New Castle News

By Eileen Gallagher

The first item on the New Castle town board’s agenda: the return of the Chase’s as they presented their revised concept for food service at the Chappaqua train station. (As noted by town counsel Nick Ward Willis: the town issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) and received one response.)

Peter Chase described his vision to “help ignite the town” with a place to drink and socialize. Per Chase, “nightlife is a key component of the lifeblood of a town like this.” He explained how, based on community feedback, the concept for the station was changed from their original food and beverage operation. The new version has a “more adult approach,” and brings in farmers, local fisheries, etc., as well as locally sourced wine and artisan beer.

Using a diagram, Chase pointed out the different parts of the station and how they would be utilized during morning, afternoon, and evening service hours. Leaving the exterior alone save for some seating, the interior would require changes to the walls and floor of the area currently known as Cafe le Track. The ticket window would serve as a coffee area in the morning. Tables and chairs would be added to the waiting room area.

Due to the nature of the building, according to Chase, much of the food would be cooked off site. Board member Lisa Katz asked what the “draw” was, commenting that people are more discerning, and would not necessarily be drawn to the idea of reheated food. Chase’s wife, Erin, asked him to elaborate on their plans, stating that the last concept that was awarded the space (Leslie Lambert’s Love at 10514) was also serving food that was cooked elsewhere. Board member Jason Chapin reminded the board that they were listening to a concept, and that he didn’t want to get too detailed at the work session.

One hindrance to the proposal is the electricity supply. According to Chase, his electrician advised him that there would need to be upgrades to the system (which would involve trenching and pulling out wires) in the range of $80-100k, at a minimum. Speaking of the need for “three phase” as opposed to “single phase” electric panels, he suggested that perhaps ConEd would do the upgrade.

“ConEd will not pick up the tab,” according to Town Administrator Jill Shapiro.

Supervisor Rob Greenstein commented, “We all want the restaurant to succeed, as long as you’re open to adapting and making it work.” Ward-Willis estimated that, after discussions on the electrical issue, they could plan on having a proposed lease in the next four weeks.

“Chappaqua Flea”…
Ilana Arazie, manager of the Hastings Flea Market, presented a concept for a monthly flea market type event on Allen Place near the train station. Coinciding with the Farmers’ Market, the “Chappaqua Flea” would “celebrate local artists and craftmakers,” as stated by Arazie.

Having founded the “Hastings Flea” a year ago, Arazie has about 38 vendors reaching 200 to 400 shoppers each Sunday.

Board member Adam Brodsky drew some laughter as he asked for elaboration on the flea market concept, saying “I’m clearly not hip.”

Arazie went on to say that the vendors sell art, jewelry, furniture, antiques, and crafts. “It builds community and draws visitors to the town.” A few members of the newly formed Northern Westchester Artist Guild were on hand to express their interest and support.

Asked about fees, Arazie indicated that in Hastings, she pays about $200 to the village for use of the space, and would pay about the same to New Castle.

Greenstein expressed his concern for the merchants in town, explaining that the Saturday market tends to draw customers away from the shops adding that as former head of the town’s Chamber of Commerce, he is “very cognizant of what the merchants are thinking.” Chapin offered the suggestion of the flea market and the merchants co-promoting each other’s businesses, and said he is open to the idea.

“I’m happy to be proven wrong,” remarked Greenstein. No decision was made, but will be up for discussion in a future meeting.

Chappaqua Crossing…
Resident Bob Lewis, an architect, asked to share his concept for the space at Chappaqua Crossing as the town board discussed the Preliminary Development Concept Plan (PDCP). Map in hand containing a design of his own creation. Lewis suggested that there should be four “really different solutions” for the site, and to “let the best of them float to the top.” “What’s good for the neighborhood? What’s good for this property?” he asked.

“What if you were the applicant, after eight years, what would you think about redesigning?” asked Greenstein.

“I am not the applicant, but a concerned neighbor,” replied Lewis.

Discussions continued on the project which, according to Chapin, ought to be decided by the end of the year. “We need to move forward as expeditiously as possible.”

Brodsky agreed, suggesting that the board consider having special meetings, “whatever it takes to get this [decided].”

And More Updates from Town Hall’s 10/28 Meeting

By Eileen Gallagher

Mark Mobley, executive construction coordinator for Whole Foods northeast region, was asked several questions by the town board and the public about the proposed store at Chappaqua Crossing. He explained that he is involved with the planning of the store itself–and not the traffic and zoning issues.

“We are excited to be part of this development at Chappaqua Crossing,” began Mobley, describing how Felix Charney approached them four years ago to consider the location for a new Whole Foods store. Mobley went on, “We want to be part of the community and work with the schools and hospital for healthy lifestyles.”

Supervisor Rob Greenstein asked how the store would be involved in the community. Per Mobley: tours, healthy eating presentations, community givebacks such as landscaping, are all planned. He did express concern with delays as the company is anxious to begin construction.

Board members weighed in as the four-hour meeting went on.
–Elise Mottel asked about traffic management during times such as Thanksgiving and Christmas when traffic tends to be heavier.
–Lisa Katz questioned the need for 120,000 square feet of retail, as well as delivery times for trucks. –Adam Brodsky wanted to know how that square footage was derived, and how they could revisit that number for something smaller.

Mobley had some answers, saying that Whole Foods would not come to the area without “a critical mass,” and that they would plan for traffic management for high volume times, but deferred explanations for the retail size and delivery times to “the people in Austin” who make up the real estate committee for Whole Foods.

Several members of the audience spoke their minds about the proposed retail space and the effects they felt it would have on traffic in the area. There were a couple of comments in favor of Whole Foods coming to Chappaqua. At one point, board member Jason Chapin told a resident that though the board welcomed his ideas for the median and island on Old Roaring Book Road, the discussion that evening was focused on zoning.

As the meeting drew to a close, the Fried Frank trial lawyer who had brought the suit on behalf of Summit Greenfield against the town board in 2011 came to the microphone.

Katz sparred with Howard Stahl as he referred to the case of Sherman vs the Town of Chester, which he compared to the situation in New Castle with his client. Speaking about millions of dollars spent by a developer while the town of Chester “kept moving the goalposts,” he indicated that the outcome of that case [Chester losing the case] could occur with New Castle as well.

Complaining that Summit Greenfield has been through several years and “four boards” in their quest for developing their property, and saying that the current board’s predecessors had already decided what the use of the property would be, he indicated that they were at the end of the “tolling period.” “All I can implore you to do is to do your jobs of course… do your deliberations, analyze the data… and settle this.”

Katz spoke to Stahl. “I for one am not going to make a decision that’s going to affect this town forever based on a threat of litigation, which… you were losing.” Referring to his comment that compromise results in all parties being left at least a little unhappy, Katz asked at what parameters the project could get done where his client would settle, so that it would be “acceptable and unacceptable for all parties.” She continued, saying that what she can do is either approve or disapprove this project.

Brodsky addressed Stahl, saying that they could either have a back and forth discussion and work as partners, or make the decision on his behalf as part of their duty.

Greenstein interjected, “We’re going to ultimately make a decision, and whatever happens happens with the litigation, and hopefully it’s a win for everybody, for the community, for the developer… It’s time to make a decision, and we’ll let the chips fall where they may, but it’s time to make a decision.”

Next hearing on Chappaqua Crossing regarding retail usage and proposed retail overlay district will be November 18.

By Tyler Sherman

During this week’s Ragamuffin Parade and Carnival, members of the Greeley class of 2016 walked around offering families the opportunity to take photos with three costumed characters [Elsa, Spongebob, and the Greeley Quaker]. Although the photos were free, participants were asked for a donation towards the Pleasantville Cottage School. The Cottage School houses, cares for, and educates underprivileged and at risk children. The fundraiser was a huge success, raising over $400 dollars.

All donations will go towards providing holiday gifts for the Cottage School students, ensuring that they each have an opportunity to celebrate the holiday season! Donations are still being accepted. If you would like to make a donation, please mail or drop off a check made payable to the HGHS class of 2016 at the main office of the high school. Thank you for your support of this incredible cause!

Tyler Sherman is a junior at Horace Greeley High School and a member of the Greeley Class of 2016 Student Government, the President of the Horace Greeley High School Foreign Exchange Club, and a founding member of the Greeley Technology Committee.

 

By Eileen Gallagher

Preliminary budget talks are underway at Town Hall.

The first part of the budget process involves hearing department summaries as well as plans and “Wish Lists” for the coming year.  Recreation and Parks, Police, Town Clerk, New Castle Community Media Center, Department of Public Works, and Town Development were among the reports presented thus far.

Noteworthy for 2014:

-Substantial savings due to renegotiated refuse contract and worker’s compensation plan -Approximately 5,500 tax receipts processed, 3,060 parking permits paid for and 800 dog licenses renewed -Videotaped town board work sessions, zoning, and planning board meetings as well as town board meetings

Planned and/or proposed for 2015:

-BAS FOIL Tracker, a software package designed to streamline Freedom of Information Law requests -Online access for taxpayer information, camp registration, payment of program fees, and renewal of parking permits -Video Agenda Integration (VAI) to enable tabbing and time stamping to quickly reach a specific part of a meeting or attached document

– Additional equipment installation for town-wide wifi, and kiosks displaying town events, weather, and news

– Recycling “toters” which are larger, wheeled containers with lids to be sold to households

– Hosted voice system, or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) to allow for town hall to operate from virtually any location -Basketball court at town hall, recreation field renovation, safety netting for sledding hill at Gedney Park, and playground replacements for compliance with safety regulations -Two police department vehicle/body cameras for trial basis