Downtown Aesthetics/Revitalization Discussed Further too
By Eileen Gallagher
At what was purported to be the penultimate public hearing in the matter of Chappaqua Crossing, there were no shortage of speakers offering suggestions and comments to the town board.
Before residents were given the microphone, however, town counsel Nick Ward-Willis made a statement addressing issues brought up by Summit Greenfield attorney Howard Stahl at the close of the Oct 28 board meeting. Ward-Willis clarified that no outcome was ever promised to Summit Greenfield, and contrary to Stahl’s assertions, there have not been 10 years of petitioning for the current project. “The town board has proceeded with due diligence,” he concluded.
Resident Joseph Devaney asked the board to require a performance bond from Summit Greenfield, such as a 100% plus bond, and carry it forward should the developer sell the property mid-construction. He asked that the board “understand this issue and resolve it, not just for the neighborhood, but for the whole town.”
Councilman Adam Brodsky agreed, stating, “We’ve never had a project of this scale.”
Jeff Blockinger, a commercial building owner in town and one of the newly appointed members of the Business Development Advisory Committee, reminded the board that the town can’t decide which particular retail establishments ultimately end up at Chappaqua Crossing once retail is approved. He also questioned the practicality of the budgeted $6.5 million for infrastructure and aesthetic downtown work, feeling that any substantial work above ground would cost much more once water and sewer work was completed, keeping any further improvements at bay. Councilman Jason Chapin assured him that was not the case. “We are committed to do that work, and the work will be done.”
Supervisor Rob Greenstein interjected, stating that the intended infrastructure and aesthetic work alone is not going to make the downtown more vibrant. “The answer to the [downtown] problem is right there at the train station.” He continued, “We have a six or seven acre parking lot.” Reminding the audience that he ran on a platform that would, in part, revitalize downtown Chappaqua, he continued, “We need to look at the downtown as a canvas.”
No stranger to the board, resident Bob Lewis expressed his concern about the potential retail entrance on Roaring Brook Road, which he felt would “threaten the existing homes on that street.” As a resident of that block, he said, “We feel threatened. WE are the existing development.” He continued, “There has been nothing concrete about how you are protecting us.”
Board member Lisa Katz assured Lewis that this issue is “on the top of my list.” Speaking of the possibility of closing the entrance to Chappaqua Crossing across from the high school, as well as screening and other enhancements, she said, “We are doing everything we can to protect your homes.” Having met with residents to hear concerns and ideas, Katz reported that “people moved here because it was a country setting. There are no huge developments.”
Rob Fleischer referred to the mandate of the board as being to protect the people of the town. “This is not an easy project. The community is crying out for you to give us protection.” Pointing out that the makeup of the town board will likely change before the project is completed, he asked that the town maintain the ability to “shift course” if the project is not working out.
Greenstein replied “There is definitely talk of memorializing everything. There are not going to be things left for chance.” He continued, “We are trying to finalize this and live happily ever after.”
John Erlich was concerned that the project is “based on hope, a wish, and a prayer.” Questioning how Whole Foods is any different than Mrs. Green’s, he wondered what would entice people to shop at the former.
In a discussion with Christine Yeres, Chapin summarized the tax revenue situation post-Reader’s Digest. Per Chapin, the current property taxes on Chappaqua Crossing are $1.6 million, and it is possible that this amount will decrease as a result of the filing of a tax certiorari by Summit Greenfield. “Right now we are only collecting $1.6 million. When the office space was fully occupied we collected much more.” He continued, “In my opinion, Chappaqua Crossing was extremely successful for many decades with Reader’s Digest. In reality, it was a different scenario when [Reader’s Digest] went bankrupt and left.”
Finally, Chuck Napoli stressed his belief that the plan “doesn’t match the county request for a Traditional Neighborhood Design.”
Hoping to have the matter decided before the end of the year, the board voted to adjourn the public hearing to Dec 2 at the next work session.
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