Full Notification

The Town of New Castle Police Department and the Chappaqua Central School District administration met this afternoon regarding the morning arrival and afternoon pickup procedures at their three elementary schools.

The Town is experiencing heavy traffic and backups on Quaker Road, East King Street, and Millwood Road during arrival and pickup times at Roaring Brook, Douglas Grafflin, and Westorchard.  These issues are a result of the significant number of parents now driving students to and from school.

Until there is a significant reduction in cars entering each campus in the morning, the driveways of Roaring Brook and Grafflin as well as Granite Road, leading to Westorchard, will be closed to parent drop-offs until 9:05 am.  A New Castle Police Officer will be at each location to ensure that traffic continues to flow safely on the main roads.

We are experiencing similar issues at dismissal time.  CCSD is working on building-level adjustments to mitigate congestion at the end of the day.  If these steps are unsuccessful, similar steps may be taken during the fternoon pickup process.

We all anticipate these issues will naturally self-resolve and the schools will transition back to their traditional arrival procedures as more and more students take the bus.

James D. Carroll
Chief of Police