The memo explains that several residents have reached out to the town informing them various problems, including wells that had gone dry, costly repairs that were needed, and low water pressure. In response, the town hired consultants Manganaro Engineers to study the problem. Their findings included three alternatives for moving forward with improvements.<\/p>\n
You can view the full memorandum here:<\/p>\nTMP_Water_Districts_Feasibility_Summary_Memo_with_Attachments<\/a>\n Smyth wrote in the memo that the town favors the first alternative.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be beneficial to at least consider advancing the Alternative 1 recommendations as the costs are the lowest of the three alternatives and more realistic when considering the potential existing water main repair costs, failing drinking water well replacement costs, and firefighting protections improvements,\u201d the memo stated.<\/p>\n Carmel Promisel lives in what is described as Area II in these new potential water districts.<\/p>\n Pleasantville resident Carmel Promisel. (Carmel Promisel)<\/p><\/div>\n Promisel said she understands the two main issues–underperforming water systems and failing wells–are costly to repair. Still, she said she and other residents are concerned.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s the concept that the residents are concerned about, I think it\u2019s the cost. If these homes are suddenly paying $3,000 more a year to pay off the capital expense, are they gonna be more difficult to sell?\u201d<\/p>\n Promisel said she thinks the town has been responsive to questions and concerns from residents.<\/p>\n \u201cThey have been extremely helpful with questions. Several residents in my vicinity including myself have sent a barrage of questions to them, and they have been very happy to give full and complete answers.\u201d<\/p>\n Matthew Aiello-Lammens is an associate professor on Pace University\u2019s Pleasantville Campus, and also lives in Area II.<\/p>\n Associate Professor Matthew Aiello-Lammens. (Pace University)<\/p><\/div>\n \u201cUnfortunately the way it works out in these well systems, if there\u2019s a failure or if there\u2019s a problem, the burden completely falls on the individual homeowner whose well failed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cAs opposed to when you\u2019re in a municipal system and you share the burden. You could argue that this is moving towards that municipal system. But for the homeowners who own these homes for the next 30 years, there\u2019s a much higher financial burden of putting in the system.\u201d<\/p>\n He said creating water districts would be beneficial in the long term, but is financially straining in the short term.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be very fair to homeowners in 31 years. But I don\u2019t think it\u2019s particularly fair to homeowners right now. But I don\u2019t know that the situation can be fair for homeowners right now.\u201d<\/p>\n Public meetings are taking place at the Town Hall Court Room located in at 1 Town Hall Plaza in Valhalla tonight and tomorrow to discuss these changes and answer any questions. More information is\u00a0here.<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pleasantvillepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/carmel.jpg?resize=96%2C150\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pleasantvillepress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/aiello.jpg?resize=145%2C145\")