Prior to County Executive George Latimer taking office, Westchester County municipalities were missing out on opportunities for federal funding that can be used to improve vital infrastructure due to the prior administration decision to end the Westchester Urban County Consortium. In order to enable Westchester municipalities to apply for federal community development funding, Latimer officially re-established the Westchester Urban County Consortium in 2018.
Thanks to this foresight, local municipalities are now taking full advantage of this funding. The Village of Mamaroneck, a member of the Urban Consortium, has been awarded funding for two projects based on the re-establishment of this program and their membership in it.
Latimer said: “When we took office in 2018, reestablishing this program was one of our top priorities. We knew that there were so many important projects that were left on the chopping block – missing out on improvements to our downtowns and jobs for our workforce. These projects are a direct result of our community approach to governing.”
The projects are:
Waverly Avenue & East Prospect Infrastructure Improvements (CDBG Project)
The Village Board moved to replace sidewalks and curbing along Waverly Avenue, between the Waverly Avenue Bridge and Mamaroneck Avenue, and on East Prospect Avenue between Mamaroneck Avenue and the entrance to the Regatta garage. The project is anticipated to begin in May and take two (2) months to complete. The project cost is approximately $393,000 with 50% of the cost funded coming from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the remaining 50% from the Village
Mamaroneck Avenue School Infrastructure Improvements (CDBG Project)
The Mamaroneck Avenue School Walking Assessment made several recommendations for sidewalk and safety improvements. After the walking Assessment was prepared, the Village had the opportunity to apply for one CDBG grant and was awarded $150,000. The Village is in the process of completing survey work for this phase.
Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy said: “These two CDBG Projects are an excellent example of Village, County, and Federal governments working together in service to our residents. We look forward to work beginning next month on Waverly Avenue and on East Prospect Avenue. Following the 2019 Mamaroneck Avenue School Walking Safety Assessment, the survey work will give us a plan to make the streets adjacent to Mamaroneck Avenue School as safe as possible for everyone, especially our kids.”