By Eileen Gallagher
May has finally arrived, bringing sunshine, milder temperatures–and Master Plan Outreach Sessions.
In conjunction with consultants from Pace Land Use Law Center, the Master Plan Steering Committee is hosting four public sessions, hoping for as many residents as possible to come to the one they find most convenient to share their vision for New Castle.
According to town supervisor Rob Greenstein, all comments will be recorded, compiled, and analyzed by Pace. Dates, times, and locations are listed below this article.**
Adam Brodsky reiterated the board’s full support, reminding the community that it is a step by step process. Greenstein considers the cost of the consultants “money wisely spent,” while Elise Mottel spoke of the possibility of additional funding. “The master plan process has been evolving now that we have Pace. The board will have to discuss funding and if we do need to have additional funding after that.”
As to the possibility of a survey, Greenstein feels that the town would “benefit from having a paid professional do it,” and that it should be considered “when the time is right.” Referring to recent suggestions that board members should not be taking part in work groups, Lisa Katz partially agreed as to the leadership roles in question, but said of the board, “We still have to remain involved in the master planning process. We need to be able to make decisions about where we need to spend money.”
The Chappaqua Crossing Discussion
In the matter of development at Chappaqua Crossing, four things still have to happen, according to Greenstein. The preliminary plan has to be referred to the planning board. A subsequent joint town and planning board meeting must take place. Traffic engineer Michael Galante will return with a study and to answer any questions. Finally, there will be a meeting with Summit Greenfield.
In response to questions during the public comment portion of the meeting regarding the proposals and likely effects of such development at the site, Katz assured the resident, “I hear what you’re saying about the neighbors, and not just in the immediate vicinity. I have a fiduciary obligation to all the neighbors.”
Katz is the liaison between the town board and a community group called Chappaqua Crossing Concerned Residents Committee, whose petition, “Say No to Retail at Chappaqua Crossing – Vote No to Rezoning, implores the board to reject the developer’s request to have the commercially zoned campus rezoned to allow for retail.
Greenstein, as well as Brodsky, has met with Jessica Reinmann of the community group, he said, as well as other residents of the area around Chappaqua Crossing, and is “more than happy to meet and talk with anyone regarding the matter.”
“There are two points of view,” he went on. “Explaining the past process, where we are and how we got here. And discussing the concerns of the residents, figuring out how we could deal with the situation and make it as best as possible for everyone.”
Bob Lewis, the resident appealing to the board, spoke politely as he hit on various concerns he shares with other residents of the vicinity, including pedestrian safety, increased truck traffic, and changes in the look and feel of the area. He requested a forum for people who are interested “where neighbors can meet and talk, and find common ground.” Katz shared her intention to meet anyone on Friday morning in town and in the future to answer questions and listen to concerns.
In other news…
Department of Public Works Commissioner Anthony Vaccaro has resigned and accepted a position with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Taking his place is Gerry Moerschell. The town, according to Greenstein’s statement, “is taking this opportunity to make some much needed improvements at New Castle Department of Public Works – and change begins at the top.” He continued, “New policies will be put in place – a new comprehensive harassment and discrimination policy that the board will discuss next week, new protocols for training, and accountability of staff.”
Solveig McShea presented details for the first Chappaqua Millwood Chamber of Commerce Fashion Week–which ends today–including opportunities for styling, discounts and promotions in our local shops. Also mentioned were “Movies in Millwood Park” and the “Summer Concert Series.” Board member Jason Chapin suggested the possibility of having student bands from the middle schools and high school participate. McShea asked about placing store and community sponsored decorative planters outside downtown shops as a “simple fix to dress up the downtown in the short term.”
Repair work on Route 117 is planned for June, according to the New York State Department of Transportation.
The next town board meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, has been moved up to Monday, May 12.
** Community Outreach Sessions:
Wednesday, May 7 at Bell Middle School, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, May 10 at Horace Greeley High School, 9 a.m. to noon
Thursday, May 15 at Westorchard Elementary, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Wednesday, May 21 at Seven Bridges Middle School, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
