Inside Press

By Eileen Gallagher

During the joint planning and town board meeting this Tuesday, May 20, it was revealed that board member Elise Mottel will be an active participant in all matters regarding Chappaqua Crossing.

Having recused herself from all discussions back in March of 2010, Mottel explained that the law firm she works for no longer represents an affiliate of Greenfield Partners. According to Mottel, she “has been and will continue to take the time to familiarize [herself] with the entire record.”

Mottel went on to say, “I will be completely impartial and will exercise judgment without any self interest but on the basis of the best interest of the town.”

From there on, the meeting (about 75 attendees strong) was all about traffic…

Michael Galante, the traffic consultant contracted by the town, interpreted the results of the report that, it was learned, was produced by Summit Greenfield’s traffic expert in 2008.

The report involved a confusing and lengthy number of traffic totals taken during five different timed sessions at 17 intersections as well as the three access points at Bedford Road, Roaring Brook Road, and the entrance near the Saw Mill Parkway.

To the dismay of the New Castle town and planning board members, the individual responsible for the report was not present at the meeting. Board member Adam Brodsky remarked to Galante, “You are here to represent the town’s interest, how can you help us gear the conversation toward the applicant? They don’t have their traffic consultant here tonight. I’m a little displeased.”

As Galante explained, “There are a lot of numbers; they should be here to do that. I can do it, but it’s not my traffic report. It’s a little hard to interpret someone else’s report.”

Several questions from board members were applauded by concerned residents. Councilwoman Lisa Katz pointed out, “I’m not a traffic consultant, but I am observant. The difference between the analysis of an A&P versus Wholefoods is significant.  People would travel from all over Westchester to go to Wholefoods as opposed to an A&P.”

Councilman Jason Chapin asked, “Can you talk about truck traffic and non-car traffic?” Brodsky concurred. “I’m on Lisa’s team on this project. This is a regional center with bigger box stores, drawing from a larger geographical area.”

Katz continued. “Is there an inherent conflict of interest in relying on their traffic studies? Without our doing an independent traffic analysis, how can we rely on those numbers?”

In an attempt to break through the myriad of estimates, reports, and conclusions, Brodsky asked, “ What is the net [traffic] effect of the property at full occupation compared to today?”

Galante responded that, during the afternoon peak traffic time, the busiest time noted in the study, there were 1,091 vehicles reported, and an additional 1,100 trips would be generated after all the spaces were leased and occupied. “

Mottel commented, “To sum up, I don’t really understand the traffic. There have been questions about the truck traffic and the school… we are asking for information that would be helpful for us to understand.”

Though the public was invited to comment, Supervisor Rob Greenstein remarked, “We are going to welcome your comments, but this is not a public hearing. We are advocating for the best possible outcome for the town.”

Several members of the audience, largely residents of the neighboring area of Chappaqua Crossing, pointed out potential negative effects of the project, such as pedestrian safety, environmental impacts, and rezoning before the master plan completion.

The town board plans for a public hearing on June 10.

 

By Eileen Gallagher

“I think this is a truly wonderful idea for the men and women of the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Millwood Fire Departments are dedicated public servants who keep us safe every day.  They are worthy of our praise and support for their extraordinary service.”

Hillary Rodham Clinton

 

Grateful Girl Scouts from Chappaqua troop 1029 presented “Thank a First Responder Day” details at Town Hall this week. The girls’ goal? To engage the New Castle community in recognizing the dedication and hard work of the Chappaqua and Millwood Volunteer Fire departments and the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Members of the town board and the supervisor applauded the girls for their efforts.

Per the excerpt above, the girls also proudly noted that Hillary Clinton had sent their troop a letter of support for the project.

Clinton continued with: “As you continue preparing for our community to come together and express our appreciation this coming May, please know that I am cheering you on. As a former Girl Scout myself,  I am proud to know that the spirit of service and community endures. Keep up the great work!”

Tuesday, May 27 (the Tuesday after Memorial Day) is the special day, and all residents are invited to stop in to say “thank you,” bring some cookies or snacks, and let first responders know how grateful the community is for their service.

The locations are: Chappaqua Fire Department (491 King Street), Millwood Fire Department (60 Millwood Road), and Chappaqua Ambulance Corps (233 North Greeley Avenue).

By Eileen Gallagher

Ninette Silverman, an antiques dealer and Chappaqua resident, spoke before the board at Town Hall this week to state that she would like to run an antique show alongside the Farmers’ Market at the train station.  A “gate fee” would provide entry into the enclosed area she would arrange, with select dealers setting up in front of their vehicles. Proceeds would be donated to a charity for pediatric asthma.

Greenstein asked whether the dealers could be sprinkled throughout town rather than located exclusively at the station, as a way to bring more foot traffic to merchants. Another suggestion was to confine the show to lower King Street (the block from Starbucks to the railroad tracks), nearer to the restaurants, and possibly combining it with the annual Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce’s Fall Festival in October.

The Chappaqua Farmers’ Market returns to the Chappaqua Train Station this Saturday, May 17. In addition, Saturday will be the grand re-opening of Take It Or Leave It in it’s new home at the far end of the parking lot.

 

 

By Eileen Gallagher

Questions regarding traffic at Chappaqua Crossing and the surrounding residential area were raised during public comments at this week’s New Castle Town Hall meeting. A resident of Annandale Drive, Hedy Simpson, expressed concern that her street would become a “thruway” for people to access Route 117. “How would you prevent people from accessing that road? This is a neighborhood with children playing, people exercising, bicycles…”

Board member Adam Brodsky responded with assurances that fellow board members, along with Galante, will look carefully at the traffic issues. “You are not the first person to voice these concerns. There are legitimate concerns, and that road has always been problematic. Mike Galante is very experienced, he will have some guidance on it.”

According to Supervisor Rob Greenstein, he has met with residents of Annandale. “Whatever happens at Chappaqua Crossing, we want to minimize the effect on the area.”  He added, “When you make any decision, you can’t make everyone happy, but to the extent you can make as many people happy as possible, that’s a good goal.”

Simpson concluded with a plea to the board:  “Please keep this in the forefront and remember us there across the street.”