It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today following the tragic news of mass shootings in the United States this past week, including at Michigan State University. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the entire Michigan State community during this difficult time.
In times like these, it is more important than ever that we come together as a community and support one another. We must stand together and offer our support to those who have been affected by this tragedy. Whether it is a kind word, a listening ear, or a helping hand, every act of kindness and support can make a difference.
I urge all of us to take the time to reach out to our loved ones, friends, and neighbors and check in on how they are doing. Let us support one another as we grieve and process these senseless acts of violence.
As a community, we also need to come together to ensure that our town remains a safe and welcoming place for all residents. Let’s make sure that every single member of our community is welcomed, respected and valued. And yes, there is certainly more we can do as a nation to protect against gun violence. I, for one, will continue to advocate with our local, state, and federal leaders.
In closing, I want to remind all of us that we are stronger together. Let us continue to support one another during this difficult time and work together to create a safer, more peaceful community for all who call it home.
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 2/14/23 Town Board Meeting Recap
Our public meeting last night began with a presentation from our County Legislator Vedat Gashi. We were happy he accepted our invitation to update us on County issues and to talk with us a bit about the proposed housing compact from Albany.
Last week I told you about our discussions regarding a potential real property tax exemption of up to 10 percent for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers in certain situations. The Town of New Castle already administers these exemptions for the Town, County, and certain School Districts at ten percent with five years of service. These current exemptions will sunset in 2025, and a new local law would need to be adopted to conform to the legislation. Last night we set a public hearing for this proposed partial tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers for February 28, 2023.
We also held a public hearing with regard to an income limit increase for low-income seniors to qualify for a property tax exemption. Governor Hochul recently signed into law a local option provision that allowed the Town Board to raise the current household gross income limit from $37,399 to $58,399 for low-income senior citizen homeowners. This law will take effect immediately and will be administered for the June 1, 2023 tentative tax assessment roll.
Those property owners who are 65 years or older with a 2022 gross household income of less than $58,399 should gather your 2022 (once completed and filed) New York State or Federal Income Tax Return, a photocopy of the Driver’s License of all property owner’s, along with the application FORM and return to the Assessor’s Office before June 1, 2023. You may find additional information on income qualifications and instructions HERE. Please feel free to contact the Assessor’s Office with any additional questions either in person at town hall, by phone at 238-4722, or by email at CPatrocinio@mynewcastle.org.
All of our Town baseball and softball players know the condition of the stairs at the Gedney ballfields. The good news is that last night the Town Board approved the commencement of the repairs. The principal features of work for the Gedney Park Retaining Wall & Staircase Replacement Project includes the following:
Removal of the existing wood timber retaining walls, wood staircase, split rail and wood fencing;
Installation of new segmental block retaining walls and new staircase, including new black powder coated aluminum railings;
Installation of new concrete sidewalk landings at the new staircase;
Installation of a new split rail fence, including black vinyl coated security mesh;
Drainage improvements, including a trench drain and associated underground ;storage/infiltration chambers;
Pavement and lawn restoration; and
Relocation of a portion of the low voltage line for the irrigation system, including new pull boxes.
Construction is expected to begin around March 1, 2023 (weather permitting) and the project is anticipated to be completed on or about April 28, 2023 (weather permitting).
Want to See for Yourself?
For more information on the meeting, please watch the recording of the Town Board work session HERE.
There is no Town Board meeting next week. Our next Town Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 28th. And tomorrow night at 6pm at ChappPAC, the 50 North Greeley working group (consisting of Thomas Curley and Elded Gothelf from the Planning Board, and Lisa Katz and Ally Chemtob from the Town Board) will review proposed revisions to the draft legislation for this project. All are welcome to attend.
Comedy Night!
This past Saturday we held another fun and fabulous event at our very own Chappaqua Performing Arts Center! They say laughter is the best medicine, and we were all feeling great laughing with comedians Allan Fuks, Victor Tran, Julio Diaz, Joshua Stokes and Sheba Mason! Thank you to the Friends of ChappPAC for such a fabulous comedy night! Can’t wait for the next one!
Please Welcome our New Barbershop
Edvin’s Barbershop is now open next to Quaker Hill Tavern. Welcome to Town!! Details about a formal ribbon cutting will be coming soon.
Cliffhanger
Here is the exciting news as promised: A new restaurant named Bia will be coming to Chappaqua Crossing! The owner and his wife (Asim and Miranda Polozani) have two existing full-service restaurants in Somers and Danbury named Prime Pub. Bia will be an elevated, full-service restaurant. They’ve already started ordering materials to build-out their space and aim to open by October 2023. They’re highly experienced, do a beautiful build-out and their food is very good! They will be a great addition to our community! For more information visit https://www.primepubgroup.com/
Holiday Lights
Under the topic of all good things must come to an end- the Holiday lights are coming down this Thursday.But just wait until Next Year! We thank the BAB for their outstanding work on the holiday lights this year. The Town looked amazing and we can’t wait to see what next year brings!
Parks
Our Parks crews are busy working on projects throughout Town. To name just two : replacement railings at the Gazebo by the Recreation Field and a beautification project by the Gedney Gazebo.
Housekeeping
No meeting next week! The Town Board will meet again on February 28. 2023.
Coffee With A Cop - February 18th, 11 am
Author Talk: The American Way
Wednesday, March 1, at 7PM
Family lore had it that author Bonnie Siegler’s grandfather Jules crossed paths with Marilyn Monroe in Midtown Manhattan late one night in 1954, her white dress flying up around her as she filmed a scene for The Seven Year Itch. Siegler wasn’t sure she quite believed her grandfather’s story…until, cleaning out his apartment, she found the film reel. That discovery would prompt her to investigate her grandfather’s seemingly-tall tales — and lead her in pursuit of a remarkable, poignant piece of forgotten history, bridging old Hollywood, the birth of the comic book, and the Holocaust. The American Way is a kaleidoscopic tale of hope and reinvention, of daring escapes and fake identities, of big dreams and the magic of movies, and what it means to be a real-life Superman.
Join the Chappaqua Library, Horace Greeley Student Club ENOUGH and The Town of New Castle Holocaust & Human Rights Committee to hear Author Bonnie Siegler in conversation with Rabbi Aaron Brusso. There will be a book signing after the event.
4th Annual Holocaust & Human Rights
Writing & Arts Contest
.
Follow the Holocaust & Human Rights Committee on Social Media:
New Castle SAB
Going Green Podcast - Sustainability in 2023
Happy New Year from the The New Castle Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB). The SAB is proud to announce that New Castle Going Green, ourseries of monthly podcasts, has been dowloaded more than 500 times. Thank you to all who have taken the time to listen and learn from this podcast.
On this month’s episode, we discuss sustainable New Year’s resolutions. We asked our SAB members what their sustainable New Year’s resolutions were, and the sustainability trends they’re expecting to see in 2023. To listen to this latest episode click HERE.
These educational podcasts from the SAB aim to provide residents with information about green initiatives and sustainable options you can find around New Castle. Listen to previous podcasts about suburban wildlife management, recycling, gas powered leaf blowers, electric vehicles, pollinators, New Castle’s Waste Treatment Plant, energy efficient homes and more, via the Town website: https://www.mynewcastle.org/590/Going-Green-Podcasts.
Help Wanted!
Mission Statement
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.
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 February 17, 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.
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.