Village Board Bonds $962K For DPW Projects

The Harrison Village Board voted to bond almost $1 million for capital improvements that include new sidewalks along parts of Halstead Avenue, road repaving and reconstruction work to various town buildings.

Replacing the sidewalks, some of which had been damaged by tree roots along Harrison's business district, will cost $360,500. Resurfacing the roads will cost $250,750 and repair and reconstruction work on town buildings including the in West Harrison will cost $351,050.

The Board voted 4 - 0 to bond the total cost of $962,300. Fred Sciliano was absent from the meeting and did not vote.

Councilwoman Marlane Amelio described the projects as routine maintenance that will be necessary this summer.

The board also considered bonding $20,600 for the first phase of a conceptual plan to renovate parts of Halstead Avenue, but eventually decided against it. The plan will study the possibility of improvements along the business district from A&P to the Mamaroneck border.

But Councilman Stephen Malfitano mentioned if there is room in the contingency budget to pay for the plan this year, he would prefer that to bonding. The councilman said although the town is able to bond for the expense, he would prefer to pay for it in 2012 because of the comparatively small cost.

Amelio, Malfitano and Mayor/Supervisor Ron Belmont voted in favor of adding the study to this year's contingency budget, passing the expense. Councilman Joseph Cannella abstained.

The Board previously used $30,000 of the $200,000 contingency budget to hire BFJ Planning to and expensed an additional $25,000 to pay for this week. The contingency budget is typically used for unplanned expenses including snow removal costs and other unforeseen needs but also provides some flexibility for the board throughout the year.

The board has now spent just more than $75,000 of the contingency budget to date.