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New Castle News

Chappaqua Kids’ Laps had Heart and Soul in NY’s Third Most Successful “Swim Across America”

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swim1Article and Photos by Zarah Kavarana

Early on Sunday, July 14, the Chappaqua Swim and Tennis Club was flooded with swimmers of all ages who were eager to jump in the pool and swim to raise money for the grassroots organization, Swim Across America.

The event helped raise both money and awareness for cancer research, prevention, and treatment. This was Swim Across America’s second year hosting the event at the Chappaqua Swim and Tennis Club. In 2012, the event raised $30K, which made it the third most successful Swim Across America event in the New York area. According to Media Chair, Jean Fufidio, the total amount raised for this year is currently in the process of being tallied, but the number is already well over last year’s mark.

Swim Across America, Inc. was originally founded in 1987. Through the years, it has united and attracted over 5,000 recreational and competitive swimmers, Olympians, kayakers, boaters, and volunteers in the fight against cancer. Today, it offers 50 swims in 14 different states with multiple chapters. Swim Across America has raised more than $40 million, which has ultimately gone toward research and prevention programs at some of America’s most well regarded hospitals and managed-care facilities.

swim2Silver medalist in the 1976 Olympics and volunteer coach, Bobby Hackett, highlighted the benefits of the event.

He said, “It’s a community getting together for a cause and everybody here knows somebody who has directly or indirectly been impacted by cancer. For me, it’s an opportunity to give back and raise some funds to hopefully make peoples lives better.”

To describe Swim Across America, Fufido said, “Swim Across America is a community-minded organization where it’s national in scope, but local in heart.”

The Long Island Sound Chapter, which includes a large number of Westchester County  members, is now the largest in the organization and has raised over

$12 million since its start in 1992. In 2012 alone, it raised $1 million with support from its community. The chapter has a goal of raising $1.2 million this year.

Swimmers had options to fit their comfort and experience levels. They could swim one mile or half a mile, individually or with a team.

Participants came out for a variety of reasons, ultimately uniting together against cancer.

19 year-old Henry Simon decided to take part as a tribute to his father, David Simon, who died of cancer in 2007.

swim3He said, “It really started when Coach Dan brought Swim Across America to the Chappaqua Swim and Tennis Club. He asked me if it was okay making a Team Karen and David because my Dad was a big part of this club when he was still alive, and a lot of kids knew him. I really just do it in honor of him so that everyone doesn’t forget and remembers that it [cancer] touches everyone, not just a few people.”

10 year-old Joseph Weiner also participated for the ones he has loved and lost.

“The event helps raise money to help fight cancer and people I know have died from having that and it’s really sad. I do the best I can to help.”

Following the event was a free swim clinic from former Olympic swimmer and Katonah resident, Bobby Hackett. He worked with attendees, giving them helpful tips that would greater improve their skills. Hackett would first explain, then demonstrate the hint, and call a few swimmers at a time into the water to try out what they were just taught.

Complimentary food and beverages were available throughout the event, and a kiddie pool was open for the little ones. Medals, t-shirts, and beach towels were given to those who participated.

Many of those who could not or chose not to swim made a pledge to the Swim Across America website: www.swimacrossamerica.org. Inside Chappaqua readers are also encouraged to donate what they can to this influential cause.

The Sound of Music in New Castle: Summer Concert Series in Full Swing

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Tramps Like Us rocked New Castle’s first in the four concert series.
Tramps Like Us rocked New Castle’s first in the four concert series.

Story and Photos by Zarah Kavarana

Chappaqua’s annual Summer Concert Series had residents singing, dancing, and laughing at its first show on July 10, which featured Tramps Like Us, a Bruce Springsteen cover band.

For over 25 years, the Summer Concert Series has contributed to the uniqueness of Chappaqua. Each year, 100s of people gather at the Recreation Field for good food, good music, and good company. So far, this year’s event is more successful than ever with a record number of attendees from both Chappaqua and surrounding Westchester towns. The field was packed with Springsteen-lovers of all ages.

“It’s a great community event to get people to downtown and hanging out in the summertime,” said Solveig McShea, one of the organizers of the Summer Concert Series. “It’s something fun to do outside and it’s just really about getting family and friends out listening to music.”

Janet Angier and Michael McTigue of Music in Chappaqua, the series’ main sponsor.
Janet Angier and Michael McTigue of Music in Chappaqua, the series’ main sponsor.

Inside Chappaqua Magazine rose to the occasion too with a June/Summer cover story—an interview by Robert Greenstein with Chappaqua resident Mark Salore, leader of Tramps Like Us. The magazine’s mailing to 10,000 homes and other local distribution and online efforts helped assure that virtually every household in the area was aware of the incredible lineup this summer.

The event began at 7p.m.., as will all other scheduled shows in the Summer Concert Series.  Attendees have the opportunity to walk around, purchase dinner, chat with friends, or just set down a blanket and chairs in the grass and relax.

The pre-show featured young students from Music in Chappaqua, who sang popular hits before the crowd at the field’s gazebo to help build their confidence and performance skills.

Tramps Like Us came on at around 8 p.m. and sang numerous Springsteen favorites, like Dancing in the Dark and Born to Run. The band also brought Christmas in July by performing Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Lead singer and Chappaqua resident Mark Salore, jumped out into the crowd to greet his audience and even singled some out to sing song lyrics.

The event is sponsored by the New Castle Recreation and Parks Department, the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce, Music in Chappaqua, in addition to the following local sponsors:

Gold Sponsors

  • Allstate Insurance – Stephen Greenberg
  • Desires by Mikolay
  • New Castle PBA
  • Temple Shaaray Tefila
  • The Gym of Armonk

Platinum Sponsors

  • Cathy’s Hair Room
  • Healthy Compounding Pharmacy
  • Inside Chappaqua Magazine
  • Jodi’s Gym
  • New York Organ Donor Network
  • WeeZee World of “Yes I Can!”
  • World Cup Nursery School and Kindergarten

Diamond Sponsors

  • Gail Patrick’s Cafe
  • Le Jardin du Roi
  • King Street Restaurant and bar
  • Quaker Hill Tavern
  • Sherry B Desert Studio

As the main sponsor of the Summer Concert Series, Janet Angier, the Director of Music in Chappaqua, said that the school’s donation was out of appreciation for the Chappaqua community.

“We want to give back,” she said. “Chappaqua has really been good to us. We’ve been in business for 20 years now, and we’ve seen all kinds of students come through and do really great things, so we just want to say thank you to Chappaqua.”

Many sponsors said that the Summer Concert Series was a brilliant way to get the public to take note of what their businesses have to offer.

Casey Deluca, Intern for Desires by Mikolay said, “We really just wanted to get the word out about what we do. We’re a jewelry store, we do free jewelry cleaning, and we’re a family-owned business.”

“We’re here trying to promote a healthy lifestyle by talking to some parents and some children,” said Matthew Benjamin, Director of Business Development at The Gym of Armonk. “We have a lot of youth programs at the gym. We even host bar mitzvahs and we have camp-oriented programs for kids in our gym and our actual basketball court on the gym. So we thought it would be a great time to meet people here, show them more about the gym, and get them to join.”

Each of the sponsors are given their own stations, where they put out their own offerings.

Some organized a number of fun activities for concertgoers. Jodi’s Gym, WeeZee, and World Cup will keep kids busy with arts and crafts, gymnastics rotations, and a giant spinning top, while Cathy’s Hair Room is offering hair braiding and extensions. Others are putting together goodies for attendees to take home. Music in Chappaqua is setting out glow bracelets and is sponsoring a raffle for one full week of camp. Desires by Mikolay is putting out beach balls and Ring Pop gift bags for the kids. Additionally, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is selling “pinkalicious” cupcakes and gluten free s’mores.

Sponsors such as The Gym of Armonk, New York Organ Donor Network, and Temple Shaaray Tefila have own information tables, where people can visit and find out more about each group.

Food vendors will be serving up their delicious creations throughout the series. They include Gail Patrick’s Cafe, Le Jardin du Roi, King Street Restaurant and Bar, Quaker Hill Tavern, and Sherry B Dessert Studio.

The Summer Concert Series will continue on July 17 with the Chappaqua Orchestra, July 24 with One Hot Night, a Neil Diamond cover band, and July 31 with Holla Back, a 1980s tribute band. All concerts are free to members of the public, so come out and join the fun!

In the event of poor weather conditions, the concerts will be held in the Chappaqua Public Library auditorium. For questions regarding the status of the concerts, please call the Recreation and Parks Department events hotline 238-2540.

Chappaqua Affordable Housing Update—Report from Town Hall July 9 Meeting

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By Zarah Kavarana

Conifer’s current plans were initially presented to board members in April, when they put forth a much more suitable proposal that addressed the concerns of visual impact, pedestrian and traffic circulation, and parking. To appease the concerns of both the public and board members, Conifer decreased the number of affordable apartment homes from 36 to 28, about a 22 percent reduction.

Architect Stephen Schoch spoke about two of the potential concepts up for discussion. The first has a height of three to four stories, with three stories on the sides of the building, and four in the middle. The second is only three stories, keeping the building to a more preferred height. Schoch noted, however, that this design would have a larger mass and would go out to the property line. The first plan would therefore have much more recreational space than the second. He suggested going with the first plan because it would be more visually appealing.

Board members did not  state how they intend to vote on the rezoning legislation and special permit currently in consideration for the project. They did, however, have much to say on the proposal.

Supervisor Susan Carpenter said that she supports the project, but 54 Hunts Place is not the right location. She encouraged members of the public to welcome the residents of this site by saying, “Our community can support them.”

Robin Stout, councilman, thanked Conifer for being so responsive to the requests of the Chappaqua community and its board members. He felt that any apparent issues could now be overcome.

Board members Jason Chapin and John Buckley both had strong reservations on the project.

Buckley felt that despite the changes that have been made, the project was still much too big.

Chapin agreed that it’s oversized and would not blend in. He did acknowledge the growth of the project, but ultimately gave it a thumbs down.

He said, “While this amounts to several steps in the right direction, it is not enough for me. I have too many reservations about this project. I also don’t think all the conditions and standards required for a special permit have been met, and therefore, the project should not move forward.”

The audience was packed with Chappaqua residents who were ready to speak about the new proposal.

One of which was Steve Goldenberg. He made a point that there will never be a perfect project on the table. Residents and board members will have to make compromises, otherwise the project will never be completed.

Another resident Bill Spade, proposed that the project is too big to be squeezed onto a small parcel of land, and that this was the fault of the developer. Because the county pays for the land per-unit, there is a financial incentive for the developer to add on as many units as possible.

In response to the many who claimed that the location will stigmatize the residents of the apartments,  Chappaqua resident, Nancy King suggested otherwise.

She said, “Are we the kind of people who think less of others because of where they live? If so, what does that say about us?”

After listening to each of the Chappaqua residents, the board voted to adjourn both public hearings connected to the affordable housing project until the next meeting on July 23. Members believed that this would be an appropriate amount of time for Conifer to produce documents containing environmental and financial information that would be vital in the entirety of the process.

News from the July 9th New Castle Town Hall Meeting

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By Zarah Kavarana

The following is a breakdown of the topics discussed at the New Castle Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, July 9, 2013.

Announcements:

The Summer Concert Series, Co-sponsored by the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce, began at the gazebo of the Recreation Field. The schedule is as follows: July 10 featured Tramps Like Us, a Bruce Springsteen cover band; July 17 is the Chappaqua Orchestra; July 24 is One Hot Night, a Neil diamond cover band; and July 31 is Hollaback, an 80s tribute band. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are free.

The Chappaqua Sales Days will begin on July 25, continuing on the 26th and the 27th. It will take place at the Chappaqua Hamlet, where residents can buy food from local restaurants and shop all the offerings vendors have in store. Don’t miss out on one of Chappaqua’s best shopping days of the summer!

The Farmers Market is in full swing at the Chappaqua Train Station every Saturday between 8:30 A.M. and 1 P.M. Here, summer produce is starting to come in strong with fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheese, baked goods, and even a fresh fish market from a fish vender from the Long Island Sound.

Town Administrator’s Report:

Approximately six months ago, the town began working with the East Hudson Watershed Corporation to protect water quality and improve drainage on Old Roaring Brook Road. The project will allow maintenance efforts of the towns Department of Public Works to be more successful and improve the functionality of the roadway for those who live on and use it. On June 28, a letter was sent out to the residents of the area, explaining what actions would be taken over the next several weeks. Since then, design work has begun. Several property owners who were contacted have agreed to allow for tests to be conducted on their properties as part of the investigatory engineering work. Further updates will be presented as this project progresses.

Heat Wave Monitoring

Officials have been monitoring the heat wave we’ve been experiencing, and ensuring that members of the senior community are doing well in such hot conditions. Police have been checking in on seniors through the Senior Watch Program, and have not encountered any problems as yet.

David McKay Wilson from the Journal News reported on Friday, July 5 about 10 local municipalities which are attempting to see if they can derive value by joining together and having one vendor do a re-evaluation. New Castle joined the group early in the process. The results of the bids are expected to be released sometime in November.

In the first half of 2013 compared to the same period last year, the medium price for single family homes in the Chappaqua school district has increased by 15.4% from 758,000 to 875,000. The number of homes sold has increased from 49 to 89, which is an 81.6% increase.

The Master Plan Update Steering Committee has been working on establishing the Master Plan update website and work groups. Those who are interested in working on specific areas of the Master Plan should stay tuned. Sign up will be announced on the town Master Plan update webpage, which will be ready by the end of the month. Please contact the town planner, Sabrina Charney Hull for more information sooner.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

Four projects have been submitted for consideration for the Hazard Mitigation Grant program. Three have been designated for improvements to the west end of town, and one is for the community center.

The first is a request in the amount of $250,000 to and re-profile the road, as well as to rebuild and expand the storm water drainage system on Spring Valley Road. The project is expected to prevent flooding in the area and improve both resilience and reliability of the roadway.

The second is in the amount of $200,000 to rebuild the stone mass supporting Hawkes Avenue and increase storm water drainage system capacity. This will repair erosive damage and ensure stability of the road.

The third project is for $200,000 to install more catch basins and increase the size of the drainpipes on Allapartus Road. This will provide safer driving conditions and excessive icing in the winter from storm water.

The last project is for $75,000 for a fix-based diesel generator for the Community Center. When completed, the Community Center can perform as a temporary rest site for residents during a storm situation.

Energize New Castle

Ethan Fuirst, Deputy Chair of the New Castle Sustainability Advisory Board and recent Greeley graduate spoke on behalf of Energize New Castle, a branch of Energize New York. Energize New Castle is a non-profit organization from which homeowners can get a low cost energy assessment and a 10 to 15% rebate on any improvements they make on their home.

The assessment is free if your household income is less than $215,800 and your home is less than 3500 ft.² With an income between $215,000 and $269,000  the assessment is only $50.

In addition to the cost estimate, the program will tell you about a payback period so that you can see your return on a dollars and cents basis. The entire program is made to help homeowners save money on their energy bills and help towns reach their energy conservation goals. The average home saves $1000 a year.

Fuirst said that out of all the Energize New York municipalities, Chappaqua is definitely a “slacker” in the program. The towns that have enthusiastic support from their elected officials and leaders have much greater numbers of sign-ups. He encouraged board members to set an example for residents and personally get an energy assessment on their homes, which member, John Buckley agreed to do.

Meeting attendees were encouraged to sign up in the back of the room or online at energizenewcastle.org. For questions or concerns on this matter, contact Ethan Fuirst at epfuirst@gmail.com.

Parking Meter Hours Public Hearing:

With no one to speak, the public hearing was closed. Meter hours will now be between 6 A.M. and 6 P.M. Monday through Friday, instead of the current 8 A.M. to 6 P.M.

Landmark Designation Public Hearing:

With approval of the homeowner of 108 South Bedford Road, the home will be designated as a New Castle landmark.

Public Comment for New Business:

One resident spoke about scheduling for the Chappaqua Crossing deliberation. He strongly advised board members to change the discussion date from July 30 to one of three dates: November 12, 19, or 26. With too much opposition from those who live near the property, he said that the topic required an thoughtful discussion because it would completely change the character and the surrounding neighborhood.

The remaining speakers voiced their opinions on the proposal for the Chappaqua Spa.

Overall, they shared the same concerns. The final project would be of an enormous size and scope that would eventually attract between 200 and 400 people at a time on the site, causing increased traffic in the area. The increased activity would cause property values to plummet. Most of all, residents were concerned about the effects of the spa’s pool and bathrooms, used by hundreds of people daily, on the already high water table and poor septic conditions. They additionally argued that there is no need for a project like this, and that it defeated the purpose of the two-acre zoning laws currently in place.

Authorizations:

  • Use credit cards at the Town Hall and other town facilities to pay the following fees: Taxes, penalties, interest, special assessments, water rents and fees, recreation and parks fees, town application permit and license fees, justice court fines, police fines, civil penalty and fees, recycling fees. The town’s website or towns venders, third party website may be used to pay all of the fees listed, except those for recycling.
  • Add a new member to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a five-year term to expire on December 31, 2017.
  • Assign a fee for the posting of signs at the Millwood and Chappaqua Triangles. The fee will be established annually. The fee for 2013 is $20. Organizations or individuals who are seeking to post signs are to deposit the sign at the Department of Public Works on the Friday before the sign is to be posted before 3 P.M. The Department of Public Works is fully responsible for posting and removing all signs at both triangles.
  • Approve the New York State Department of Transportation Municipal Snow and Ice Agreement index lump sum payment factor adjustment, which was originally estimated at $35,275.80, and now revised to $58,804.76
  • Approve the second of two one year contract extensions for the 2011 tree removal contract with Almstead Tree Removal, and the second of two one year extensions for the 2011 tree pruning contract with Bartlett Tree Expert Company with same terms as 2013.
  • Approve the request for two police computer training sessions as follows: One officer to attend the Impact Records Management Training in Saratoga, NY between September 16 and 18 for the cost of $350, and two officers to attend the BCS User Conference on August 6 and 7 in Easton, NY for $1,466
  • Obtain bids for the Annandale Road culvert replacement, to follow.
  • Minutes from: Tuesday, May 7; Friday, May 17; Tuesday, May 21; and Tuesday, May 28.
  • Monthly reports from the Town Clerk, Court Clerk, and Receiver of Taxes.

Following announcements, the public portion of the meeting ended. The board then went into executive session to discuss contracts and a matter of potential litigation.

Town Hall June 25 Report

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By: Zarah Kavarana

Highlights of the meeting:

• The town’s Summer Concert Series, co-sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce will begin on Wednesday, July 10 at the Recreation Field. The schedule includes performances from Tramps Like Us on July 10, the Chappaqua Orchestra on July 17, One Hot Night on July 24, and Hollaback on July 31. All concerts begin at 7 p.m.., and admission is free.
• A Millwood Park Movie Night will take place this Friday, June 28, weather permitting. The scheduled show is Despicable Me at 8:30 p.m. on the Millwood Park baseball field. Admission is free.
• Every Saturday between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., a Farmer’s Market will take place at the Chappaqua train station.

The Town Administrator’s report followed.

• As promised, a coyote tracking map has been posted on coyote.mynewcastle.org for members of the public.
• A new structure in Marion place, recommended by the Beautification Advisory Board (BAB) will include a kiosk to acknowledge merchants and others who would like to help beautify New Castle. The structure will be completed after the addition of a center board.
• The BAB Beautiful Landscape Contest is asking residents to submit photos of their front garden, or their neighbors’ by July 31. The winner will be announced in September and will receive a gift, compliments of Whispering Pines. All submissions should be sent to BAB at 200 S. Greeley Ave Chappaqua, NY 10514, or e-mailed to bab@town.new-castle.ny.us.
• The High Ridge and Croton water district is scheduled to go live on Monday, July 1. This area of New Castle has been getting water from Mt. Kisco for years, and therefore has been paying double rates. Earlier this year, the board worked with residents of the area and Mt. Kisco to bring residents back in their own water district.
• Con Edison will be repairing gas mains on Marcourt Drive and Chappaqua Mountain Roads, which have been suspected of gas leaks. According to Con Edison, the leaks are not considered hazardous at this time, but repairing them is a proactive approach to any future issues.

The town has inherited an island as a result of the new Quaker Bridge. The island requires maintenance. Robert Snyder, the Superintendent of the Recreation and Parks department said that this island was not included in the inventory of islands that require maintenance. In addition, the only plant material included in the landscaping plan was Tulips. To take care of the island in the short term, the department has hand weeded the island and removed the dying tulip stems. Wood chips have been place in the entire area. In plans for the long term, the Garden Club will be creating a landscape for residents to admire.

On Friday, June 21, the New York Department of State announced $12 million in a local government performance and efficiency program called LG PEP grant assistance in financial saving generated by 13 projects. The grants are to be distributed over the course of three years in equal parts, contingent upon continued demonstration of savings. The project rewards local governments for undertaking significant and innovated actions that reduce the property tax burden confronting residents. The town is expected to save $200,000 a year by going to one time per week garbage pick-up. We are receiving $194,313 over the next three years as our reward.

The Westchester County municipal executive tabletop exercise called Hurricane Leslie took place on June 18. Officials went through a three-part problem solving exercise on how they would handle a large storm, similar to Sandy. It partly focused on past experiences, and gave officials helpful takeaways on what can now be done with the help of new technology, improved relationships with Con Edison and Verizon, as well as increased support from the Department of Transportation.

Governor Cuomo announced in a letter to Chappaqua board members about a new hazard mitigation grant program to assist local governments mitigating the risk of loss and damage associated with future disasters and reducing hardships. Over $500 million is expected to be available for the program. Staff met on Tuesday, June 25 to discuss what kinds of mitigation initiatives should be applied for, and decided to apply for a generator for the New Castle Community Center, and have sent information to the library staff so that can apply for a generator as well.

A Public Hearing was next on the agenda.

At the request of the applicant, the continuation of the public hearing to consider a special permit for the Chappaqua Station apartments was adjourned until Tuesday, July 9, 2013.

Members of the public shared their concerns with the board in regard to the adjournment, as well as the construction plans that are currently in the works.

Attorney David Steinmetz spoke to represent his client, the real estate and equities firm involved with the project. He came looking for feedback on his client’s pending application, trying to find out if and when it will be processed. Steinmetz asked the board to add the topic to the evening’s agenda and make a decision.

The board went into executive session after a unanimous vote.

Recommencing the meeting, the board made the decision to refer the matter at hand to the planning board and neighboring municipalities, as otherwise mandated by law.

Various authorizations were made, including:

• Designate Town Clerk Jill Shapiro to receive notices of claims served upon the secretary of state by both mail and e-mail, and file the required certificate with the secretary of state, informing him of the town’s designation and applicable time limitation for filing a notice of claim with the town on or before July 14, 2013.
• Refund the reduced assessments for the years of 2010 and 2011 ($535.02 for 2012 and $565.91 for 2011)
• Post of positions – Machine Equipment Operator and Laborer
• Award of bids: Installation of highway materials and water maintenance materials
• Extend the contract for the United Millwood Water treatment Plant for another 5 years (January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018)
• Obtain bids for a new roll off truck to replace the current 20-year-old one in use, funded by the capital project fund as part of the 2013 budget
• Request from the Chappaqua School Foundation to hold a bake sale at the train station on July 12, 2013 from 5 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
• Refund of two street opening permit fees for a total of $1,000 to a local resident
• Two consent and release agreements for a Mt. Kisco resident, and for a Millwood resident
• Hang a banner across S. Greeley Avenue between June 24 and July 12 to announce the Summer Concert Series at the Recreation Field
• Minutes for meetings on April 30, 2013 and May 15, 2013

The meeting was adjourned after all authorizations were made.