Today - April 1st - is Census Day! Currently, New Castle is in the top 10 (#7) municipalities in Westchester County for total responses received to date with over 7,600 (42.4%) resident respondents so far…but there’s room for improvement! Call the Census Bureau (844-330-2020) or go online TODAY to www.my2020Census.gov. If you have not received your 12 digit code, it is still possible to respond to the Census, simply click “I have no code” and respond from there. Data from the Census will be used for the next ten years for many things - including determining New York State’s representation in Congress as well as local districting. Census data is also used for the distribution of about $880 Billion of federal funds to local municipalities. The Census Bureau estimates that every person that is not counted equals a loss of approximately $2,500 per year to local municipalities. This means that every 400 people who are not counted equates to a loss of about $1 Million in funding - each year. I know we are the best community in Westchester, with the most civic pride and community engagement – let’s do this!! Coronavirus Updates:Last night Westchester County Executive George Latimer attended the Town Board meeting to brief the Board and our residents on the preparations and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the video here or on YouTube.
Here are some of the most recent updates:- Statistics: As of 3/31, there are 42 confirmed COVID-19 positive cases in the Town of New Castle. The total number of cases in the County as of 4/1 is 10,683 of 83,712 throughout New York State. 1,941 people have passed from COVID-19 as of 4/1, an increase from 1,550 yesterday. We expect the number of cases here in New Castle to continue to rise, both based on the lag time between the total in County number reported by the State and the breakdown provided by the County to the municipalities, as well as based on the overall trajectory of the virus.
- Treat as Positive: Because the number of COVID-19 cases is so high, the County Executive is now advising to treat every emergency call as though responding to a home with a resident diagnosed as positive for COVID-19. This is a good rule of thumb for all interactions, and underscores why social distancing is still so important.
- Property Taxes: Residents have asked whether the changes to the IRS income tax filing and payment deadlines will have an impact on the Town’s collection of County and local property taxes. There are no changes at this time, and bills were mailed out this week. The County Executive and his staff will meet with the Board of Legislators to discuss how to move forward on the issue of local property taxes.
- Isolation Protocol: People may end isolation if they have met all THREE of the following criteria: It has been at least 7 days since first experiencing symptoms; they have had no fever for at least 72 hours without taking fever-reducing medication (such as Tylenol) AND any shortness of breath/coughing/difficulty breathing has improved. You can find FAQs on Westchester County’s website.
- Westchester County Center: The County Center is under re-construction in order to convert it to a hospital facility for non-COVID-19 patients. The interior and the west parking lot will be set up to accommodate approximately 100 patients. The County will provide more details over the next couple of weeks.
- Enforcement of Social Distancing: The Governor’s Executive Order # 202.11 gives authority to local law enforcement to enforce social distancing. The New Castle Police Department is actively looking for social distancing violations and addressing them. Please don’t hesitate to call the Police Department at (914) 238-4422 if you observe a violation you feel needs to be addressed.
- Parks: County and Town parks remain open for passive recreation BUT if people consistently violate the social distancing policy, both the County and the Town will consider shutting them down selectively. Here are some tips.
- Support for Small Businesses: This Guide to the CARES Act provides valuable information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA).
How to Get the Help You Need:Mental Health: Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) information, support and referral call the hotline at (914) 995-1900 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or text #914-461-7281. FAQs: Westchester County email: COVID19faq@westchestergov.com. Social Services: Residents can contact Town of New Castle Senior Social Worker Bess Steiger at bsteiger@mynewcastle.org or 238-2093. New Castle Citizens Assistance Registry: For potentially vulnerable residents who would like the Town to check in with them. Mynewcastle.org/registry. New Castle Volunteer Match: To facilitate matches between people in the community with special skills, time, resources, etc., and residents who are looking for help.
How You Can Help:We are fortunate to live in a generous and big-hearted community, with many talented and capable residents who are ready and willing to lend a hand to neighbors in need. Here are some other ways you can help: Enlist as a Volunteer with NYS! Governor Cuomo is calling on health care professionals, schools of public health or medicine and PPE products providers and manufacturers to come forward to support the state’s response. More information is available here. Enlist as a Volunteer with Westchester County! ICANHELP@westchestergov.com – for people who want to donate or volunteer in any capacity. Donate N95 Masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): We have set up a donation bin located inside the New Castle Police Department at Town Hall or contact the Westchester County Emergency Operations Center to arrange a pick up: wceoc@westchestergov.com. Blood Donations: If you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment to donate by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Meals for Health Care Workers: New Castle residents are raising money to pay for meals from local restaurants which will be delivered to Northern Westchester Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, Phelps Hospital, White Plains Hospital & Montefiore Hospital.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/New-Castle-Donates-Meals-to-Healthcare-Workers?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet Other Important Numbers/Emails/Links Other Town BusinessAgainst the backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Town of New Castle and the Town Board continues to do its work. Here are some highlights: Street Opening Local LawThe Town Board held a public hearing and voted last night to pass a Local Law to require applicants to obtain a permit to open the surface pavement or soil in any portion of the public right-of-way, public easement, park or other public place and to establish application and restoration requirements. This Local Law will help us hold utilities accountable for any work they perform to ensure that road conditions are returned to an acceptable standard upon completion. Welcome Eldad Gothelf to the New Castle Planning BoardWith the recommendation of Planning Board Chair Robert Kirkwood, the Town Board unanimously voted to approve the appointment of Chappaqua resident Eldad Gothelf to the Planning Board. Welcome Eldad! |