Experienced Leadership with a Deep Commitment to Pound Ridge
Peter Avellino has been a full-time resident of Pound Ridge for 33 years, where he and his wife raised their two daughters—both of whom attended Pound Ridge Elementary School and graduated from Fox Lane High School. Peter has been active in town governance and volunteer activities throughout the time he has resided in Pound Ridge with a focus on protecting the environment.
He believes that Pound Ridge is a unique place with its open woodlands and deep sense of community, offering a rare combination of natural beauty and small-town feel that is truly special and worth preserving for future generations.
Currently, Peter is a member of the town’s Comprehensive Plan Update Committee and volunteers as a Repair Coach for the Conservation Board’s semi-annual Repair Café.
Demonstrating his long-standing commitment to environmental advocacy, Peter spearheaded the Environmental Steering Committee under the Conservation Board which held the town’s first Environmental Day event in 2014. Peter was a founding member of the 29 Acres Preservation Association, a neighborhood organization advocating for environmentally responsible development across all Pound Ridge lands, a role that contributed to his broad knowledge of town affairs through years of active participation in local government. Through this work, he consistently attended Town Board meetings and public hearings, and participated in both Conservation and Planning Board discussions. Peter played a key role in serving as both an advocate and co-author of legislation for the Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Protection of Steep Slopes ordinances.
His past service also includes contributing to the 2010 Comprehensive Plan, a past inaugural member of the Ad Hoc Housing Committee (aka Housing Board), a past resident CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteer of the Pound Ridge Office of Emergency Management (PROEM), and a past member of the Pound Ridge Lions Volunteer Ambulance Corps (PRLVAC).
Peter brings professional experience as a senior-level executive in the healthcare industry for over 30 years serving large healthcare systems, hospitals, faculty practices, physician groups, and nursing homes. He provides transformational leadership and strategic guidance to clients across a broad range of focus areas, including finance, operations, reimbursement, regulatory compliance, revenue cycle optimization, private equity support, and mergers and acquisitions. His work includes leading large-scale margin improvement initiatives, bankruptcy/turnaround efforts, strategic planning pursuits encompassing new service line development and market share expansion. He holds a BA from Fordham University where he majored in Political Science and Accounting.
Peter first ran for Town Board in 2013 as a Republican. Despite a close result, the experience reinforced his continued commitment to public service and community involvement. Nearly a decade ago, he became a registered Independent to better reflect his belief that effective leadership should rise above partisanship.
Today, Peter is running for Town Board as an Independent with a renewed focus on inclusive and responsible leadership that puts the community first and ensures long-term sustainability of the town. Below are his top priorities:
Building Trust Through Transparency
Including residents’ input on pivotal decisions that shape the future of our town since lasting progress begins with shared voices. The foundation of a thriving town lies in active collaboration between residents and local leadership. Every major decision, from infrastructure to housing, energy policy to environmental preservation, should be shaped by the people who call this community home. That means:
- Hosting public forums, workshops, and holding referendums for upcoming initiatives
- Offering transparent updates and plain-language summaries on key issues
- Ensuring equitable access to participation tools, both in person and online
Forward-Thinking Environmental Stewardship
Championing responsible legislation is one of the most impactful ways to protect the environment in an age of rapid technological progress. This includes crafting policies that support clean growth, preserve natural resources, and prevent irreversible harm to our ecosystems while embracing innovation that aligns with our town’s needs and values.
Responsible Finances, Resilient Future
Committing to maintaining timely and transparent financial practices to ensure compliance with all State requirements and to support long-term budgetary planning which includes:
- Conducting regular financial hygiene reviews to identify discrepancies, inefficiencies, or areas of risk
- Meeting all state-mandated deadlines and reporting standards with accuracy and clarity
- Establishing clear processes for annual budget preparation and multi-year financial forecasting
- Promoting fiscal responsibility and transparency at every level
- Providing public access to financial information to build trust and shared accountability
Sound finances aren’t just about balance sheets—they’re about equipping the town to deliver services, respond to opportunities, and plan for a resilient future.
Adopting an Update to our Comprehensive Plan
Completing a transparent and inclusive update to our current Comprehensive Plan, within the next two years, is essential to establishing a strategic, community-driven blueprint for future decisions on land use, sustainability, housing, infrastructure, environmental protection, and economic vitality—along with the development of a Climate Action Plan.
As Pound Ridge continues to evolve, we need a modern, actionable Comprehensive Plan that addresses today’s priorities, safeguards our natural resources, and guides thoughtful, sustainable growth. More than just a policy document, the Comprehensive Plan represents a shared vision for the future—shaped by community values and built through collective effort.
Revitalizing the Business District for a Vibrant Future
Pound Ridge’s business district is the heart of our town, where residents gather, local businesses connect the community, and our small town should thrive. Despite past beautification and walkability improvements, the business district still needs thoughtful updates to meet today’s needs—along with reinstating the Economic Development Committee, suspended in early 2025, to engage key stakeholders and gather the feedback essential for its success. With aging infrastructure, limited amenities, and missed opportunities for a variety of shops and restaurants, it's time to invest in smart planning and improvements.
By enhancing streetscapes with façade upgrades, promoting green building practices, implementing strategic marketing to attract retail that offers a broader shopping experience, and supporting local entrepreneurs, we can transform the business district into a vibrant destination—one that reflects the character of Pound Ridge while building a stronger, more resilient future.
Thoughtful Housing for a Stronger Community
Advocating for responsible development that reflects the values and environmental challenges of Pound Ridge. Housing solutions should be environmentally responsible, community-focused, and responsive to the evolving needs of residents and newcomers—serving the needs of families, seniors, local workforce, and young professionals.
Any new development must respect the town’s unique character, fitting naturally within its landscape and identity. With meaningful community input, Pound Ridge can achieve a thoughtful balance between smart growth and lasting preservation.
Investing in Infrastructure
Prioritizing smart, sustainable investments in essential infrastructure—such as drinking water, wastewater systems, road maintenance and development, electric grid, cellular service, battery energy storage systems, and air quality through a balanced approach that safeguards public health, environmental integrity, and long-term community resilience.
Committed to Integrity and Responsible Leadership
Peter will govern with a steadfast commitment to transparent leadership, environmental stewardship, fiscal responsibility, and thoughtful planning. With decades of professional and civic experience, he brings a collaborative, solutions-driven approach to the challenges and opportunities facing Pound Ridge.
Peter believes in inclusive decision-making, where residents are informed, involved, and heard. He is dedicated to protecting Pound Ridge’s natural character while supporting policies that strengthen community, promote sustainability, and ensure a resilient future.
Have a question or an idea to share? Reach out to Peter at pavellino25@gmail.com.
