Proposal Process Starts Anew for Chappaqua Train Station Eatery

The town’s been going around on this issue for three years.

In 2012 the Town posted a Request for Proposals for a food service operator to lease the Chappaqua train station depot. The Flying Pig’s former chef made one, but later dropped it as repair and renovation work was begun at the station.

Then two others expressed interest— Via Vanti! and Burdock Natural Cafe.
While the repair work went on, Via Vanti! got permission to run a commuter coffee/breakfast concession at the station.

Town and Via Vanti! officials discussed the restaurant but had disagreements over issues such as public access to the station’s rest rooms during restaurant hours.

Other applicants came forward. The town board in early 2014 heard presentations from Via Vanti!, Peter and Erin Chase, and Ladle of Love, and then issued an RFP for formal proposals. On May 20 they picked Ladle of Love.

Carla Gambescia of Via Vanti! and the Chases objected. They set up a Facebook page and a webpage called Our Station Our Town and mounted a petition drive that could have triggered a referendum, arguing that the process the Town Board went through was neither transparent nor ethical and requesting a new round of formal proposals.

Town officials decided to start over in July.

The new RFP does include that restroom requirement. It also says:

The Town Board will evaluate the proposals and determine, in its sole discretion, which

proposal best serves the interests of the Town. The Town Board will consider, without

limitation: (i) past experience; (ii) professional expertise, (iii) the proposed monthly rent;

(iv) the reasonableness of the pricing of the items on the applicant’s menu; (v) whether

the applicant is likely to advance the project goal of providing food service at the station;

and (vi) community orientation of the proposed business. Applicants should note that

the Town is under no obligation to accept the proposal with the highest proposed

rent.

The deadline for proposals is 12 p.m. Oct. 22.