PELHAM, NY (June 9, 2025) — The Village of Pelham marked its 50th anniversary and dedicated its new Municipal Center on June 1, celebrating a milestone rooted in unity and partnership, Mayor Mullen said in his remarks at the event.
The ceremony honored the 1975 merger of the Village of North Pelham and Pelham Heights, a decision driven by economic challenges and the fear of annexation by New York City. “It’s only a dream, but I think we can do it,” Pelham Town Supervisor Joseph Trotta said in a 1975 Daily News article, as quoted by Mayor Mullen.
In 1975, the villages faced high taxes, a lack of commercial tax base, and a recession with 9% unemployment and high inflation. Pelham Heights, with only 2,000 residents, struggled with debt, while North Pelham’s 5,000 residents raised concerns about political dominance. Despite debates over transparency and promised savings of $250,000, the merger passed by a 60-point margin on June 1, 1975.
The merger saved taxpayers $253,000 in its first year, equivalent to $1.4 million today. Mayor Mullen noted that operating as two villages today would increase taxes by 68%, costing an additional $9 million annually due to duplicate services.
The new Municipal Center reflects the same spirit of partnership. The project addressed a decaying firehouse, a rusted parking deck, and a village hall and police station needing $20 million in repairs. It also aims to revitalize downtown with new storefronts and housing. Local resident Patrick Normoyle led the private development team, navigating challenges like a global pandemic and inflation. Village Administrator Chris Scelza and volunteers from both Pelham Heights and North Pelham contributed to the planning.
“The winners of our work will not just be us,” Mullen said. “The real winners will be all the people over the next 50 years who benefit from it.” He highlighted future benefits, including increased parking, a property adding one-seventh of downtown’s value to the tax rolls in 21 years, and a building expected to last into the 22nd century.
Mullen thanked volunteers, families, village employees, residents, and past leaders for their contributions. “Fifty years ago, our neighbors faced enormous challenge, and they chose partnership,” he said. “We are standing in the near-geographic center of the dream they made real.”
Photos of the event, credited to Todd Cross, are available in an online gallery.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.