Harckham Allocates $2.1M for Public Space Enhancements Across Senate District 40
Somers, NY – In a significant boost to community infrastructure, New York State Senator Pete Harckham has announced $2.1 million in discretionary grants to fund upgrades and enhancements to public spaces throughout every municipality in Senate District 40.
Each town, city, and village within the district will receive $100,000 to use on a variety of local projects aimed at improving community facilities, accessibility, and infrastructure. The funding will focus on parks, playgrounds, municipal buildings, sidewalks, ADA upgrades, promenades, and parking areas.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the historic Elephant Hotel in Somers, where Sen. Harckham was joined by 16 bipartisan local leaders, all of whom expressed gratitude and detailed plans for their respective 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... These grants will make a real difference for these municipalities while also helping to ease the property tax burdens as well.”
The funds stem from Harckham’s non-competitive discretionary grant pool, which allows all communities to benefit without vying against each other in the state’s traditionally competitive funding process.
This initiative builds on Harckham’s consistent commitment to local development. Since 2019, he has delivered over $30 million in capital funding for towns, cities, villages, and first responders through programs like CREST, LOCAP, and SAM grants.
Highlights from Local Leaders
Many leaders praised Harckham’s commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability, and recreational opportunities:
- Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne emphasized the role of accessible public spaces in providing essential services:
“This new funding will allow us to accomplish even more while better enabling our scenic county, towns, and villages to showcase their abundant outdoor options…”
- Patterson Supervisor Richard Williams, Sr. noted how the funds would allow the town to replace an aging, inefficient HVAC system:
“With the CREST funding and Senator Harckham’s support we will now be able to address the antiquated Town Hall HVAC System.”
- Croton-on-Hudson Deputy Mayor Len Simon highlighted the revitalization of Dobbs Park:
“The $100,000 he has made possible... 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.”
- Village of Brewster Mayor James J. Schoenig emphasized inclusivity:
“This is a meaningful investment in creating an inclusive space where all children can play, learn, and grow together.”
- Village of Ossining Mayor Rika Levin celebrated the funding’s role in promoting eco-friendly transportation and revitalization:
“This funding will enable the Village of Ossining to enhance outdoor amenities... promoting e-bike use and further beautifying an area of the Old Croton Aqueduct…”
- Kent Supervisor Jamie McGlasson pointed to long-term sustainability:
“These upgrades are a win for both residents and the environment.”
Other officials pointed to projects such as:
- Geothermal installation and EV charging (Town of Kent)
- Waterfront playground with shipwreck design (Town of Ossining)
- Conversion of a barn into community space (Lewisboro)
- Playground equipment replacement (New Castle)
- Pickleball courts and park upgrades (Briarcliff Manor)
- Downtown placemaking for economic revitalization (Peekskill)
Broader Impact
The funding doesn’t just enhance local infrastructure—it serves as a model for collaborative, non-partisan governance at a time when gridlock and polarization are common. Several officials praised Harckham’s ability to work across party lines, with Southeast Supervisor Nick Durante stating:
“Even though Senator Harckham and I don’t see eye to eye on some policies, he remains professional and open-minded… Southeast is truly grateful for the funding.”
This round of funding follows Harckham’s 2023 allocation of $2.1 million for municipal electrification projects, and $2.3 million in CREST grants for resiliency and economic development.
Conclusion
This latest infusion of state funds ensures every corner of Senate District 40 receives critical upgrades tailored to its unique community needs. Whether it’s walkable sidewalks, recreational facilities, or municipal infrastructure, Senator Harckham’s initiative directly addresses the daily quality of life for thousands of New Yorkers.
“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,” Harckham said.
Originally reported by Pete Harckham in KITV News.