Chapin Gives Thoughts on Chappaqua Crossing Retail Study

(Below is a copy of a statement that New Castle Councilman Jason Chapin read at Tuesday's town board meeting regarding the newly released market study for Chappaqua Crossing's retail plan)

I have several takeaways from the AKRF report that I would like to share.

• The data about Millwood and Chappaqua can be utilized regardless of what happens at Chappaqua Crossing.

• The townwide retail store vacancy rate is 3% which counters claims that the hamlets are on life support.

• There are two retail clusters in Millwood, one at the A&P shopping center another near the Millwood Fire Station.

• Chappaqua also has two retail clusters, one around the train station and another one mile away near the Chappaqua Fire Station.

• The hamlets offer a good range of retail, but many retail categories have low or no capture rates. As Table 7 shows, the amount of leakage or retail dollars not being captured in the area exceeds $300 million. And about $90 million is spent elsewhere on food and drinks.

• Adding a grocery store and other retail that compliments the existing stores in the hamlet could address unmet consumer demand and increase our commercial tax base by up to 60%.   

• Recommendations are given as to the amount, size, type and layout of stores that would minimize negative impacts to the hamlets and possibly benefit existing stores.

Overall, the report addresses many of my concerns about the hamlets. It also reinforces the need for certain restrictions or conditions related to retail at Chappaqua Crossing. Aside from the report, I still need to be convinced that traffic, neighborhood and environmental issues will be mitigated before I can support the proposal.

Jason Chapin

7-30-13