From the Mayor: An Update on Important Village Initiatives
By Mary C. Marvin
Nov. 9, 2016: So much is happening in the village as we try to outrun the coming winter season and cold weather conditions that impede outdoor projects.
Before I summarize our initiatives, I neglected to mention one of our finest police offers, Lauralee Ulrich, who is part of the 8:00 am to 4:00 pm team that I introduced to you in in my recent column. Maybe I saved the best for last!
Lauralee is a professional EMT who trains our force in CPR and first aid. She is the mother of one college-aged daughter and when not in the village, she loves to travel. Her favorite go-to relaxing destination is Mystic, Connecticut, but the waterfront anywhere is a dream vacation!
And now, a summary of our recent and ongoing initiatives:
Update on Flood Mitigation Project: Massive by Bronxville standards, the work is proceeding on schedule. All the wet wells have been installed and the threading of the trenchless pipe across Midland Avenue will commence the week of November 14. As a result, the sidewalk in front of the library will temporarily close, with pedestrian traffic diverted to the village hall side.
Village Hall Front Walk: The new lighting fixtures have arrived, and new footings and conduits are being installed for walkway illumination. In concert, we are also installing new conduits for the lighting fixtures on Pondfield Road in front of both village hall and the library. (The lights have been off for an extended period because of a conduit malfunction.)
Kensington Road Project: The developer is upgrading the public sidewalks from basic concrete to a material that will better blend with the new stone wall. Curbs will also be upgraded to granite. Enhanced landscape plans will be forwarded to our design review committee for its approval. Work has now progressed to the interior of the enclosed garage as it nears completion.
Parking Kiosks: Two pay-by-space kiosks have been installed in the Garden Avenue parking lot and will be activated within a week. A third will be added near the staircase to further limit walking distances. The machines will accept credit cards, paper money, and coins, and PANGO app users can still activate with their phones. A receipt with a space number and amount of time will be transmitted as proof of purchase. It is not a pay-and-display system, so one does not have to then return to the car to display the receipt in the windshield.
Business District Tree Pits and Planting: Oak and elm trees have replaced dead or dying trees on Pondfield Road, Park Place, and Palmer Avenue. Eco-friendly Flexi-Pave has been added to surround the pits so tree trunks and roots may flourish. Tree grates, though quite attractive, have caused trunk constriction, and the bare earth pits were tamped down so much over the years resulting in root damage and loss of many street trees.
Residential Neighborhood Municipal Tree Plantings: Our shipment of 50 linden and maple trees has arrived and we have begun planting on the village rights-of-way in all of our neighborhoods. We still have trees available, so please email Village Administrator Jim Palmer at
Wrought Iron Historic Street Signs: The installation is under way and new signs have been erected on Masterton, Millburn, Sunnybrae, and Homesdale Roads, thanks to a generous partnership with The Bronxville Historical Conservancy. We anticipate replacing one-third of the needed signs during this first phase.
Camera Installation: Our department of public works will begin installing phase two of our surveillance cameras at entry points and high traffic areas throughout the village. By week's end, 18 cameras will have been installed toward our project goal of 30. As a reminder, the cameras are not being used to record stoplight/speeding or any moving vehicle violations; rather, they are for business and home security.
Metro-North Underpass Lighting Upgrade: We are still engaged in what is a protracted battle with Metro-North as to needed upgrades and cleaning near the railroad station. The village has installed new underpass lighting at our expense so commuters can navigate safely, especially given the fall time change.
Holiday Decorations: In an effort to save money long-term as well as illuminate the business district while stores and restaurants remain open in the evening, the village is switching to lighted garlands in the Pondfield Road area while retaining traditional wreaths in the historically better lit west side shopping district. It's a departure, so let us know what you think. Also, we just added a new community bulletin board on the west side at the intersection of Palmer and Parkway Roads to keep our village connected as to events and promotions.
Bronxville Elementary School Recognition Breakfast: Our young students, their parents, and school faculty held the nicest event of the year on Friday. Our police officers, firemen, and village hall and library staffers attended a thank-you breakfast to recognize their service to the village and to the children. The interaction was priceless (one second-grader pulled me aside to contest her mother's recent parking ticket!), pictures were taken, and friendships made. To a person, we are grateful for the kindness and recognition by our youngest citizens.
