Guest Opinion by Jann Mirchandani
Note: the following guest article was printed in the Yorktown News, May 20, 2025

Tax Exemptions and Their Impact

As I outlined in my January Letter to the Editor, Yorktown’s current Business Improvement Exemption Law (485-b) grants overly broad tax breaks to commercial developers without guiding growth toward community benefits. Since then, the Town Board’s own report showed that developers have “saved” $352,304 in town taxes from just nine projects, savings that ultimately fall on residents to make up. When school taxes are included, taxpayers are covering more than $1.5 million in lost revenue from these projects alone.

Unlike neighboring communities that evaluate proposals case-by-case, Yorktown’s automatic tax breaks ignore that market forces—not tax incentives—primarily drive development decisions. Major retailers choose locations based on traffic patterns, population density, and transportation access.

A Fragmented Approach to Growth

Yorktown’s development challenges extend beyond tax policy. We implement tools like tax incentives and overlay districts inconsistently and without a unified vision. These should work together as part of a comprehensive strategy. Instead, we grant financial incentives automatically while making overlay district decisions reactively, creating an incoherent development landscape.

Overlay districts, which add regulations or incentives on top of existing zoning, should guide development toward community goals. Instead, Yorktown implements them on a case-by-case basis. Projects like the boutique hotel and Underhill Farms were added after the districts were established, with Navajo Fields potentially joining that list. This reactive approach enables projects that increase sprawl rather than containing it.

Both our tax exemption policy and overlay district implementation represent missed opportunities to strategically guide development that strengthens our community and protects our tax base.

Environmental Impacts

Our current approach also carries significant environmental consequences. The Regional Plan Association’s April 2025 report notes that “households in suburban Westchester produce twice the greenhouse gas emissions of New York City because sprawling land use patterns require residents to drive.” The report points out that Westchester has lost around 14,300 acres of forest land since 2001, with 90% lost to sprawl.

The inconsistency in our development approach is perfectly illustrated in the current discussions about removing sidewalks from the Underhill Farms project. Though not yet approved, eliminating pedestrian infrastructure undermines the very purpose of the overlay district, which was to create walkable spaces. Removing sidewalks would force residents into cars for even short trips, increasing emissions and congestion.

Preserving Yorktown’s Character

These challenges threaten what makes Yorktown special—our green spaces, woodlands, and residential neighborhoods that draw families here. Smart development can respect both fiscal needs and community values by concentrating mixed-use projects near existing infrastructure.

A Path Forward

Yorktown needs a clear plan connecting tax breaks and zoning rules. We should review exemption requests based on community benefit instead of granting them automatically and develop an overall plan for overlay districts instead of adding projects one by one. We must look beyond short-term tax gains to consider long-term infrastructure costs while encouraging development that strengthens our tax base without burdening homeowners.

The real choice isn’t between development and preservation—it’s between our current patchwork approach and thoughtful growth that strengthens Yorktown while protecting what makes our town special.

I wanted to take a moment to share something a bit more personal with you today – the “why” behind my campaign for Yorktown Supervisor.

Yorktown isn’t just where I live; it’s the community that has, in many ways, shaped who I am. Like many of you, I’ve watched our town grow and change over the years. I’ve celebrated at our community events, enjoyed our beautiful parks, and built meaningful connections with neighbors who’ve become friends.

What drives me to run isn’t just politics – it’s a deep-seated belief that Yorktown’s best days are still ahead. I envision a town where our local businesses thrive, where families feel safe and supported, and where our natural resources are protected for generations to come.

I am proud to run as a Democrat and deeply honored to have earned endorsements from the Working Families Party, Local Laborers 235, and Eleanor’s Legacy. These endorsements reflect our shared values and collective vision for a Yorktown that works for everyone.

But endorsements aside, this campaign is about you – your concerns, your hopes, and your vision for our town. Every conversation I have with a neighbor reminds me why this work matters. Whether you’re worried about how the town spends your tax dollars or you care about thoughtful growth that keeps Yorktown feeling like home, I’m here to listen.

I bring to this role not just my professional experience, but my perspective as a neighbor who cares deeply about our community’s future. I believe that with thoughtful leadership and genuine collaboration, we can address our challenges while preserving what makes Yorktown special.

I’d love to hear your story too. What brought you to Yorktown? What keeps you here? And most importantly, what’s your vision for our town’s future?

Looking forward to connecting,

Jann Mirchandani Candidate for Yorktown Supervisor

P.S. I’ll be at the Rochambeau Festival at the Grange this Saturday and the Lupus Awareness Health and Wellness Fair on Sunday. If you’re there and see me, please stop by and say hello! I’d love to chat in person.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As Yorktown residents face rising costs across the board, it’s time to examine a policy that affects every taxpayer’s wallet: the 485-b tax exemption law. Enacted in 2017 and never reviewed since, this law provides substantial tax breaks to commercial developments that shift the tax burden onto residential property owners.

Town Board members point to developments like Uncle Giuseppe’s, Lowe’s, and Optum as justification for continuing these permanent tax exemptions. However, this argument overlooks a crucial fact: our neighboring municipalities attract similar commercial investments without offering such generous tax breaks. These businesses chose their locations based on market potential and community needs, not tax incentives.

The real impact of 485-b falls on Yorktown’s homeowners. While commercial properties enjoy reduced tax bills, our town’s expenses continue to rise. Basic math tells us that when some pay less, others must pay more. This “as-of-right” exemption effectively transfers the tax burden from commercial enterprises to residential property owners.

Look at our neighbors: Cortlandt has attracted major developments like ShopRite and multiple medical offices without offering blanket tax breaks. Mount Kisco continues to see new restaurants and retail establishments open their doors. Somers has welcomed new businesses in their downtown corridor. These communities prove that commercial development follows strong market conditions and community demand, not tax giveaways. Instead of automatic exemptions, our neighbors evaluate commercial incentives case by case, ensuring any tax benefits truly serve the public interest.

After six years, it’s time for a thorough review of 485-b. Do these tax breaks actually generate additional development, or are we simply subsidizing businesses that would invest here anyway? Our Town Board needs to examine this policy’s real costs and benefits, not just accept its continuation without question.

Our tax policies should benefit all Yorktown residents, not just commercial developers. The Town Board’s characterization of 485-b as merely “deferring” income rather than losing it is misleading. Under this law, commercial properties receive a 50% tax exemption in the first year, which gradually decreases over ten years. This reduced tax burden is never recovered – the town permanently foregoes that revenue. When a property’s assessment increases due to improvements, the exemption applies to that increase, meaning we lose half of the potential new revenue in year one, 45% in year two, and so on. This isn’t a deferral; it’s a decade-long subsidy that homeowners must offset.

Let’s start an honest conversation about 485-b before the next budget cycle makes the burden even heavier on homeowners’ pockets.

Jann Mirchandani
Yorktown Heights

The following letter was submitted to the Yorktown News in December 2024 but was not published. While the original letter was written as a community member concerned about the chamber’s direction, I am sharing it here on my campaign page in the interest of transparency about my positions on local issues. The content reflects my views on how our community organizations should operate independently of political influence.

I was dismayed to see how the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce’s merger with the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce was reported in the November 21 Yorktown News. The article does not include responses from any current members and prominently quotes two former presidents, neither of whom belongs to either Chamber.
As a member of both organizations – as many Yorktown Chamber members are – I recognize the benefits of the merger: economies of scale, expanded networking opportunities, and stronger positioning for local businesses regionally.

In his quote, Mr. Visconti states that he is disappointed in the merger and the state of the Chamber. He goes on to quote membership numbers that do not seem accurate. He also does not mention the mass exodus of local business owners from the Chamber after he and his board endorsed Michael Grace for Yorktown Supervisor. Taking the unprecedented step of endorsing political candidates was the last straw for many, including myself. I resigned my membership, as did many others, including several board members. It’s worth noting that while Mr. Esposito, also quoted in the article, was President, the Chamber moved its offices from Parkside Corner Shopping Center to the Grace Building, further alienating those who did not support Mr. Grace politically and causing more damage to what should be a non-political organization.

It was only when Karen Trendell took over as President that I was encouraged to give the Yorktown Chamber another look. When I did, I saw Karen and the Board making significant changes to depoliticize the Yorktown Chamber and refocus on member benefits for all members, not just those who support specific candidates or parties. I rejoined the Yorktown Chamber several years ago as a direct response to the work Karen and the Board were putting in, and have been thrilled with the new direction, growth, and support.
Moving forward, I encourage the Yorktown News to take a more measured approach to reporting on local stories. The current membership of both organizations is publicly available. Any number of businesses impacted by the merger could have been reached for comment and would have provided much-needed perspective for the piece.

In the meantime, I look forward to the shared growth of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber and the Yorktown Chamber. I encourage other business owners to join us for one of our breakfast networking meetings, attend a business after-hours, or another event. Get to know the Chamber and other business owners in the area and discover how the Chamber can help you grow your business.

Sincerely,
Jann Mirchandani
Owner, Westchester Marketing Cafe
Board Member Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce
Member, Yorktown Chamber of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jann Mirchandani, candidate for Yorktown Supervisor, in next Tuesday’s special election has received key endorsements. Despite the tightened time frame of this election, Mirchandani has secured endorsements from important unions, key Yorktown residents, and significant regional organizations, including: the Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body (WPCLB), SWAC PAC, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, Eleanor’s Legacy and Women Democrats of Westchester.

Alice Roker, said: “As a former Town Clerk, Town Councilwoman and Town Supervisor, I have deep experience in Yorktown’s local government and a long history of community leadership. I know firsthand the challenges the town faces and the steady, principled approach needed to address them. That is why I am proud to endorse Jann Mirchandani for Town Supervisor.

Jann has the qualifications and vision to move Yorktown forward. Her decades of experience in finance, business ownership, and community involvement make her the right choice to lead our town. Equally important, Jann will bring much-needed diverse perspectives and inclusive decision-making to the Town Board. I urge all Yorktown residents to join me in supporting Jann Mirchandani for Town Supervisor in the special election on April 16th.”

Jann Mirchandani said: “I am proud to have been endorsed by Alice Roker who has such respect here in Yorktown and knows what it takes to be successful as a Supervisor. And the support of labor through SWAC PAC and the WPCLB means a lot; this country can only thrive with a strong middle class which Unions help to protect.”

Mirchandani added, “the Sierra Club rarely endorses in local elections and their support means a lot. After record flooding last summer and years of overdevelopment, the environment is on the ballot.”

Early voting has started and will run through Sunday, April 14th. Election day is Tuesday, April 16th.

Watch the recent Supervisor debate here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yorktown Supervisor candidate, Jann Mirchandani, says she is focusing on the issues important to Yorktown residents while fielding questions from volunteers about missing campaign signs and banners that appear to be vandalized.

Mirchandani has photographs of her campaign sign being removed from her backyard by the Town’s code enforcement officer, who reports to the Deputy Supervisor. The sign was later retrieved – along with 5 additional signs – by using a GPS tracking device. A police report has been filed.

“I continue to talk about my plan for using the $22 million in excess fund balance to invest in needed infrastructure projects, redeveloping vacant and blighted buildings, transitioning the town to cleaner energy sources, and strengthening the local ethics law,” says Mirchandani. “Those are the things that matter to the taxpayers.”

Mirchandani got the idea to use a tracking device for her signs from the story of Town of Fishkill Councilman John Forman. Forman was the Republican candidate for town supervisor in 2023 and had been charged after collecting 30 signs that opposed his campaign. One of the signs was equipped with a tracking device. 

“I will stay focused on the issues and leave the politics as usual to the politicians.”

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Note: the following letter was submitted to Yorktown News/Halston Media and The Examiner

Dear Editor,

As the Democratic candidate for Yorktown Town Supervisor, I feel compelled to respond to the deeply troubling statements made by my opponent, Councilman Ed Lachterman, regarding campaign donations, ethics in local government, and public discourse more broadly.

In our recent debate, Councilman Lachterman defended accepting campaign contributions from individuals and businesses that have issues pending before the Town Board on which he serves. He went so far as to frame these questions as an attack on the First Amendment rights of free speech. He has also previously called out a Yorktown resident as being “un-American” for questioning campaign donations.

Questioning the donor/decision-maker relationship is a civic responsibility, not an “un-American” affront to free speech as the Councilman has claimed.

Mr. Lachterman’s use of such language and complaints of “weaponizing” the process of raising legitimate concerns is a blatant attempt to shut down opposing points of view and delegitimize debate.

Yorktown is facing issues that require open, honest, and robust debate; balancing the need to increase and diversify our housing stock with preserving green space, transitioning to cleaner energy while keeping taxes down, and encouraging redevelopment of vacant storefronts and blighted buildings.

Effective leadership requires inviting opposing points of view, not shutting them down.

Jann Mirchandani
Democratic Candidate, Yorktown Town Supervisor

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The debate was held March 28th at the Yorktown Stage. Video was edited for sound quality only. All questions and answers appear in their entirety.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2024

Yorktown Supervisor Candidate Jann Mirchandani Expresses Concern Over Opponent’s Pattern of Misleading and Incorrect Statements  

Yorktown, NY – Candidate Jann Mirchandani today sounded the alarm over her opponent Ed Lachterman’s unethical conduct, including disseminating misleading information, falsely identifying his title as Supervisor on the Town’s website, calling resident concerns over his acceptance of donations from those with business before the town “unAmerican” (Yorktown News, 11/02/23), and working to weaken Yorktown’s ethics law.

“Any single one of these actions would be troubling,” stated Mirchandani. “But the undeniable pattern of misinformation and disinformation here is profoundly alarming.”

Mirchandani points to her opponent’s use of the official town platforms – the Town newsletter, social media accounts and website – in this manner as a clear breach of ethics and an insult to Yorktown voters. Per the resolution passed by the Town Board on January 31st, “Councilman Edward A. Lachterman shall act in the stead of the late Honorable Thomas P. Diana, as Deputy Town Supervisor, but shall remain as Town Councilman.”

“The fact that he has left these incorrect and misleading statements on the Town’s website after having them pointed out, shows that he is not concerned with being factual or accurate in his dealings with the public,” says Mirchandani.

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