An Update from Supervisor Rob Greenstein
An appeal to “Shop Local,” streetscape improvements will go forward, business development team formed, Master Plan review will launch
Tuesday, February 25, 2013
by Rob Greenstein
After a very tough winter, many of our downtown merchants are hurting—BIG TIME! This tough winter comes after years of our merchants struggling with difficult economic conditions and other longstanding issues that have impeded growth and discouraged capital investment. We are in the final stages of forming our Downtown Business Development Advisory Committee, and also have in place our Master Plan Steering Committee as well as consultant for Master Plan outreach to the community.
We also plan on proceeding with longstanding plans to make substantial infrastructure improvements in our downtown business hamlet that will include improvements in landscape, lighting, sidewalks, curbing and crosswalks.
But these are long term solutions. They need our help now! Please visit our local merchants in downtown Chappaqua and Millwood.
~ Rob Greenstein
Editor’s Note: NCNOW asked Supervisor Greenstein about the Business Development Advisory Committee he’s forming, the Master Plan Steering Committee, his talks with Summit Greenfield and the idea of moving town hall to Chappaqua Crossing.
Downtown Business Development Advisory Committee
According to Superintendent Rob Greenstein, the Business Development Advisory Committee he and Adam Brodsky have assembled “will assist the Town Board by identifying and recommending policy initiatives that will strengthen our existing businesses, attract new and desirable businesses to New Castle, and help our community revitalize our downtown business hamlet while facilitating the harmonious development of Chappaqua Crossing.” Membership of the committee has been “firmed up” this week, said Greenstein. Names of the committee members have not yet been released. Greenstein himself will head the committee.
Master Plan Steering Committee
The Town Board will officially appoint the five Master Plan Steering Committee members who will conduct a review of the Town Development Plan (a/k/a “Master Plan”). They are Bob Kirkwood and Richard Brownell, both members of the Planning Board; Hala Makowska, Chairperson of the Millwood Board of Fire Commissioner; Maud Bailey, who worked on the Town’s last Master Plan; and Town Board member Adam Brodsky.
Talks with Summit Greenfield
Asked when he would reveal the substance of his talks with Summit Greenfield on the possible use or acquisition of the cupola building for a town hall, Greenstein responded, “Most likely at our joint Town Board and Planning Board meeting.” He gave no date.
Town hall to cupola concept
The concept of selling town hall property, or parts of it, for development and relocating town hall and police functions to the cupola building at Chappaqua Crossing will be discussed, said Greenstein, through the Master Plan review and its outreach process. The town will have the property appraised and assessed, for now a $10,000 “Phase One” undertaking.
Town will engage—for around $15,000—Pace Land Use Center to conduct community outreach for Master Plan review.
Email questions for the Town Board to:
Team Green, why did it take you to understand that the downtown area of Chappaqua is hurting, and has been hurting for a long time? How come some of the faces that you are working with did not understand this prior to your election run for office? How is it that some of the people you are surounding yourself with, are the very same people who gave CVM – Vinny such a hard time over getting his emergency roof top mounted generator approved? Team Green, I like you, but you are appointing and walking around with some of the most anti business people that have a very long standing record in doing nothing but breaking chops and not paying attention to their of today that snowball its impact over the course of time. I really don’t see a fresh start or a fresh new attitude coming across. I see what you want to do, but it does not line up to what I see unfolding at town hall to date. What policies and procedures are you going to eliminate; any? What new rules of conduct are you going to annouce that will help the business community and the vitality of the area? What kinds of conversations are you going to have with Bill M. and Richard P. in moving their mindset to being pro business and pro approval minded? Really, how are you going to promote a real and realized healthy feeling of doing business in New Castle? How are you going to attract new businesses into New Castle? So when I ask why did (does) it take you, it is because you have surrounded yourself with people who have only caused injury to the business community, go ask Joan Corwin her opinion about some folks. As a matter of fact, appoint her as the person being in charge to attract and start businesses in the area with the power to tell certain folks to go pound salt! Greenstein, keep up the good work but I don’t want you to fall asleep at the desk.
