Inside Press

 By Eileen Gallagher

Feedback from the public and town board precipitated a change in plans for the property formerly owned by the Legionaries. During last week’s town board work session, Steven Oder of Soder Realty described his new proposal as a closed residential community known as “Rosehill.”

David Steinmetz, attorney for the developer, categorized Rosehill as an “exclusive, singular multi-family residential project.” Construction will cover virtually the same footprint, but with a significant reduction in traffic and about 25 to 30 percent less septic usage.

Oder delineated the changes using newly drawn plans. Gone are the spa and hotel; instead, 40 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom units with no age restrictions are on the table. In addition, there would be a smaller fitness center, 75 seat theater, and pool. According to Oder, the old Billy Rose estate and chapel would remain in place, and no building would be of a height greater than the estate, which he estimated to be 46 feet.

When asked by Lisa Katz, board member, about the visibility of the proposed community to residents of Tripp Street, he responded that he would “landscape the dickens out of it.”

Board member Elise Mottel mentioned the tennis courts, inquiring if they would be lit. Oder replied, “if it bothers people, then no.” In addition, he assured the board that the property would be “pristine,” and that he would mitigate any issues for neighbors.

Steinmetz asked for an acknowledgement that this plan is something that his client should pursue, so as not to waste time and money. Board member Jason Chapin reminded him that it is not up to the town board to agree or disagree with the project. “We rely on the planning and zoning boards.”

 

By Eileen Gallagher

May has finally arrived, bringing sunshine, milder temperatures–and Master Plan Outreach Sessions.

In conjunction with consultants from Pace Land Use Law Center, the Master Plan Steering Committee is hosting four public sessions, hoping for as many residents as possible to come to the one they find most convenient to share their vision for New Castle.

According to town supervisor Rob Greenstein, all comments will be recorded, compiled, and analyzed by Pace. Dates, times, and locations are listed below this article.**

Adam Brodsky reiterated the board’s full support, reminding the community that it is a step by step process. Greenstein considers the cost of the consultants “money wisely spent,” while Elise Mottel spoke of the possibility of additional funding. “The master plan process has been evolving now that we have Pace. The board will have to discuss funding and if we do need to have additional funding after that.”

As to the possibility of a survey, Greenstein feels that the town would “benefit from having a paid professional do it,” and that it should be considered “when the time is right.”  Referring to recent suggestions that board members should not be taking part in work groups, Lisa Katz partially agreed as to the leadership roles in question, but said of the board, “We still have to remain involved in the master planning process. We need to be able to make decisions about where we need to spend money.”

The Chappaqua Crossing Discussion

In the matter of development at Chappaqua Crossing, four things still have to happen, according to Greenstein. The preliminary plan has to be referred to the planning board. A subsequent joint town and planning board meeting must take place. Traffic engineer Michael Galante will return with a study and to answer any questions. Finally, there will be a meeting with Summit Greenfield.

In response to questions during the public comment portion of the meeting regarding the proposals and likely effects of such development at the site, Katz assured the resident, “I hear what you’re saying about the neighbors, and not just in the immediate vicinity. I have a fiduciary obligation to all the neighbors.”

Katz is the liaison between the town board and a community group called Chappaqua Crossing Concerned Residents Committee, whose petition, “Say No to Retail at Chappaqua Crossing – Vote No to Rezoning, implores the board to reject the developer’s request to have the commercially zoned campus rezoned to allow for retail.

Greenstein, as well as Brodsky, has met with Jessica Reinmann of the community group, he said, as well as other residents of the area around Chappaqua Crossing, and is “more than happy to meet and talk with anyone regarding the matter.”

“There are two points of view,” he went on. “Explaining the past process, where we are and how we got here. And discussing the concerns of the residents, figuring out how we could deal with the situation and make it as best as possible for everyone.”

Bob Lewis, the resident appealing to the board, spoke politely as he hit on various concerns he shares with other residents of the vicinity, including pedestrian safety, increased truck traffic, and changes in the look and feel of the area. He requested a forum for people who are interested “where neighbors can meet and talk, and find common ground.” Katz shared her intention to meet anyone on Friday morning in town and in the future to answer questions and listen to concerns.

In other news…

Department of Public Works Commissioner Anthony Vaccaro has resigned and accepted a position with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Taking his place is Gerry Moerschell.  The town, according to Greenstein’s statement, “is taking this opportunity to make some much needed improvements at New Castle Department of Public Works – and change begins at the top.” He continued, “New policies will be put in place – a new comprehensive harassment and discrimination policy that the board will discuss next week, new protocols for training, and accountability of staff.”

Solveig McShea presented details for the first Chappaqua Millwood Chamber of Commerce Fashion Week–which ends today–including opportunities for styling, discounts and promotions in our local shops. Also mentioned were “Movies in Millwood Park” and the “Summer Concert Series.” Board member Jason Chapin suggested the possibility of having student bands from the middle schools and high school participate. McShea asked about placing store and community sponsored decorative planters outside downtown shops as a “simple fix to dress up the downtown in the short term.”

Repair work on Route 117 is planned for June, according to the New York State Department of Transportation.

The next town board meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, has been moved up to Monday, May 12.

** Community Outreach Sessions:

Wednesday, May 7 at Bell Middle School,  7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, May 10 at Horace Greeley High School, 9 a.m. to noon

Thursday, May 15 at Westorchard Elementary, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Wednesday, May 21 at Seven Bridges Middle School, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

 

News Release.

Event to Support Children with Learning Disabilities & Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD) — Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m

The Sensory Sprint is an outdoor event that features Westchester’s first 2.5k obstacle run. Adults and children of all ages are invited to a Family Fun outdoor event that also features field games, group workouts for kids and adults, yoga, music and local food vendors. The event is hosted by Conquer and sponsored by WeeZee… the Science of Play.  Conquer is the new non-profit arm of the 18,000 square foot play, fitness and learning facility WeeZee… the Science of Play. Raffles and prizes will include Full Day Passes to WeeZee.

Children and adults are invited to join established “Coach-led” teams, create their own team or participate individually. The cost for participation is $25/adult and $15/child under 16 years to join an established team or make your own team of 5 or more people; or sign up as a solo participant for $30/adult, $15/child under 16.

To register for the Sensory Sprint, go to www.conquerspd.eventbrite.com, call 914-752-4992, or email prowe@conquerspd.org. Advanced registration is suggested, but sign-ups will also be done the day of the event.

All funds raised will benefit Conquer, which aims to “conquer” learning disabilities and sensory processing disorders by researching the most effective equipment and programs that foster sensory development in children.

Outdoors at WeeZee…the Science of Play
480 N. Bedford Road (Chappaqua Crossing)
Chappaqua, NY 10514

WHO:

Conquer’s primary mission is to reduce the effects of learning disabilities and Sensory Processing Disorders in children through research obtained in a therapeutic “play” environment. The research goal is to identify the most effective, cutting edge equipment and techniques to combat learning disabilities caused by Sensory Processing Disorders, to
provide access to therapeutic play through transportation and tuition scholarships and to empower children and their families with new confidence so that they can “Conquer any challenge!” For more information, contact prowe@conquerspd.org, or call 914-752-4992.

(for release)
“While New Yorkers are out taking advantage of the Spring weather, it is important to ensure safety remains a top priority,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “New Yorkers of all ages should take a few moments to educate themselves about the health risks associated with tick bites and take proper precautions to protect themselves from them.”

Lyme disease is caused by the bite of an infected deer tick. Ticks are active when the weather stays above freezing, usually from April through November.The time of greatest concern is in late spring and early summer when nymphal ticks are active. In the nymphal stage of life, deer ticks are small (about the size of a poppy seed) and difficult to see. Nymphal deer ticks are responsible for the majority of Lyme disease cases. In tick-infested areas, any contact with vegetation, even playing in a well-manicured yard, can result in exposure to ticks.

While this past winter was unusually harsh, the abundant and long-lasting snow cover likely provided insulation to allow ticks to survive the winter. Deer ticks, carriers of at least four different pathogens, are starting to emerge and will be present for the next several months across the state.

“The good news is that Lyme and other tick-borne diseases are preventable by taking simple precautions such as wearing light colored clothing, tucking pants into socks and doing a tick check after being in wooded or grassy areas,” State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H., said.

Lyme and other tick-borne diseases

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted by infected deer ticks (both nymphs and adults), which are most active when temperatures are above freezing.Lyme disease can affect people of any age.

Since reporting of Lyme disease to DOH began in 1986, more than 100,000 cases have been documented.While there are year-to-year variations, New York State averages more than 5,500 new Lyme diseases cases each year.Individuals who spend time in grassy and wooded environments are at greatest risk of exposure.It is important to do thorough body checks for ticks after playing or working outdoors, paying close attention to armpits, the area behind the knees and ears, the hairline, the waist, and the groin.

Lyme disease is spread when an infected tick bites a person and remains attached for 36 hours or more.In 60-80 percent of cases an expanding rash resembling a bull’s eye or solid patch will appear near the site of the bite.If an expanding rash more than two inches apart appears or flu-like symptoms occur over a 30-day period following a tick bite, or if an expanding rash more than two inches across appears, contact your health care provider immediately.

If a tick is found on the body, it is critical to remove it immediately, preferably with fine point tweezers, grasping the tick as close to its attachment to the skin.When removing a tick, if its mouthparts break off and remain in the skin, do not be concerned.The mouthparts alone cannot transmit Lyme disease because the infective body of the tick is no longer attached.The mouthparts can be left alone.They will dry up and fall out by themselves in a few days or they can be removed as you would a splinter.

Lyme disease is just one of several diseases that can be transmitted by ticks.Others include babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and infections from Powassan and/or deer tick viruses.The key to preventing Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases is taking safety precautions before heading into areas where ticks may be present.Anyone who will be spending time in a grassy or wooded area should:

• Make sure shirts are tucked in and also tuck pants into socks to prevent ticks from accessing the skin.
  · Wear long sleeve shirts and pants, when practical.
  · Wear light colored clothing that will make it easier to spot and remove ticks.
  · Check for ticks every two to three hours while outdoors and brush off any ticks you find before they attach.
  · Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks on your body.
  · Perform a full body check multiple times during the day and at the end of the day to ensure that no ticks are attached.

Repellents also provide protection against tick bites.Choose a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.Use products that contain permethrin only on clothes.Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents.Treated clothing or gear remains protective through several washings.Pre-treated clothing is also available and remains protective for up to 70 washings.Follow the label directions when using repellents and apply in small amounts, avoiding contact with the eyes, nose or mouth.Use only small amounts when applying repellants on children.

Preventing Ticks on Your Pets

Dogs are very susceptible to tick bites and tick-borne diseases–more susceptible than cats. Vaccines are not available for all the tick-borne diseases that dogs can get, and they don’t keep the dogs from bringing ticks into your home. For these reasons, it is important to use a tick preventive product on your dog.

Tick bites on dogs may be hard to detect. Signs of tick-borne disease may not appear for 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite, so watch your dog closely for changes in behavior or appetite if you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a tick. To reduce the chances that a tick will transmit disease to you or your pets:

• Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors.
  · If you find a tick on your dog, remove it right away.
  · Ask your veterinarian to conduct a tick check at each exam.
  · Talk with your veterinarian about using tick preventives on your pet.
  · Always follow label instructions when applying tick preventives to your pet.

Note: Cats are extremely sensitive to a variety of chemicals. Do not apply any tick preventative to your cats without first consulting your veterinarian!

Additional information about tick-borne diseases and recommended precautions can be found at: http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/.