The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

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North Castle Library Receives State Grant

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The North Castle Public Library has been awarded a $135,000 grant for building improvements to its main branch in Armonk. The grant, part of $24 million in capital funds set aside for public library construction and other infrastructure projects in the 2017–2018 state budget, was announced in August by State Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester) and State Senator Shelley Mayer (D-Westchester).

The North Castle Library “has put forward innovative plans for improving the infrastructure of their library building,” said Assemblyman Buchwald. “It has been very proactive in making sure they are a 21st century institution.” Buchwald noted that while many libraries apply for grants, the process is very competitive, and not all libraries that apply receive funding. The North Castle library, he said, has successfully positioned itself as an innovator in library spaces and programs.

Additionally, the grants require matching funds from local supporters. “New York State has an interest in supporting libraries where the local community has been part of supporting its library as well; this ensures both state and local dollars go further,” he said.

The grants allow libraries to “expand the critical services they provide for the community,” said State Senator Mayer. “They are centerpieces of our communities in Westchester and throughout the state providing programming for children, seniors, and families.»

(L-R): Sean Ryan, Assemblyman David Buchwald and Marilyn Heimerdinger at the opening of the Friends Gallery at the North Castle Public Library.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OFFICE OF
ASSEMBLYMAN DAVID BUCHWALD

Sean Ryan, president of the North Castle Public Library Board, said the funds have been put toward an improvement initiative that was established in 2013 and implemented in 2014. At that time, the library trustees assessed the needs of the community, and put together a wish list of improvement projects totaling more than $1.5 million. This is the fifth grant the library has received from the state, and according to Ryan, the library’s current ‘to do’ list has projects extending into 2020 for both its main Armonk branch and satellite North White Plains branch.

Ryan noted that infrastructure improvements were critical for libraries to maintain the type of programming that is relevant in today’s fast-paced world of new media.

“Libraries are reinventing themselves,” he said. “Just ten years ago they were books on shelves. Now, they are social centers for educational and cultural activities.”

“The North Castle Public Library is thrilled to receive this library construction grant which enables us to renovate spaces dedicated to support our library’s programs for children, young adults and adults,” he added. This support “allows libraries to transform to meet current and future needs of our patrons.”

The North Castle Public Library has seen a dramatic increase in attendance since the improvement projects began. Last year, more than 163,000 people visited the library, and more than 35,000 attended its programs, which is twice as many as attendees recorded in 2012. The library currently runs more than 2,000 programs a year, and ranks third in the county for program participants.

The most recent grant has already been put to good use. A Friends’ Gallery, which will be used for adult programming and as a gallery space, has already been completed. In June, the room was dedicated to the Friends of the North Castle Public Library in appreciation for their contributions to the library. The gallery’s first exhibit featured a historical retrospective of the group, who in 1961 established the Armonk Outdoor Art Show as a way to raise funds for the library. The exhibit chronicled how the show, originally held in a small churchyard, grew to more than 185 artists from around the world. Other gallery shows will feature the artists Natalya Aikens and Doris Mady, woven and pottery art, and local photographers.

The grant also covers the creation of a New Young Adult room that will provide more space for teens to use the library facilities, and a new café offering drinks, light snacks, and a relaxing environment for everyone in the community. The final project covered by this grant is the expansion of the children’s room, where 600 square feet of dedicated program space will be added.

“These grants support library programs that equip children and young adults with lifelong learning and literacy skills,” said Assemblyman Buchwald. “I’m pleased our libraries continue to develop new facilities and programs that enrich our communities.”

For more information on upcoming programs and exhibits, visit www.northcastlelibrary.org.

Chappaqua Crossing: Proceeding Apace

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Despite contentious debates for more than a decade, construction at Chappaqua Crossing is proceeding ahead in various phases. “Come this summer there will be more people living in that building,” New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein said in March as he pointed to a section of apartments in the so-called cúpula building–the building topped with four sculptures of Pegasus. Currently there are already 15 families calling the building “home.”

Lower down, other details from the old Reader’s Digest building’s past as a longtime employer of up to 4,000 people have been carefully preserved: well-made windows, fanlike brickwork above them, a rotunda room that used to house receptionists’ desks, irreplaceable interior doors, and a library, formerly used by Reader’s Digest staff, that curves out front and leads to a terrace.

“They’ve really preserved the architecture and a lot of the special interior aspects have been preserved,” Geoffrey Thompson, Summit/Greenfield’s spokesperson for the project, said. Thompson credits builder Bill Balter of Wilder Balter Partners for a special appreciation for preservation. “He recognized right away this was a special building and a special opportunity.” The apartments are a mix of affordable housing, housing intended for town employees, which are somewhat more expensive, and market-rate units.

A Phased Approach

As for the retail component, “the shell is almost done,” Greenstein said. In early spring, April 1 looked like a likely date for a building permit so the ‘buildout,’ or work on the interior, could commence. Then the retail component will be the main focus of effort. Greenstein explained that Department of Environmental Conservation rules prevent working on more than a five-acre area at a time, which is one reason this project is being accomplished in phases instead of all at once.

The townhouses, built by Toll Brothers, will come next. “The construction on the townhouses isn’t even going to start until the retail is done,” he said. “Even if they got their site plan approved tomorrow.”

There’s also office space at Chappaqua Crossing, including the corporate headquarters of Caremount, and Northern Westchester Hospital has medical offices there that are up and running. Other tenants include Digitech. Thompson said 200,000 square feet is already leased and there’s another 300,000 still available.

Building Retail and Improving Roadways

Roadway improvements are scheduled for this summer, and “once roadway improvement is done, they can open retail,” Greenstein said. “The roadway improvements have to be done for Whole Foods to get their CO,” which stands for certificate of occupancy. So far, confirmed tenants include a Whole Foods, a Life Time Fitness (which will include a spa and children’s play area) and Chase Bank, Thompson said at press time, with other businesses expressing interest and in various stages of negotiations.

The retail section of the project, which is located to the southeast of the cupola building, has a varied look to it and all sides of the project have been designed to look equally good, unlike some other retail spaces that prioritize the look of the front of the buildings.

New York State will determine whether or not the work on 117 will be managed by means of a detour. “You’re not going to widen a roadway without some disruption,” Greenstein said.

The changes to 117 will result in a left turning lane for motorists driving north on 117 who seek to make a left onto Roaring Brook Road. This will mean motorists going straight will no longer have to wait until drivers trying to make lefts in front of them find a break in traffic. There will also be a right lane for those traveling south, Thompson said.

Jitney Links Chappaqua Crossing with Downtown

Soon, there’ll be one or two extra ways–besides one’s car–to go between downtown Chappaqua and Chappaqua Crossing. The first will certainly be a jitney. Summit/Greenfield is “required to start a jitney shuttle as soon as the cupola building is occupied,” Greenstein said, recalling that Reader’s Digest once operated a similar service.

The second, a possible walking trail currently called ChapLine, is under consideration by the town board. “The first trail we looked into doing impacted a lot of wetlands,” Greenstein said, explaining that the board is now considering another route, but complexities such as possible easements must be taken into consideration.

The former Wallace Auditorium, also on the former Reader’s Digest property, now the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, has been up and running since last fall and there are already events scheduled for as far ahead as September.

“The property is going to be a diverse group of activities,” Thompson said. “It’s an overused saying, but ‘live/work/play’ really does apply to this property.”

“Habititis” – An “Itis” that Should be Spread!

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Smiles all around after heavy-duty digging and sign-building. (L-R): Chappaqua resi- dents Michael and Eileen Gallagher, Greg Simon, and Warren Gottlieb.
Smiles all around after heavy-duty digging and sign-building. (L-R): Chappaqua residents Michael and Eileen Gallagher, Greg Simon, and Warren Gottlieb.

By Eileen Gallagher

Take a look at the old Orthodox Friends’ Meeting House as you drive up the hill on King Street. 300 King Street, a landmarked building which many residents remember as the Village Nursery School, is now buzzing with the sweet sounds of hammers, saws, drills, and even a newly purchased jackhammer. Who is doing all of this buzzing? Not surprisingly, the busy workers are often members of our very own community, in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity.

Jim Killoran, the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, Westchester, is the tireless source of inspiration and perspiration as he works toward ensuring that everyone in Westchester has a home in which to live. Bill and Keiko Spade–resident architects who have dedicated countless hours advocating for safe and responsible affordable housing here in town–joined with Killoran in the genesis of the first Habitat project in New Castle.

Many residents have fond memories of the nursery school, but might be surprised to learn that the “Queen Ann style” building which features an elevated porch with decorative scrollwork was actually constructed in the late 1800’s as the Quaker meeting house. The reconstruction will restore the building to its original “Stick Victorian” styling from 1885, while also maintaining the original post and beam framing. Per Spade, “This will enhance the quality of the surrounding neighborhood, which has other fine examples of architecture from this same period.”

Teaming up with Habitat was a no-brainer for the Spades. They’ve been “green” in their building techniques for years, attending Passive House trainings to save precious energy and utilities while saving families money as well. Having worked with Killoran on a number of homes, they were aware of the green homes built by Habitat.

For 300 King, the Passive House features will include a thickened exterior “envelope” with up to three times the insulation value, sophisticated moisture and air barrier layers, highly insulated doors and windows, and an Energy Recovery Ventilation unit which circulates fresh air while recovering energy. Solar panels are being considered, as well as rain barrels, which save water runoff and usage. Spade added, “We look forward to sharing the process of building these Passive Homes with the community, to educate the broader community about the importance of energy-efficient construction.”

Per Spade, New Castle has been very supportive of the project, which will add two units of affordable housing toward meeting the county settlement of 2009. The units will be condominiums owned by families, something that Killoran is very proud of.

“Ownership creates the bank for each family. As ownership happens, studies show that education goes up and wealth of families goes up.” Killoran also pointed out that the former property of the Lutheran church will now be back on the town’s tax roles. It is expected that construction, depending on the availability of funding and volunteers, will take between nine months to a year, with a target occupancy date of early 2017.

In the meantime, three or four days a week the active site is under the watchful eyes of Habitat site supervisors and volunteers as the deconstruction phase winds down in preparation for the rebuilding phase. Killoran speaks of “habititis,” where people of all ages are drawn into helping with everything from building, fundraising, and providing snacks for workers.

“Habititis is moving throughout Chappaqua and Northern Westchester. Everyone is a philanthropist and volunteer and all can help,” he urges. Killoran’s catch-phrase is “The excitement is building!” Habitat has built throughout the county in addition to helping more than 1800 homeowners affected by Hurricane Sandy, delivering generators as well as working on homes. First building in Larchmont in 1988, Habitat continues to build, help rehab homes, and is currently designing “aging in place” opportunities to help create an intergenerational New York “so all generations can continue to live in Westchester and New York, and not have to leave.”

Indeed, the excitement is building, pun intended. Many groups have already helped in this effort, including West Point cadets (all fed by the generosity of Lange’s Little Store), several groups from high schools and colleges, families both in town and from other parts of the county, faith communities, offices, and local merchants. The trend has been to “bring a friend” or several friends, and spend a few hours working diligently in the company of kindred spirits. There are “regulars” (including this author) who enjoy seeing the building as it progresses, while fostering new friendships.

Not sure if you have the know-how to build? Killoran’s staff are more than happy to help. From the proper way to measure and cut to using building equipment such as circular saws and jackhammers, you will be in good hands. Skills learned at Habitat are also quite handy for use in your own homes as well.

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In addition to this location, work has begun on the latest town project at 437 Saw Mill Road in Millwood.Each unit can cost $250,000 to rehab and make beautiful for families, and Killoran asks that each volunteer give a dollar, or ten, one hundred, one thousand, or more. “Whatever they can give, so we can continue to build strong into the future.”

To help with all the ongoing efforts, contact Chappaqua@habitatwc.org and donate: habitatwc.org

Visit: Facebook (Chappaqua Habitat), Instagram and Twitter (@HabitatWC)

Eileen Gallagher is a freelance writer and 13-year resident of Chappaqua. Married with two sons, she has a full-blown case of Habititis along with her husband Michael. They can often be seen wearing hardhats and goggles working and laughing at 300 King Street.