Neri’s, The Cap Owners Might Buy Rye Town Hall

The owners of Neri’s Bakery and The Capitol Theatre might purchase Rye Town Hall building for $1.85 million, according to an article by The Journal News’ Leah Rae.

Neri’s and Cap owner Peter Shaprio created the DPA Joint Ventures partnership in hopes of buying the lot and building a 850-car, multi-level parking structure along with commercial and residential development in that area, Rae reports. They have already have bought 11 S. Pearl St. and the Town Hall building would be preserved under the development plan, according to Rae.

The Town of Rye put the Town Hall on the market earlier this year and hired a realtor to help sell it in the beginning of June. They were hoping to get an offer around $1.5 to $2 million.

A parking garage in that area would help the bakery and concert venue, both who struggle to provide parking to their patrons and visitors.

The Town only uses about 40 percent of Town Hall and needs about $1 million worth of repairs. Since Rye Town officials are in the process of trying to dissolve the town altogether, Supervisor Joe Carvin and other board members say it makes more sense to sell Town Hall and rent space in Port Chester Village Hall. The Town of Rye mostly functions to assess and collect taxes in Port Chester, Rye Brook and Rye Neck.  

 “While it has been manageable, residents doing business with the town may be better served at a facility that is more easily accessed by our residents,” said Deputy Mayor Bill Villanove last month. “A move to a facility like the Port Chester Village Hall at 222 Grace Church Street would be sensible decision given the other government offices that are there (Port Chester, NYS Assembly and NYS Senate).”

The Town Board will discuss the DPA Joint Ventures offer and renting space in Port Chetser village hall at its meeting on Tuesday, July 16.