(This story was originally published on July 17, 2013 and subsequently updated)
New Castle officials are interested in buying the Twin Oaks site and it is intended for "recreational purposes," Supervisor Susan Carpenter explained when a question from the audience was raised at Tuesday's town board work session.
Board members gave initial interest in buying the swim and tennis club's roughly 34-acre property, which is located at 348 Whippoorwill Road in Chappaqua. The next steps, Town Attorney Clinton Smith explained, will involve getting an appraiser to do an appraisal, having engineering feedback and inspection, and beginning title search work.
What exactly the Twin Oaks site would be used for has not been determined yet. Councilman Jason Chapin suggested that the town will encourage residents to give their ideas and input for what to do with the site, and that there will be multiple chances to have public comment. The town's recreation commission may also have a role.
The town's interest comes just weeks after Twin Oaks put its site on the real estate market, with a $2 million asking price advertised.
The sale comes as the club's status is turbulent. The pool is currently closed, the town confirmed. Tennis operations are now managed by the Gotham Tennis Academy, the club states on its website. Meanwhile, Twin Oaks owes $126,854.39 in late property taxes from recent years, according to town records.
The town would use a bond to pay for the purchase, according to Town Administrator Penny Paderewski. The bonding does not require a public referendum, although a permissive one could be held, Smith explained.
Attempts to get comment on Twin Oaks' behalf were not successful.
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