Katz urges examination of “all the options” in context of Master Plan review
April 11, 2014
Editor’s Note: Deputy Supervisor Lisa Katz read the following statement on Chappaqua Crossing in last Tuesday’s Town Board meeting. A lively argument between residents, supervisor and town attorneys ensued. Below are her remarks:
As you all know, Summit Greenfield has filed a revised Preliminary Development Concept Plan. These materials, which are voluminous, were only received last Friday, April 4. I want to reassure residents that questions such as how much latitude the Board might have to approve less than the 120,000 square feet of retail space, or whether the Board could deny the request altogether, are being carefully examined. The issues are complex, and there is more work to be done. Again, the Board has only had these materials for two days. It would be premature for any Board member to speculate as to whether, and how much, retail space ultimately might be approved at Chappaqua Crossing.
I think everyone can agree that this Board is not writing on a clean slate when it comes to retail at Chappaqua Crossing. The prior Board conducted a SEQRA review with respect to retail at Chappaqua Crossing and concluded that certain adverse environmental impacts could be adequately mitigated.
At the same time, this Board should be considering all of its options, and this should be done in the context of the master plan update. What other options do we have? Would the town want to purchase the property, as many residents have suggested to me? Would the town want to look into somehow swapping properties? Are there other options? All of this must be thoroughly researched and answered.
Finally, when we speak about bringing developers “to the table,” that should mean our collective table, with all Town Board members and residents sitting around it.
Lisa Katz, you had your golden opportunity to shine and stand up for what you said you believed in during the election. Greenstein did his flip-flop on CC and the stage was set for you to challenge him on it. Had you done so, there might have been a parade in your honor going down Greeley Avenue. Instead, you read the statement above that says absolutely nothing. You have made it clear that you will simply fall into line with what Greenstein and Brodsky want. This is not what you were elected to do.
Ms Katz- the idea that the town would or should purchase all or part of CC from Summit Greenfield is outrageous. I realize you threw it out there as one of many “ideas” but I find that infuriating. Why should all of our money, by that I mean residents that pay very high taxes, be used to purchase property so we can protect a very small area of town. You and Ms Reinmannn and a well mobilized and vocal group of NIMBY have dominated and monopolized this issue for years! What would you like us to do. Spend millions of $$! of our money to buy out SG and then turn it into a park so you and your neighbors are happy??? The selfishness and self centered thinking must stop. We are a community. We all live here- not just you. Enough already- it’s time to move ahead.
I never thought I would say this but Rob Greenstein is on the right track and he is doing what is right for everyone.
I am hoping that Lisa Katz decides to be the independent town board member she was elected to be.
Lisa, many people think Greenstein has put a muzzle on you. Please prove this isn’t true. Don’t merely read prepared statements, talk with the people and tell us what you are thinking.
YES. Make a condo or buy the cupola. It “protects” nothing by doing it. It does free up the existing town hall for ideas that enhance our town.
It is premature to speculate on the new use for the old town hall but, I am sure that there are as many ideas and arm chair experts as there are residents of the town.
Lisa Katz do you realize millions in tax revenues would be lost if the town purchased Reader’s Digest. I can’t believe you and your neighbors would want that. Do you?
It’s only a part of it. The cupola. And if town hall is sold, taxes revenues from that
Building offset much of not all of that loss
We should go back to the 300 condos. Who cares if our schools are overburdened with students. Who cares if we need to subsidize them.
What are you going to do Mrs. Katz? People who believed in you are waiting for you to step up. We are counting on your vote against development at Chappaqua Crossing!
The downtown problem currently exists, CC does not. Therefore it is not CC’s fault that the businesses are not doing well. The town as a whole can use CC and its retail and supermarket.
Ms. Katz should vote her best judgment, not for any one special interest. The only interest is the town interest, that is:
avoiding costly litigation
increasing tax base overall
considering the town need for a supermarket
stopping tax losses
weighing potential unhappiness of a few homeowners against the benefit of everyone else.
Ms Katz says that the town board should be considering all of its options….she asks ” would the town want to purchase the property, as many residents have suggested to me?”
Really Lisa? With what money – with who’s money do you suggest that the town purchase CC? You continue to lose credibility with this sort if thinking. We barely make town budget now. Do you expect all residents, all New Castle tax payers to fund this folly? Then what – turn it into a private swim club and polo field for you and your neighbors?
The ” many residents” that have suggested this idea are clearly your NIMBY neighbors who have no regard or concern for the rest of our community.. This is and has been a small vocal group impeding progress. It’s been going on for years and it now must stop. You are Deputy Supervior of Town of New Castle- the whole town, the entire town. Not just the few blocks near CC. Please start acting like it.
What about the traffic?
