Former councilwoman tapped for Planning Board

Former Yorktown Councilwoman Luciana Haughwout is returning to town government — this time with a seat on the Planning Board.

In a split 3-2 vote, the Town Board appointed Haughwout, a Republican, to a five-year term beginning March 1. She served on the Town Board from 2022 through 2025.

“The Planning Board plays a critical role in shaping the future of our town. It determines how growth happens, where it happens, and whether it aligns with the character and long-term vision of our community,” Haughwout wrote in an email to Yorktown News. “These decisions are not abstract — they affect traffic patterns, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, property values, and the everyday quality of life for families like mine and yours.”

She said she brings “a unique blend of civic experience, small-business ownership and community advocacy” to the role, calling it another way to serve the the town.

“Yorktown deserves development that strengthens our hamlets, protects our natural resources and supports infrastructure that can sustain it," she said. "I believe in balancing economic vitality with environmental responsibility and long-term fiscal health. We can welcome opportunity without sacrificing identity.

“I understand development from multiple angles — as a resident, a parent, a business owner and a policymaker," she continued. "I am not afraid to ask tough questions, but I am equally committed to listening carefully and collaborating respectfully. Growth is necessary. Smart growth is essential.”

Planning Board Chairman Richard Fon emphasized the group’s apolitical nature but said Haughwout’s prior Town Board experience brings a “unique perspective.” Fon said that Supervisor Ed Lachterman kept him informed on all candidates. He added that his board would get “along with anybody” and said he looks forward to working with Haughwout.

The appointment did not come without opposition.

Democrats Ilan Gilbert and Susan Siegel voted against Haughwout’s appointment, saying two other candidates interviewed for the role were more qualified and would have strengthened the board. They also cited what they described as a lack of transparency, noting that after the three interviews, the board did not publicly discuss which candidate was the strongest choice.

But Lachterman said transparency came from holding the vote in public.

He said Haughwout’s Town Board experience set her apart and pointed to her understanding of the building industry and her knowledge of landscape, architecture and water as key reasons he supported her appointment.

“To me, that was the thing that tipped the scales for her,” Lachterman said. "Being on the town board for four years gives you an understanding of process."

Other Appointments

The board unanimously appointed Michael Rambaran to the Zoning Board of Appeals, Michael Hickins and Thomas Pfister to the Community Housing Board, Frank Garcia to the Veterans Advisory Board and Danielle O’Mara-Damin to the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Several other boards and commissions still have openings, and town officials said they continue to encourage residents to volunteer and apply. Yorktown offers residents opportunities to participate in local government through boards, commissions and committees established by ordinance. Current openings include the *ABACA [DEFINE], Arts and Culture, Conservation, History Advisory Board, Open Spaces and Tree Conservation. These groups provide volunteer roles and are designed to act as a link between residents and the Town Board.

More information is available at yorktownny.gov/leadership-government/boards-committees.