On Monday, we honored the life, legacy, and message of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Great leaders have long understood the value of community, and perhaps no one expressed that more eloquently than Dr. King. He spoke about a “beloved community,” acknowledging that we are one interconnected family. Dr. King encouraged us to rise above race, class, and nationality to embrace our similarities and to realize a community of love, justice, and harmony. That is what we all wish for here in New Castle – that all residents feel welcomed and an integral part of our beloved community.
The Town of New Castle would like to with a Happy 10th Birthday to DARYN POST!
Unfortunately, the Town cannot currently post the community’s best wishes on the electronic sign across from the train station, but we are happy to report it here until we negotiate a new agreement with the CCSD for our shared sign.
If you have a community shout-out (birthdays or otherwise), please send an email to CommunityCorner@mynewcastle.org. We make our Community Corner announcements at each of our public meetings.
The 1/17/23 Town Board Work Session Recap
We invited our State Assemblyman Chris Burdick to speak to our Board and were pleased to host him last night. Assemblyman Burdick discussed the beginning of the 2023 legislative session, and the focus on the 2024 NYS Budget. He highlighted one of the key proposals announced by Governor Hochul in her recent State of the State address -- the “New York Housing Compact.” If enacted, this redesign of the land use approval process in New York – which would allow the State, in certain circumstances, to override local zoning laws – would have far-reaching impacts on every city and village in New York State. Details of this proposed legislation contained in the budget are expected to be released on February 1st.
Assemblyman Burdick stated that the New York Housing Compact will require all cities, villages, and towns to achieve new home creation targets on a three-year cycle, beginning on January 1, 2024. Here in New Castle, we will have a 3% new homes target over three years. The Housing Compact also would require that we undertake a local rezoning of higher density multifamily development within a half a mile radius of the train station. To expedite rezoning and development of new homes, specific relief from environmental review will be included in the New Homes Targets and Transit-Oriented Development proposals. We discussed these proposals at length.
The goal of increased housing is certainly laudable, but municipalities across the State are taking issue with the “top down” and one-size-fits-all approach, instead suggesting that the Governor start by meeting with municipalities to establish a development plan that incorporates the individual needs of municipalities. Assemblyman Burdick seems to agree with this suggested “bottom up” approach. I also have been meeting with many municipal leaders to discuss these proposals. Once further details on these proposals are released with the Executive Budget in February, we will provide you with a more extensive overview.
We began last night’s work session by discussing a proposed Resolution in Opposition of Redistricting of Assembly District 93. The Town of New Castle has been a part of Assembly District 93 dating back as far as 1906. There is a draft redistricting plan currently issued by the Independent Redistricting Commission that would remove New Castle from the 93rd Assembly District (where we are currently represented by Assemblyman Chris Burdick). The Town Board believes that this would result in irreparable harm and disruption to the strong ties and communities of interest (like Bedford and Mount Kisco) which the Town of New Castle, and our residents, businesses, and community organizations enjoy and rely upon. We expect to adopt a resolution next week strongly and emphatically opposing any removal of the Town of New Castle from the 93rd Assembly District.
We then discussed our goals and objectives for 2023. At the top of the Board members’ collective goals were a visioning process for Town-owned land, installation of sidewalks in Millwood and Route 120, and approval of the ChappLine. In connection with these goals, we also discussed the RPF responses that the Town received in connection with community outreach regarding the use of town-owned land in the Chappaqua hamlet. The Board will be interviewing prospective firms in the coming weeks.
We also discussed the sunset of our parking ticket rolling waiver policy. During the pandemic, the Town has been very lenient with the enforcement of parking tickets at the train station issued for failure to obtain a parking pass. Our current policy is that if a resident receives a ticket for failure to obtain a parking permit, the Town will ask the court to waive that ticket as long as a parking permit is obtained within seven days of receiving the ticket. The original purpose of the waiver was to provide leniency during a time when our parking permit season was in flux. Our current parking season began on December 15th and over 1,000 permits have been issued. Thus, the clerk’s office is requesting that the Town’s current policy of waiving tickets end on February 1, 2023.
Want to See for Yourself?
For more information on the meeting, please watch the recording of the Town Board meeting HERE.
Our next Town Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 24th.
Parking Map
For those residents new to Town who are beginning to commute back to New York City, we thought it would be useful to provide a map of the train station parking lot, which indicates permitted parking areas. For more information, please visit https://mynewcastle.org/231/Parking.
Please note that this map may change in the future as we consider the Town’s parking needs.
Second Half School Taxes are Due!
Second half school taxes are due without penalty on or before January 31, 2023. The Tax office will be open on January 31, 2023 from 7 am to 7 pm. School Taxes can also be paid using the Town’s online system free of charge ( for ACH payments) through our website: Mynewcastle.org. Credit card payments are also accepted with a fee.
If you are mailing your taxes, please make sure you see the post office affix a post-mark. The date on the UPS postmark is proof of timely mailing if the payment is received after the due date.
If you, as opposed to your bank, are responsible to pay property taxes and did not save your second half bill from September, or have any questions, please contact the Tax Office at 914. 238. 4773.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Thursday, January 26th at 7:30PM
International Holocaust Remembrance Day is commemorated each year on January 27th which marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Holocaust memory is unfortunately fading at the same time that group-targeted hate is rising.
Please join Horace Greeley's Student Club E.N.O.U.G.H. and the Town of New Castle Holocaust & Human Rights Committee to remember and honor the victims of the Holocaust on Thursday, January 26th at 7:30pm at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center.
Our responsibility to educate about the consequences of hate has never been so relevant to all. Follow the Holocaust & Human Rights Committee on Social Media:
“I Have A Dream": A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month
Please join us on Sunday, January 29th, for a peace march and program at the Chappaqua library. This event is open to all; we are requesting RSVPs herefor an estimate of attendance.
12:30 pm – Peace March
We will meet at the Peace Pole in front of Scattered Books (29 King St.), please arrive at 12:15pm. The walk to the Chappaqua library is an opportunity to demonstrate community solidarity and connect with our neighbors
1:00 - 4:00 pm – Program at the Chappaqua Library
Featuring excerpts from Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, a panel discussion on the impact and import of Dr. King’s famous speech, and a performance by the Bronx Bethany’s Chosen choir. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Community Weave, symbolizing the interwoven individual threads that constitute our community. Refreshments will be provided by Mimi’s Coffee House in Mt. Kisco.
Presented by the Town of New Castle Committee on Race, Equity, and Inclusion (CREI) in partnership with the CCSD PTA, the PTA Diversity, Race, and Belonging committee, the Chappaqua Library, and the Horace Greeley BIPOC Student Union (BSU).
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company
Saturday, February 4th
Back by popular demand, we present the renowned Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company’s The Art of Chinese Dance. A wonderful family event of storytelling through dance.
A FREE family program celebrating The Year of the Rabbit with a red envelope give away, lion and Chinese dance, taekwondo, tea ceremony calligraphy, and arts & crafts!
Doors Open at 1:30PM
Sponsored by: The Chappaqua Library, The Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, The New Castle Committee on Race, Equity and Inclusion.
The Town of New Castle strives to identify sustainable policies, practices and procedures that promote equal access to civic involvement opportunities to all its citizens regardless of race, gender, or other protected class, thereby creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive systems of community governance. All qualified and interested residents are strongly encouraged to apply.
Beautification Advisory Board
The Town of New Castle is looking for volunteers to serve on its Beautification Advisory Board, a non-partisan advisory committee that advises on, formulates and promotes programs that will enhance the beauty and appearance of New Castle. Meetings are the second Monday of every month, excluding July and August.
If interested please complete the Board Application at the link HERE by January 20, 2023.
Conservation Board
The Conservation Board studies and advises the Town Board and other Town departments, boards and commissions on developing sound open space planning and assuring preservation of natural and scenic resources within the Town of New Castle. Meetings are the frist Monday of every month.
If interested please complete the Board Application at the link HERE by January 20, 2023.
Environmental Review Board
The Environmental Review Board (ERB) is governed by Chapter 137 “Wetlands” of the Town Code of New Castle. The ERB is the primary approving authority for applications submitted in connection with the Town’s wetlands regulations.
Members are expected to be familiar with the regulatory thresholds and requirements of the Town ordinances relating to environmental protection, including steep slopes, trees, and especially wetlands and wetland buffers. They are also encouraged to develop skill in reading blueprints, maps, and draft plans, as well as the basic science underlying environmental evaluation.
Meetings are held the third Monday of every month.
If you are interested in serving on this board please complete the Board Application at the link HERE by January 20, 2023.
LBGTQIA+ Committee
The Town of New Castle is looking for volunteers to serve on its LBGTQIA+ Committee. The Committee shall establish channels for outreach and inclusion for members of our community who identify as LBGTQIA+ and their allies, including providing information and resources.
If interested please complete the Committee Application at the link HERE by January 20, 2023.
Millwood-West End Advisory Board
The Millwood West End Advisory Board (MWEAB) monitors events in and represents the interests of the West End of Town and the Hamlet of Millwood including land use applications and zoning violations. The MWEAB advises the Town Board about programs that will contribute to improving the appearance, safety, comfort and quality of life in Millwood and the West End for both residents and businesses. The Committee works in cooperation with other Town Boards including:
Architectural Review Board
Beautification Advisory Board
Conservation Board
Planning Board
Zoning Board of Appeals
Meetings are the 3rd Thursday of every month. If interested please complete the Board Application at the link HERE by January 20, 2023.
Planning Board
The Planning Board is responsible for approval of all subdivisions and site plans throughout the Town as well as certain environmental permits.
Meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays of every month (except August).
If you are interested in serving on this board please complete the Board Application at the link HERE by January 20, 2023.
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals reviews specific actions taken by town officials, the building inspector or code enforcement officer, and residents and may grant variances - such as building setbacks and lot size, use variances, and special use permits according to board jurisdiction. An appeal may also be made to the Zoning Board for an interpretation of specific code language based on a decision of a town official. You must appear in person or by agent or attorney.
Meetings are held the last Monday of every month (except August).
If you are interested in serving on this board please complete the Board Application at the link HERE by January 20, 2023.
New York State Covid-19 Data
The New York State Covid-19 data can be viewed 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.
Town Hall: Learn More and Contact Us
Town Hall Meetings and Board Packets
Agendas, supporting documents, and minutes for Board meetings:
To watch videos from recent meetings recorded by New Castle Community Media Center, click here.
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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.
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