The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Robert Greenstein

Team New Castle: Greenstein, Brodsky & Katz

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(L-R): Team New Castle’s Adam Brodsky, Robert Greenstein, and Lisa Katz

Getting Things Done!

We are a nonpartisan ticket. Supervisor Rob Greenstein and Councilwoman Lisa Katz are registered Democrats. Deputy Supervisor Adam Brodsky is unaffiliated. The New Castle Republican Party is endorsing us because they believe we are the best candidates for the town regardless of party. They are putting the interests of the residents and our community above all. We do the same! We are also endorsed by the Independence Party.

Four years ago, we ran for office because we wanted to change the status quo in Town government. We were frustrated by what we saw: ever-increasing property taxes, unresponsive leadership, lack of vision and little community involvement. There was absolutely no communication from our elected officials. Nothing actually got done and the Town Board made some colossal blunders with the Chappaqua Crossing and Conifer projects.

We all share a core value–we think that local government is about delivering results that residents can feel and appreciate. We are not motivated by political ambitions or ideologies, and believe in nonpartisan leadership.

Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein started the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce. He started the New Castle eNewsletter and the Town’s Distracted Driving campaign. No one works harder than Rob.

Deputy Town Supervisor Adam Brodsky is leading our Chappaqua Infrastructure and Streetscape Project. This is the biggest public works projects in recent Town history.

Councilwoman Lisa Katz led the effort to save the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center from demolition. Lisa has been working tirelessly to make the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center a fabulous amenity for our community.

We promised a new approach, and we delivered! We think the results speak for themselves …

  • Resolved Chappaqua Crossing, the most controversial land use application in our Town’s history
  • Planned and launched a massive infrastructure and streetscape project in downtown Chappaqua–all critical steps towards revitalization
  • Helped recruit DeCicco’s to Millwood
  • Saved over $3,000,000 over the course of the seven-year contract with new garbage contract
  • Saved close to $1,000,000 over the past four years with Workers Compensation premiums
  • Tripled our paving budget without raising taxes.
  • Saved the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center from demolition and turned it into an exciting new venue for music and arts performances
  • Started eNewsletter–a new communication staple in the community
  • Started the Distracted Driving initiative–currently being duplicated in other communities throughout country
  • Adopted a new Ethics Code (last amended in 1989)
  • Implemented numerous sustainability initiatives, including:
    • Reusable Bag Initiative
    • Single Stream Recycling
    • Energize NY Finance
    • Solarize Westchester
    • Westchester Power
    • Adopted new Comprehensive Plan (last revised in 1989)

Created numerous new citizen advisory committees to boost community involvement, including…

  • Mandate Relief Committee
  • Streetscape Committee
  • New Castle Arts & Culture Committee
  • Exceptional People of New Castle
  • Task Force on Health and Wellness
  • Community Inclusion and Diversity Committee
  • Community Preparedness Committee
  • The New Castle Youth Civics Action Committee
  • Downtown Business Development Committee
  • Coyote Management Task Force
  • Coyote Awareness and Safety Advisory Committee
  • Adopted new administrative policies for land use escrows, non-union employee payouts, vehicle use, anti-harassment and discrimination, and equal employment opportunity
  • Revamped Town’s website.

We continue to believe that local government should be nonpartisan. Our public service as local officials should focus squarely on the best interests of New Castle residents, and not politics and political labels. The local issues facing our Town are neither Republican nor Democrat issues.

We will continue to deliver results for our community by …

  • Restoring our infrastructure and revitalizing our business hamlets
  • Saving money and keeping taxes flat
  • Improving services and amenities for residents
  • Continuing to communicate with residents and engage the community
  • Exploring new ways to be a Green Community, such as with solar power and electric vehicles
  • Making our Town a destination for arts & cultural events
  • Paving and repairing our roads
  • Improving safety throughout our community
  • Being tireless, responsive, accessible and proactive

Once again, our nonpartisan, results-driven vision and philosophy is unique. We continue to believe that local elections should not be about politics and voting along party lines. Experience, sound judgment, work ethic and the ability to produce results matter most. The last thing we need here is more divisive partisan politics. We will continue to focus on the local issues that were ignored for so long. New Castle residents deserve nothing less. We are proud of our record of having done more in four years than in the past 25. We have dealt with the challenges we inherited and deliver results. We have the experience and drive to continue our work.

Please support Greenstein, Brodsky & Katz on Tues, Nov. 7th. Read more about our record: teamnewcastle.org

New Castle Police Promise: “We will not ask about someone’s Immigration Status”

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Chappaqua, NY, April 13–  An individual’s immigration status will not be questioned by the New Castle Police during law enforcement activities, according to a release issued today by the Town of New Castle. “The New Castle Police Department want all people – regardless of their immigration status—to feel comfortable talking to its officers,” stated Robert Greenstein, Town Supervisor.

In a separate exchange with the Inside Press, Greenstein stated  the idea was raised when he met to discuss immigration policy with Chief Ferry a few weeks back in a public work session. “The Chief loved the idea and encouraged us to do it,” said Greenstein.

“We are not doing anything different,” Police Chief Charles Ferry said. “We are not going to engage in law enforcement activities solely based on somebody’s immigration status. We want people to speak up and not feel intimidated to talk to our officers.”

“They will not ask about someone’s immigration status!  They want witnesses and crime victims to know they are here to help you,” Greenstein stated in the release. “Their message is simple: Crime victims should feel comfortable reporting crimes. Witnesses should feel comfortable reporting crimes.”

The Town created a flyer (see below) to distribute around town; Greenstein said its information would also be “printed on business cards for our officers to carry with them.”     — Grace Bennett

 

Gun Violence Prevention Groups Promote Coalition Building

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Congresswoman Nita Lowey:  Act Now Despite ‘Tumultous’ Political Climate

By Stacey Pfeffer

Chappaqua, NY— Several Westchester-based gun violence prevention (GVP) groups yesterday presented key action items that community members can take to reduce gun violence in light of the recent Presidential election.

Speaking at a forum held inside New Castle Town Hall, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a long-time gun safety advocate, noted that despite a “tumultuous” political climate, it is our responsibility to act now – regardless of the politics – to spare families the pain that gun violence brings. I will continue working with local legislators and activists to stand up for what is right when it matters the most and keep guns out of the wrong hands.”

Inside New Castle Town Hall: Congresswoman Nita Lowey together with members of several Westchester-based gun violence prevention groups during a forum held on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Representatives and members from Million Mom March/Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Moms Demand Action, The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence and Prevent Gun Violence Westchester were all in attendance. The event was sponsored by Up2US (an outgrowth of Chappaqua Friends of Hillary) and the New Castle Democratic Committee. Concerned citizenry from the UP2US group were in attendance as were Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein and Town Councilman Adam Brodsky. 

Jessica Meller, one of the leaders of Northern Westchester’s Million Mom March, noted that many of these groups collaborate on efforts and events together but this was the first time that the groups held a forum so that members could get “a clear picture of each group’s unique profile, goals and actions, and how we function both individually and as a coalition.”

Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Mount Kisco) who attended commented that “it’s events like this that help galvanize people to action and to advocate for gun safety legislation.” Buchwald has been a strong advocate for gun safety and noted that Westchester has a gun safety storage law and he is one of the co-sponsors to support that bill so that it is adopted state-wide.

With 91 Americans killed everyday with guns (7 are children), Barry Graubart, the head of Westchester’s Moms Demand Action group noted how important it is to keep this issue front and center even when so many other progressive issues such as immigration and abortion are in peril. 

He explained that women are five times as likely to be shot when there is a gun present at home and that LGBT teens are four times as likely to commit suicide if a gun is available. He urged all in attendance to join Gun Sense Action Network, a group of over 200 gun sense activists from states across the country who spend a daytime hour each week reaching out to voters in battleground states and fighting for stronger gun laws in America. http://everytown.org/act/

While New Castle may seem immune to gun violence, there are areas of gun violence throughout the county. Mount Vernon had several shootings over the holiday period this year. Another particular area of concern for GVP groups locally is the Gun Show that was held two weeks ago at the Westchester County Center (WCC) in White Plains. The gun show was banned from the center for four years by County Executive Rob Astorino following the shootings in Newtown, CT but the ban was lifted this year. 

Prevent Gun Violence Westchester’s Chuck Bell stated community members can work to prevent the show returning next year to a county-owned building like the WCC. He urged those in attendance to call their legislators to override Astorino’s veto. “We also have no way of tracking how the firearms purchased at the show are used,” Bell noted.

Stacey Pfeffer is a frequent contributor to Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk. Her articles have also appeared in NY Family Magazine, Westchester Family Magazine, Westchester Parent and Kveller.com.

 

Toward Community Renewal: An Update on the Streetscape Improvement Project

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streetscape_1a

New Castle’s Adam Brodsky (left) and Robert Greenstein at an Election Watch Party at Chappaqua Tavern
New Castle’s Adam Brodsky (left) and Robert Greenstein at an Election Watch Party at Chappaqua Tavern
We’ve all heard the saying, “Good things come to those who wait,” but we’re guessing no group believes in it more than the members of the New Castle Town Board. For the better part of the last three years, the Board-appointed Streetscape Committee been vigorously reviewing, revising and deliberating over various developments concerning the Chappaqua Infrastructure and Streetscape Improvement Project.

Now, with the late September announcement that final plans have been approved and are officially underway, New Castle residents are anxious to see the outcome of the result. No fear, Chappaquans. Board members attest that if there’s any truth to the aforementioned adage, you’ll be anything but disappointed.

Fueled by the urgent need to replace the rapidly-failing waterlines and overall underground infrastructure_a project that was initially attempted, then halted, with the rebuilding of the Route 120 Bridge in 2012_the idea was revisited anew in May 2014, when members of the Town Board saw the perfect opportunity to revitalize the downtown landscape, and joined forces with national engineering firm WSP Sells to make it happen.

“The idea was ‘if we’re going to rip up the sidewalks [anyway], why put in concrete? Why not take a step back and put [in] something more aesthetically pleasing?’” explains Deputy Town Supervisor Adam Brodsky, who chaired the aforementioned Streetscape Committee in charge of green-lighting the majority of the enhancements. In addition to correcting the pipeline issues, “this new plan will also improve the layout of the sidewalk, as well as the regulation of both pedestrian and automobile traffic,” while adding a fresh, new vibrancy to the hamlet. In simplest terms, “it’s a win-win for everyone.”

As New Castle Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein outlined in an earlier statement, residents can look forward to enjoying a variety of new amenities when the project reaches completion, from bike racks to bus shelters to spacious communal gathering spots_the most notable to be a 3,000-square foot seating area stationed at the corner of King Street and S. Greeley Avenue. On the whole, “It’s going to be a fundamental change to the downtown [area] that’s never really been seen before,” comments Brodsky, with a smile.

On the financial end, Greenstein commended his staff for “[striking] the right balance between being cost effective and selecting quality materials and finishes that are timeless and classic.”
To that point, Brodsky admits to feeling the pressure of the economic factors looming over him throughout the entire deliberation process, fully aware that “we didn’t have a blank check [and] we couldn’t buy gold faucets,” so to speak. For that reason, he too, commends himself on “striking that balance” — without fully compromising the style of the finish — calling the feat his proudest achievement within the scope of the project. (Rather than have the entire area done completely in solid brick, the final product will be a sidewalk constructed in concrete with “beautiful brick accents along the perimeter.”)

No doubt these intricate details will breathe new life into our little town. But it’s not all about the beautification. As mentioned, the new developments also–and perhaps most importantly–aim to improve pedestrian safety.

First, the plans will see the removal of the slip lane at the intersection of King Street and South Greeley Avenue, to be replaced by a stoplight, to “allow for better traffic flow,” says Brodsky. “It’ll become more of a traditional intersection with two lanes… You’ll come to the traffic light and either turn left or right.”

streetscape_2aAdditionally, “the parking spots on the right hand side of on North Greeley Avenue are being flipped to the other side of the street,” Brodsky explains. “There’s a jog in the road as you’re coming down to the hill, and by flipping the parking spots, that jog will be removed, so when you drive, you’ll actually go straight into the lane.” Furthermore, the triangle at the South Greeley Avenue and Quaker Street coming off the Route 120 bridge will be reconfigured into more of a teardrop shape, and the lane configuration will be modified to allow for better traffic flow.
But Brodsky also wants to remind residents that it’s not all done yet, adding, “We still haven’t hired a contractor.” Bids are expected to go out this winter with construction slated to begin in the Spring.

And how to answer to those who are worried that such massive construction will disrupt the daily function of downtown activity? “We’re going to require that the majority of the work be done at night,” Brodsky responds. And yes, he acknowledges the proposal may upset those residents living downtown “who don’t want a jackhammer going off at 3 a.m.,” but urges all residents to trust that, with negotiation, “we’ll find a nice balance.”

Regardless, it’s just one price to pay for the incredible transformation we’ll get in exchange, notes Brodsky, claiming he can only see the upside: “It’s a real vision for the future, and it’s [ultimately] going to be a reflection on our whole community,” he says, calling it a “brand-new welcome mat for visitors. If you take a snapshot three years from now, you’ll see how much it will help to increase property values, overall appeal, and more. Without a doubt, it’s going to be a change for the better.”

For more information on the Streetscape Project, please visit www.mynewcastle.org.

Nine Ways Chappaqua Might Change as a Two-President Town

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After casting their vote at Grafflin during New York’s primary day in April. Grace Bennett Photo
After casting their vote at Grafflin during New York’s primary day in April. Grace Bennett Photo

The excitement in Chappaqua has been building for months ever since one of our most famous residents, Hillary Rodham Clinton, announced her candidacy for President. No matter how you cast your vote this November, it is undeniable that our small town’s larger than life profile throughout the U.S. and beyond will simply continue to expand. Although it is impossible to predict the election’s exact impact on our town, here are an array of predictions of what may be in store should Chappaqua become a two-president town:

1. An even higher profile for our town–as if that were even possible. “The Clintons helped put Chappaqua on the national map when they moved here in 1999,“ said State Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Mount Kisco), and a member of Hillary for New York Leadership Council. Echoing Assemblyman Buchwald’s sentiments, Grace Bennett, publisher/editor of Inside Chappaqua noted that “in truth, Chappaqua has been on the world stage for many years now; I’ve tried to convey a sense of their influence here since launching Inside Chappaqua in 2003, shortly after the Clintons arrived. The powerful presence of this world famous couple has become part and parcel of our town’s identity, and I think that phenomenon will only be enhanced and solidified if Hillary Clinton becomes the nation’s first woman president.”

2. Cultivating a culture of concerned citizens in Chappaqua across all generations. Hometown advocacy groups for Hillary were established even prior to her official announcement to run for President. These Hillary supporters from groups such as Chappaqua Friends of Hill (and Tim) have local members that span across all age groups and are involved in activities such as canvassing and voter registration near and far. Many of these supporters have never been involved before in political advocacy but felt inspired by her. Chappaqua 4 Clinton/Kaine NOW offers a steady stream of campaign news on Facebook and Twitter.

3. Increased media presence. Last month, when Hillary Clinton abruptly left a September 11th ceremony, it was later announced that she had pneumonia. For several days, several TV crews were camped outside Walgreen’s on King Street and her Old House Lane residence hoping to catch a glimpse of her.  There’s no doubt the media will be back in town on Election Day to secure footage of her and former President Bill Clinton voting at their polling place, Grafflin Elementary School. The good news is that most likely the media presence will be short-lived and will only be palpable when she is in town.

4. Enhanced notice of our downtown merchants. There’s a definite “up side” to all the media exposure. “Seeing Chappaqua’s store fronts on a national TV newscast or in a top daily newspaper is not only thrilling for all of us who live and work here, but it serves as a very effective means for promoting our town and its businesses,” noted Dawn Dankner Rosen, president of the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce.

“I can say that this continuous media interest and focus on the Clintons in our town’s shops and restaurants couldn’t be better for our branding and for creating awareness of Chappaqua as a destination town for shopping and dining. These  opportunities for national (and global!) exposure can only increase exponentially once we become–historically and uniquely–home to two U.S. Presidents! That’s an extremely special identification for any town/community to have!”

5. Warm welcomes from the community when they are back at home. “When Hillary becomes president, I’m sure the duties of her office will keep her in Washington and abroad even more than before. And when the Clintons find themselves back in Chappaqua, they will be warmly welcomed, as they are now,” said Robert Greenstein, Town Supervisor.

Gray Williams the town historian agreed, noting that “the Presidency is an ephemeral thing” lasting eight years at most and that the couple’s White House duties will keep them traveling a lot.

But there’s little doubt that the Clintons will continue to visit and keep annual traditions such as marching in the town’s Memorial Day parade or shopping in town.  “Since moving here both Bill and Hillary Clinton have been wonderful, loyal supporters of our business community and frequent shoppers and diners in town,” added Dankner Rosen. “No matter how many sightings or selfies we’ve all taken, their unexpected shopping trips are always met with unprecedented enthusiasm and excitement throughout the community.”

With Varda Singer, owner, ICD Contemporary Jewelry, during an impromptu party at Crabtree’s Kittle House to celebrate Hillary Clinton’s historic nomination.
With Varda Singer, owner, ICD Contemporary Jewelry, during an impromptu party at Crabtree’s Kittle House to celebrate Hillary Clinton’s historic nomination.

6. Occasional traffic issues/road closures. When Bill Clinton was President, he occasionally used the Westchester Airport. As a security measure, the roads were closed so that his motorcade could pass through.   Chief Ferry of the New Castle Police noted hat the department would help with “traffic flow” and residents can expect that from time to time Hillary may also use the airport.

The police department has put additional funding in the budget for additional officers for next year to help assist with this and Ferry noted that when Bill was President much of this funding was actually reimbursed by the Federal Government. Additionally the police department recently changed Old House Lane and neighboring Green Lane to “local traffic only” streets as a security precaution.

7. A huge impression on our younger residents. The cover story essays in this very edition offer a sense of how Hillary’s “first woman nominee” status has impacted the imagination of younger residents, especially girls,” noted Bennett. “Her influences on all our childrens’ futures is absolutely phenomenal to consider, too. You can never underestimate the ripple effects of a broken glass ceiling!

The Clintons have helped build awareness about national and international issues right in our backyard, among young and old alike. Hillary, in her campaign, is inspiring activism both on her behalf and on a multitude of issues. We might otherwise just be a sleepy suburb in northern Westchester!”

8. A sense of permanence. The recent purchase of the house next door to the Clinton’s current property is ample evidence of a commitment to Chappaqua from the Clintons for the foreseeable future.

News outlets have already speculated that the property will be used as a weekend retreat by Chelsea Clinton and her family.

Memorial Day Parade 2015, Grace Bennett Photo
Memorial Day Parade 2015
Grace Bennett Photo

9. Creating a legacy in our town for years to come. Williams noted that Chappaqua may well be the only town in the US that boasts two Presidents and a third Presidential candidate (Greeley).  Although it is impossible to tell if the Clinton’s home will one day be a museum or if a statue of Hillary will be erected in downtown, “the bottom line for me is that, every bit as much as Horace Greeley became the signature historical hero of our town, I believe the Clintons are forever part of our past, present and future folklore, too. And in the best possible way, summed up Bennett.

Commenting on the possibility of a statue of Hillary, Director of the Chappaqua Library Pamela Thornton said, “I don’t think they  [The Clintons] are the kind who want a statue. I think they’d rather see a community center or teen center named after them as their legacy.”

Williams agreed stating with a chuckle, “I don’t expect a ten-foot statue of Hillary.  I’m not sure exactly where we’d put it.”

Stacey Pfeffer lives with her husband and three young children in Chappaqua. She has written for New York Family Magazine, Kveller.com, Westchester Parents and Inside Armonk.