Molinaro Announces Over $900,000 in Community Development Block Grant Program Awards to Local Municipalities

 

Molinaro Announces Over $900,000 in Community Development Block Grant Program Awards to Local Municipalities

Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro has announced preliminary grant awards totaling $924,000 through the Dutchess County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program to 10 projects benefiting 11 municipalities.

ThinkDifferentlyCounty Executive Molinaro said, “I’ve asked our county to ‘Think Differently’ about residents of all abilities, and this round of applications shows communities are doing just that. Many of the applications, and projects awarded, embrace that spirit and will improve access to facilities and resources that make Dutchess County a special place to live and raise a family. I’m proud Dutchess County, through the Community Development Block Grant Program, is putting these dollars to work as we all ‘Think Differently,’ and make a difference in the lives of so many.”

Among other projects, the Town of Washington and the Village of Millbrook worked closely with Dutchess County Government to redesign applications which weren’t funded last year to make them more competitive. The Town and Village of Pawling joined together to apply for accessibility improvements at the park used by all Pawling residents.

Funding for the CDBG Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to address locally identified community development needs. The purpose of the CDBG funding is to support community development projects which benefit low- and moderate-income communities.

Projects receiving 2016 CDBG funding include:

City of Beacon – Recreation Center Pavilion and Playground – $60,000
Construction of a 20’ x 30’ pavilion and concrete pad and a new playground adjacent to the existing recreation center in South Avenue Park and the city’s public housing developments to enhance recreational opportunities in the area.

City of Beacon – Road rehabilitation – $100,000
Street rehabilitation in several neighborhoods, including Center, East, Liberty and Spring streets off Fountain Square on East Main Street and Dinan Street.

County Legislator Jerry Landisi said, “Beacon residents of all ages will benefit from the enhancements that will be funded through Dutchess County’s CDBG Program. Our children, in particular, need the chance to play outside and enjoy some fresh air, and these CDBG funds provide new recreational opportunities to do just that. Rehabilitating streets in our city will improve residents’ connections to many of Beacon’s resources.”
Town of Clinton – Fran Mark Park Basketball Court and Handicapped Accessible Bathrooms – $100,000
Renovation of existing bathrooms for handicapped accessibility, installation of a basketball court with adjustable baskets to accommodate the disabled and ADA-compliant pathways to both areas.

Town of LaGrange – Stringham Park Inclusive Playground – $100,000
Renovation and expansion of an existing playground at Stringham Park to create an ADA-compliant, inclusive playground. Project will involve: replacement of existing wood fiber surface with a rubber surface, expanded play area, a new swing set with therapeutic swing seats, a raised sandbox designed for wheelchair access, three sets of interactive sensory panels and an accessible path from the parking area.
County Legislator Donna Bolner said, “Throughout Dutchess County, more and more amenities for children with special needs are being built, allowing them to participate like everyone else. I’m happy we in LaGrange ‘Think Differently’ about children of all abilities, and we will have this amazing playground thanks to the CDBG Program. This playground is also an important step for the parents of children with special needs, since they won’t feel isolated from other families.”

Town and Village of Pawling – Lakeside Park Accessibility Improvements – $150,000
Accessibility improvements at Lakeside Park, including: a sidewalk connecting the street to the existing park sidewalks, crosswalks, handicapped drop-off area and parking, and alterations to the entrance of the main park building.
County Legislator John Thomes said, “These connections, which will provide access to Lakeside Park, will enhance the lives of so many Pawling residents. These CDBG funds will allow even more residents and visitors to enjoy some of the open space that makes Pawling beautiful.”

Town of Washington – Town Hall Handicapped Access Improvements – $100,000
Install an ADA lift at the north east entrance of the Town Hall to improve accessibility. Project will also include: reconstruction of the portico, replacement of the front door, relocation of the handicapped accessible parking and signage.

Village of Millbrook – Handicapped Access Crosswalks – $44,000
Rehabilitation of the intersection of Church Street and Franklin Ave. (the main intersection in the village) for ADA compliance. Project will include: selected tree removal, replacement of selected sections of sidewalk, installation of ADA-compliant ramps, crosswalks and signage, as well as relocation of light poles which currently impede access.

Legislator Sandy Washburn said, “With the addition of these renovations, funded through the CDBG Program, town government will truly be accessible to all, giving every resident a connection to their local officials. Village residents of every ability will also be able to travel throughout our village, free to enjoy what makes Millbrook so remarkable.”

Village of Millerton – Rail Trail Bathrooms – $75,000
Installation of a prefabricated restroom featuring composting toilets along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, as well as landscaping, benches, trash cans and bike racks.
County Legislator Gregg Pulver said, “These CDBG funds will provide enhancements that will improve the quality of life for residents, as well as visitors who utilize the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.”

Village of Tivoli – Pine Street Improvement Project – $120,000
Improve the existing bus stop on Pine Street to enhance pedestrian and public transit access. Project will involve a new paved queuing lane for two buses, drainage, extension of the existing sidewalks, replacement and relocation of the bus shelter, and installation of landscaping, bike racks, trash cans and benches.

Village of Wappingers Falls – Downtown Pedestrian Safety/ADA Enhancements – $75,000
Rehabilitation of four intersections on NYS 9D to improve access for the elderly and disabled. Project involved installation of handicapped accessible ramps, crosswalks and curbs where NYS 9D intersections with Mill Street, Market Street, Church Ave. and Givans Ave.
Mayor Matt Alexander said, “These four connections, two of which lie on either side of the Wappinger Creek, are vital to the prosperity of the village, linking residents to the many small businesses that make Wappingers Falls prosperous. These CDBG funds will not only improve residents’ connectivity with their entire village, they will help the local community thrive by promoting commerce and employment at local businesses.”

These preliminary awards were listed in the Dutchess County 2016 Action Plan, which is available on the County’s website for a 30-day public comment period which began April 26. Awards will be final upon completion of the public comment period and approval by HUD.

Community Development Block Grant applications are accepted annually by the Department of Planning and Development. Applications are reviewed by the Community Development Advisory Committee and submitted to the County Executive for final approval. More information about the program and its priorities can be found here.

 

Author: Harlem Valley News