Infrastructure Work
I have long said that after the budget, maintenance and repair of our aging infrastructure is my top priority. I am very happy that my fellow Board Members and Village staff share my passion. In fact, as I type this, our Department of Public Works is overseeing milling and paving operations along Harriman Road. For those that travel along that road, you know that portions of it have begun to resemble the surface of the moon. Fortunately, the road is scheduled to be milled and paved over the next week or so. This is a significant investment on a heavily-traveled way.
Over the years, many residents have asked me how we decide which roadways to repave. Surprisingly, there are 105 separate roadways that the Village maintains, so it stands to reason that we can only address a limited portion of them each year so we have to prioritize. To help us to strategically address maintenance and repairs, our engineers have undertaken a village-wide review of the condition of all public roadways to help us prioritize where we spend our infrastructure dollars. The report, along with other long-range capital plans, is available on the Village web site at http://www.irvingtonny.gov/index.aspx?NID=451
In other infrastructure work, I’m pleased to report that we also plan to pave a portion of Mountain Road in a joint project with the Town of Greenburgh. Much-needed drainage and curb work continues in Hudson View Park. We will be going out to bid soon on a project to enhance the safety of the intersection of Heritage Hill Road and Broadway. And, finally, the sidewalk along Dows Lane has been repaired to allow children to safely walk to that school.
September 11 Ceremony
On Sunday, September 11 at 6:45 p.m. in Scenic Hudson Park, I will lead a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Please join me as we remember those lost on that day. The 9/11 memorial is located at the southern end of Scenic Hudson Park. All are welcome to attend. Please note that this is an evening ceremony.
Rocktoberfest 2016
I am pleased to welcome back Rocktoberfest – the 2016 version! This year’s event features Irvington’s first Food Truck Festival to go along with plenty of beer, wine and live music. The event will be held on Saturday, October 15 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Matthiessen Park (rain date October 16). While more details will be out soon, I am happy to announce our first band “The Racer” – you can check them out at www.theracermusic.com . As you probably remember, Rocktoberfest is a fundraising event lead by the FACE Committee to support Irvington Recreation & Parks Programs.
Other Events
While I’m on the topic of upcoming events, here are a few more for your calendar…
Saturday, September 17th from 4pm to 6pm at Scenic Hudson Park: The grand reopening of the Bob Speismen Basketball Court. This event is sponsored by the Westchester Knicks and Chase Bank. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony, guest speakers and a youth basketball clinic.
Sunday, September 25th at 2pm: Historic Guided Walk: Meeting at the Irvington Town Hall, 85 Main St., attendees will be meandering among the Historic “Millionaires' Mansions Walk.” Walking north on the Aqueduct, we will admire architectural landmarks, including the skeletal remains of a Lord & Burnham Greenhouse and take in sweeping Hudson River views. This is a great opportunity to learn the history of the Old Croton Aqueduct.
Sunday, October 23rd from 2pm to 4pm: Irvington Woods Presents a celebration of the grounds and gardens of the O’Hara Nature Center, 170 Mountain Road. Wine and cheese will be available along with a look at all of the recent improvements to the grounds. More information will be out soon.
Enjoy the precious remainder of your summer and try to stay cool!
Sincerely,
Brian C. Smith, Mayor
bsmith@irvingtonny.gov