Letter to the Editor: Congratulations to town board on maintaining character of downtown

January 15, 2010
by Joan Ripley

I see that 66 King Street will be the new home of Petticoat Lane. I would like to thank Barbara Gerard and all the Town Board members for helping to keep downtown Chappaqua’s unique suburban character. Small retail shops, locally owned, have traditionally been a part of our community. Your leadership has maintained this important element in the face of another corporate intrusion. 

Also, thanks to Erik Nicolaysen for having the wisdom to allow students from the Devereaux Millwood Learning Center to decorate his vacant storefront pending its rental. Wouldn’t it be nice if the other landlords did something similar? This is so much better than having to look at dark, empty spaces that give the impression of a stagnant downtown. Chappaqua has the means and creativity to make these empty storefronts a showcase for its own good groups and good works. How about a campaign for a “Sustainable New Castle?”

 Joan Ripley

[Joan Ripley is the former owner of the Second Story Bookshop of Chappaqua, which closed last year.]