No Resolution to Borders, Village Manager Vacancies in Mt. Kisco
While police consolidation between Mount Kisco and Westchester County appears to be at hand, two other long-term issues before the village board don’t appear close to an end.
Mayor Michael Cindrich said last week the board is still seeking a permanent village manager and the vacant building that formerly housed Borders Books is not close to being filled.
During the March 2 board meeting, Cindrich said despite various rumors circulating in the community, there is still no potential tenant or tenants for the roughly 20,000-square-foot space at 154-162 E. Main St. The space has been vacant since September 2011 when the bookstore went out of business after Borders filed for bankruptcy.
GCCFC 2007-GG11 Kisco Retail, LLC purchased the property for $6.5 million in an auction last summer.
Cindrich acknowledged that having the building without a tenant for over three years in the heart of downtown has had a negative impact on Mount Kisco.
“It’s a burden on the village,” he said. “I’m at a loss to as to why they can’t find a tenant.”
Permanent manager search
Following last week’s meeting, Cindrich said trustees are still searching for a permanent village manager.
Last June, trustees hired former New Castle Town Administrator Jerry Faiella in an interim role. He replaced James Palmer, who left the post after about eight years to become Bronxville’s village administrator.
Restricting the village has been the residency requirement outlined in village law for the manager’s position, which has been an issue with two candidates that have been interviewed, Cindrich said.
While trustees are considering non-residents, they do not want to hire someone who has a lengthy commute, he said. The next permanent manager would need to be a resident or someone who “lives in close proximity to the village,” Cindrich said.
If the board hires a village manager who lives outside of Mount Kisco, the residency requirement law would need to be changed. The requirement does not apply to interim managers.
The board has no timeline to hire a permanent manger, Cindrich said.
