Capital Budget
At our meeting last week, my colleagues and I approved a Capital spending plan that covers the next seven years. While a plan like this is not technically required by New York State law, we’ve been preparing one every year for many years. The longer-term planning helps us responsibly address the Village’s important infrastructure and equipment needs while balancing those needs with limited tax dollars.
This year’s plan includes almost $35 million in capital projects over the next 7 years. Considering the Village’s annual operating budget is approximately $18 million, that number is quite large. That being said, there are a few, very large capital projects which are included in the plan but are far from being started – each involving the replacement or upgrade of major facilities. Those large projects include the replacement of our fire house, Department of Public Works yard, and a new entrance into the Irvington Theater. Just those projects account for nearly $16 million and are little more than concepts at this point.
Often these large types of projects continued to get pushed back, year after year. I am pleased to say that we are moving forward with one long-awaited and important project, namely improvements to Matthiessen Park. Matthiessen Park is certainly among the crown jewels of our parks facilities, with stunning views of the Hudson valley. Following the good work of our Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee and the playground sub-committee, we will be working on the design of a new playground, expanded pathways to allow for “wheels” in the park, and a new spray-pool. I’m looking forward to a newly upgraded Matthiessen Park that will allow it to get more use. Construction is anticipated to get underway sometime in 2020.
Abbott House Playground
Our friends at Abbott House serve children of all ages, but they currently do not have a safe, ADA-accessible playground for those in their care. Recently, 60 unaccompanied immigrant children along with other children in foster care spent an evening at Abbott House designing their ideal playground facility. This Friday, June 28, 2019, you can help them make their dream playground a reality and assist with the building of this much needed equipment.
Volunteers of all skill levels can assist with building the playground itself. For those that are not comfortable with construction, there are also roles for volunteers to help distribute food and refreshments, staff the registration table, and lead play activities. Whatever help you can lend, it is a wonderful way to show our neighbors at Abbott House how much appreciate all they do for children.
For more information and to sign up to volunteer, visit: https://www.volunteernewyork.org/opportunity/a075A00000cYmifQAC
Crosswalk at Heritage Hill and Broadway
Our plan to upgrade the crosswalk at the Heritage Hill / Broadway intersection is finally moving forward. After several years of working with the NYS Department of Transportation and our engineers, our plans were approved and we’re ready to go. We will be installing all new, upgraded pedestrian signals along with an attractive and highly-visible brick crosswalk. If you’re wondering what the crosswalk will look like, you can view at those surrounding the war memorials on Main Street. I am very excited the enhanced safety measures will be in place long before the next school year begins.
I hope everyone enjoys the summer heat that is coming later this week – I know I will.
Thanks for reading,
Brian C. Smith, Mayor
bsmith@irvingtonny.gov