League of Women Voters of New Castle, NY
P.O. Box 364, Chappaqua, NY 10514 lwv.newcastle@gmail.com
League of Women Voters of New Castle, NY
P.O. Box 364, Chappaqua, NY 10514 lwv.newcastle@gmail.com
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Annual Program Planning Meeting Jan. 18 Help us plan the League's program initiatives for 2012! Join us for an informal lunch, followed by a discussion of current activities and new program ideas for the coming year. New Castle Town Hall, 11:30am. Informal lunch will be served at 12pm.
New Castle League of Women Voters Seeks Interested Students to Apply to Attend the 12th Annual Students Inside Albany Conference Applications from local high school students with an interest in government and politics are sought for the 12th annual Students Inside Albany conference sponsored by the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc. The conference, which will be held March 25-28 in Albany, is designed to increase students’ awareness of their responsibility in a representative government and provide the tools necessary for meeting that responsibility. This interactive conference will bring together high school students from across the state to learn about New York State government and the process by which citizens can participate in the policy making arena. As part of the program, students will also tour the Capitol and observe by the Senate and Assembly in action by spending an afternoon shadowing their legislators. One applicant will be selected by the League of Women Voters of New Castle to join other students sponsored by the over 50 local League of Women Voters throughout New York State. The League of Women Voters of New Castle will provide train fare for the student to travel to Albany; all other costs of attending the conference including three nights accommodations at the Hampton Inn and Suites in downtown Albany will be covered by the League of Women Voters of New York. All applicants will receive a student membership in the League of Women Voters of New Castle and the winner will be invited to share their Conference experience with League members. Download the brochure for more information and the application form, You may also contact Lea Barth, barthpetrillo@gmail.com, with any questions. Applications are due by January 7, 2012.
LWV Hosted Panel on Ward System Referendum The League of Women Voters of New Castle is hosted a panel discussion on the ward system referendum on October 17th at at New Castle Town Hall. The referendum, which will be voted on at the November 8th election, calls for New Castle residents to adopt a ward system and to increase the size of the Town Board from the present number—four board members plus the supervisor—to six board members plus the supervisor. Under a ward system, the six board members would each be elected from one of six separate wards, the boundaries of which would be determined by the Westchester County Board of Elections should the referendum succeed. The panelists for the October 17th discussion are: On September 20th, League members arrived at a consensus to oppose the referendum. However, the League believes that this is a very important issue for residents of New Castle and hopes that many residents will attend this educational meeting. League of Women Voters of New Castle Consensus Statement on Ward System Referendum The League of Women Voters of New Castle, having met on September 20, 2011 to consider the Ward System Referendum* on the November 8th ballot, after presentation of a study of the issues involved and a discussion of the pros and cons of such a system for the Town, reached consensus that the League is opposed to the Referendum for the following reasons: that New Castle is not sufficiently large enough to merit such a change; that it is preferable to have each Town Board member answerable to each citizen of the Town; that turnover of the whole Town Board every two years could lead to lack of continuity and accountability as well as freeze the decision-making process; that there could be difficulty in finding candidates to run; that there would be increased costs and administrative needs at the same time as administrative staff is being cut back; that there could be an increase in divisiveness and self-interest making long-range planning more difficult; and that the concerns of government transparency and responsiveneness would not be improved by changing to a ward system.
Affordable Housing and Enhancing Diversity in New Castle: The Impact of Westchester County's Housing Settlement
The LWV of New Castle, the First Congregational Church of Chappaqua and the Chappaqua Library invite you to a panel discussion concerning Westchester's Affordable Housing Settlement, its impact on New Castle, and what New Castle is currently doing to address it. Thursday, May 19th at 7:30pm, Chappaqua Library Theater. Joining us will be Polly Kuhn, former New Castle Supervisor and Housing Action Council member; Tony Hoeltzel, Director of the Community Housing Resource Center; and Barbara Gerrard, current Town Supervisor. Moderating the evening will be Tom Lenhart, Senior Minister of the First Congregational Church of Chappaqua. Items to be discussed include the history of Affordable Housing in Chappaqua, the history of the ADC housing suit, the Settlement and what it means and developments since the settlement and what New Castle is currently doing concerning affordable housing. There will be time for questions and discussion. The evening is free and open to all.
The co-sponsors seek both to encourage able and interested citizens to run for the Board of Education and to help educate potential candidates on the responsibilities and requirements of a Board position. If you would like more information about this meeting, please contact either Vicky Tipp at vbtipp@aol.com or 238-2310, or Lea Barth at barthpetrillo@optonline.net or 238-5153. Anyone interested in running for the Board of Education should contact Theresa Markley, District Clerk at 238-7225 to obtain a petition. The deadline for filing the petition is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 18th. The election will be Tuesday, May 17th at the Horace Greeley High School Gymnasium. Want to Know What's Going on in Albany? Read the State League's revived blog, Capitol Beat As the 2011 legislative session gets under way, the State League is going to bring back to life an old friend called "Capitol Beat." Updates will contain legislative information about League issues, as well as political gossip. It will also outline the budget and of course, will chronicle the always-lively end of session. Healthcare Committee Update Amy McNamara, Healthcare Chair, submitted the following letter from LWV White Plains. Click here to read. A Summary of 2010 at the United Nations President Suzie Maltz, LWVUS First Alternate Observer, has submitted the following summary of 2010 at the United Nations: Click here to read. New Castle LWV Board Supports New Castle Town Board Dear Members of New Castle Town Board: The League of Women Voters is a non partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and works to increase understanding of public policy issues and influences through education and advocacy. On the issues surrounding the environment, the NYS League issued a statement in June of 2010 supporting proposed legislation S.4315C which would direct the DEC to establish a greenhouse gas emission limit from all sources and require that limit not to be greater than 1990 emissions. We acknowledge the grave health consequences of climate change and the human contribution to that condition. The League of Women Voters of New Castle commends the Town Board and Administration for taking the time to look closely and take a stand on the environmental and fiscal impact of our town’s trash and recycling efforts. We applaud it on both levels –environmental and fiscal. We applaud the reduction in CO2 emissions that would result from reduced trucks on the road and believe that this correctly places our emphasis on reducing trash with the hope of increasing recycling beyond the laudable current levels in New Castle. In today’s economic environment, no effort is too small, particularly when residents’ actions already show a shift towards larger amounts of recycling and reduced trash. In fact, as Town Administrator, Jerry Faiella pointed out recently, “typically 80% of residential garbage is collected in the first pick-up of the week; the second pick-up is ordinarily much lighter.” With increased recycling efforts, and lighter garbage pick-ups, a decision to eliminate a second pick-up is warranted in any case. We urge residents to think beyond the personal savings of $36 per resident (which may be a small sum to many), and to look at the bigger picture. A savings to the town of $200,000 per year (following the first year’s slightly reduced saving) is a significant amount; this results in a million dollars saved in approximately 5 years. In addition, we feel that the new garbage pick-up schedule is not a drastic measure. Across the country, steps are being taken, and in our own backyard, towns like Armonk and Pleasantville have already instituted once a week pick-up and no real problems have developed. As Town Supervisor Barbara Gerrard has said, “Whatever they’re doing right, we can do right, too.” Change is hard, but it is time to make this change. The League of Women Voters-New Castle would like to see and be part of continued education of the public as to the benefits of this move, and how it works for us as a community. We look forward to hearing a progress report from the Town Board after implementation.
More League Comments on Chappaqua Crossing DEIS
The League of Women Voters of New Castle presented comments on the DEIS at the public hearings on June 23 and July 28, and submitted additional comments on September 25th. Read the League's comments of September 25 (pdf). The League raised a number of issues about Chappaqua Crossing including: Environmental sensitivity of the property, with steep slopes, wetlands, and location in the New York City Water Supply Watershed; Encroachment on the property caused by retaining wall and detention pond systems, and the creation of additional impervious surface; Precedent set by a development of this size, and its consistency with the princples of the Master Plan; Market for high-end age-restricted units; and the enforceability of the age restrictions; Stormwater management and expansion of the sewer district; and Impacts on taxes, traffice and the Chappaqua Central School District. Read the League's comments from the July 28th public hearing Read the League's comments from the June 23rd public hearin Go to chappaquacrossingreview.mynewcastle.org on the Town’s website to read the DEIS and other documents discussing the proposal. Look for new reports from the Chappaqua Central School District on school impacts, HR&A Advisors on fiscal impacts, the New Castle Planning Board, and Town Adminstrator Gennaro Faiella. The New Castle Town Board continues to solicit public input on the proposed redevelopment, although Summit/Greenfield is not required to address these comments in the draft FEIS. Send your comments to chappaquacrossinginput@mynewcastle.org. Changes Discussed for Intersection The NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) held a second community workshop on November 6, 2008, to discuss possible changes to the intersection at Routes 120 and 133 in Chappaqua. The current “Y” intersection has poor sight lines with multiple stop signs, and can back up with long delays at Quaker Road/Route 120. DOT staff reviewed existing conditions at the intersection and outlined objectives for the redesign of the intersection – to improve safety, reduce traffic speed, reduce waiting time, and minimize impacts on surrounding properties. Taking into account community input from a prior workshop held a month earlier, the DOT developed four possible alternatives for the intersection. These included two featuring a T-intersection – one with a stop sign and one with traffic signals – as well as a roundabout and a “no build” option. According to the DOT, the T-intersection with a stop sign and or traffic signals would both offer improved geometry for the intersection, but the stop sign alternative would still present significant traffic delays while not addressing traffic speed on Route 133. A signalized T-intersection would slow down traffic and improve delays, but might not reduce the number of accidents. A roundabout would reduce traffic delays, slow traffic on all approaches, and reduce the number of accidents; but it would be the most expensive option to build and would present greater right-of-way impacts, as well as issues with the grade of the road. The “no build” alternative would improve signage and sight distances with some clearing, but most of the existing problems of the intersection would remain. The DOT anticipates its next presentation on the intersection will be at a Town Board meeting in early 2009. It's not too late to contact the DOT with your feedback. E-mail your comments to Ken Forness, Project Engineer, at kforness@dot.state.ny.us; or to Theresa Dewey, Project Public Involvement Coordinator at tdewey@dot.state.ny.us. Write to them at NYS Department of Transportation, Region 8, 4 Burnett Boulevard , Poughkeepsie , NY 12603 . The four options are pictured below: Option 1 No Build:
Option 2A T with Stop
Option 2B T with Signal
Option 3 Roundabout:
League Comments on Millwood Firehouse DEIS November 5, 2008 The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a new firehouse #1 in the Millwood Fire District was the subject of a contentious public hearing on October 23, 2008. The DEIS had previously been adopted by the Millwood Board of Fire Commissioners in a 3-2 vote. Read more>>
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CALENDAR Wed. Jan. 18. Program Planning (see left) Feb. 15. Naturalization Court (see below) Represent the League at Naturalization Court Feb. 15 The honor of representing LWV at Naturalization Court rotates among Westchester's local leagues. LWV New Castle is asked to send representatives several times a year, and our next date is February 15th. Let us know if you would like to volunteer for this date or future dates. It's an honor and a wonderful experience! To volunteer, or for more information, contact Sheila Bernson at sbernson@mac.com. Read more about the Naturalization Court experience at the County LWV site. Ward System Referendum Is On the Ballot in November The League of Women Voters of New Castle held its consensus meeting on the ward referendum on Tuesday, September 20th. The League reached consensus that the League is opposed to the referendum to adopt a ward system and to increase the number of Town Board members from four plus the Supervisor to six plus the Supervisor. Click here to watch the presentation on NCCMC. LWV Letter to the Editor about the Referendum After a membership meeting in which the referendum* to increase the size of the New Castle Town Board and to change the system of electing board members was thoroughly explored, the League of Women Voters of New Castle arrived at a consensus to oppose the referendum. The League urges residents to vote no on this referendum on November 8th. Background Information New Castle has 17,600 residents and about 12,000 voters. It currently has an at-large system of electing the Town Board, which means all the town’s voters elect the four board members plus the supervisor. The four board members each serve four-year terms (two elected every two years) and the supervisor serves a two-year term. Each board member is paid $10,250 per year and the supervisor is paid $42,865 per year. The referendum calls for New Castle residents to adopt a ward system and to increase the size of the Town Board from the present number—four board members plus the supervisor—to six board members plus the supervisor. Under a ward system, the six board members would each be elected from one of six separate wards, the boundaries of which would be determined by the Westchester County Board of Elections should the referendum succeed. Each ward would have about 3,000 residents and 2,000 voters. Under the statute, board members would serve two- year terms with elections to be held every two years. Only 11 towns out of 932 in New York State have a ward system. The 11 towns all have a larger population than New Castle. None of the towns in Westchester and only two cities (New Rochelle and Yonkers) out of the six cities in Westchester operate under a ward system. League Process and Position Since learning of the petition for the referendum, the League has conducted a study, including interviewing current and former town officials, town residents, proponents of the referendum and others. The League’s primary focus has been on the most significant part of the referendum - changing the method of electing our board members. The League does not believe a ward system form of government with six wards would be in the best interests of our town. Among the reasons for the League’s opposition to the referendum are the following: ? Town fragmentation. Currently the Town Board is elected by and represents all of New Castle and is answerable to every citizen of the town. The Town Board primarily deals with issues affecting the entire town. In a ward system, each board member would be answerable to only residents in his or her ward. In addition, more focus could potentially be on narrower issues relevant to only one or two wards. New Castle is not large enough to justify such a major change in its government. If you haven't yet renewed your membership We need your support. Thank you in advance for your renewal and donations. Lost your renewal form? http://www.watpa.org/lwvnc/joinus.html Each month the Board discusses areas of local concern, makes plans for future LWV events, and conducts League business. If you are a member or interested in what the League does, please join us. The League of Women Voters of New Castle is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages citizens to play an informed and active role in government. At the local, county, state and national levels, the League works to influence public policy through education and advocacy. We do not endorse candidates. Membership is open to women and men who wish to participate in these efforts. The League is part of a county, state and national organization, the League of Women Voters of Westchester, the League of Women Voters of New York and the League of Women Voters of the United States. More info about this league below LWV Meetings: Board meetings are held on the second Wednesday morning of each month to conduct the business and planning of the League. All members are welcome to attend. Other meetings, to receive a report from a study group, or to inform the public about an election, or local issue, are usually held in the evening in a public building. Study groups meet at times agreed to by the participants, usually in the home of a member. NCCMC: Many of the programs we host are available for viewing on NCCMC. LWVNC shows can be seen on channel 75 (community access station) and on channel 78 (government station). See http://www.nccmc.com/ for current schedules. For more information, or if you are interested in attending events, please e-mail us at lwv.newcastle@gmail.com Read pdfs of our newsletter, The Voter The New York State LWV's Newsletter is now available online. Westchester County Needs Septic Management! The League of Women Voters of Westchester and LWV New Castle have been collaborating to advocate for a Septic Management Plan for the county. Based on findings and consensus from one county study and two New Castle studies, oversight of these systems is essential to ensure proper functioning and long-term efficacy. See complete article on our Septic Management page "A Drinking Problem Nine million people drink water from the New York City reservoirs, including the Croton Reservoir; approximately 800,000 of these are Westchester County residents. Twenty thousand homes in Northern Westchester get their water from wells. While these water supplies have been considered safe, they are threatened by malfunctioning septic systems, which are placed on the property of individual houses, housing developments and businesses; these systems treat the wastewater on the premises instead of sending it to a central treatment plant. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, failing septic systems are the second largest cause of water pollution - and this includes drinking water. The agency estimates that 168,000 viral illnesses and 34,000 bacterial illnesses result every year from contaminated drinking water. See complete article on our Septic Management page Updated Jan.16, 2012 Many thanks to Westchester Alliance for Telecommunications and Public Access (WATPA ) & the Westchester Library System (WLS) for hosting this site. |
