Standing Up for One Another:
Not Always Easy, But Always Right
While the beginning of the week saw both hurtful and inappropriate behavior towards a Town Board member – demonstrating the worst in us – the past few days made it clear that our community is overwhelmingly filled with those who represent quite the opposite – “givers” and “doers” who individually and collectively personify the best in us. As Ida’s saturating wrath transformed street gutters into white capped rapids and doors, roofs, and foundations into more Maginot Lines than lines of defense against the elements, all we had to do was look to neighbors to see how this community rallies for each other. Residents offered guidance and assistance to one another. First responders ventured out for the safety of others, unflappable in the face of unrelenting rains. DPW and Town staff remained at the ready and answered the call. Staff from our numerous school districts ensured that our children arrived at their classrooms safely. No matter the time or the conditions, if there was a role to play and job to be done, someone stepped up.
Thank you all.
Our Job is Not Done: Merchants Need Your Help
Anyone who has lived in New Castle for at least a few years can tell you that despite the flooding on S. Greeley Avenue Wednesday night into Thursday morning, the infrastructure project absolutely mitigated what would have been far worse and more widespread. As we saw throughout Westchester County, no matter what was built below the surface, when an approximately eight-inch deluge decides to rain down upon us over such a small window of time, drains cannot funnel water away to already briming brooks and waterlogged earth. Simply, our infrastructure, like those in communities all around us, coupled with the Chappaqua Hamlet’s wetland and valley location, is unable to eradicate all flooding even if it can eliminate lesser events and minimize others.
As successful as the new infrastructure was in lessening flooding and keeping Lower King and N. Greeley from becoming a lake, to many merchants along S. Greeley Avenue this “victory” was of no consolation. Not only did water wreak havoc on their physical spaces, but furnishings, merchandise, and equipment were damaged or lost in many stores.
Make no mistake. We may not be able to tame Mother Nature, but we can head into the hamlet to grab a bite, make a purchase, or even get a hair cut (well, some of you can get your hair cut). Please make an effort this weekend and beyond. SHOP LOCAL!
State of Emergency: Local, County, & State
Yesterday, I declared a State of Emergency to help facilitate assistance to and further the health, safety, and well-being of everyone residing and working in New Castle. More importantly, both Westchester County and New York State declared a State of Emergency and President Biden approved an Emergency Disaster Declaration for New York. In doing so, the federal government can evaluate damage caused by Ida and determine whether we are entitled to compensation.
Sources of aid to those impacted by the flooding who do not have flood insurance will come from the federal government following the evaluation. This would come through what is called ‘individual assistance’. In order to qualify for individual assistance, Westchester County would need to be eligible for federal assistance – which is why it’s important that records of expenses and damages are maintained.
Although I have been in direct contact with State Senator Peter Harckham and Assemblyman Chris Burdick who graciously and unhesitatingly made themselves available for assistance, please know that in addition, I separately emailed Congressman Mondaire Jones, Senator Harckham, and Assemblyman Burdick. In pertinent part, I emailed:
“While I am aware that you have many constituents in need, New Castle residents and business owners alike have been hard hit. Unfortunately, some businesses in the Chappaqua Hamlet devastatingly bore the brunt of the flooding. Due to these circumstances, I kindly ask that you keep us abreast of any opportunities and funding that can be used to assist those in need to rebound from their respective losses. Should you need anything from me or Town Staff to help facilitate any relief, know that you can count on each one of us for assistance.
Thank you again for your service to our community and help during this time.”
In addition to the efforts above, it is my hope that our leaders in Washington declare a major disaster area to allow access to additional FEMA monies. In the meantime, please review the Department of Financial Service’s website for disaster and flood related recovery information. Both residents and business owners with questions about storm recovery can call the DFS Disaster Hotline at (800) 339-1759, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m., for help with banking, insurance, and claim issues.
Other Important Information:
Leaf Blowers, Closures, & More
In order to facilitate storm clean-up, the Commissioner of Public Works has authorized the use of fuel-powered motorized leaf blowers for all residents from yesterday, September 2nd, through next Wednesday, September 8th.
Due to damage from the storm, the pedestrian bridge at the duck pond on Quaker Road is not safe for pedestrian traffic. The DPW has blocked access to the bridge. Please do not go around the barricades to use the bridge. The Town has contacted an engineer to provide an assessment and repairs will commence as soon as possible.
Route 120/Quaker Road from Kipp Street to Hunts Place traffic light continues to remain closed. NYS DOT is on site and assessing the situation. Travel in this area should be avoided. Updates will be provided when we know more.
The Recycling Center will be closed Saturday, September 4th, for the Labor Day Holiday.
SaniPro Disposal will not make trash/recycling collections on Monday, September 6th. Monday collections will take place Tuesday, September 7th. There are no changes to Tuesday’s through Friday’s collections.
Twenty Years Later:
Commemorating 9/11/2001 - 9/11/2021
With heavy hearts, we remember 9/11, the lives lost in New Castle and beyond, and the heroics and selflessness of the many first-responders and regular citizens who pushed forward to help others in the face of unimaginable chaos and fear. Please join us on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 9:30 am at Gedney Park to honor these men and women, thank them for their courage, and to ensure we never forget those who were needlessly lost.
In Case You Missed It: This Week’s Work Session & Town Board Meeting
On Monday, August 30th, your Town Board reviewed additional sections of what will potentially be the Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement (FGEIS). During the session we discussed and examined Land Use, Zoning, Visual Resources & Community Character, and Air Quality and Noise. Please be reminded that the Form Based Code (FBC) remains a work in progress with more community engagements for both the FBC and FGEIS to come. We want your input and encourage you to continue sharing your substantive thoughts and comments!
During Monday’s work session we also moved forward with next steps to examine the feasibility of sidewalks on Douglas Road as well as setting a public hearing for a new local mask law that is less expansive than the prior mandate.
Metro-North: Post-Ida Modified Schedule
For those of you taking care of business, getting up every morning from your alarm clock’s warning to take the 8:15 into the city, please be aware that Metro-North will resume limited service today. They will operate an enhanced weekend service on the Harlem Line because of the damage caused by Tropical Storm Ida.
Since I can’t click my shoes together to magically get the right information in your hands, please remember that you can sign up for alerts such as the NCPD Nixle and the Town of New Castle Code Red online. When you do so, you must specify if you want to receive emails and/or texts. Signup here.
Be Smart: Lock it Up!
On August 16th, the New Castle Police Department (NCPD) sent a Nixle alert to residents about stolen cars and recommending that they lock their vehicles after reported break ins. Unfortunately, a vehicle was stolen recently and the NCPD sent another Nixle alert. No matter how many message the NCPD sends, however, if you do not lock your homes and cars (and take the key fobs out too!), you leave yourself exposed to theft. New Castle remains an incredibly safe community with limited crime, but let’s all take the right steps to best ensure none of us are victimized.
Protecting Yourself & Others:
Drive, Bike & Walk Responsibly
One of the things our community prides itself in is how giving and aware we are of others. From wearing masks to protect the most vulnerable from COVID to volunteering in organizations that provide food, clothing, and opportunities to those in need, there is another way we can all “pay it forward”. What is it you ask? Know the rules of the road, follow them, and make sure if you have a child at home, he or she does the same.
Put down your phone when you’re driving. It can wait. Promise. And wherever you are going, the extra ten to fifteen miles per hour you drive above the speed limit on our local roads ain’t gonna’ make no difference getting you to your destination on time. Have no misgivings. You don’t want that kind of regret on your shoulders if your speed causes an accident. If you are walking alone or with friends, be aware of your surroundings and, as recommended by the NHSTA, if no sidewalk is available walk against traffic when possible. Common sense tells us that it’s far easier to move out of the way of a vehicle when you can see it approaching than when it comes racing up from behind. For the bikers both young and old among us? Remember to follow the same rules of the road as the vehicles that pass you by.
Bobo’s Café:
Train Station Standing & Parking Policy
Bobo’s Café serves up great eats, lots of smiles, and a place to meet friends – whether planned or because they happen to be there already. However, as fortunate as the community is to have Bobo’s and its convenient curbside pickup, residents must still adhere to the law. Please know that vehicles should not block the crosswalk, nor should cars be left unattended. Should you block the crosswalk or exit your car, instead of standing, aka, remaining inside the vehicle, traffic enforcement may ticket you. Allen Place, the street outside Bobo’s, is an active roadway. Even if that area of the train station lot isn’t soon returning to the choke point it was at the height of its use, commuting will pick up post-Labor Day, emergency vehicles cannot be blocked, and the safety of pedestrians and other drivers is always a priority. If there is no room to stand, harken back to your NYC days when you’d walk blocks without issue and simply park in one of the designated spots mere feet away.
Please be aware of the Town policy and make sure to enjoy all our local restaurants in Chappaqua and Millwood!
Say it Together: Community Day!
Neighbors new and old, let’s get ready to kick off the fall and back to school with Community Day 2021! On Saturday, September 18, 2021, from 10 am to 2 pm, join your fellow-residents for a fun filled morning and afternoon at the Chappaqua train station.
Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival:
Welcome Back!
You may have heard of it, you may have volunteered for it, heck, you might have even bought a book or two (or four or five). Well, guess what…the CCBF is coming back to the Chappaqua Hamlet on October 2, 2021. After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Town of New Castle is once again privileged and excited to serve as co-sponsors.
With 60 plus authors and other activities, one of New Castle’s greatest events is also one of the “must” events of the year. Remember, admission is free and there will be protocols in place to best keep everyone safe, but please make sure to bring the energy of excitement for what will no doubt be an incredible time. For further information, including how you can volunteer, donate, or sponsor, please visit the CCBF website. As always, even if they do not ask for it, thank you Dawn Greenberg and everyone who makes this event a reality.
FGEIS Review & FBC Schedule: Changes Made
Whether you join us in person or not on Monday, please be aware of the changes made to the FBC schedule. Arguably more important, do not forget that your Town Board welcomes your input as we review our consultant’s responses, along with our professional staff, to your substantive questions. For those wishing to engage us further, please update your calendars as we have moved around some dates and added community engagement sessions to our September 14th and 21st work sessions, pushed out the potential acceptance of the FGEIS as complete from this Monday to September 23rd, and added an engagement session on September 30th. Your Town Board will now consider a vote on the FBC for North Greeley – and only North Greeley as it has been for some time – on December 7th in lieu of November 23rd.
Please continue to share your thoughts as we work through the process together
COVID Update: September 3rd
Our collective efforts to vaccinate and follow best practices is still commendable but we must all be aware of the uptick in COVID cases and the highly contagious delta variant that continues to be the dominant strain. As of September 1st, Westchester County has two hundred and two (202) confirmed new COVID-19 cases and a total of 2,655 active. Please consider wearing a mask indoors even if you are vaccinated. As a reminder, the Town Board is considering an indoor mask law and will continue discussing the same during our upcoming work sessions.
09/01/2021: 2,655 Countywide, 24 New Castle
08/25/2021: 2,752 Countywide, 20 New Castle
08/18/2021: 2,706 Countywide, 18 New Castle
08/11/2021: 2,326 Countywide, 24 New Castle
08/03/2021: 1,572 Countywide, 21 New Castle
07/26/2021: 929 Countywide, 13 New Castle
07/13/2021: 349 Countywide, 4 New Castle
07/06/2021: 214 Countywide, 3 New Castle
06/28/2021: 202 Countywide, 2 New Castle
06/14/2021: 304 Countywide, 2 New Castle
06/06/2021: 361 Countywide, 2 New Castle
05/03/2021: 1,923 Countywide, 13 New Castle
04/05/2021: 5,458 Countywide, 41 New Castle
03/03/2021: 5,815 Countywide, 59 New Castle
02/01/2021: 9,883 Countywide, 61 New Castle
01/19/2021: 11,372 Countywide, 139 New Castle (Peak)
As of September 1, 2021, 460,198 Westchester County residents have been vaccinated. In Chappaqua and Millwood, 79.7% and 89.9% of your fellow residents respectively have received at least one vaccination dose while 74.0% and 85.0% received two. Chappaqua, you’re dogging it. Big time. Who aspires to be a middling C, ladies and gents? Millwood isn’t tearing it up with a B, but at least they are taking double dose vaccination more seriously!
We are real tough cookies. Let’s get down to it and let them hit you with their best shot! If you haven’t received that second (or first) dose, please do so for the health of your neighbors, friends, and family. Don’t let COVID knock us down. Let’s all get right back on our feet again.
Further information for Westchester County is available here.
Get Vaccinated!
COVID vaccines are now widely available at pharmacies, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and other locations across the state. Visit Vaccine Finder or the NY State vaccine appointment website or call 833-NYS-4-VAX.
Thinking about getting involved?
Consider joining a New Castle Board or Committee
The Boards & Committees below are looking for members:
Arts and Culture Committee
The New Castle Arts and Culture Committee (NCACC) is envisioned as a gathering of diverse community stakeholders dedicated to improving the quality of life for the entire New Castle community by enhancing culture and the arts in and around New Castle.
The mission of the NCACC shall be to support, develop, propose and raise awareness of the events programs on art, music, dance, theater, film and all other cultural art forms taking place in an around the Town of New Castle. Events and programs of interest shall include theater productions, arts series, art auctions, concerts and shows, art exhibits, children’s art programs, and community creative festivals.
To achieve its objective, the NCACC will serve in an advisory capacity to the Town Board and other departments within the Town to foster collaboration between the Town and third parties on events and programs dedicated to the arts.
Meetings are 8 a.m. 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month
Term of office it two years
Learn more about the Arts & Culture Committee HERE.
Environmental Review Board
The Environmental Review Board is the primary approving authority for applications submitted in connection with the Town’s wetlands regulations, and for appeals filed in connection with the Town’s tree preservation regulation.
Meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Monday (4th Monday if Holiday conflict) of every month at 7:30 PM and typically last 2-3 hours. The Board does not meet in August.
The term of office is three years
Learn more about the Environmental Review Board HERE.
Ethics Board
The Ethics Board renders advisory opinions on specific situations or when requested, on the conduct of an official or employee, in accordance with the provisions of the adopted Code of Ethics (PDF)
The mission of this Committee is to educate residents of all ages and create community awareness about the Holocaust, other genocides and human rights violations.
The Committee will work with other groups and organizations to educate the community to never forget the horrors of the Holocaust and other genocides and to apply these lessons to today’s world.
The Committee will also work to promote the teaching of the Holocaust and Human Rights in our schools.
Meetings are 7pm the 1st Wednesday of every month
The term of office is two years
Learn more about the Holocaust and Human Rights Committee HERE.
Applications are being accepted through October 1, 2021. Application forms are HERE.
Chappaqua Farmer's Market
Open Every Saturday 8:30 am to 1 pm
Take It or Leave It Shed is Open This Saturday!
The Take It Or Leave It Shed (TIOLI) is a reusable item “shop” managed by town volunteers. No money is involved – everything is free. TIOLI is open for the season (weather permitting) Saturdays through October, and is located at the train station. Location: 1st left after you enter the station parking area from South Greeley Avenue.
The Take It Or Leave It will be open, weather permitting (no rain or strong winds), on Saturdays until the end of October. Drop-off hours are from 8:30 to 11:00 am. Shoppers will be welcome from 9am to noon, although the volunteers will start packing things back into the shed at about 11:45. Only New Castle residents may leave things, because we have limited room in the shed and everything must be stored there if not taken by noon. Signs will indicate the drop-off area.
Because of the improved Covid-19 situation and TIOLI’s outdoor location, masks will be optional. Tables will be spaced to encourage social distancing. Shoppers may be asked to limit their shopping time to let everyone have a chance at the wares. Children must be supervised, and please, no strollers or dogs.
The Friends of the Chappaqua Library will be holding a pop-up book market, 9 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, Sept 4, in the train station parking lot, next to the Take It or Leave It Shop, weather permitting. All books will be $1. Limited book donations accepted, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for books in good condition, 1 box maximum per family. Please stop by - all proceeds go to support the Chappaqua Library.
New Castle Historical Society
1860s Family Fun Day
New Castle
Recreation & Parks Update
Fall Program Non-Resident Registration
Begins September 6th at 10 am
New Castle Senior Services
More Senior Program, Event & Service Information Available HERE
We look forward to seeing you at future events and programs. Please call the Center at 238-8888 for more information, and continue to check this enewsletter for weekly updates.
GetSetUp - Free Virtual Classes from NYS
GetSetUp is a New York State initiative for Seniors offering free virtual classes including exercise, how to use Zoom, getting the most out of your Smartphone, Volunteering and Social Hours. Check out the myriad of inspiring classes at https://www.getsetup.io/partner/NYSTATE.
You’ll make new friends from all over the State.
Community Center Garden - Ripe For The Picking
Don't forget, herbs and vegetables are available for harvesting from the beds behind the Community Center. The tomatoes are ripening and are sugar-sweet!
Recall alert for Philips ventilators and sleep apnea devices
Philips recently issued a product recall for specific ventilators and sleep apnea devices.
If you own or rent one of the Philips products that was recalled, talk to your doctor as soon as possible about whether to continue using your recalled equipment. Click here for more info.
If you would like to replace or repair your equipment, the supplier you bought the equipment from is responsible for replacing or repairing rental equipment at no cost to you when the equipment is less than 5 years old. If the equipment is more than 5 years old, Medicare will help pay for a replacement.
To register your equipment: Visit philips.com/src-update, or Call 1-877-907-7508
Visit the library website for the most up to date information.
Read the latest Library New & Events Newsletter HERE. Sign Up to receive Library Newsletter direct to your email.
The Library is closed Labor Day Weekend
Saturday, September 4th - Monday, September 6th
Programs
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.
Community e-News Submissions
The Town uses the eNewsletter to keep residents informed about community news, meetings, events, initiatives, announcements and other important information. In addition, civic groups, not-for-profit and charitable organizations are welcome to submit time, place and date announcements for their upcoming events for inclusion in the eNewsletter free of charge.
Click here for Con Edison's Storm Central including outage location maps, storm preparation, and recovery tips!
