Harckham Secures $2.3 Million in Grants for Local Municipal Projects

Briarcliff Manor, NY - New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that $2.3 million in grant funding that he secured is heading to local municipalities for various improvement and infrastructure projects, all of which will help residents without impacting local property taxes.

Harckham’s announcement came at a press conference held at Chilmark Park. Each municipality in the 40th Senate District is receiving $100,000 in grants, which are part of the State Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology Program (CREST) funding. The funding for the municipalities is without restriction; officials can use their own discretion for how it should be spent. 

Joining Harckham was a bipartisan group of more than a dozen local elected leaders who spoke about how they plan to use the grant funding for projects in their municipalities.

“The quality of life for our local residents is most impacted by their immediate town and village governments, and knowing the challenges they are facing, it’s important to be able to offer them the financial resources that will help them deal with issues like public safety, aging infrastructure and climate resiliency,” said Harckham. “Local leaders know what their communities need. I’m pleased to be able to fund some of the initiatives that are ongoing or being lined up around Senate District 40 and look forward to partnering with these municipalities them to help our constituents and ease their property tax burdens as well.”

To see a video of the press conference, click here. 

Harckham has secured more than $29 million in capital grants for the towns, cities and villages across SD40 through CREST, the Local Community Assistance Program (LOCAP) and State Aid to Municipalities (SAM) grants since taking office in 2019. That includes $15.1 million just for local governments and $8 million-plus for first responders—local police and fire departments, EMTs, ambulance corps, public safety professionals.

Added Harckham, “This funding shows that I am willing to work with all the communities and local leaders as they move forward with important projects that will benefit their communities.”

Briarcliff Manor Mayor Steven Vescio, who hosted the press conference, said, “We are thankful to Senator Harckham for procuring these funds to assist with the continued improvements of Chilmark Park. This funding will allow the Village to proceed with the creation of much desired additional pickleball courts and other site amenities.”

Ossining Mayor Rika Levin said, “The CREST funding we’ve received from the Senator over the past two years is enabling many beneficial projects, including the construction of a new playground, solarization of police headquarters, transportation for Ossining’s Youth Bureau and decontamination equipment for our volunteer fire department. We are incredibly grateful for this past support, and the new funding will be put to good use to further sustainable, community benefits for our residents.”

Buchanan Mayor Theresa Knickerbocker said, “The Village of Buchanan appreciates Senator Harckham’s funding. This is much needed money and has been used over the years for needed upgrades and repairs to our beautiful Pavilion which is a wonderful asset to our Village and is used by the Residents for events and our Summer Camp.”

Lewisboro Town Supervisor Tony Gonçalves said, “Senator Harckham has been a true champion for his Senate District and a great supporter of the Town of Lewisboro. We are very appreciative of all his hard work in Albany representing us. He has been successful in securing grant funding for Lewisboro, including this most recent $100,000 allocation of CREST funding. Thank you, Pete!”

New Castle Town Supervisor Victoria Bayard Tipp said, “The Town of New Castle is extremely grateful to Senator Harckham for his steadfast support of our communities. We will allocate our $100,000 in CREST grant funds to much needed repairs of roadways and parking areas in Gedney Park, where a playground, athletic fields and hiking trails are used extensively by our residents and sports teams. Thank you, Senator Harckham, for helping us enhance our recreational facilities!”

Croton-on-Hudson Deputy Mayor Len Simon said, “Through Senator Pete Harckham’s outstanding leadership, Croton-on-Hudson is poised to achieve major improvements in its Department of Public Works (DPW) operations. CREST funding will pay for 50% of a new DPW truck for hauling materials and removing debris from construction sites in our growing Village. It will far out-perform the aging and deteriorating 34-year-old truck it is replacing, including enhancing the safety for our DPW team and the air quality for our community. The savings Croton realizes by the addition of the CREST funds will enable us to allocate new resources to critical infrastructure needs and community services. Croton-on-Hudson is very grateful to Senator Harckham for helping us take this great step forward on behalf of all our residents.”

Ossining Town Supervisor Elizabeth Feldman said, “The Town of Ossining is currently designing a state-of-the-art covered stage to enhance our entertainment offerings at our waterfront park throughout the year. We are grateful to Senator Harckham for providing this funding, which will go a long way toward helping this dream become a reality.”

Cortlandt Town Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker said, “The Town of Cortlandt is grateful to Sen. Peter Harckham for delivering a $100,000 CREST grant that will be used to fund public infrastructure. Without such funding, the completion of necessary construction projects would be impossible. The Town of Cortlandt will quickly utilize these funds to create a ‘pocket park’ on Route 9 in Montrose on the site of a former gas station. This beautiful new park will serve as the site for rest and relaxation within the Montrose Business District. In addition, the Town of Cortlandt plans to update its municipal signage, welcoming residents to our town. This will absolutely help attract customers to our local businesses. Reinvestment in our community is key to our future growth, and all of this is made possible by the generous assistance of Sen. Harckham.”

Yorktown Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman said, “The town of Yorktown is very grateful to Senator Harckham for bringing these funds back to our taxpayers. The town board will be evaluating our fall projects and will find a great use of this grant to enhance our community.”

Carmel Town Supervisor Michael Cazzari said, “I am pleased to extend our sincere gratitude to Senator Harckham on behalf of the Town of Carmel for securing $100,000 in CREST funding for the town. This critical funding provides flexibility in addressing local needs. Senator Harckham has been instrumental in supporting our community through grant funding initiatives that alleviate the burden on our property owners. His ongoing dedication to improving the quality of life in Carmel is deeply appreciated.”

Bedford Town Supervisor Ellen Calves said, “We are thrilled that Senator Harckham has been able to offer this generous grant to the Town of Bedford, which will enable us to invest further in parks infrastructure for the benefit of our residents.”

Southeast Town Supervisor Nick Durante said, “We are thankful that such funds are accessible through the CREST program. We plan to allocate these funds towards enhancing our parks and recreational services.”

Mount Kisco Mayor J. Michael Cindrich said, “The people of Mount Kisco are grateful for Senator Pete Harckham’s continued support of our community. In these economically challenging times, his efforts to fund quality of life projects allow our community to flourish. This new grant funding will help in our efforts to expand recreation opportunities, implement flood mitigation projects and address pedestrian safety issues. Thank you, Pete!”

Patterson Town Supervisor Richard Williams Sr. said, “The equipment for the Alpine Acres Water System is reaching the end of its useful life and requires replacement. The CREST funding will help the Town begin that process. I would like to thank Senator Harckham for his continued assistance and support in providing funding for much needed projects in our community.”

Brewster Mayor James J. Schoenig said, “On behalf of the Village of Brewster and its residents, I thank Senator Harckham for providing the CREST grant to us. With this generous grant amount of $100,000, we will be able to supply upgrades to our Police Department and Department of Public Works. We truly appreciate this continued support.”

Stony Point Town Supervisor Jim Monaghan said, “We are committed to upgrading our recreational facilities in Stony Point, particularly at Kirkbride Hall.  We are grateful to have funding available to upgrade the heating system and install a much-needed HVAC system at the Kirkbride Hall gymnasium.  With the support of Senator Harckham and the CREST grant funding, Kirkbride Hall can become a hub for year-round recreational activities in Stony Point."

Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie said, “The City of Peekskill is pleased and grateful for New York State funding made available through Senator Harckham’s efforts to make our city safer and more accommodating for pedestrians who live, work and visit our city every day. Pedestrian safety continues to be a priority for Peekskill. This funding will ensure that we do our best for those who walk in Peekskill.”