Republicans listen to Millwood and West Enders’ complaints
With 28 comments since publication
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
by Christine Yeres
The Republicans’ two-hour visit to Millwood’s Tazza Cafe last Thursday evening began with general chat among candidates and residents—about 25 there expressly to hear them, plus some puzzled Tazza customers who who passed through.
At the half-way mark supervisor candidate Bob Kirkwood, town board candidate Rich Diefenbach and town justice candidate Kevin Moore made speeches and took questions from those assembled.
Kirkwood told Millwood residents that it was “deja vu all over again,” that in the 17 years since he last ran for office nothing had changed for Millwood. He said “there is no politics to this” and that the contested election was less about Democrats and Republicans than about “who can get things done.”
Rich Diefenbach’s address was more pointed. He told the group of largely Millwood and West End residents that he understood that they were disenchanted at their treatment as “second class citizens,” and were looking for “a place at the table.” The 500 signatures that appear on the referendum proposing a ward system of representation, he told listeners, “says a lot about your frustration that you’re getting ‘taxation without representation’—a little revolution now and again is maybe not a bad thing.”
“We’re going to enact any law that is respectful of what your needs are. And we want to do that because you are part of this town,” said Diefenbach, “because we’re elected by the people for the people and that should be underscored more than it is now.” He said that passage of the referendum proposing representation by ward would “energize and make people feel that they were part of government, not on the back burner.”
Diefenbach characterized Millwood as “underperforming” and said that he saw great potential in Millwood. “It’s where I do all my shopping,” he told the audience. Republican candidates have pressed the point that with only 3.7% of revenues coming from commercial taxes, they believe that the current town government “has not embraced business as we should.” Diefenbach’s advice and promise was to “let the Millwood hamlet reach its full potential; it has more potential than Chappaqua.”
Sewers
Kirkwood called it “mindboggling” that town officials would allow Chappaqua Crossing to “leapfrog over residents already here” in order to promote the affordable housing the town needs to help the county meet the terms of the settlement with HUD.
Sara Brewster, a West End resident and former planning board member, asked Kirkwood, “If they are not including Millwood, can you find out what to do?”
“Amend the petition to include the others [Millwood, Stanwood, Kisco Park],” said Kirkwood.
Hala Makowska, West End resident and Chairman of the Millwood Board of Fire Commissioners, pointed out that although she believed that the areas presently included in the petition were in “urgent” need of sewers, still she believed also that if Millwood does not get on the current petition, “we will never get sewers.”
Kirkwood suggested that since the County is very eager to create affordable housing, “we should leverage that influence” and tell the County “fine, we’ll work with you” [in exchange for inclusion on the sewer line].
Chappaqua Crossing
“No matter where you [stand] on residential,” said Kirkwood, “the process [the review of Chappaqua Crossing by the town board] itself was a fiasco.” He told listeners that when the developer first bought the Reader’s Digest property and proposed Pepsico as an anchor tenant, the town board lost Pepsico “because we took too long.” Kirkwood believes, he said, that the town board “gave the developer a hard time, rode him roughshod,” resulting in the current lawsuit. Kirkwood said he believes that the town’s planning and zoning boards are too exacting not just with applicants of significant size, but also with residents on their smaller home projects.
West End tax inequity and revaluation
West Ender Michael Olin, a member of the West End Neighborhood Taxpayers (WENT), brought up his frustration that a revaluation seems not to be a priority for the current town government. WENT members disagreed with the consultant hired by the town to produce a report on revaluation of properties in all of New Castle. That consultant concluded that revaluation would not address the tax inequity WENT members labor under because of West Enders’ location in the Ossining School District. “The consultant was wrong,” said Makowska.
He supported revaluation, Kirkwood told Olin, and called the present system “fundamentally unfair.” Kirkwood suggested also that any residential units at Chappaqua Crossing be taxed as single family homes rather than as condos.
Amsterdam fields
Makowska told Kirkwood that in the creation of the Amsterdam Park soccer fields West Enders were “bulldozed” by the town. “People would have supported a smaller field,” she said. According to Makowska the town acquired the property for “passive recreation,” and should not have transformed it into playing fields. Olin saw the fields as evidence that the town board “caters to the school district.”
Chappaqua Downtown Steering Committee
“If we’re elected,” said Diefenbach, “we’ll go through and see which committees are effective, look at everything and talk to everybody.”
“Unless there’s a legal reason to close meetings, such as personnel matters or litigation,” said Kirkwood, he would open the Downtown Steering Committee meetings, adding, “There’s nothing like sunshine.”
_______________________
Below is a video of the Republicans’ “Listening Tour” at Tazza Cafe in Millwood on Thursday, October 20, 2011 [At the moment, the 110-minute video stops at the 40-minute mark.]:
Editor’s Note: To find all campaign videos to date, click HERE.
More fitting headlines, dear editors, might be:
“GOP candidates incite Millwood residents to rebellion”
“GOP candidates promise sewers for everyone!”
“GOP candidates and Millwood-W.E. residents complain to each other!”
“GOP candidates still don’t understand the sewer thing”
I am as fed up as many about this being a 1 party town and I was prepared to vote for this slate of Republicans. But after seeing and hearing the political pandering going on I must rethink my vote.
The ward system is a terrible idea. Millwood residents have an agenda and they are playing these candidates for their votes - politics as usual. Just look at Kirkwood’s comments- on the one hand he supports and encourages a broader and bigger commercial tax revenue base but finds it “mindboggling” that Chapp Crossing will get sewers over residents. Chapp Crossing is the only real chance New Castle has of bringing in commercial tax revenues. Sewers are needed in Chapp Crossing in order to accomplish this.
So while I share the frustration (I have septic) of those without sewers I recognize the need to get sewers to Chapp Crossing in order to make it a viable commercial- multi use facility that brings in tax revenues for all of us. Like I said - “Politics as usual”.
As far as West Enders and taxation without representation, what is the plan for the New Castle residents in the Bedford, Yorktown, Byram Hills schools districts? Do they get their own town board member too? Just how fragmented and fractured should this town and town board be in order to satisfy everyone and get their votes?
I do not believe that Parties are relevant at the local level. People should vote for the best individual. Maybe it would be better for the Town if all candidates ran as Independents.
I was reluctant to sign the petition to put ward districts on the ballot but was swayed by the argument, “We just want to put it on the ballot to give people a chance to vote on it.” I wasn’t told that putting it on the ballot is costly to the town and, if it passes, will incur more costs to implement. I wish I had not signed.
It seems to me the Millwood business district is flourishing. It is shaping up to look more like a charming little village…
Finally, wouldn’t we all like to have sewers? I’d also like natural gas. Think the town government has done their research and have been trying for years to get the most urgent needs at the top of the list.
Alternate Headline is sure right. The Republicans running in this election are not helping the discussion, too bad. And calling the work of the sitting as well as previous Boards, “a fiasco and a mess” really is a “poor show”. Surely they can present their ideas without
damming the serious, hard work of those who have served our communities.
I have been waiting for 17 years for the Republicans to come alive again in this town.
But be careful what you wish for.
What a disaster they are!
They will do anything to get votes: “Second class citizens,” and ‘taxation without representation’—a little revolution now and again is maybe not a bad thing.”
Are they kidding! This is the lowest form of politicking. They excaberbate discord in order to get votes.
What a cynical bunch of pols they are—promising everyone sewers. Why did I think that the County controlled sewers?!
Their behavior is reprehensible and will be remembered long after this election.
The Republican Party has given voice to the oppressed masses of Millwood.
Let them now march on their oppressors at New Castle Town Hall, carrying their banners demanding, “LIBERTY”, “FRATERNITY” AND
“SEWERS.”
The ward system is a horrible idea and it pains me to see these Republicans embracing the idea simply to garner votes.
It’s about time. Glad the town dems have gotten their friends and aliases to post on NCNow.
Just because the candidates think sewers are appropriate for more than just the 4 developments, doesn’t mean they don’t want them for those developments.
Wake up. The only reason Bob Kirkwood wants to leverage sewers for low income housing is so he can dump it here in Millwood. He clearly doesn’t want additional sewers for Chappaqua Crossing, so it won’t go in there.
I attended this gathering and my impressions bear little resemblance to the NewCastleNow report.
There was an open discussion on issues that impact Millwood and no intent to incite rebellion. Absolute nonsense. I am shocked that the report of the gathering has such a biased tone. The frustrations expressed over sewers is real.
We have been asking for a sewer district in the downtown area since the late 1990s and there is still no action. You cannot have a viable Millwood Hamlet until the sewer line can be extended. signed Long-time Millwood/West End resident
Christine, less editorial please. Your article borders yellow journalism. Please consult the facts and cite direct quotes. And these inflammatory responses with no names attached are pure cowardice.
This event was positive, not reactionary. The only person who lost their cool Christine is you, as evidenced in the Daily Chappaqua. Those who did not attend the events should watch and listen the video not react to this article.
Editor’s Note: Rich, please point out what quotes you believe are misquotes.
It is scary to see that limousine liberalism is still thriving with the comments above. If this town continues to vote in democrats simply because they are not in a coma, then this town will continue to sink with high taxes, bureaucratic tendencies and no new ideas. Very depressing for those who want to raise our families and stay for the long term.
To Let Them Eat Steak: You bet we resent Chappaqua Crossing ‘getting sewers’ before Millwood.
Requests to sewer the Millwood area have been ongoing since 1999! Without sewers commercial development will be at a standstill. No commercial development, no commercial taxes.
Quotations used in the NewCastleNow report are misleading and incomplete leaving a false impression about the discussion of the need for sewers in the Millwood Hamlet.
@ Rich Diefenbach,
It seems to me that this is yet another example of your over-the-top accusations.
Really too bad, at first I thought that you might be a candidate that I could support.
Yes, sunshine is good.
Dear Roberta, As Sara mentions, this article doesn’t reflect our event. I’m a very even-handed person, always have been. As Thomas Jefferson once said, “Friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.”
Never mind even-handed. We’ll judge for ourselves. What did NewCastleNOW report you to have said that you did NOT say? Keep in mind: I was there. And, to be fair, let me say that I thought the piece in N.C.N. did capture the substance of the meeting, on many points. It actually made me understand Millwood and West End better. So what, exactly was inaccurate?
I visited Tazza that night. I would say that this article UNDERPLAYS the tone republicans took in speaking that night to our side of town. A revolutionary-war tone, I would say. Hey - it’s a campaign, I know. But I’m not at all used to seeing national political tactics here. May the best men/women win.
@ Mr. Diefenbach:
I’ve watched a little of your “listening tour” videos. I’d like to know how you were misquoted in the newcastlenow article.
You guys may not be Tea Party people, but you are running a Tea Party-type campaign. On almost every issue I’ve heard the GOP candidates deliver a position about, I’ve found your facts to be shaky. I don’t think that just because the GOP are the underdogs it gives them/you the right to play fast and loose with the facts. You certainly are good at spinning.
Ms. Galant,
With all due respect, you are exposing your pure democratic-leaning bias. Perhaps you like paying the highest taxes in the country while getting less and less each year. That is your right and you are certainly entitled to it. This is a democracy. But please don’t soil citizens like Rich Diefenbach who are running because they don’t like the direction this town is going in. The “Obama-scare” approach to all who think differently is quite disappointing. The ability to sustain our Town will be determined largely by new thinking and innovative ideas, not classic democratic anger and scare tactics for those who don’t drink the limousine liberal Kool Aid you are all pouring…
How funny is it to see the party of the Good Old Proletarians (GOP) calling for revolution? (On video) “A little revolution is a good thing.”
Maybe they should occupy Gedney Park, but please no trash!
Please point out inaccuracies, Mr. Diefenbach. Just heard some of the tape. Where are inaccuracies in Ms. Yeres’ report of the listening tour? Give me a clue what to look for.
@ Let’s lighten up!:
Gedney Park is a good idea. Or maybe it should be the new pocket park in Chappaqua.
A “little revolution” calls for a little park!
(BTW, the quotes were accurate, they are on the videotape.)
Whistle-stop campaigns no longer prevail where you can say one thing in one town and something else in another. Fortunately or unfortunately for politicians, we now have media enforced transparency. Your statements will travel, and travel quickly through media, especially with our advanced technology.
The best advice a campaign manager can give is: Do not say anything you do not want universally heard.
This is the problem: GOP are over-excited by running again! It’s been a long time since they last fielded candidates. Unfortunately, they’ve come back with aggressive national campaign tricks. There’s nothing we can do about that at national (and state) levels—but we can do something about it HERE!
@Sara Brewster- Could you please explain how the hamlet of Millwood is not viable and where commercial development is desired/hindered by not having sewers? It seems to me that there has been a lot of development in “downtown” Millwood with the Spacarelli’s shopping center, and 2 different residential mini-developments. What land is available to be developed? What does the Millwood Task Force want to see happen in Millwood? Could you please write an article and explain it all?
@Sara Brewster cont’d- Why aren’t the Millwood Task Force agendas and minutes available through the town web-site?
Both Sara Brewster and Mr. Lou Russo (Patch.com) have it RIGHT! Who else supports their position; they need to see your support, as well as all the candidates that are running for Elected Office. This is not a Blue vs. Red issue; this is about getting things done and made better! The Hamlet of Millwood absolutely needs SEWERS, as does Random Farms, Yeshiva, Riverwoods, and areas around McDonald Road and Rt.134. O’h yes, the New Castle Municipal line is about 750 feet up from Rt. 134 when standing on McDonald Road.
Again, what exactly is their position? Please describe what you want to see developed and what you want to see it developed into.
To Sara Brewster, Russo, and HELPTHEM- I keep hearing from people like you that Millwood NEEDS sewers, that without sewers Millwood will not have commercial development. First - the Millwood that I go to weekly for groceries, gas, pharmacy, post office, coffee sandwiches and pizza, hardware, wine and beer, garden supplies, and banking sees thriving and stable to me. I see almost no empty stores or out of business situations like I see in downtown Chappaqua. What exactly are your complaints about commercial Millwood? Seems like Millwood is in much better shape than Chapp.
Second - I dont have sewers either. Like many of my neighbors my septic system needs regular and costly maintenance and will soon need to be completely replaced ($25000!). Why should Millwood get sewers before many others. We should all get sewers but if we have to do it incrementally why Millwood now over others?
Kirkwood is definitely right about allowing the public to attend board and committee meetings. One party rule has reduced transparency.
I can’t tell whether Diefenbach’s hyperbole would be as helpful on the board as it is in his campaigning, but he definitely knows his Bartlett’s Quotations.
When you think about the sewer issue being extended into the Hamlet of Millwood, do you think about the needed expansion of the Commercial Base? Do you think about saving the jobs of our School Teachers, Police Officers, or Town employees? Do you think about being able to insure the existence and retention of Hamlet based businesses? Do you think of creating a reverse trickledown effect that can help a stranger retain their part time or full time employment in the Hamlet of Millwood? Do you think about causing a situation to come about that can provide relief from financial pass-a-long lease obligations throughout the Hamlet? Do you think about creating jobs? Do you think about providing residential property tax relief through stabilization? Do you think about stabilizing Commercial property taxes? You mention Millwood Hardware; how much longer can that shopping center support the Chappaqua School District before Rocky’s Deli has to pay a rent that will trickle down to a butter roll and coffee costing us $5.00? Sewers would allow for the construction of a second floor on that building which in turn would dilute the ongoing and escalating base property tax of that property, thereby keeping the cost of a buttered roll and coffee down for all to enjoy. Do you think about what sewers really mean to the area? What are you afraid of, or is it that you just don’t know?? STOP OR MODIFY THE CURRENT PETITION; KIRKWOOD HAS IT RIGHT! Getting sewers will help in so many ways, most do not understand the relationship and relief it would provide to both Public and Private budget items.
As an individual that goes to Rocky’s Deli every day, I would not want to see the cost of a buttered roll and coffee go to $5.00 I would like to think that our Town has been thinking about keeping the cost of buttered rolls and coffee down! I just don’t understand how in the world the extension of the sewer line can help provide great coffee at a great price! I also do not understand how a sewer line would stabilize my property taxes; and I definitely do not understand how placing a sewer pipe in Millwood saves or creates jobs. I always thought that having sewers is just a luxury and not a necessity. As an individual that votes the Democratic line, please explain to me the connection between sewers and coffee? As for the Hardware store, let them add a few cents to the cost of washers and nuts, so my coffee doesn’t go up as you suggest!
So far, the only answer to the question of how sewers would help the Millwood business area is that it would allow expansion of an already existing building. My question is what else can/will be developed? Why no answer to this question if it is so vitally important to get sewers? The lack of response is puzzling.
O’k, so you don’t favor sewers! You favor being puzzled! You can remain puzzled and confused while the rest of us try to solve puzzling problems without the help of those who seem to be puzzled over problems that are puzzling! To put together a puzzle you have to have some smarts, and if you don’t, the puzzle is to hard to assemble. Did I puzzle you, or do you just like being puzzled! Such puzzling times we live in, especially when the answers are puzzle free!
