By Steven Bernstein
“In the last two weeks, we’ve had one dog carried off; at least two that were attacked. They’re not just in the wooded areas. People are afraid to be outside with their pets and their small children,” Chappaqua resident Eileen Gallagher told the town board Tuesday night.
“Are we waiting for a child to be attacked to do something about it?” asked Chappaqua resident Paula Gorkin.
The Town Board tried to reassure the residents that the coyote problem was nothing to get too worried about. “I’ve been here almost 30 years. I’ve seen fewer this year than I usually see. They’re there all the time, they’ve been around, they live in the town, they’ve always been here,” said Town Supervisor Susan Carpenter.
In other news, Councilman Robin Stout announced that he will not be running for reelection for the Town Board next year.
“For these past eight year it has been an honor for me to represent the town of New Castle. I remain convinced that more ideas create more solutions. It has been my privilege to be able to say thank you on behalf of the town to so many of you,” said Stout.
Stout’s last day on the board will be December 31st, 2013. Stout offered this advice to anyone considering serving on the Town Board: “First, it helps to have a clear head to focus on many diverse issues. Second, it helps to have a strong heart, a love of your community is very important. Third, it helps to have a thick skin, because that will help you remember the criticism is always more helpful than the praise.”
Town Administrator Penelle Paderewski announced that the period for commenting on the Summit-Greenfield builder’s retail strip mall plans for Chappaqua Crossing has been extended by one week to May 17th. “The Town Board has received letters and those are being forwarded to the applicants for formal response. “The applicant must respond to the letters, if the Town Board is not satisfied with the response it will send it back to the applicant or redrafted in a way that is satisfactory,” said Paderewski.
Christine Nicholas, owner of the 1 King Street building for 43 years, expressed her concern about the plan to put a small, affordable housing apartment complex in between the Saw Mill Parkway and the train tracks of the Chappaqua train station.
“I understand that the fire department to respond to a fire would have to go by way of the Saw Mill River Parkway, and I think this would be a dangerous and time consuming event in case of a fire. I believe that the value of my property will be decreased in the event of this construction in such a unusual area.”
The Town Board has posted information on their website, mynewcastle.org, on how to handle any coyote sightings and how to discourage coyotes from visiting your own back yard.
Anyone who still wants to register their views about Chappaqua Crossing, has until Friday May 17th to send a letter to Town Hall.
