Regulations. These regulations must be complied with as part of any new construction.

EPA

NYS D.E.C

Patterson, NY has developed a very informative site about storm water management.  Their site is very well written, and easy to follow.  Click on the link below to view their well prepared presentation on Stormwater Management:

Patterson, NY stormwater management information

DEC co-sponsored Stormwater Management courses are also available.  Courses are held in two locations, Syracuse University and Fishkill, NY.  For more information check out these websites:

Syracuse

Fishkill, NY

The Town Engineer serves in an advisory capacity to various Town Departments including Public Works, Building Department, Assessor's Office, Law Department, Town Clerk, Water Department, Police Department, the Planning Board and various other committees.
 

Purchasing

Phone: 914-670-3110
Fax: 914-835-2588
E-Mail: purchasing@harrison-ny.gov

The Purchasing Department is responsible for: 

1. Obtaining materials, supplies, equipment and service for all Town departments, Fire Districts #1 and # 2, and Water District #1.
2. Preparing specifications for bids, as well as advertising, mailing, receiving, reviewing and tabulating bids.
3. Maintaining all inventory and fixed asset records, as well as a salvage program.

General Municipal Law requires purchase contracts exceeding $10,000, and Public Works contracts exceeding $20,000, be awarded to the lowest, responsible bidder, after public advertising requesting sealed bids. Exceptions to the above procedures are purchases made under New York State Contracts, Westchester County Contracts, New York State Industries for the Blind or the New York State Department of Corrections. Contracts based on Department requisitions, are obtained for materials, supplies and equipment which are not purchased through the above methods.

The buying history is reviewed annually. The aggregate amount is the basis for determining how items will be purchased.

These policies and procedures are designed to encourage competition, guard against favoritism and secure the best work or goods at the lowest price practicable. Opportunities are provided for all responsible vendors to do business with the Town-Village of Harrison upon request.

Water Department

Phone: 914-670-3045
Fax: 914-777-1174
E-Mail: water@harrison-ny.gov

Harrison is served by two water districts.

Water District No. 1 is a small district that serves 1,697 residential and 41 commercial customers in West Harrison and the part of Purchase west of I-684, including the Park Lane development area. It is operated directly by the Town, under the supervision of Superintendent Robert Viscome. Currently water is purchased from a New York City source. The Water Department can be reached at 949-3287 or the business office at 670-3054

Water Committee. The group was appointed to advise the Town Board regarding Water District No. 1 matters. Its function is to review the policies of the district, and to recommend changes where necessary or desirable.

Water District No. 2 supplies the largest portion of Harrison. The district includes downtown Harrison and that part of Purchase east of Route 684. It is serviced by the Westchester Joint Water Works, operated by Harrison in conjunction with the Town of Mamaroneck and the Village of Mamaroneck. There are 4,083 customers in Harrison, plus about 7,557 in the other two communities.

Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2002

Comptroller / Treasurer

Phone: 914-670-3080
Fax: 914-835-2759
E-Mail: comptroller@harrison-ny.gov

Since the Town / Village is a co-terminus entity, there is a Comptroller for the Town and a Treasurer for the Village. One person holds both titles.

The Comptroller / Treasurer is responsible for the day-to-day fiscal operations of the Town / Village of Harrison. She and her staff record all monies received, pay the bills, and invest surplus funds for the greater benefit of  the Town / Village. The Comptroller / Treasurer is also responsible for all accounting and payroll information. As Treasurer she is responsible for all bonding for the municipality. She has obtained and maintained an Aa1 Bond rating from Moody's. In addition, she prepares various financial data for the Town and Village Boards, auditors, banks and regulatory authorities.

In October of each year, the Comptroller / Treasurer presents the first draft of the budget for the following year, based on her estimates of revenues and expenses submitted by each department. The budget then goes through a lengthy review process which enables citizens' input.

Fire Prevention

Phone:  914-670-3130
Fax:
E-Mail: fire@harrison-ny.gov

Fire Marshall: Steve Surace

The Harrison Bureau of Fire Prevention is made up of a full-time Fire Marshall and the Volunteer Chiefs from each Fire District. It provides fire inspections and public education for the entire Town of Harrison. The Bureau also includes two career firefighters who are New York State Code Enforcement Officers and do fire inspections in the Downtown District.

Committees / Boards

Phone: 914-670-3077
Fax: 914-835-7491
Email: planning@harrison-ny.gov

Architectural Board of Review

Meeting Schedules and Agendas

This Board is charged with upholding the visual integrity of the Town. It reviews the exterior design for all residential and commercial buildings or structures being erected or altered within the Town. It's goal is to ensure that the buildings or structures in any given area are in keeping with the area and that a pleasing appearance is presented. Another function of this Board is to review all commercial signs within the Town to ensure that they conform with the Town's design guidelines.

This Board meets once a month on the second Tuesday of each month, at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. The Chairman is Fred Sciliano.

Board of Zoning Appeals

Meeting Schedules and Agendas

This Board is charged with deciding on individual variances from the over-all Zoning Code, in such cases where a question of hardship for the property owner is involved. If an application to build is denied by the Building Inspector because it does not conform to the Zoning Ordinance, his decision may be appealed to this Board. The Board is not empowered to make any changes in the Zoning Code; it may only grant Variances.

The Board meets once a month on the first Thursday of the month, at 8:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Submissions are due on the 10th of the month prior to the month of the meeting.  The Chairman is Mark Fisher.

Planning Board

Meeting Schedules and Agendas

The Planning Board is charged with the responsibility of reviewing and approving Subdivisions, Site Plans, Special Exception Uses and Wetland Permits. Additionally, the Planning Board serves in an advisory role to the Town Board and routinely provides comment and recommendations regarding amendments to the Town's Zoning Ordinance, official map and Subdivision Regulations as well as other regulations pertaining to the development of land within the Town.

The Planning Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Submissions are due 21 days prior to that date. The Chairman is Jeffrey Freis.

Download Applications

Financial Advisory Committee (FAC)

Chairman: Raymond A. Kraus

The Financial Advisory Committee (FAC) is made up of volunteer residents representing all areas of our Town. The FAC has been involved in every aspect of the budget since 1990 when it was known as the Budget Advisory Committee. Over the years, improvements have been implemented to the budget process. 

One major improvement made was meeting with every department head as the Committee had reviewed the budgets as submitted by the Department Heads. For those departments where the Committee proposed cuts, the Department Heads are given the opportunity to defend their budget as submitted.

The goal of the Mayor and the entire Financial Advisory Committee is to provide the taxpayers with the best services for the lowest cost possible.