Friday, October 16, 2020 edition

Chappaqua Forward - Form Your Future

Public Hearings - Make your Opinion Count!

One Property Owner's Thoughts About the Form Based Code

Don Feinberg, who owns 50 North Greeley (the former Rite Aid), discusses why the FBC is necessary for Chappaqua's revitalization. Watch and listen to Don's comments from a recent engagement session.

We own 50 North Greeley, the former Rite-Aid, now sadly empty due to a decision by the purchaser of Rite Aid, Walgreens.

We're writing to tell you that we are 100% in favor of the proposed Form Based Code. I personally attended and spoke at the Sept 29th Zoom engagement session and will be attending the engagement session this Thursday, October 5 as well as the public hearing, October 20th.

We are aware a number of people have expressed concern about the changes the proposed code implies for Chappaqua, that encouraging residential development will change the character of the hamlet.  But if we are honest that character is already changing, not for the better and importantly without the community’s involvement. The character of Chappaqua is being harmed by economic forces that are hollowing out its retailers.  As of this writing, there are 20 empty retail establishments. And our tenant, Walgreens, who has the right to sublet our property, has slated to do so to Dollar Tree as soon as the present moratorium expires.

These forces must be counteracted and they can be. And the proposed Form Based Code provides the developmental countermeasures required to do so.   Attracting people to live downtown is the key to strengthening Chappaqua’s future and making it an even better place to reside. At one time, Chappaqua was a bustling place, with successful establishments servicing the nearby residences. It can be that again. But only if it is open to attracting new people. People who want to live in the hamlet proper, experience the charms of walking its streets, using its unique train access and not being chained to a car for shopping, dining, recreation or education. That is the vision the Form Based Code makes possible and we are looking forward to doing our part.

Upcoming Town Meeting Schedule

Attend & Participate in Zoom Meetings By Phone

1. Zoom Phone Number: US: 1 646 876 9923  (NY Area)
2. Enter the Meeting ID Followed by # 
3. No Participant ID is Needed - Press # to skip
4. If the event has not started you will be placed on hold.

• *9 - raise hand
• *6 - mute or unmute*

Recreation & Parks Virtual Halloween Showcase

Session 2 Fall Art Programs 

Youth Art

Pre-K Art

5K Road Race on November 22nd

This year Recreation & Parks will only be hosting a 5K Race.  We hope to bring back the 10K and Fun Run in 2021. This year the 5K Race will be 3 heats, 8:30am OR 9:30am OR 10:30am with a limited number of 40 spots in each heat.

Registration is online only from Wednesday October 14th until Thursday November 5th.  Space is limited so early registration is encouraged. REGISTER HERE

No Day of Registration available this year. 

The race begins and ends at Chappaqua Town Hall, 200 South Greeley Ave.  Everyone will be required to wear a mask and social distance the entire time they are at Town Hall with the exception of runners when they are running. Runners should pick up their race number and T-Shirt outside on the Town Hall Field 30 minutes before their race start time.  Once runners receive their race numbers, they will line up at least 6 feet apart on the Town Hall Field.  When a runner runs through the start line, their race chip is activated so even though everyone does not start at the same time, the system will know when a runner begins and ends the race.   After a runner runs through the finish line, their time will be automatically emailed to them and we ask them to leave in a timely manner.  We will not allow runners or spectators to congregate at the finish line after the race.  Runners who win their age category will be contacted on Monday and will be able to pick up their awards later in the week at Town Hall.

New Castle Recreation & Parks Master Plan

The New Castle Recreation and Parks Department is currently working on updating the Town’s Recreation and Parks Master Plan and we need your help!!

We are looking for a handful of interested and motivated community volunteers to help us form a Master Plan sub-committee that will work directly with the Recreation Commission and members of the Recreation and Parks Department. Committee members will help define New Castle’s needs and form a vision that will help shape the future of New Castle’s Parks and Recreation programming.

Sub-committee members may be asked to attend weekly zoom meetings and occasional walk-thrus of Town facilities and properties.

If you have any questions regarding the Recreation and Parks Master Plan, feel free to call Ike Kuzio, Superintendent of Recreation at 914-238-3909 or by email; akuzio@mynewcastle.org.

Please Fill Out Brief Survey HERE.

New Castle Senior Services

Classes and programs at the Senter Street Community Center restart the week of October 26^th. A full listing can be found in the latest Senter Street Spotlight. You can register for exercise classes on-line at mynewcastle.org  or by calling 238-3909 between 9am-12pm. For all other programs, call the Center at 238-8888 in advance of attending. Masks must be worn at all times at the Center.  

The Recreation and Parks Department are offering rides for seniors to medical appointments, food shopping and to the Election poll sites. Ride space is very limited. All participants must adhere to our Covid health and safety protocols.  For more information, call 238-8888.

Click here for the October-December Senter Street Spotlight.

Crafts at Home for Seniors

Make Funny or Freaky Halloween Masks or do other  projects with free kits available for pick up or home delivery from the Community Center. Call 238-8888. Take a photo of your mask and send it to bsteiger@mynewcastle.org to be posted on our  website! Or we can come take a photo of you and your mask outside your home!

We will have an in-person mask making program at the Center on Wednesday October 28 11am-1pm.
No experience needed.

Chappaqua Farmers Market

Find us at the south Lot of Chappaqua Train Station *from 8:30am to 9:00am we welcome shoppers who are 65 and/or immunocompromised or essential workers.

Regular shopping hours begin at 9:00am.If you fall into the early category but are not there during that 1/2 hour window please let us know (look for a green vest).

We are closely monitoring Covid-19 and how it affects the market. The safety of our vendors and shoppers is our top priority. We will continue to work at making sure we have best practices in place for a healthy market environment.  

Visit the Chappaqua Farmers Market website for safety protocols, a list of this week's vendors and online pre-order availability.
 
If you're interested in volunteering at the market, we certainly welcome the help! Please sign up here.

Take it Or Leave it Shop is OPEN this Saturday, October 17, 2020

The Take It or Leave It “shop” (TIOLI) is a place where residents can leave usable things they do not want, and pick up things they can use.  No money is involved – everything is free.  Location: 1^st left after you enter the station parking area from South Greeley Avenue.

The Take It Or Leave It will open, weather permitting (no rain, snow or excessive cold), on Saturdays, from now through October.  Drop-offs will begin at 8:00am, and will end at 11am.  Please drop off items as early as possible.  Shoppers will be welcome from 9am to 11:45, when volunteers start packing things back into the shed.  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 11:45.  Shoppers may include out-of-towners.  
 
Because of the continuing Covid-19 situation, everyone, volunteer staff members included, must wear masks, and must maintain social distancing.  TIOLI is not classed as essential, and we will have to close if these rules are not followed.  Only a few shoppers will be allowed in the shed at any one time, and access to the enclosed area will also be limited.  Each shopper will be allowed only 30 minutes to shop so that there is no over-crowding and social distancing can be maintained.  Gloves will be encouraged, and hand sanitizer will be provided.     
 
Please note these updated rules: NO books, clothes, cassettes, VHS tapes, electronic equipment or things in poor condition (including chipped china) will be accepted.  NO pillows, upholstered furniture, or stuffed toys.  NO items heavier or bulkier than one person can handle.  NO car seats, cribs, bed frames, large exercise equipment or skis.   Staff volunteers will have the right to refuse items.  Children must be supervised, and please, no strollers or dogs.

CSF Food Truck Night

New Castle Historical Society - Food For Thought 

Council on Race & Equity Newsletter

You may have been hearing about the New Castle Council on Race & Equity (CRE) over the last few months, following us on social media and seeing us around town. Did you know that over 115 members of the community are actively volunteering for the CRE?

To learn more about what exactly the CRE does and how you can get involved click here to read our first newsletter and get all the exciting updates.

RideConnect - Volunteers Needed

• Visit their website at: www.rideconnectwestchester.org 
• Email: kganis@fsw.org 
• Call (914) 242-7433

Upcoming Programs

Town Hall:  Learn More and Contact Us

Town Hall Meetings and Board Packets

Stay Connected

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.  

• Ivy Pool, Town Supervisor - IPool@mynewcastle.org 
• Jeremy M. Saland, Deputy Town Supervisor - JSaland@MyNewCastle.org
• Lisa Katz, Council Member - LKatz@MyNewCastle.org 
• Lauren L. Levin, Council Member - Llevin@mynewcastle.org
• Jason M. Lichtenthal, Council Member - Jlichtenthal@mynewcastle.org
• All - TownBoard@MyNewCastle.org
• Jill Shapiro, Town Administrator - JShapiro@MyNewCastle.org  or 914-238-4742

New Castle Community Calendar

Click here to view the calendar.
Click here to view the calendar guidelines.

New Castle First Responders

• Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corp
• Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corp
• Chappaqua Fire Department
• Millwood Fire Department
• Mount Kisco Fire Department
• Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corp

Storm Central

Click here for Con Edison's Storm Central including outage location maps, storm preparation, and recovery tips!

Click here for New Castle's storm FAQ.

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 Edition

Current Westchester COVID Data

As of 10/14/2020

The positivity rate for Westchester County is 1.2% (seven day rolling average) as of October 13^th. Learn more: https://forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results-county-dashboard
 
 All data related to the COVID pandemic is publicly available. Here are the sources of information:

• COVID Tracker: https://covid19tracker.health.ny.gov/
• Forward NY Regional Metrics: https://forward.ny.gov/covid-19-regional-metrics-dashboard
• Westchester County Map of COVID-19 Confirmed Cases by Municipality: https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/

Chappaqua Forward - Form Your Future!

The Town has conducted two engagement sessions regarding the proposed Form Based Code as described in the DGEIS for Chappaqua Hamlet. With a final engagement session scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday, October 15), you'll have another opportunity to ask questions of the Town Board and the Planning Department regarding this key initiative for our Town.
 
The Form Based Code is nothing to fear. It is meant to provide clarity in the zoning code for Chappaqua to revitalize itself. Many of your questions have been answered as part of our FAQ on the Chappaqua Forward website, accessible by clicking here.
 
Hear from Bill Spade, a resident, architect, and a member of the Form Based Code Working Group, in addition to local business owner Scott Mikolay on why they are in support of the Form Based Code.
 
Residents and interested parties are invited to attend the final upcoming engagement session to learn more about the proposed Form Based Code. Note that this is an informational discussion for residents and interested parties to learn more. A public hearing is scheduled for October 20, 2020, in which comments will be collected.

• Thursday, October 15 - 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Register Here

This session will highlight potential alternatives to the Form Based Code as described in the DGEIS
*Webinar ID: 861 1638 9617 (For Dial-In Access)

The engagement session will take place virtually and will be limited to ninety (90) minutes.

All participants are required to register for a session by going to chappaquaforward.org and clicking register on the session they would like to attend. The session will also be live-streamed on YouTube and recordings of each session, as well as more information about the form based code, can be found at chappaquaforward.org.

We encourage residents and interested parties to participate in the public hearing on the DGEIS on Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m. You can virtually attend the public hearing before the Town Board or submit written testimony. Either way, your comments submitted through that process will be responded to in writing as part of the Town’s preparation of the Final GEIS following the close of the public hearing.

To attend the Public Hearing:

• Tuesday, October 20, 2020 - 7p.m. – Register Here                                                             *Webinar ID: 859 1133 3479 (Dial-In Access)
• Tuesday, October 27, 2020 - 7p.m. – Register Here                                                          *Webinar ID: 825 5386 0554 ( Dial-In Access)

Visit chappaquaforward.org to find out more information about the form based code. If you have questions regarding the form based code, you can e-mail chappaquaforward@mynewcastle.org or call (914) 238-4723 to speak with Sabrina Charney Hull, Director of Planning for the Town of New Castle.

*Dial-In Phone Access and participation is available if you don't have a computer, or have problems with your computer's audio: US: 1 646 876 9923  or 1 312 626 6799. Enter the Webinar ID of the selected session followed by #.  Use *9 to raise your "digital hand" for public input/comment.  

Vacant Storefront Registry

Did you know that in March 2020 the Town of New Castle adopted legislation requiring all property owners of vacant storefronts located in the B-R, B-RP or B-D Zoning Districts to register their property with the building department within 30 days of the storefront becoming vacated.  Learn more: https://www.mynewcastle.org/501/Vacant-Store-Front-Registry

The growing number of vacant storefronts in Chappaqua is only one reason why we are proposing new zoning for the hamlet. By allowing property owners to build residential in the hamlet, we will have more feet on the street, which will help revive and sustain our local small businesses!

Census 2020 – ONLY TWO MORE DAYS!!!

As you may have read, the Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that the U.S. Census Bureau has the authority to shut down the Census earlier than the October 31^st extended deadline that was announced earlier this year due to the pandemic. Last night the Census Bureau issued a press release stating that “As of today, well over 99.9% of housing units have been accounted for in the 2020 Census. Self-response and field data collection operations for the 2020 Census will conclude on October 15, 2020.”
 
What does this mean for New Castle? We only have today and tomorrow to convince as many of our friends and neighbors as possible to complete the Census! 
 
The Town of New Castle has a response rate of 82.4%, as of October 13th, and we are in 2^nd place among municipalities in Westchester County behind Scarsdale (83.9%). Don’t delay! Go online today to complete your census questionnaire: https://my2020census.gov/.

Con Edison Public Hearing with New Castle Town Board

Last night the Town Board held a public meeting with Con Edison to discuss the utility’s response to Tropical Storm Isaias. The purpose of the meeting was to hear from Con Edison regarding their post-storm response in New Castle and planned improvements for the future, and to give residents the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. While Altice and Verizon were invited to attend the meeting, they declined the invitation.

All comments received will be shared with these utilities, as well as with the United Westchester task force of State and Local leaders who are making countywide recommendations to the Public Service Commission.

You can watch Con Edison’s presentation to the Town Board HERE.

Bystander Intervention Training

A message from Tejash Sanchala, Executive Director of the Westchester County Human Rights Commission:

We received such positive feedback from our first virtual program on Bystander Intervention Training that we have decided to host a second virtual session as part of our series on racism and hate! On Thursday October 15th from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Hollaback! will present virtual, live training with an interactive element and a Q&A period. This program aims to empower community members with tools so that they can be upstanders when they see hate or harassment. The program is free and open to the public. It is a timely program given our current climate. A recording will not be posted so register today!

There are 3 ways to register:

1. You can send an email to humanrights@westchestergov.com with your name and email address
2. RSVP by clicking here
3. Call our office at (914) 995-7710