Letter to the Editor: Thank you to John Buckley for doing the right thing
October 1, 2010
by Rob Greenstein
Dear Editor,
I’m happy to report that [Tuesday night New Castle Town Board Member] John Buckley recused himself further Chappaqua Crossing involvement. As Mr. Buckley stated last night, this decision was “in the best interest of the community as a whole.” For doing what’s best for our community, John Buckley deserves our thanks. Since Mr. Buckley recused himself, there are now three members voting (Elise Mottel had already recused herself). Since a quorum of three is needed, unanimous approval is now required.
And [Tuesday night] in front of a HUGE turnout (which was great!) our petition with 801 signatures was presented to the Board (although we now have 822). I told the Town Board that we collected 400 signatures over the past four days, and I read the following statement to the developer:
This is a petition to stop the current proposal for residential rezoning at Chappaqua Crossing. Those signing this petition are willing to do anything in their power—including litigation—to stop the current proposal for residential rezoning at Chappaqua Crossing. Those signing this petition are willing to contribute time and/or money in order to stop the current proposal for residential rezoning at Chappaqua Crossing. Those signing this petition are sending a message to the developer and to the Town Board that our community is ready to Fight to Stop the current proposal for residential rezoning at Chappaqua Crossing.
We need to keep the pressure on, we need to stay involved and stay informed. And we need to continue to collect signatures. The more signatures we have the louder our message to the developer and the Town Board will be. Here’s a link for the petition:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition
/fighttostop
Lastly, a HUGE thanks to NewCastleNOW.org for keeping us informed!
Rob Greenstein
________________
For NCNOW’s complete coverage of Chappaqua Crossing, dating from 2007, click HERE.
Mr. Buckley’s last minute resignation was too little too late. He should have recused himself years ago when the Town Board appointed itself lead agency at the start of the process. I look forward to his resignation from the Town Board and his decision not to run for reelection.
Wait a minute, I understand that the project will tank the real estate market in Chappaqua, why does Mr. Buckley have to recuse himself again? Last I checked a tanking real estate market is bad for realtors.
It’s mass hysteria all around. This town is better than this. Mr. Buckley, here is one citizen’s apology for this result and the doubt in your integrity that drove it. Thank you for your service to the community on our Board, and please know that is highly likely the vast majority of citizens in this town respect your service and integrity and have no doubt you would have objectively handled this matter.
“Anpnymous1” there is a very real possibility that Mr. Buckley’s employer, Houlihan Lawrence, as well Mr. Buckley himself would appreciate the additional inventory to sell. The more cynical residents might also say that lower house prices caused by the additional inventory wouldn’t hurt unit sales either. Mr. Buckley’s votes might affect housing development decisions that the Town Board frequently makes.
As for “too little too late’s’” comment that Mr. Buckley should not run again for election perhaps she or he feels that Mr. Buckley has not represented the wishes of the residents which the Town Board serves. Many here are upset with issues and Town Board decisions ranging from the bridge to property taxes, Chappaqua Crossing to the look and deterioration of the downtown and many more.
