Simply, NYS needs more hospital beds and is seeking to build four additional emergency or temporary structures of 1,000 beds each. With the assistance of the Army Corps of Engineers, the Governor would like to construct these at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, College of Staten Island, and the New York Expo Center in the Bronx. Ultimately, we want one in every borough as well as Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester. However, we need President’s Trump’s support. Fortunately, the USNS Comfort is arriving Monday.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security Act: Signed by President Trump
The CAREs Act received President Trump’s signature after passing both the House and Senate. Briefly, the Act provides for relatively immediate individual cash benefits, lending to small businesses that have suffered during the epidemic, monies for COVID-19 related healthcare spending and relief for other businesses across the nation and right here in the Hudson Valley https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-third-package-covid-19-relief-lower-hudson-valley late on Friday.
Supporting Main Street: Small Business Loans
Our small businesses make our Main Streets vibrant and give our community an identity. They need our help.
Westchester businesses can apply for and potentially secure up to a $10,000 loan within three days by way of a Community Capital Express Loan. Although there are qualification requirements, the interest rates are 2% with terms of 27 months. Additionally, small businesses should apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. Because it takes longer to secure a SBA Disaster Recovery Loan and the amounts are up to $2 million, it is recommended that you commence this latter process first if needed.
Additional business development information is available at The Catalyst, Westchester County Economic Development.
Westchester County Taxes: Under Review
County Executive George Latimer and the Board of Legislators will continue reviewing multiple issues in the upcoming week. In no particular order, the County is working to better grasp the actual impact of the pandemic on our sales tax projections and determining how to address upcoming property tax bills payable on or before April 30, 2020.
Schools: Closed Beyond April 1st
Governor Cuomo extended school closures from April 1st to April 15th. The Governor will continue to assess the situation and make a determination whether to open or continue closures before the new April 15th date.
Childcare & Support: Essential Workers Can Contact the County
In addition to local school districts, Westchester County is assisting healthcare workers, first responders and essential workers with childcare. Please contact Blanco Lopez at BPL3@westchestergov.com for further assistance and information.
NYS Needs Your Help: N95 Masks, Gloves & Gowns
On a statewide level, if you can manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns and masks, please contact Eric Gertler, Empire State Funding at 212.803.3100. If you have PPE to sell NYS, please contact Simonida Subotic, Executive Chamber, at 646.522.8477.
If you can procure ventilators, please contact Rachel Baker, NYS Department of Health, at 518.281.5120.
Westchester residents can donate PPE such as N95 masks, gloves and gowns or volunteer to help by emailing ICanHelp@westchestergov.com. Locally, in New Castle, please donate PPE and N95 masks in the bin located inside the New Castle Police Department at Town Hall. Please donate to healthcare workers and those on the frontline who expose themselves protecting you!
Healthcare Professionals: Volunteer in NYS or Westchester County
Any psychologist or therapist willing to volunteer in the Mental Health Electronic Help Center can find additional information at the NYS Department of Health website.
If you are a retired health professional anywhere in NYS, please fill out this form to provide greatly needed services to those in need. Alternatively, if you are in Westchester and you want to volunteer your services locally, please email lajc@westchestergov.com. As of yesterday, over 100 healthcare workers volunteered in Westchester County.
Mental Health Help: Westchester County & NYS
We cannot state say it enough. Not only is some nervousness, rational fear and anxiety normal and a healthy means to ensure you adhere to best practices, but it can also take a terrible toll if not managed properly. There is nothing shameful nor any reason to be embarrassed if you need assistance.
The Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health has resources available to those in crisis. If you need support, please call 914.995.1900. Additionally, you can call the Crisis Prevention and Response Team at 914.925.5959 or National Suicide Hotline 800.273.TALK or 800.273.8255. Remember, the NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline is 888.364.3065 and Westchester County residents who are looking for COVID-19 Information can call 211.
Essential Businesses: Updated Guidance
Many residents and businesses are unsure of what is considered “essential” pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Orders. To better determine whether a business enterprise is subject to a workforce reduction under the recent orders, please review materials provided by Empire State Development earlier today. Further guidance from the NYS Department of Agriculture is available for landscapers, garden centers and nurseries.
Metro North: Essential Service Schedule
Starting today, Metro North is not running its regular schedule and instead is adhering to an “Essential Service” schedule. Information about train, bus and other services, including closures, is available here.
Westchester County Parks: Open for Now
The Westchester County Park System remains open for passive use. Nature centers, hiking trails, golf courses, etc. provide an outlet while allowing people to stay far enough apart. However, if visitors do not comply with social distancing, CE Latimer will consider closing the parks. Please know that Westchester County continues to provide guidance on enforcement issues and potential legal action against businesses and individuals that violate any Executive Order. The New Castle Police Department will continue to address problems locally should they arise.
There is no decision yet as to opening Playland, beaches, and public pools that are due to open between May and June. Similarly, spring and summer ethnic festivals and movies at night at the Kensico Dam may have to be postponed or cancelled. The county expects to make a decision in about three weeks.
Town Board & Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce: Finding Solutions
The Chamber and the Town Board met earlier today and discussed, among other things, creating a directory of business professionals and service providers similar to the merchant-restaurant directory. This will give residents the opportunity to contact local businesses that can provide notary, legal, and other services right here in our community.
For more information, please reach out to Councilwoman Lauren Levin at llevin@mynewcastle.org.
Other Critical Information: Paid Sick Leave to Unemployment Insurance Benefits
In an effort to further centralize critical information we receive from NYS or the federal government, New Castle has created a resource center that we will continue to update.
One New Castle: A Family Supporting One Another
As Governor Cuomo correctly noted yesterday, in the worst of times people show their true colors. Just like across NYS, the outpouring of volunteerism and support in New Castle has been remarkable even if not unexpected.
A heartfelt “thank you” to former Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein and others who spearheaded a drive to donate meals for healthcare providers. Although nearly at their goal of $35,000.00, you can contribute on the GoFundMe page.
New Castle: No Place We’d Rather Be
Just like the 62,500 medical staff and the 10,100 mental health professionals who have volunteered, each one of us can make a difference if we take the time and make the effort. Whether it is a phone call to a neighbor or friend, dropping off food for someone, spending money at local businesses, donating PPE, or merely saying “thank you” to the cashier at the grocery, each one of us has a responsibility to our family inside and outside our home. Paraphrasing the Governor, when we look back at this difficult time, we will certainly be a sad, but we will also be proud of what we accomplished together.
Governor Cuomo’s calm assertion, “When someone needs something, there is not place I’d rather be than New York,” could not be true. However, Supervisor Ivy Pool, Deputy Supervisor Jeremy Saland, Councilmembers Lisa Katz, Lauren Levin and Jason Lichtenthal, Town Administrator Jill Shapiro, and the many nameless members of your hardworking Town staff and those who toil for us as first-responders, would unhesitatingly double down. Yes, we are strong, kind, tough and compassionate, but the only place we want to be is with our New Castle family. Together we will rise above the scourge of the Coronavirus and see one another through these challenging times.
MyNewCastle.org Coronavirus Information
Visit the Town of New Castle website for updated coronavirus news & services:
The 2020 Town & County tax bill is being mailed for April 1, 2020 Delivery.
Due to public health and safety concerns, the New Castle Town Hall is closed to the public until further notice. As a result, the Town Tax Receiver is not accepting in-person payments at Town Hall.
Tax payments can be made as follows:
On-Line. Electric check payments can be made through the Town’s secure website www.mynewcastle.org. This is a simple and free of charge process for remitting your taxes. You provide your check routing number and the funds are transferred to the Town’s banking account. The day you process the payment is the day the Town receives it. Payments can be timely made up to 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2020. Go to www.mynewcastle.org and follow the instructions for on-line tax payments.
Please note that if you are requesting payment of taxes through your bank’s on-line system, it can take up to 5-7 business days before the Town receives the check. These payments usually do not bear U.S. postmarks and, as a result, the day of receipt is the day of payment. In order to avoid interest penalties, please leave sufficient time when processing a tax payment in this manner so that the check is received by the Town before the April 30th due date.
Drop Off. Tax payments may be dropped off to Town Hall in the Town Clerk mailbox located on the 1st floor lobby, 200 South Greeley Avenue (right outside the Police Department). This drop box will be cleared daily between Monday and Friday.
By Mail. If you mail your payment, be sure the envelope bears a timely official U.S. postmark. Postage meter (i.e., Pitney Bowes) and foreign postmarks are not acceptable. Under Section 922 of the New York State Real Property Tax Law, when an envelope contains payment of local taxes with no U.S. postmark date, the payment of such taxes is deemed to have been made on the date the payment is received by the Town.
Credit Card Payments. Credit card payments are also accepted through the Town’s secure website www.mynewcastle.org. Please note there is a third-party fee imposed on credit card payments of 3.5%.
Tax Office personnel will be working and available to assist by email or phone 914-238-4773.
At present, there have been no changes to tax payment deadlines or the imposition of interest on late payments by way of an Executive Order issued by the Governor or through state legislation. We encourage taxpayers to monitor the Town website for announcements that may affect these deadlines. However, unless changed or suspended, taxes must be paid by April 30th to avoid interest penalties.
The health and safety of the general public and our employees is the Town’s number one priority. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes and thank you for your cooperation during these challenging times.
Census 2020 – Make Us Count
April 1, 2020 is Census Day! Data from the Census will be used for the next ten years for many things - including determining New York State’s representation in Congress as well as local districting. Census data is also used for the distribution of about $880 Billion of federal funds to local municipalities.
The Census Bureau estimates that every person that is not counted equals a loss of approximately $2,500 per year to local municipalities. This means that every 400 people who are not counted equates to a loss of about $1 Million in funding - each year.
We need to get everyone living in New Castle to be counted! The New Castle Census Complete Count Committee will be responsible for creating and disseminating marketing materials, hosting special events, and engaging in other activities to encourage all residents to be counted.
Take It Or Leave It Shop is CLOSED
In accordance with Governor Cuomo’s executive order banning all nonessential public activity until further notice, the Take It or Leave It Shop WILL NOT OPEN ON APRIL 4 as originally planned. Once the order has lifted, watch this space for news of our opening. We look forward to seeing the community in happier, healthier times!
Recreation and Parks
Spring Programs Postponed
The Town of New Castle Recreation & Parks Department is currently postponing the scheduled start date of all Spring Programming until further notice. In doing so we will also close registration at this time until we have determined a new start date for Spring programs.
If you have already registered, we will keep your registration active unless you instruct us otherwise. This will keep your “spot” in the program for which you have registered. Once the Department has chosen a new start date, fee’s will be prorated to be in line with the new session length and those who have already registered will be given a credit.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call us at 914-238-3909.
At Home Activities from NC Recreation
We know this is a difficult time, and are happy to announce that the New Castle Recreation & Parks Department will be providing daily activities for you to do at home with your children!
Each day at 10:00 am we will post a new activity or entertainment on the New Castle Recreation & Parks Facebook page. Once uploaded, they will be available at any time. Please feel free to post pictures of you and your family taking part!
Check out our schedule below for the week of March 30th!
New Castle Parks & Recreation Senior Programs
Seniors Senter Street Spotlight
The official bi-monthly town newsletter featuring programs and services for residents 60 plus.
View the latest issue here.
Citizen Assistance Registry
Assisting the Most Vulnerable
Our New Castle Recreation and Parks Department, along with our New Castle Police Department, have updated the Town’s services to help our most vulnerable citizens with their critical needs. The New Castle Citizen Assistance Registry will help the Town evaluate residents' needs and assist in planning a response in an emergency.
Signing-up for the Citizen Assistance Registry does not guarantee that you will be provided services or be placed on a priority list for emergency response. However, your registration is the best way to alert the Town to any specific needs you may have for assistance in the event of an emergency. All of the personal information in the registry is completely confidential and will not be shared with the general public.
You can also contact Bess Steiger, Senior Social Worker, at bsteiger@mynewcastle.org or 914-238-2093.
If you need immediate emergency assistance, please dial 911.
Intergenerate Community Gardens
In this time of uncertainty, the ability to grow one’s own food is becoming more important, for both physical and mental health.
New Castle has two community gardens, one next to the Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps and one at the base of Sand Street in Millwood.
Both gardens have openings for gardeners this spring, even if you have never tried it before. We offer lessons and the possibility of gardening in small groups (safe distance is easy to maintain in a garden) as well as the option to have your own plot. We also grow food to help our neighbors in need, so even if you don’t wish to maintain a plot in the garden you can help us grow the food for donation.
If you are interested in learning more, please go to www.InterGenerate.net, click on the location you are interested in, and fill out the information form. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Due to the statewide PAUSE, the Library will remain closed until further notice. We ask that you hold on to Library materials and not worry about any due dates. All fines accrued during this period will be waived. Please use this time to explore our extensive collection of online services, many of which are noted below. Click here for a comprehensive guide. All you need to access our e-resources is your library card barcode and PIN (usually the last four digits of your phone number). If you don't have a library card you can apply for one by following this link to the online card registration: https://www.chappaqualibrary.org/get-a-library-card. We look forward to welcoming you back into the library as soon as possible.
The Library is available for reference queries or issues with access to please contact the reference staff either by email at chappaqu@wlsmail.org or phone at 914-238-4779 x2.
Hoopla: Borrow up to 10 titles a month. Kanopy: Watch selected films - list here - without using play credits. Or, enjoy 20 credits per month to watch from the full catalog. Overdrive/Libby: Downable e- and audiobooks. New titles being added! AudioBookCloud: Free access to a collection of audiobooks for all ages. RomanceBookCloud: Free access to romance novels for adults.
The Library will have a vacant seat on the Board for the July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2025 term. If you are interested in shaping the future of the Library please pick up a petition at the Library.
Potential candidates must submit their petitions to the District Clerk's office by 5 pm on April 20, 2020
Holocaust & Human Rights Art & Writing Contest
Calling all artists and writers who have some extra time on their hands, we encourage you to participate in the Town of New Castle’s 1st Annual Holocaust & Human Rights Art & Writing Contest.
Greeley Sports Boosters
Subscribe to the weekly Boosters Newsletter to receive:
Varsity sports recaps
Schedules for the week ahead
Special Events
Information about Greeley's Athletic Program
Discover Chappaqua
Visit DiscoverChappaqua.com a website to highlight all that Chappaqua has to offer - a great place to shop, eat & live.
Town Hall: Learn More and Contact Us
Town Hall Meetings and Board Packets
To find agendas, supporting documents, and meeting minutes for Board meetings, click here.
To watch videos from recent meetings recorded by New Castle Community Media Center, click here.
Stay Connected
To stay informed about your local government and community, click here to sign up for Town Hall e-News and Community e-News, and sign up with Nixle and Code Red to receive text messages and/or emails for emergency alerts and community events.
Contact Us! - Email Your Town Council and Town Administrator
You may contact your town board members and town administrator by using the links below, or as a group. For a full list of town contacts, click here.
Westchester residents can donate PPE such as N95 masks, gloves and gowns or volunteer to help by emailing 
April 1, 2020 is Census Day! Data from the Census will be used for the next ten years for many things - including determining New York State’s representation in Congress as well as local districting. Census data is also used for the distribution of about $880 Billion of federal funds to local municipalities.
Click here for Con Edison's Storm Central including outage location maps, storm preparation, and recovery tips!
