State Senator Jeff Klein Announces Nearly $200,000 Grant for Security & Energy Efficiency Upgrades to Pelham Town Hall & Daronco Town House

State funding secured by Klein will provide new natural gas fueled generators, energy efficient lighting, surveillance cameras, security room and additional storage

WESTCHESTER, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), together with Mayor Michael Volpe of the Village of Pelham, Pelham Town Supervisor Pete DiPaola, Pelham Deputy Supervisor Councilman Dan McLaughlin, Judge John Gardner, Judge John DeChiaro, and Town Council Member Blake Bell, today announced $195,000 in state funding for security and energy efficiency upgrades to Pelham Town Hall and the Daronco Town House at Pelham’s annual Block Party.

Senator Jeff Klein said, “By making significant investments in the safety and security of residents, we are lifting up our communities and ensuring they are safer, stronger, and more resilient for future generations. I’m proud to invest nearly $200,000 in important upgrades for the Town, including new generators, a surveillance system, security room, and more. I look forward to working with the Town of Pelham for years to come as we strive to improve the quality of life for all its residents.”

The state funding will boost emergency preparedness and provide the Town with important cost savings through energy and efficiency upgrades, like:

• $145,000 for natural gas fueled electric generators for Daronco Town House and Pelham Town Hall; and
• $50,000 for CCTV and audio wiring to secure buildings and grounds, a new surveillance room, additional storage as well as energy efficient lighting in the court rooms.

Mayor Michael Volpe of the Village of Pelham said, “Senator Klein has long been a strong supporter of the entire Town of Pelham.  The Village of Pelham greatly appreciates the grant for the security and energy upgrades as our courts and Village Police Department work in the Town Hall/Town House complex.”

Town Supervisor Peter DiPaola said, "Senator Klein's generosity of a $200,000 grant will not only increase the security and the efficiency of our court system but will also modernize our Town court and bring it into the 21st-century. In the event of an emergency there is instant access to our local police department by either the clerks the judges or the constables. Thank you Senator Klein for your dedication to the Town of Pelham and your work to improve all communities."

Deputy Town Supervisor Councilman Dan McLaughlin said, “The addition of the two generators one for Town Hall and the other for the townhouse will increase our ability in the event of an emergency to provide safe operation of our emergency shelter. Having the Town Hall generator available will enable us to maintain our command center operational in the event of a catastrophic occurrence such as Superstorm Sandy.  The Town is very grateful for the Senator's efforts.”

Councilman Blake Bell said, “Senator Klein has been fully supportive regarding the Town Council’s efforts to boost the Town’s emergency preparedness through this initiative to upgrade the abilities of the Daronco Town House and the Town Hall to continue to operate in an emergency -- an initiative made all the more urgent as a consequence of Superstorm Sandy.  Senator Klein also has been a strong advocate for the Town of Pelham to obtain assistance for improving security and energy efficiency upgrades that benefit all of our residents.  We want to extend the Town’s thanks to Senator Klein and to his staff for their dedication, perseverance, and thoughtfulness in dealing with these and other such issues important to our residents.”

Joseph Solimine, President of the Pelham Chamber of Commerce said, “Once again, Senator Klein is stepping up on behalf of the residents of The Town of Pelham.  Just 2 years ago he came through for Friends of Pelham Sports with a $250,000 grant to help us complete the turf field down at Glover.  Now, he’s helping us  upgrade our beautiful Town House and Town Hall.  Thanks Jeff, for always looking out for your friends in Pelham!”

Since 2010, Senator Klein has secured more than $1 million for the Town of Pelham, including $200,000 in aid to local schools, grants for renovations to Pelham’s athletic fields, funding for the expansion of the Pelham Picture House, and vital upgrades to Wolfs Lane Park.