Chappaqua Affordable Housing Site Opponents Spar with the MTA

Opponents of a plan to put affordable housing next to the train tracks in Chappaqua are accusing the MTA of disregarding safety issues, and the developer of using "undue influence" to get approval.

Chappaqua for Responsible Affordable Housing is fighting against the project called Chappaqua Crossing, a 28-apartment, 4-story building at 54 Hunts Place along the Metro-North Harlem Line tracks and the Saw Mill River Parkway northbound exit ramp.

The group argues that the affordable housing project is too big for the property; that despite changes and variances it is still unsafe due to potential damage from rail accidents or train derailments; and that it will isolate and stigmatize the people who might want to live there.

The New Castle Town Board approved a special permit in 2013 for the proposed affordable housing project; angry residents and subsequently elected town officials have been fighting it ever since.

Last year opponents asked the MTA to refuse the developer the rights it was seeking to a 10.5-foot portion of the Metro North right-of-way for an emergency sidewalk. Conifer got the rights.

On Nov. 10, the group wrote the MTA saying that they had heard that the MTA's safety team was gravely concerned and had not been asked to do an inspection.

An MTA spokesman told Patch Nov. 22 the agency had indeed examined the issues.

"We thoroughly reviewed the proposal from a safety perspective and addressed concerns through that process," said MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan.

The opponents are also alleging illegal behavior.

"It now appears there may have been undue influence exerted by Conifer and its related companies on higher office holders without regard to serious life and safety issues and the isolation and stigmatization of residents," they said in a press release. "Therefore CFRAH has written to the US Attorney NYSD, Hon. Preet Bharara, registering these concerns and requesting an investigation focused on the improprieties in the project approval process."

SEE ALSO:

• Conifer Does Charm Offensive; Opponents Still Vocal
• Conifer Changes Plan, Gets Grilled Again
• Town Board Approves Conifer Special Permit
• Conifer Project Would Undermine Metro North Safety