Welcome to the Chappaqua Section

Private banking info captured in 24-hour card-skimming scheme


ATM at Bank of America branch in downtown Chappaqua
January 29, 2010
by Christine Yeres

On Wednesday, January 20, at 6:00 p.m. a person entered the vestibule of the Bank of America branch at the corner of Woodburn and South Greeley Avenues and planted some kind of recording or photographic device on the single ATM machine inside, reported Detective Sergeant James Wilson of the New Castle Police Department. For the next 23 and a half hours, he explained, the device captured the ATM card numbers and PIN codes of about 50 of the bank’s customers who used the single ATM machine in the vestibule.

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Editorial: New Year’s Resolutions

January 1, 2010
by Susie Pender

Groan! I can hear it through the Internet. A big collective groan. Two things no one wants to hear about on New Year’s Day after a night of revelry: someone’s resolutions and, worse yet, admonitions to make resolutions.

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UPDATE: No parking this week from Starbucks to Post Office; alternating traffic, Pizza Station to PO


Monday, July 13, 2009
by Christine Yeres

According to an e-alert sent out on Friday, July 10, by the town of New Castle, there will be no parking allowed on North Greeley Avenue this week, Monday through Friday, from Starbucks to the U.S. Post Office. The town has arranged to have soil borings taken this week along that section of Greeley Avenue.

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Consultants will evaluate DEIS for Reader’s Digest property; hearing on July 28


July 3, 2009
by Christine Yeres

At last week’s public hearing on developer Summit Greenfield’s completed draft environmental impact statement, or DEIS, relating to their mixed use proposal for the former Reader’s Digest property, residents encouraged the town board to independently evaluate and verify the contents of the statement. Although the board made no commitment at that meeting, this week Town Administrator Gennaro Faiella confirmed that the board’s consultants are in fact continuing to analyze the document and additional experts will be hired as needed. 

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NEW: Volunteer meeting for farmers’ market @ Chappaqua train station, set to open in September


Meeting Wed., Sept. 1 at town hall
Monday, August 30, 2010
by Nancy Oren Lyman and Priscilla Sorensen

We’ve been working this summer to put together a Farmers’ Market at the Chappaqua train station, which is set to open Saturday, September 11 and run every Saturday through November. We’ll have fruits and vegetables, cheeses, milk, eggs, baked goods, jellies and wine.  It will be slightly different kind of farmers’ market because its success will dependent on the direct involvement of local residents and businesses in running the market.

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NEW: Bridge construction and King Street resurfacing update


August 27, 2010
by Christine Yeres

In order to avoid any negative impact on downtown Chappaqua businesses, Conti Construction crews have been working nights to prepare King Street for resurfacing.  However, starting at 8:00 p.m. tonight, no cars may park on the King Street hill. So be forewarned if you have plans for dinner in town tonight, and plan accordingly (like wear comfortable shoes to walk to your destination restaurant from the parking lot across from Susan Lawrence or a park space on Greeley Avenue.)

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Town board members balk at cost of proposed gazebo, look to lay more sidewalk


August 6, 2010
by Christine Yeres

“Unless we knock down the cost by $175,000, it isn’t going to happen,” said Supervisor Barbara Gerrard of the plan for a new 36-foot diameter gazebo presented to board members two weeks before.  In last Tuesday’s work session, Deputy Town Administrator Penny Paderewski told board members she had already spoken to Supervisor of Parks and Rec Bob Snyder about possible ways to cut the cost of the site work which, alone, accounts for around $200,000 of the estimated $425,000 the project, as presented, would require.

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Park space named “Marion Place,” in honor of Marion Sinek


July 30, 2010
by Christine Yeres

In its meeting last Tuesday evening, the town board voted to name the park space “Marion Place,” in honor of former Supervisor for New Castle, Marion Sinek. 

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Chappaqua Merchants pull out all the stops for Sidewalk Sale Days, July 22-24


July 23, 2010
by Susie Pender

As they say, it’s always darkest just before the dawn, and Wednesday, the eve of New Castle’s Sidewalk Sale Days, was certainly a poster child for that old adage. The evening brought raging storms, blustering winds, and some residential power outages. But Thursday morning dawned cool (finally!) and sunny, a perfect kickoff to three days of sidewalks overflowing with plentiful offerings. So grab a latte or a cool frappacino and stroll the streets today and tomorrow, July 23 and 24. Our merchants have, indeed, pulled out all the stops. Below is a sampling of what’s in store for clever shoppers in no particular order.

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“Total Soul” brings a party to the gazebo next Wednesday


July 23, 2010
by Susie Pender

New York’s most exciting party band, Total Soul, is coming to the New Castle gazebo on Wednesday evening, July 28, at 7:00 p.m., to play everything from Motown, today’s pop and R&B to the jazz/Big Band sounds of the 1940’s! So put your dancin’ shoes on, ‘cause you won’t be able to sit still, and party on down to the rec field with your blankets or lawn chairs and picnic baskets.

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New Castle Historical Society Tag Sale 10am-4pm Fri-Sat—Be Green!


Today & tomorrow, rain or shine!
In “Read more,” find sneak preview of sale items.
June 11, 2010
by Suzanne Keay

Reuse, recycle, refurnish, replenish, reinvigorate and reinvent at the annual New Castle Historical Society Tag Sale.

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Strawberry festival fun for the family raises funds for the community


June 4, 2010
by Penny Vane

New Castle residents will welcome summer for the 73rd year running with fun and games at the annual Strawberry Festival this Saturday, June 5, in downtown Chappaqua. A favorite town tradition featuring homespun games, crafts, baked goods, grill fare, live music, and of course, buckets of its namesake berry, the festival heralds the start of the new summer season with a roster of fun activities for all ages.

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Gerrard to Paterson: New Castle needs its bridge

Supervisor Barbara Gerrard is cautiously hopeful about Governor’s response to her plea to resume bridge construction.

May 28, 2010
by Christine Yeres

Editor’s note:  On Wednesday, May 26, New Castle Town Supervisor Barbara Gerrard wrote to New York State Governor David Paterson pleading with him to release funds to allow the Route 120 bridge project to be completed as expeditiously as possible.  NewCastleNOW.org received a copy of the letter from the Supervisor’s office for publication.

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Construction Update: Where the bridge stands


Action on the bridge yesterday was pothole repair.
May 14, 2010

Editor’s Note: We’ve reprinted Supervisor Barbara Gerrard’s update on the status of the bridge. In her report, she includes links through which you can reach the governor and our state senator and assemblyman.  Help get the bridge going—take a moment to write Albany.

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Open letter to the community: Clarification of the changes proposed to the Tree Preservation Law


April 23, 2010
by Alexandre Manz

“Read first, then complain.”

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Donations for FCC’s Barn Sale begin TODAY Monday, April 26

April 26, 2010

The Barn Sale is a high-quality consignment and tag sale as well as First Congregational Church’s biggest fund raiser of the year. Local stores provide us with new clothing and other merchandise, along with items for our raffle. A large assortment of treasures and other goods are consigned or donated from the community. Hundreds of people come from neighboring communities to shop with us for special items and great bargains.

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Community Blood Drive @ Rotary Pancake Breakfast—Donors Receive Pancakes


April 23, 2010
by John Ehrlich

The Annual Spring Community Blood Drive is scheduled Saturday, April 24th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  “Volunteer donors from New Castle and the surrounding communities are expected to donate as many as 50 pints to help reduce the continuing blood shortage in the Hudson Valley” according to Sandy Cohen of the Greater New York Blood Program office in Elmsford which partners with Chappaqua Rotary to staff the drive.

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NEW Letter to the Editor: What’s the town board’s position on Zimmerman’s dismissal?


Monday, April 19, 2010
by Marty Moran

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NEW Letter to the Editor: Reconsider bringing in an outsider to run youth football

Monday, April 19, 2010
by Russell Maitland

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Crews work around the clock to restore power, remove debris; schools closed Monday

Morning Commute Cautions : Roads Still Hazardous - Drive With Care


More photos inside and in Photo Gallery
UPDATE Monday, March 1, 2010

CERT members returned the last of the shelter visitors to their homes on Sunday evening, and this morning at 1:30 a.m. New Castle police declared the last obstructed roadway—Whippoorwill Road between Whippoorwill Lake Road and Berol Close—reopened, though with some debris remaining.

Through Nixle.com, the New Castle Police department announced on Sunday that schools will be closed today, Monday, March 1, 2010:

• Chappaqua Schools Will be Closed on Monday, March 1, 2010.

“Chappaqua School District in concurrence with Town of New Castle officials have closed schools on Monday, March 1, 2010.  Many town roads remain hazardous with electric lines down and low hanging tree branches.  School Officials and Town Officials agreed that the safety of the children riding on School Buses is the paramount concern.”

Chappaqua Board of Education President Jeffrey Mester explained, “The district, in conjunction with the town, believes that—with so many residents still without power, with many secondary roads being only one lane passable, with Con Ed, Cablevision and Verizon still needing to repair wires before town crews can clean up, with those wires posing a hazard to the buses, with snow days available—it is in the best interest of the children and community to keep schools closed for Monday.  Classes will resume on Tuesday.” 

• David Fleishman got the job. He’s Newton’s choice for school superintendent.  See local Newton news coverage HERE.

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Robo-receptionist answers calls to town hall after 1:00 p.m.

February 19, 2010
by Christine Yeres

A live receptionist who is a certified notary public will continue to answer the main number for New Castle Town Hall, 238-4771, from 8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. But from 1:00 p.m. until town hall closes at 4:30 p.m., a recorded message directs callers to the various departments there. The robo-system – a cost-cutting measure by the town board – has been in place for close to a month.

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“Click it or ticket” campaign begins Monday, November 16


Drivers will be issued summons for no-seat belt
November 13, 2009
by Christine Yeres

In order to encourage all motorists to buckle up, the New Castle Police Department will participate in the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s “Click it or Ticket” campaign from November 16 through November 29. 

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UPDATE: New Castle Planning Board comments on Chappaqua Crossing DEIS

Tuesday, September 29, 2009
by Christine Yeres

The planning board submitted its comments on developer Summit Greenfield’s draft environmental impact statement to the town board on Friday, September 25, the last day for written comment. In its first section, “Overall Development Concept,” the planning board touches on the affordable housing element of the project, the desirability of a town pool and library branch, and recommends “a less dense alternative” to the 278 residential units proposed.

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NewCastleTHEN: 1904 Tornado

Great Moments in Chappaqua History

Front page and inside photos provided courtesy of the New Castle Historical Society
August 20, 2010
by N. O’Neil

1904 A tornado rips through Chappaqua, touching ground near the Dodge farm.  Destruction included many trees, livestock and farm buildings, but fortunately, there were no fatalities.  Survivors describe looking out their windows and seeing chickens flying through the air. Since then the town has been spared cyclonic turbulence, except for joint town and school board meetings.

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NEW Bridge Construction Update: Asphalt paving of King Street POSTPONED


Looking into town from the deck of the bridge
Click for a live view of the bridge from our webcam in Erik Nicolaysen’s 2nd floor window.
Monday, August 16, 2010
by Christine Yeres

The scraping (called “milling”) and resurfacing of King Street from Starbuck’s intersection up to Bedford Road that was scheduled to begin tonight has been postponed. The milling company canceled.  The job might be rescheduled for the week beginning August 23. 

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Town board views conceptual rendering of new gazebo for downtown recreation field


July 23, 2010
by Christine Yeres

Last Tuesday night the town board viewed drawings prepared by landscape architect Nick Pouder for a new gazebo for the downtown recreation field, a project the Downtown Steering Committee, an advisory board to the town board, has had in development during the last several months.

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Four nighttime burglary attempts at downtown businesses this week

July 23, 2010
by Christine Yeres

In the very early hours of Tuesday morning, July 20, four downtown businesses were the victims of burglary attempts, two of which were successful. Three businesses along South Greeley Avenue, Gail Patrick’s Cafe, Villarina’s and EZ Sports, showed signs of forced entry, or attempted forced entry, Gail Patrick’s and EZ Sports from the back and Villarina’s from the front.  All the businesses were securely locked at the time of the attempts.

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Setting the sustainable table: Local sources provide tasty alternative to the industrial food system


More photos in “Read more” and in Photo Gallery
July 16, 2010
by Laura Rossi-Ortiz

Advocates for a new, sustainable food system are building pathways from local farms to your table in New Castle. If you are looking for a full-time, year-round supplier of good, local food, check out TABLE Local Market located at 11 Babbitt Road in Bedford Hills.  It’s a shop that tackles the industrial food system head-on, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the volume and quality of local food it sells and the care with which local farmers and food suppliers treat the natural resources they use to produce the food.

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Mystery solved: No more stumbling around in the dark


Parking lot on North Greeley, across from Susan Lawrence, looking south
July 9, 2010
by Christine Yeres

This last week, the parking lot on North Greeley Avenue across from Susan Lawrence was festooned with numerous orange cones standing guard along a trench running through the middle of the parking lot. Hmm, a concrete-crunching family of moles runs amok in downtown Chappaqua? A belated Greeley graduation celebration with all those orange cones?

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Petticoat takes it off before moving—40% off


Jacobson in the window of her new place
June 18, 2010
by Christine Yeres

Phyllis Jacobson’s new Petticoat Lane is nearly ready.  Today and Saturday, everything at Petticoat Lane’s Lower King Street shop is 40% off.  She makes her move on Sunday and Monday to the corner of Greeley Avenue and King Street.

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New Castle’s newest park space wins an award, and will be graced with a new name, perhaps


June 11, 2010
See “Read more” or Photo Gallery for before and after pictures of the plaza.
by Christine Yeres

Last night at Xavier’s on the Hudson, the Westchester Municipal Planning Federation celebrated local efforts at innovative planning projects.  On behalf of New Castle, Deputy Supervisor Elise Kessler Mottel accepted a commendation award “for the construction of a downtown vest-pocket park at Citibank Plaza in the hamlet of Chappaqua, which also mitigates storm water runoff.”

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Westchester green groups gather this Thursday, May 20, to talk sustainability


Monday, May 17, 2010
by Carol Durst

Come find out how various green groups’ efforts are going and catch some ideas.  From 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. this Thursday, May 20, the Chappaqua Library will host a roundtable discussion among panelists from community agencies, farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture members (CSA), and environmental management agencies on ways in which to make Westchester County more sustainable. This event is free and open to the public. 

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Road closures for Chappaqua Fire Department Parade Fri., May 14


Stop!! ... and plan your return home tonight.  Try to get into the train station before 6:45 p.m.
May 14, 2010

From Supervisor Barbara Gerrard:  This Friday, May 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. the Chappaqua Fire Department is celebrating its 100 year anniversary with a parade down King Street. It promises to be an exciting and fun-filled event—with fire trucks and officials from all over the County.  We hope you will come out and support the Chappaqua Fire Department during its celebration. 

The New Castle Police Department would like to alert commuters and all area residents that, beginning at 6:45 pm, the following local roads will be closed until 9:00 p.m.:

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THURSDAY, May 20: New Castle Historical Society House Tour,  “Castles of New Castle”


May 14, 2010

The New Castle Historical Society proudly announces its 8th annual “Castles of New Castle” house tour to be held Thursday, May 20. The Historical Society will showcase a variety of beautiful area homes that vary in size, location, style and year of construction. 

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“Neighbors Helping Neighbors Since 1910”


CFD members Doug Hunter and Diane Jaulus
May 7, 2010
by Paul Eiden

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors Since 1910” isn’t just a slogan for us, it is what we do. None of is paid for it, but ask the long time members of the Chappaqua Fire Department why they have been getting up in the middle of the night for more than 20 years, and the answer will be the same: They love it.  And for good reason.

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Letter to the Editor: Preserve unique character of unpaved Old Roaring Brook Road


Residents spoke at last Tuesday’s town board work session on whether the town should pave half-mile of road.
April 23, 2010
by Randolph B. Randolph

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Triple-Header: Little League Parade Kicks off Town-Wide Clean-Up, fueled by Rotary Pancakes


April 23, 2010
by Christine Yeres

A triple-header for the town!  On Saturday, April 24,  the Little League Parade forms up at King and Senter Streets at 8:00 a.m., the town’s “Neat to the Street” mass volunteer clean-up after a whopper-of-a-winter runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and the Chappaqua Rotary will dish out its pancakes-sausage-bacon, O.J.and coffee from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the church hall at St. Mary the Virgin, between Bell and the library. 

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“Neat to the Street”—Help take back our streets from winter mess!


Visit Photo Gallery to see how it’s done.
April 23, 2010
by Christine Yeres

New Castle’s town-wide clean up, “Neat to the Street,” takes place next Saturday, April 24.  Winter really clobbered New Castle this year and volunteers of all ages are needed all over town more than ever, anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  Leave the town dotted with neatly tied salmon-colored bags of litter!  Where to get bags and gloves?  Click “Read more.”

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