Harckham Delivers $2.1 Million in Public Spaces Grants for Local Projects

Somers, NY - New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that $2.1 million in discretionary grant funding is heading to local municipalities to help initiate and complete important projects and upgrades related to their public spaces. Each municipality in the 40th Senate District is receiving $100,000 in grants, and the funding will be focused on parks, playgrounds, municipal buildings and parking areas, ADA compliance, sidewalks and promenades.

Harckham’s announcement came at a press conference held at the historic Elephant Hotel, which houses offices for the Town of Somers. Joining Harckham was a bipartisan group of 16 local elected leaders who spoke about how they plan to use the grant funding for projects in their municipalities.

“We hear a lot about things happening at the federal level, but where government most impacts the lives of our residents is at the local level,” said Harckham. “Today, our local officials are facing a number of competing challenges and priorities, which is why our partnerships with them are so vital. Knowing that too often state grants are competitive, with many municipalities left out of the queue, I am pleased to be able to fund ongoing and planned public spaces initiatives around Senate District 40. These grants will make a real difference for these municipalities while also helping to ease the property tax burdens as well.”

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

Last year, Harckham delivered $2.3 in grant funding from the state’s Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) program for municipalities to use for various improvement and infrastructure projects at their own discretion. In 2023, the state senator earmarked $2.1 million in grants to use on electrification projects. 

To date, Harckham has secured $30 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 nearly $10 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 residents and others.”

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said, “Accessible public spaces are essential for the effective delivery of public services that thousands of residents rely on daily. It’s critical that these common spaces, whether parks or the county office building, remain accessible for people of every ability to use and enjoy. As part of Putnam County’s commitment to Think DIFFERENTLY, we have already completed several accessibility-related improvements to our facilities in recent years. This new funding will allow us to accomplish even more while better enabling our scenic county, towns, and villages to better showcase their abundant outdoor options for residents and visitors alike. We encourage others to explore our community this year and leading up to our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026 and learn why Putnam County is ‘where the country begins.’”

Patterson Town Supervisor Richard Williams, Sr. said, “Installed many years ago, Patterson Town Hall’s heating and cooling system (HVAC) has proven to be inefficient, required frequent repairs and, due to aging technology, must be replaced with one that is efficient, environmentally friendly, reduces the Town’s carbon footprint and addresses climate smart goals. But the cost to replace the system, coupled with the need to fund other necessary priority capital improvements, has prevented the Town from acting. With the CREST funding and Senator Harckham’s support we will now be able to address the antiquated Town Hall HVAC System.”

Mount Kisco Mayor J. Michael Cindrich said, “I thank Senator Harckham for his unwavering support for the people of Mount Kisco. We obviously benefit from his financial support, but equally important is his knowledge of our community that translates to legislation that enhances our way of life.”

Cortlandt Town Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker said, “The Town of Cortlandt is pleased to express our sincerest gratitude to State Senator Pete Harckham for securing funding to assist the Town with various infrastructure projects. This revenue will allow the town to select from several ‘shovel-ready’ projects, potentially allowing renovation of a camp building at the Cook Pool, new welcoming signage at the Annsville Circle—the gateway to Cortlandt—and electronic event signage near the Cortlandt Town Center. Funding such as this enables critical projects to proceed, and for our town to grow and prosper. Thank you, Senator Harckham, for securing this much needed funding. We are all grateful.”

Croton-on-Hudson Deputy Mayor Len Simon said, “Dobbs Park is one of the great centers of community activity and gathering in all of Croton. Located in the heart of our Village, it features a baseball field, a basketball court, a playground and, since July 9, one of the hubs of the Project MOVER bikeshare program. To meet the needs of Croton today and tomorrow, it is now time for this great Croton resource to be renovated for the first time in a quarter century. Thanks to Senator Harckham, our plan to do so is complete. The $100,000 he has made possible, along with assistance from the County and our own local contribution, will lead to a reimagining and revitalizing of Dobbs Park so that Croton residents can continue to enjoy all it offers for generations to come.”

Southeast Town Supervisor Nick Durante said, “Amid the political whirlwind in our country, with people often closed-minded to opposing opinions, I’ve found that even though Senator Harckham and I don’t see eye to eye on some policies, he remains professional and open-minded in his interactions with me. Southeast is truly grateful for the funding that we’ve received from his office, which has been put to much-needed use here in the region.”

Village of Brewster Mayor James J. Schoenig said, “On behalf of the Village of Brewster, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Senator Harckham for his efforts in securing grant funding in support of our adaptive playground project. His commitment to obtaining these funds is not only a gift to our community but also a meaningful investment in creating an inclusive space where all children can play, learn, and grow together.” 

Village of Ossining Mayor Rika Levin said “This funding will enable the Village of Ossining to enhance outdoor amenities, with seating areas, lighting and native landscaping, at our soon to be constructed Multimodal Transportation Hub. This Hub will provide over 200 vehicle parking spaces, as well as accommodate an e-bike rental shop and outdoor gathering space adjacent to the historic Old Croton Aqueduct. Collectively, this project allows for the redevelopment of Ossining surface parking lots on Main Street, as part of New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, while promoting e-bike use and further beautifying an area of the Old Croton Aqueduct for the enjoyment of Ossining residents and visitors.”

Stony Point Town Supervisor Jim Monaghan said, “Stony Point is grateful for this funding. We plan to use it for much-needed upgrades at the Town Pool. These improvements will enhance recreational opportunities for residents and families in our community.”

Kent Town Supervisor Jamie McGlasson said, “This funding will help the Town of Kent take a major step toward a more sustainable future. By installing geothermal energy at the Town Hall annex and adding electric vehicle chargers, we’re reducing our carbon footprint while cutting long-term energy costs. These upgrades are a win for both residents and the environment.”

Bedford Town Supervisor Ellen Calves said, “Thanks to Senator Harckham and the public space grant, the Town of Bedford will install a sidewalk and improvements that will improve walkability, support our local economy, and foster community connections.” 

Ossining Town Supervisor Elizabeth Feldman said, “The Town of Ossining is grateful to Senator Harckham for securing the funding to make the improvements to our Louis Engel Waterfront Park. The $100,000 grant will be used to improve the facilities and help make our hopes for a waterfront playground with a shipwreck design become a reality.”

Lewisboro Town Supervisor Tony Gonçalves said, “This grant funding is much appreciated. We have several projects where we feel this financial support would be of benefit to our Town residents. One project being considered is the conversion of a barn at Onatru Farm Park into a community space. This is a project that will create a multi-use space for our community including a meeting space for our seniors.”  

New Castle Town Supervisor Victoria Bayard Tipp said, “The Town of New Castle is deeply grateful for Senator Harckham’s dedicated efforts in securing this public spaces grant, which will fund the much-needed replacement of playground equipment at Amsterdam Park, heavily used by our town camp program and by families visiting the park for soccer games. This grant will allow for a safer and modernized recreational space where children can play, grow, and thrive. Access to quality outdoor play areas is vital to physical and emotional development of youth, and we are deeply grateful for the Senator’s commitment to the well-being of families in our communities.”

Briarcliff Manor Mayor Steven Vescio 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.”

Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie said, “The city will use the $100,000 in funding for creating new pedestrian and place making amenities in our downtown and / or riverfront to support its Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects. We are grateful for this funding because it will allow the City to leverage considerable investments funded by our Federal, State and County partners and to deliver a safe place for Peekskill residents and visitors.”