Village to Seek Additional Funding for FEMA Flood Mitigation Project
By Carol P. Bartold
Jul. 22, 2015: Bids ranging from over $9.7 million to approximately $12.4 million for the previously estimated $6.9 million Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Midland Valley Drainage Project have placed an indefinite delay on construction. Work on the project was originally scheduled to begin in October of 2014.
In January of 2015, Bronxville voters authorized the sale of $861,238 in tax-free bonds to fund the Bronxville school district's share of construction costs.
Village officials had planned to award a bid for the project, a joint endeavor with the school district, in May of 2015, but all bids came in significantly higher than expected.
Village Administrator Jim Palmer reports that the lowest responsible bidder, Montesano Bros., Inc., has agreed to hold its $9,754,305 price firm until September 30 while the village looks for additional funding for the project.
New York State, in conjunction with FEMA, has conducted a cost-benefit analysis of the project using models that analyze various flooding conditions. "The good news," Palmer said, "is that even with the new cost numbers, the project is still cost-effective."
Palmer explained that the immediate funding problem for the flood mitigation project stems from the limited remaining funds in the federal program, the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, DRNY 1899, that awarded the original $6.9 million grant.
Palmer stated that the village has contacted former Bronxville representative Congresswoman Nita Lowey, whose office is researching possible funding sources. "My hope," he said, "is that they're going to be able to help us get some resources from another FEMA program." Congresswoman Lowey's staff is in the process of gathering information from FEMA.
The village also plans to enlist the aid of Bronxville's current representative, Congressman Eliot Engel.
Palmer stated that by the time FEMA made the award, conducted its review process for the engineering, and approved it, several years had gone by. "Just the essence of time will result in increases in the cost of construction," he said. "That's the way it works and that's what we're trying to convey."
"Given the funding that the village has received to date," Palmer said, "I think we have to figure out a way to get the project done."
Pictured here: The location at Hayes Field alongside Midland Avenue where the water storage tanks would be located underground.
Photo by A. Warner
Government & History Directory
Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.
While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.
Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.
The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.
Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
Open 24 hours
Bronxville Parking Violations
337-2024
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Fire Deparment
793-6400
Government & History Recent Articles
Quick Links
Newsletter
MyhometownBroxnville reserves the right to monitor and remove all comments. For more information on Posting Rules, please review our Rules and Terms of Use, both of which govern the use and access of this site. Thank you.
The information presented here is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to present accurate information, myhometownBronxville, LLC, does not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information herein. We urge all users to independently confirm any information provided herein and consult with an appropriate professional concerning any material issue of fact or law. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of myhometownBronxville, LLC, its officers, staff or contributors. The use of this website is governed by the Terms of Use . No portion of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed, either in whole or part, without the express written consent of the publisher.
Copyright © 2009 myhometownbronxville.com, All rights reserved.