Chappaqua to Redo Downtown Streetscape

CHAPPAQUA, NY — The New Castle Town Board approved improvements to pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow in the Chappaqua business hamlet at its Tuesday night meeting.

"This will mark a major step towards rebuilding and rejuvenating our downtown business hamlet," town Supervisor Rob Greenstein said in an announcement about the board's decision to implement WSP’s recommendations.

It will also give the town a sorely needed opportunity to replace its underground infrastructure facilities that provide public water and sewer service, as well as storm water management, for downtown.

In March 2014, the town retained WSP to prepare an Infrastructure and Streetscape Improvement Project Study in connection with the infrastructure work to be undertaken in the Chappaqua business hamlet. Besides infrastructure, the goals were to improve the street scape, pedestrian safety and traffic flow.

"From day 1, public safety was our number one priority!" he said.

They aren't getting everything they wanted.

The town had asked the New York State Department of Transportation for approval to remove the existing slip lane and install a stop sign at the intersection of King Street and Greeley Avenue.

NYSDOT informed the Town that it would allow removal of the slip lane but would not permit a stop sign. Instead, NYSDOT supported installation of a traffic signal which would enhance pedestrian safety by, among other things, allowing for the installation of a 4-way crosswalk.

The plan includes new, wider sidewalks, new public spaces, and new parking configurations.

"Most importantly, the streetscape work will include new crosswalks and traffic/parking improvements that will make it safer for residents (and especially our young kids on Friday afternoons) to walk around our downtown," Greenstein said. "I believe that our Streetscape Committee struck the right balance between being cost effective and selecting quality materials and finishes that are classic and timeless."

At the meeting, Deputy Supervisor Adam Brodsky thanked the Streetscape Committee for their time and talent.

Greenstein thanked Brodsky, who chaired the Committee, and the members of his Committee - Robert Schenkel, Beth Hundgen, Dana Berk, Jeffrey Kohn, Phyllis Furnari, Lauren Levin and Monica De Janosi.

Town officials expect to seek bids this winter and start construction in the spring of 2017.

Here’s a link to the Final Design Update Presentation.

IMAGE/ Town of New Castle