The owner of a furniture store is vowing to sue the village.
Tim Mallon of The Village Shop of Westchester said in an interview that he is in the process of trying to get a lawyer.
"They're not getting away with this, with me," Mallon said about officials.
Mallon walked out of the meeting with a profanity-laced tirade after being questioned by board member Ralph Vigliotti, who was filling in that night for Chairman Joseph Cosentino. He made the decision to leave after arguing with Vigliotti about parking - he does not have any on the site - and about placing furniture outside. Vigliotti then proceeded to move the discussion to feedback from other board members when Mallon exited.
Mallon, who sells furniture and high-end outdoor items, is applying to get a permit to place furniture outside, along with a plan to install new landscaping, Mount Kisco Building Inspector Austin Cassidy said. The store is located at 91 E. Main St. The April 24 walk out was Mallon's second board appearance, according to Cassidy, as he made an appearance earlier in the month to discuss his proposal.
During the course of the review, Mallon faced questions from the board about his furniture. At the first meeting, Cassidy confirmed, there was talk about whether the furniture would be properly fastened, something Mallon referenced in his anger at the second appearance.
Mallon feels that he is being unfairly targeted and that other organizations are able to have furniture outside.
"What's the difference? How come I can't do it?" Mallon said. He is also claimed that he paid $2,000 in fees to the village and its planning consultant to have the review.
Mount Kisco officials deny Mallon's assertion.
Village Manager James Palmer feels that what is being done is not different from other applicants. He also feels that the village has been "more than accomodating over the year."
Meanwhile, Pamer stated the Mount Kisco Police Department has been contacted about the meeting. Palmer said that they would be investigating any complaints received from the village. When asked if any planning board members or officials present complained, Palmer declined to comment.
Cassidy felt that it was fine to ask about furniture being blown off of the property, describing it "as sound protocal to ask." Cassidy stated that if an accident were to occur involving furniture blowing off into traffic, it could mean that the village and property owner are legally liable.
Cassidy also said that other businesses have had to go through a planning board review, including Patio.com, which got its permit about 20 years ago when it was doing business under another name. At the most recent meeting, Mallon singled out Patio.com as a business that can have furniture outside.
It is unclear as to what will happen with Mallon's application. Cassidy said that Mallon has not been in contact since the meeting, although one of his employees contacted to ask for a copy of a survey.
Mallon has had a history of tense relations with the village. Last year he paid a $500 fine stemming from outdoor display of furniture without a permit, according to the building department's records. In 2009 he pleaded guilty on a similar charge, for displaying a decorative wrought iron fence at his previous location, according to the building department's records, but was not fined. At the time, his business was located on North Bedford Road.
