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Westchester County Legislator Speaks On Playland’s Future

CHAPPAQUA, N.Y – A visit from Westchester County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz (D-Somers) took center stage Tuesday night at the New Castle Town Board meeting after a public hearing for Conifer Realty's proposed project at Chappaqua Station was postponed.

Westchester County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz discussed the future of Playland Amusement Park Tuesday night at the New Castle Town Board meeting.

Westchester County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz discussed the future of Playland Amusement Park Tuesday night at the New Castle Town Board meeting.

Photo Credit: Michael Nocella

Kaplowitz gave a brief presentation on topics relative to New Castle, following a county legislative meeting earlier this week in Albany. The future of Playland Amusement Park was one of the notable topics he discussed.

The 85-year-old Westchester County landmark stands at a crossroads of existence. With its contract ready to be turned over to a new owner in 2014, decisions have to be made as to who that owner will be—and more importantly—what they plan to do with it.

“We are wrestling with the big issue of an 85-year old, municipally owned amusement park,” he said. “It is the only municipally owned amusement park in the country.”

Kaplowitz said that while the park represents several issues, it can still be a valuable asset if handled correctly. The Westchester County Center hosts the four finalists who placed bids on the park tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m., as they present their plans for the amusement park to the public before the county makes its decision.

“We’re hoping the public helps kick the tires on which direction makes the most sense,” said Kaplowitz.

Kaplowitz said shutting down Playland is not a realistic option, as such a decision would eventually cost Westchester County up to $32 million.

“It’s part of our history and too important to lose,” he said. “We already have bought the ticket to the movie, so we may as well go see the movie.”

Notably, the fourth public hearing in regards to Conifer Realty's proposed plans at Chappaqua Station that was scheduled for Tuesday and canceled at the last minute by the realty group was rescheduled for March 12.

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