man speaking at podium

Standing next to the construction at Playland Park in Rye, Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced the success of the County’s partnership with Westchester Building Trades, and the Construction Industry Council (CIC). Over the past four years, Latimer’s administration has budgeted the largest amount of money for Capital Projects than any previous administration, and has many proposed projects in the pipeline for 2022. By solidifying a strong relationship with these labor unions and the construction industry, the County has created a bigger, better workforce of skilled union workers, developed greater job opportunities for union workers, lifted the state bonding cap and seen many developments come to completion in Westchester.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “When we crafted our proposed Capital Budget for 2022, we made sure to dedicate the most capital funds possible to invest in and support the County’s future. Whether it be the Playland Pool and Bathhouse that is enjoyed by residents from across our County, or the long-awaited reconstruction of Memorial Field in Mount Vernon, we are focused on maintaining Westchester County’s assets and utilizing capital funds to see these projects through. We know what matters to our residents and our communities, and we are here to make life better for the over one million people who call Westchester County home.”

Watch full news conference.

Watch video of Playland Park construction.

Watch video of Playland Pool construction.

Some of the major Capital Projects that are currently underway in Westchester County include:

  • Infrastructure rehabilitation at Playland, including the Pool and Bathhouse, the Ice Casino and the Plaza
  • Memorial Field Complex Reconstruction
  • The Glen Island Bridge in New Rochelle
  • The Michaelian Office Building Parking Structure

President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Westchester and Putnam Counties Eddie Doyle said: “I would like to thank County Executive George Latimer for his leadership in ensuring that the hardworking men and women of our communities throughout Westchester have well-protected, decent jobs. Over the years we have continued to build strong relationships, setting and protecting high standards for skills in the construction industry. The site here at Playland is just one example of the many capital projects we have under way here in Westchester.

Executive Director of the Construction Industry Council of Westchester and Hudson Valley John Cooney Jr. said: “The construction industry has long served as a driver to reinvigorate employment and stimulate the economy. County Executive George Latimer has placed a high priority on Capital Projects in Westchester County over the past four years, and we are thankful for his leadership and the opportunity this has provided for our members to showcase their skills.”

Vice President of the Westchester-Putnam Central Labor Body Richard McSpedon said: “We would like to thank Westchester County Executive George Latimer for placing a high priority on Capital Projects throughout the County. Many of our union workers who benefit from these projects live right here in our communities. The County has helped to create thousands of good paying, family-sustaining jobs in a region that desperately needs them.”

President and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 456 Louis A. Picani said: “I want to thank County Executive George Latimer for seeing the true value in these frontline workers, who were on site every day of the pandemic working in our communities to get the job done. These men and women have had a difficult almost two years in the construction industry, and our County Executive has continued to stand behind us as a strong voice for our union workers.”