Town Board of New Castle 10/27/26

The New Castle Town Board held a work session and regular meeting on October 27, 2026. The board discussed several sidewalk projects: the King Street/Route 117 Phase 1 drawings are complete and awaiting NYSDOT review, with bidding anticipated in January or February; three proposals are under review for Phase 2 sidewalk design, with a recommendation expected in the coming weeks. The Route 117 Phase 2 project was estimated at $1.5–$2 million for roughly 500–600 feet, including substantial stormwater work. The Millwood sidewalk project was estimated at about $1.5 million for approximately 1,800 feet; the board also discussed optional work to replace deteriorated sidewalk, including an approximately $100,000 segment serving several homes. No sidewalk construction award was made. For the Chappaqua/Chatline project, the design team is preparing a submission for state review; the town reported that a $5 million TAP grant has been secured, and construction bidding is anticipated in winter 2027–28. The board also received an update on the Upper Mankao Dam decommissioning permit revisions and a grant expected to cover about 65% of project costs.

The board reviewed the third-quarter finances and budget revisions, including an increased planned use of fund balance to approximately $2.74 million; officials said the proposed budget remains within the state property-tax cap. By consent agenda, the board approved the 2026 NCCMC web-services contract for $90,500 annually (about $3,500 more than the prior year), a third-party code-compliance contract with Rebel Associates for the Random Farms wastewater project at no cost to the town because costs are reimbursed by the project, and Change Order No. 18 to Tony Kisale Inc. for the Gedney Park 9/11 Memorial, totaling $23,998.14, an increase of $1,573.14. The consent agenda passed. Other approvals included staff appointments and hiring actions; no additional procurement awards were identified.