RyeCity REVIEW THE
October 21, 2022 | Vol. 10, Number 42 | www.ryecityreview.com
Latimer releases proposed 2023 Capital Budget
HEATING UP! Stijn Terlouw dribbles past a Pelham defender on Oct. 15, 2022. The Garnets topped the Pelicans 5-1 to close out the regular season with nine straight wins. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
Portion of Playland Parkway renamed after John Carey At their regular Board meeting Monday night, the Westchester County Board of Legislators voted unanimously to rename a portion of Playland Parkway in Rye “John Carey Place” to posthumously celebrate his career in public service. John Carey passed away in October 2019 at the age of 95 but lived an extraordinary life. He was a veteran of World War II; he served as a Rye City councilman and mayor; he was a gifted attorney and legal scholar of international human rights law, and a Westchester County judge and acting Supreme Court judge. In addition, he authored dozens of academic articles and two books. He was appointed to the United Nations Subcommission on the Prevention of Discrimination and the Protection of Minorities, a position appointed by both major political parties. He served in this capacity for nearly 25 years. “John Carey was an exemplary public servant, as a judge for Westchester County and later as Mayor of the City of Rye,” county Legislator Catherine Parker said. “It is fitting that we rename a portion of Playland Parkway after him so future generations can honor his contributions to the community.” As a municipal official, Carey was known for being a strong coalition builder. After serving in Rye’s City Council, he became mayor for two terms from 1974-1982. Carey worked on the acquisition of Rye Golf Club and a public beach next to Playland Amusement Park. He is also known for his success-
ful efforts to both allow skateboarding for residents on public streets and to require “safety doors” on the Metro-North New Haven line trains. “John Carey Place will memorialize the life of a remarkable hometown hero who never stopped giving back,” board chair Catherine Borgia said. “Adding John’s name to the road toward Rye’s historic Playland Park is a perfect way to celebrate his life and lasting legacy.” The section of the Playland Parkway roadway to be renamed extends from Rye Beach Avenue and runs along the beach and pool parking lot north to the intersection with the upper circle of Playland Park. “John Carey held a long and distinguished career in public service—a Judge, Mayor, City Councilman and activist for so many important causes, a true public servant in every sense of the word,” County Executive George Latimer said. “He was a man of many accomplishments, and he shared his life, his talents and his spirit with everyone he touched. John remained present and involved in his civic life until the time of his passing, and he is very much deserving of this honor that we know will live on for generations to come.” The bill signing with Latimer will take place Friday, Oct. 21 at 9 a.m.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer has submitted his 2023 Capital Budget to the Westchester County Board of Legislators for their review and consideration. The budget, which is Latimer’s fifth, includes investments in affordable housing, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, recreational facilities such as Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center, Playland and Memorial Field, flood mitigation projects including the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake River project, numerous sewer and water projects and the paving of the Bronx River Parkway. “This Capital Budget continues the strategic investment in our County infrastructure,” Latimer said. “The overarching goal of this investment is to maintain our assets in a state of good repair, while at the same time supporting thousands of jobs within the County. Many of the projects in this budget focus on the environment and sustainability including the investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, purchase of hybrid and electric buses, flood mitigation funding and incorporation of energy efficiency goals. I made a promise to the people of this County years ago, that I would invest in our infrastructure, take care of our people, help the environment, raise the County’s bond rating and cut taxes responsibly - we have done all of this and more.” The proposed budget proposal requests $662.5 million in new appropriations on an all funds basis for 2023. This appropriations request breaks down as follows: • $448.8 million for general county purposes. • $200 million for the Refuse, Sewer and Water districts. • $13.7 million for the Westchester County Airport. County Budget Director Lawrence Soule said: “It is very gratifying to see the results of the significant capital investment that the County has made under the Latimer Administration, from the new hybrid buses operating on our roadways, the upgrading and modernization of our waste water treatment plants, to the improvements made throughout our County parks system. This Capital Budget continues this important investment in our County assets.”
Environmental Conservation and Flood Mitigation Total $125M Environmental conservation and flood mitigation efforts continue with an additional $95 million in appropriations for the purchase of hybrid buses for the county’s Bee-Line Bus System, $18 million for electric vehicle charging infrastructure at county and municipal locations including $5 million for a county/municipal fund for electric charging stations, and $12 million is added for flood mitigation efforts. Department of Public Works and Transportation Commissioner Hugh Greechan said: “Continuing to improve the Westchester County Bee-Line System is a win for the riders in the County. Also, the focus on electric vehicles and charging stations further shows the County Executive’s commitment to the environment.” Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Peter McCartt said: “Once again this administration has shown its commitment to doing what we can to mitigate climate change through innovative programs, as well as adapting and building resiliency to the disastrous effects of rising temperatures and sea levels. The further hardening of our waste water infrastructures is vastly important, but I am particularly appreciative of the support to move the County fleets to electric, and the assistance we will be giving to our municipal partners with our fund to increase the amount of charging stations throughout our region. Lastly, the needed investment in Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center will be enjoyed by generations, continuing to educate citizens young and old on the importance of a circle economy.”
Westchester County Parks System Total $41.1M A combined $28 million has been slotted for structural improvements at the Ice Casino and Playland Amusement Park. Additionally, $7 million has been allocated for Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center, and $3.3 million for Cranberry Lake Preserve improvements. Latimer said: “As the construction
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