New Castle Town Supervisor's Report, Jan. 15, 2015

From Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein

Master Plan Update
On January 14, 2015 the Town Board agreed to endorse the Master Plan Steering Committee’s recommendation to hire the Pace Land Use Law Center to facilitate the Master Plan Steering Committee. Pace will help with the next several phases of the Master Plan Update Process which include identification of goals, objectives and identification of planning strategies and implementation tools. They will also help with compiling the draft Master Plan Update document, expected by October 2015. Pace’s proposal included a strong recommendation to integrate a downtown Transit Oriented Development (“TOD”) strategy into the Master Plan Update Process. On January 20th the Town Board will be meeting with the Master Plan Steering Committee and the Land Use Law Center to discuss the value of an downtown TOD and economic development strategy.

Downtown Streetscape / Infrastructure Improvements
In October 2014 Town Staff met with WSP Sells to review and comment on the 30% design plans on the Downtown Chappaqua Infrastructure and Streetscape Project. As we begin the New Year, WSP is heading towards their 60% design goal regarding the infrastructure improvements (water, sewer and stormwater). They have some great ideas regarding streetscape improvements, including traffic circulation and pedestrian safety. WSP will be presenting some of their preliminary designs to the New Castle Town Board in February so that we can begin to comment on the direction they are heading in before the 60% design goal is surpassed

RFP for ChapLine and basketball Court at Town Hall
The Town Board approved the issuance of Request for Proposal (“RFP”) for engineering services for a possible basketball court at Town Hall. The Town Board also approved the issuance of RFP for engineering services for the Chap Line, a new, functional recreation path connecting downtown Chappaqua to Horace Greeley High School and to Chappaqua Crossing. The engineering services will include preparations for bid specifications, plans & construction estimates for both potential projects.

Chappaqua Train Station Lease
The Chases have proposed a number of significant changes to their response to the Town’s RFP, and our town attorneys and town staff are working hard to determine whether those changes can be accommodated. I will keep residents informed of our progress as we address these changes with the Chases.

Hunt’s Place - Conifer
As far as the Hunt’s Place affordable housing project, last July, the New York State Board of Review denied Conifer’s request for six (6) separate variances from certain New York State fire and building code requirements. Conifer has since submitted revised building plans and variance petition to the Board of Review. Conifer is still seeking variances for various building and fire code requirements. Their petition is on the agenda of the Board of Review for Jan. 22, 9am, at Cortlandt Town Hall. The public has the right to attend the meeting.

Chappaqua Crossing
At a special meeting held on Thursday, December 18, 2014, by a 4-1 vote, the Town Board adopted a Retail Local Law that is intended to allow a grocer, health/fitness uses, restaurants and retail stores to be built at Chappaqua Crossing.
Copies of the Town Board’s resolutions and other related documents are posted on the Town’s website.

2014 Year in Review Report
With my first year as Supervisor in the books, it’s time to reflect on what we’ve done and where we are going as a community. I’ve said it again and again: it is truly an honor to serve the citizens of New Castle. Over the past year, I have brought residents into the process and engaged them, listened to your concerns and ideas, and governed in a transparent fashion. I have tried to bring vision and fresh ideas to the table; even if those ideas come from others. And, most important, I have acted in the best interests of the entire community. I am very proud of the progress made throughout the year.

Related:

Master Planning Update

2014: New Castle Town Supervisor’s Report