MAYOR PROPOSES COMMON SENSE SOLUTION TO CAPITAL BUDGET IMPASSE

Councilmember Dee Barbato and I have been working closely with Mayor Amicone and community leaders to restore funding for safety projects cut out of the recent capital budget. The Mayor recently proposed a sensible solution to the impasse with the Council majority. Councilmember Barbato and I fully support the Myor's recommendation

In a Memorandum dated March 16, 2007 Deputy Mayor Bill Regan outlined a proposal which would allow the Administration to begin planning and design work for two flood control projects and new a watermain in the Crestwood neighborhood. These projects were all cut out of the Budget by a 5-2 vote of the City Council earlier this year.

The flood control projects involve work at “Troublesome Brook” and Underhill Street. The watermain project would be done in conjunction with a project already being done by United Water of New Rochelle and would, therefore, save the City substantial money over the long term. Under the proposal from Mayor Amicone, Capital Budget amendments would be adopted now so that planning and design could begin, with the understanding that bonding authority would be passed this summer in the FY 2007-2008 budget year.

Councilmember Barbato and I have been working daily with the Mayor and Homeowners Groups throughout Northeast Yonkers in order to restore the project cuts. We applaud the Mayor’s proposal as a sensible resolution which will address these critical safety and quality of life projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.