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During the board's final meeting of the year, which was held earlier this month, Chapin and Mottel were feted with praise for their work and accomplishments. The pair were joined by fellow board members, family members, and current and former town officials at a reception.
Mottel is leaving the board after serving as a councilwoman for 12 years, or three consecutive 4-year terms. She also served as deputy supervisor for five of those years.
Chapin is stepping down after serving for eight years, which he did for a pair of non-consecutive 4-year terms.
“I thank the talented and passionate town board members and supervisors I have worked with during the past 12 years," Mottel said. "Together, we found solutions to difficult problems. Our accomplishments were always a team effort.”
Mottel also praised town staff, volunteers and members of the public for their roles.
Chapin noted the importance of listening to others - he named residents, town staff, advisory boards and town counsel as examples - before making decisions on major issues.
“I always felt if I understood the pros and cons, and the short and long-term impacts, I would know what was best for the entire town and vote accordingly."
Chapin praised a litany of local stakeholders, ranging from his colleagues to staff to first responders.
County and state officials whose districts cover New Castle offered their own thanks.
Michael Kaplowitz, who is chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, presented the pair with two honorary proclamations. The outgoing council members received similar honoraria from state Assemblyman David Buchwald. Deputy Supervisor Lisa Katz, who gave her own praise, read from proclamations issued by state Sen. Terrence Murphy, who could not make it to the celebration.
“I want to thank you very much from the bottom of my heart,” Katz said.
Supervisor Rob Greenstein, who notably disagreed with Chapin on several local issues, praised the outgoing members.
“You both care deeply about the community,” he said.
Councilman Adam Brodsky noted the sacrifices that his colleagues made for their jobs, which meant less time spent with family members.
Town Administrator Jill Shapiro thanked Mottel and Chapin for their support. Shapiro also noted the various accomplishments that the town made over the past two years, which range from downtown infrastructure work to advancing a Comprehensive Plan update.
“Although it certainly has not been a smooth ride, this board accomplished a tremendous amount in two years,” she said.
Chapin and Mottel will be succeeded by Jeremy Saland and Hala Makowska, whose terms start on Jan. 1.
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