By Eileen Gallagher
At Town Hall Tuesday, New Castle resident Dan Googel presented his concept for a recreation path leading from Horace Greeley High School to the downtown, calling it the “ChapLine.” As a member of the Master Planning Commercial Work Group, he considers himself not to be a land-use person, but “just someone who wants to do something good for the town.” Per Googel, residents indicated through the community work sessions run by Pace that they wanted the town to be more walkable, as well as have a place for children to ride their bicycles. According to Googel, the path is already in great shape and would need minimal upgrading. Paving, a pedestrian bridge, and a painted bike lane would complete the ChapLine. Costs are roughly estimated to be between $850 to $1.4 million.
In other news… the New Castle Board of Ethics received a complete overhaul this year, from the number of members to the code they are required to follow. Previously, three members served on this board, with the stipulation that there be a registered republican, a registered democrat, and a town hall employee.
Under the direction of Supervisor Rob Greenstein, town board members, and town counsel Keane and Beane, the ethics code was updated and the ethics board reappointed with five members, namely David Browde, Kyle-Beth Hilfer, James A. Shanman, Evan Glassman, and Ken Schonberg.
As this week’s meeting began, town board member Elise Mottel read a brief statement as to the conclusion of the ethics board regarding her participation in matters of Chappaqua Crossing. Per Mottel. she remains completely impartial on the matter, and the ethics board did not find it necessary for her to again recuse herself.
Additionally, the public hearing on Chappaqua Crossing has been adjourned to October 28.
Finally, Westchester County Sewer Inclusion Project costs have skyrocketed, according to Greenstein. From the time the project was first proposed the cost has increased from an estimated $16 million to over $24 million. Greenstein attributed the increased costs to the delay in approval of the project by the county under the leadership of former chairman Ken Jenkins. Per Greenstein, New Castle has several grant applications outstanding.
