Fingers clicking and clacking in a tangled game of keyboard “Twister”, I kept finding myself back exactly where I started -- drunkenly staring at an itsy-bitsy blinking black mast laughing at me from a sea of bright white nothingness. Admittedly somewhat soothing, if not hypnotizing, my brief celebratory success banging out a line or two of coherent sentences inevitably met an early demise as my middle finger poked away at the “Backspace” key with sowing machine-like efficacy. I couldn’t pass “Go” and instead found myself stuck in the upper left corner of the screen in “writer’s jail”, the cursor my cellmate. Blinking. Blinking. As midnight turned to a lot of minutes past midnight (I mean, like a lota’ minutes) I finally got the gust of wind I needed to unfurl my sail and put modern day pen to paper.
I am confident there is a cadre of people who are expecting me to go one direction in my newsletter and a crew of others who are bracing for another after the letter to the editor in the Examiner News assailing my and my father’s character and ethics. But what’s the point? I answered the false allegations in this week’s work session, and I know who I am. Believe me or not. Your call, but I am tired of fighting. My father? The man is not only the pinnacle of integrity, but he has as much to do with the FBC as your father. All that said, no matter what I write someone will undoubtedly be unhappy. That’s how these things work.
So, in my waning days of authoring the “Supervisor’s Report” (yah, yah, technically the “Acting Supervisor’s Report”), I figured I would make this an easy lift for all of us and simply start by stating that everyone on your Town Board, your Board of Education in Chappaqua, Ossining, and Bedford, and those who run to serve are all doing so for the right reasons whether we agree on the issues and answers or not. As to your Town Board – Lori, Lauren, Lisa, and I, as well as Ivy, Jason L., Rob, Hala, Adam, Jason C., Elise, and those before – we all want what is best for New Castle. You may disagree with our decisions, but we are regular residents like you. Before you judge us by what you read online or off, do your best to get actual facts. Come and say “Hello”. I promise we don’t bite.
OK. Now, let’s all take a breath, step away from our devices, and remind ourselves not of how different we are but of all the amazing things we have been able to enjoy here in New Castle over the past year that bring us together as we slowly emerge from the pandemic. Sure, I’ll start sharing my thoughts. Thanks for asking.
Just last weekend we brought back the Ragamuffin Parade with young families and beaming children decked out as superheroes, princesses, and animals. Scary monsters? Indeed, but fortunately no ghoulishly frightening five-story buildings to be found.
The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival? A triumphant return with plenty of gusto. Throngs of residents and visitors respecting best COVID practices mingled from food truck to author to friends to wherever their destination of the day brought them.
Any given weekend over these past few weeks and months, Gedney Park was hopping with kids on the playground, dogs walking their owners, and softball and baseball bats smacking balls around the fields (I gotta’ take this moment to plug Todd Herrell and Coaches Alex Grishman and Paul Barron for a heck of a season and hecka’ lot more patience!). There were few better places anywhere to enjoy the company of friends in the great outdoors than Gedney.
Whether it was here in New Castle or elsewhere, children went back to camp and parents enjoyed our Summer Concert Series that also welcomed our very own local “dad band”, The Station Agents, who put on an amazing show.
As many of us finally get back to work in the city, the old romanticism of riding the rails may have started to dull, but our kids are happier, healthier, and dare I say eager to immerse themselves in a more “normal” school life.
I could go on and on, but I do that too often and have done so already. It is well after 1:30 am. My eyes ache. I’m exhausted. But whether its the FBC, COVID-19, or something else, know this: it’s not the end of the world as we know it, and you should feel fine. Before I close my eyes, I am taking a moment to enjoy the silence and appreciate what we have together instead of what pushes us apart. It feels pretty darn good…almost as good as hitting “.” one last time.
FBC Status: FGEIS Accepted as Complete
Last week, the Town Board accepted the Final Generic Impact Statement as complete. As we discussed it in this week’s work session and will do so again next week, we are also considering a resolution to send it to the Westchester County and New Castle Planning Boards for their respective review. We continue to work through the findings statement and FBC legislation. Please join us On October 26th at the Chapp PAC.
The Form Based Code (FBC):
Current Status, Taxes, & CCSD
When the FBC was first proposed during then Supervisor Rob Greenstein and Deputy Supervisor Lisa Katz’s administration in 2019, I was not initially sure it was the right fit for the Chappaqua Hamlet. In fact, both Ivy Pool, then a Councilmember, and I believed a pause was appropriate and charrettes were necessary for the entire study area before agreeing with Rob and Lisa that we should move forward for reasons including 2017’s Comprehensive Plan. Since that time – during Supervisor’ Greenstein’s administration, Supervisor Pool’s administration, and my tenure as Acting Supervisor – my colleagues and I have taken a “deep dive” into the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) that examines environmental issues and both the original and whittled down FBC.
I sincerely believe that the FBC on N. Greeley will facilitate the type of growth that is advantageous to the community and remain open to further modifications. This zoning code will guide any future developer in understanding the parameters of what they can and cannot build should they be able to purchase enough lots to aggregate them into larger ones while aiding current owners in developing their properties in a more efficient manner. Additionally, as corroborated by our consultant’s and Chappaqua Central School District’s (CCSD) consultant’s data, and examined by and further developed with Town staff, the proposed Final GEIS (FGEIS) reflects there are financial benefits to the Town and CCSD even if there is a deviation from tax generation estimates. Read more on the topics listed below:
While the FBC is by no means the only issue of importance in New Castle, it nonetheless is an issue that invokes strong opinions in some and is routinely a topic of conversation across the community. As such, it is critical that even if we disagree, we all try to understand what the FBC is and what it isn’t. As such, I share the following:
2022 Tentative Budget: Potential 3.03% Increase Due to Refuse Collection
The tentative 2022 budget proposes a 3.03% increase in the levy over 2021 ($672,296) although the total appropriations over all funds increased by $2,015,237. The breakdown of the 3.03% plainly reveals the challenges we faced in preparing this budget. In short, after going out to bid twice and only receiving one proposal, the refuse component of the levy had an overwhelmingly negative impact on our budget increase. The refuse levy spiked by 19.41%; ($481,600) while the general fund increase was a modest 1.83% or $223,251 and the highway fund increased by only 1.07% or $48,389. Specifically, where the Town had the ability to control expenditures, as with the general fund and the highway fund, the increases over last year were modest as best: 1.83% and 1.07%. However, our refuse costs are subject to external economic drivers outside of our control. The collapse of the international recycling market as well as the loss of local transfer stations and limited avenues for disposal all impacted our new refuse and recycling contract. Although we were aware that market forces would have a significant impact on our new contract for services, we, like other municipalities, were unprepared for the almost $1million increase over our last contract, a marked increase of 32.28% from last year.
The average homeowner with an assessed value of $170,000 or $877,192.98 market value, will see a $110.36 increase over last year, excluding fire protection*. That increase consists of a $23.26 rise over last year or a tax rate growth of .87 for the general and highway fund, and $87.10 for special districts. In past years, the loss of SALT deductions had a negative effect on our housing market. However, the pandemic reversed that trend and continues to positively impact our housing prices and the mortgage tax revenues.
* As part of the special district component of the Town and County Tax bill, Town residents receive fire protection from three different entities. Each carries its own budget. The Millwood Fire District will increase by $18,73 per parcel (tentative budget numbers); Northern Fire Protection will decrease by $14.53 per parcel (final budget numbers); and New Castle Fire District numbers were unavailable at the time of this budget message.
EPIC Opportunity: Part-Time Ambassador Applications Due Nov. 1
New Castle’s Every Person is Connected Committee, aka, EPIC Committee, strives to enhance the quality of life for people with special needs in our community and they know that one of the best ways to get there is increasing awareness and promoting full inclusion. As fortunate we are to have committee members who volunteer to identify and implement a wide variety of services, opportunities, and programs, it is our EPIC Ambassadors – the kids, teens and adults with special needs who live in our community – that make this committee tick while showing us not only what inclusion is all about, but how we can do it together. To that end, I am excited to announce that thanks to the hard work of the EPIC Committee, the Town of New Castle is accepting applications no later than November 1, 2021, for part-time EPIC Ambassadors to staff the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center in jobs ranging from working concessions and on the “Clean Team” to assisting event staff and serving as ushers. Anyone considering applying, know that we need and want you as part of our New Castle team and family.
Further information about the necessary qualifications (you got this!), types of positions, and compensation is available here. A downloadable application is available here.
Get Out and Vote: It’s All of Our Responsibility
Just as it happens the first Tuesday of every November, election day is right around the corner on November 2nd. Your vote is your choice, and you can cast it early (not often). Starting this weekend, you can head to the polls for our local election as well as for others. The dates are:
Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021 from noon until 5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021 from noon until 5 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 25, 2021 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021 from noon until 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021 from noon until 8 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 from noon until 5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021 from noon until 5 p.m.
While you cast your vote on November 2nd at your regularl polling place, should you decide to vote early there is no location in New Castle. The closest polling place for early voting is Mt. Kisco Memorial Complex at Leonard Park, 1 Wallace Drive.
Further information on early voting, including dates, times, locations, and other frequently asked questions is available here. If you need to find your regular polling place for November 2nd, an easy to use system is available here.
Now get up, get out, and vote your choice!
Saw Mill River Parkway: New Traffic Pattern
The New York State Department of Transportation is advising Westchester County motorists to expect a new traffic pattern along the Saw Mill River Parkway northbound and southbound between Exit 26 (Sprain Brook Parkway) and Exit 30 (Grant Street) in the Town of Mount Pleasant, beginning the week of Monday, November 1st, as part of a bridge replacement and road realignment project, weather permitting.
One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction at all times. Exit 28 (Bedford Road) on the Saw Mill River Parkway northbound will be closed for the duration of the new traffic pattern. Motorists should expect delays and utilize the posted detour for Exit 30 (Grant Street).
The new traffic pattern is necessary to elevate the Saw Mill River Parkway and replace the two bridges that carry the Saw Mill River Parkway over the Saw Mill River as part of an ongoing bridge replacement and rehabilitation project in Lower Westchester.
For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.
In Case You Missed It:
Oct. 19th and 20th Town Board Works Sessions
Tentative Budget
As shared above, the Town Board began reviewing the tentative budget on October 19th.
Duck Pond Bridge
While it may seem like it was ages ago that we had a working bridge off Route 120 by the Duck Pond, the good news is we are moving forward. The Town Board came to an agreement with Tectonic Engineering to stabilize the bridge as the Town examines the possibility of installing a new pedestrian bridge in lieu of rehabilitating the old one and it’s out of date materials. If we did not stabilize and have a temporary bridge which may be up and running within a month, we could have found ourselves “bridgeless” for a solid year.
Proposed Stretch Code
Once again, the Town Board learned about the NYStretch Code and its availability to municipalities to adopt as a more restrictive energy code ten to twelve percent (10-12%) more efficient than the minimum requirements of the Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State. The stricter energy standards translate to reduced energy costs for residents and businesses. As an additional incentive to adopting stricter energy code standards there is funding available on a first come first serve basis for specific categories of energy savings. An exciting opportunity indeed.
National Drug-Take Back Day:
Dispose Unused Medication
On October 23rd, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Westchester County’s Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) will provide residents with the opportunity to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications at the Household Hazardous-Material Recovery Facility (H-MRF) in Valhalla by appointment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Residents who cannot make it to the DEF event on October 23 can safely dispose of their unwanted medications at many convenient police department drop-off locations throughout the year. Additionally, DEF accepts medications by appointment on the first Tuesday of each month at the H-MRF. Schedule an appointment or contact the Recycling HelpLine at (914) 813-5425 or 211. The County also has installed locked and secured collection boxes at 38 police department headquarters throughout Westchester, where medications can be dropped off (most are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week). Read more information.
Stay Informed: Nixle, Code Red & Alerts
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.
COVID Update: October 22nd
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 October 20th, Westchester County has 90 confirmed new COVID-19 cases and a total of 1,276 active. Let’s not get cavalier about where we are heading, but while our county numbers are going in the right direction, New Castle’s spiked. Please consider wearing a mask indoors even if you are vaccinated.
10/20/2021: 1,276 Countywide, 27 New Castle
10/13/2021: 1,423 Countywide, 19 New Castle
10/07/2021: 1,451 Countywide, 21 New Castle
09/30/2021: 1,799 Countywide, 27 New Castle
09/23/2021: 2,231 Countywide, 41 New Castle
09/16/2021: 2,284 Countywide, 42 New Castle
09/09/2021: 2,368 Countywide, 22 New Castle
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 October 20th, 480,423 Westchester County residents have been vaccinated. In Chappaqua and Millwood, 84.1% and 95.4% of your fellow residents respectively have received at least one vaccination dose while 75.7% and 87.7% received two. A special “Thank you” to the men and women of Millwood who are carrying Chappaqua. Embarrassingly, Armonk has now bested Chappaqua with double vaccinations making up 75.9% of the eligible populace. Millwood is still setting the pace, but Chappaqua’s isn’t in medal contention after falling behind to Mt. Kisco’s 78.7%. Come on peeps. Seriously. Roll up that sleeve!
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.
Help Wanted! Millwood West End Advisory Board
Seeking volunteers to join the Millwood West End Advisory Board (MWEAB). The Advisory board monitors land use applications, and the general interests of Millwood and the West End including correcting zoning violations and improving the general appearance of Millwood and the West End. The Advisory Board advises and reports to the Town of New Castle and works in cooperation with the other town boards. The Board meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7 PM. Term of Office is three years. Interested? Please fill out the volunteer application form HERE.
Chappaqua Farmer's Market
Open Every Saturday 8:30 am to 1 pm
Take It or Leave It Shed is Open Saturday!
PLEASE NOTE: The last day of the season for the Take It or Leave It will be Saturday, October 30, when TIOLI will be open for shopping but will not accept any donations. Re-opening is planned for April, 2022.
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.
Chappaqua Schools Foundation
Food Truck Fundraiser
A Charlie Brown Christmas LIVE ON Stage!
at Chappaqua Performing Arts Center
THE TOURING COMPANY PERFORMS IN CHAPPAQUA BEFORE ITS NYC RUN!
A present the whole family can enjoy! Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s timeless story of the spirit of Christmas and features the unforgettable music of Vince Guaraldi. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they mount a play, save a tree and uncover the true meaning of Christmas. After the final bow the audience is invited to join the Peanuts gang in singing traditional Christmas songs and carols. There’s no better way to discover the magic of the season!
DECEMBER 3 - DECEMBER 19 The show is 90 minutes including intermission.
Tickets and VIP packages on general sale starting
Friday, October 22, 2021 at 10:00 AM Visit:ticketmaster.com
Please review covid policy at time of purchase.
480 North Bedford Road, Chappaqua, NY 10514
For Information call the Box Office: 866-806-5777 www.ChappaquaPAC.org Presented by Evening Out, Inc.
New Castle United for Youth
Supports Red Ribbon Week Awareness
Have you ever wondered about how or when to talk to your kids about alcohol and other drugs? Red Ribbon Week, from October 23 to October 31, is a time for raising awareness about substance use and safe choices.
Don’t Wait is a short film about the importance of conversations about substances, with an emphasis on how to talk about alcohol and other drugs with kids of different ages. New Castle United for Youth has arranged for a one-month license for Chappaqua parents to watch Don’t Wait - use this form to receive access to the film and a parent discussion guide.
New Castle
Recreation & Parks Update
New Castle Recreation Basketball
New Castle Recreation is happy to announce that Recreation Basketball will return this year! Registration opens online Monday, November 1st at 10:00AM
Time for Trivia
Drumming About You
November 7 at 2 pm @ The Chappaqua Performing Arts Center
Senior Drivers
$16/hour
Needed for local shopping and doctor's appointments
Mondays-Fridays, Part-Time
9:00am to 4:00pm
Flexible Schedule
Pre-Employment drug screening required.
$20/hour CDL (Commercial Drivers License)
Needed for Wednesday Trips
9:00am to 4:00pm
Pre-Employment drug screening required.
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.
Polling Place Rides
Election Day is Tuesday November 2, 2021. Please call Bess Steiger at 238-2093 if you will need a ride to your polling place.
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.
Community Survey | Chappaqua Library Strategic Plan 2022-2027
The Chappaqua Library is in the process of developing its 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. In order to better understand how the Library can best support the community’s passions and values, it is very important to us that we hear from you!
We look forward to your participation and listening to your feedback in this exciting process! Thank you for your support and input.
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.
Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021 from noon until 5 p.m.
Click here for Con Edison's Storm Central including outage location maps, storm preparation, and recovery tips!
