County Exec Supports Millwood Train Station Replica

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino gave his support to building a replica of the former Millwood train station, giving key backing for the proposal.

Astorino discussed the issue at his "Ask Astorino" forum, which was held Tuesday night at New Castle Town Hall in Chappaqua.

The plan for a replica, which would replace the old station that was torn down last May after the owning Rotta family decided not to save it, was disclosed last year by Supervisor Susan Carpenter and has been discussed by both town and county officials.

The plan that Carpenter raised would involve students at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES doing design and carpentry work for it. The plan being eyed would have the county fund its construction and a vendor renting the space, which would help with the cost.

Astorino spoke about the item after taking an audience question from Nicole Riche, a Millwood Task Force member who also works at BOCES, about the plan's status.

With regards to the funding and rental arrangement, Astorino told Patch that while the plan has not been decided on, it is “probably what would happen.”

“Whoever would be there would pay some rent," he added.

County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz, whose district includes New Castle, has spoken favorably about the proposal. Kaplowitz was also present at Astorino's talk.

Neither Astorino nor Carpenter, who was on hand for the event and introduced the county executive before he spoke, had cost figures available when asked by reporters. However, Astorino said that it “wasn't that much.”

The original station was part of the Putnam Division, which has been called (including by Astorino) the Old Put. The rail line ran through the area starting in the 1880s and passenger service ended in 1958, according to published historic records. The line's right of way is now the county-owned North County Trailway.

Under the proposal, the replica would be built to the south of the original site, near the trailway. One hurdle, Carpenter explained, involves working with the state Department of Transportation because land eyed for the structure belongs to it.