Developer, Town Discuss Revised Chappaqua Crossing Plans

Discussions about a revised development plan for the former Reader’s Digest property continue to evolve as New Castle officials and representatives for Chappaqua Crossing developer Summit/Greenfield search for a solution to move the stalemated project forward.

Last Tuesday night, the New Castle Planning Board and the Town Board discussed issues related to the 116-acre parcel during nearly simultaneous meetings at Town Hall.

Planning Board member Tom Curley, who last year suggested the town and Summit/Greenfield pursue a more traditional neighborhood plan for the proposed retail component and the already approved 111 residential units at the site, said while no new plans have officially been submitted recent meetings with the developer have been productive.

Meanwhile, the town board during its Feb. 4 work session instructed Town Administrator Jill Simon Shapiro to send out a Request for Proposal for a survey of the downtown municipal property around Town Hall.

Supervisor Robert Greenstein said he would like to explore the feasibility of selling some of the municipal property to enhance the downtown’s commercial district and also find a solution for the cramped quarters at Town Hall. The town board is budgeting $10,000 for the survey.

The RFP would determine the precise metes and boundaries of the roughly 10 acres of town-owned land and what restrictions and easements are on the property. The acreage includes the recreation field, Town Hall land and parking lot and a portion of the commuter parking, Shapiro said. There is also a parcel on Washington Avenue that Greenstein has identified as a possible site for Conifer Realty to build its affordable housing units.

Curley, who was asked by the current town board to sit down with Summit/Greenfield to discuss a revised plan for Chappaqua Crossing, said there has been progress regarding a revised proposal, particularly with respect to the retail.

“We’ve always thought of it as a master plan for the property,” Curley said. “If the town is going to grant a zoning approval, the town ought to grant a zoning approval in a way which makes the whole thing better.”

Under the current application, Summit/Greenfield would need a zoning change from the town board to allow it to build up to 120,000 square feet of retail space. Plans call for a 40,000-square-foot supermarket in a new free-standing building with another 80,000 square feet of retail comprised of smaller stores at the site.

“With respect to the retail portion, I think we’re there,” Curley said. “We’re still having a conversation about the residential portion of it.”

During last week’s discussion, Town Planner Sabrina Charney Hull said under Curley’ revised plan the development’s main road would be from Route 117 with a cross street coming from Roaring Brook Road. The goal is to make the project more pedestrian-friendly and aesthetically appealing while breaking up the massive parking lots.

“Both sides are treed, there are sidewalks, a cafe,” Hull said. “It would have a very quaint village-like appeal.”

A spokesman for Summit/Greenfield confirmed there have been discussions with the town related to amending the plans. Geoffrey Thompson, of the public relations firm Thompson & Bender, said the goal is to devise a project that is mutually beneficial while avoiding litigation.

Late last year, comments once again surfaced about the possibility of litigation. A settlement to the 2011 lawsuits brought by Summit/Greenfield against the two spelled out a schedule of milestones regarding the review process.

Last year Summit/Greenfield had also announced that Whole Foods was the supermarket chain interested in Chappaqua Crossing but had a mid 2015 deadline to move to the site.

“The discussions have been very productive, very positive and I think all parties are trying to come together to make the project better,” Thompson said.

He added that Summit/Greenfield is still looking to include 120,000 square feet of retail at the property.

Curley said talks are continuing regarding a “traditional neighborhood street” for the condominium units with a three-story building on one side and two- or two-and-a-half-story buildings on the other to create a courtyard effect. It would feature on-street parking, front doors that face the street, a park or playground and an area for passive recreation.

Hull said that the applicant has agreed to work on the residential plan in hopes of reaching the town’s goals.

She also mentioned that while there have been discussions about moving town hall operations to the property’s signature cupola building, there are issues regarding parking and access.

Councilman Jason Chapin said it has been known for at least a decade, since he last served on the town board, that Town Hall does not have enough space. Previous studies have concluded that expanding the current building at 200 S. Greeley Ave. would not be fiscally or structurally feasible, he said.

However, Chapin said that he continues to back the idea of commercial development at Chappaqua Crossing.

“You can’t continue to do nothing there,” Chapin said. “I’ve said for a long time that I supported the idea of having commercial development to benefit the town and be a benefit for the property taxpayers.”