Port Chester · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Port Chester public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Downtown welcome center pop-up proposal
An early idea to activate vacant space at 1618 Main Street as a downtown welcome center — a spot for residents and newcomers to learn about development projects and local businesses. The chamber might partner, and the LDC could fund it; no vote was taken.
September 11 monument renovation and 25th anniversary
The renovated 9/11 monument in Lyon Park will be finished in time for Friday's 25th-anniversary ceremony at 5:30 p.m., which the public is invited to attend.
Lou Larizza memorial
Coach Tom Corby asked the board to name the Columbus Park basketball courts after the late Lou Lariso, the developer and community pillar who died last week, ideally by Unity Day on August 8.
Waterfront improvements — loop, swings, shuffleboard and stage
The board funded the $4.93 million final waterfront phase and first loop segment — new stamped, dyed sidewalks, curbs, ADA ramps and crosswalks from the waterfront up Willard Avenue to North Main Street — reconnecting the Mariner, Capitol Theatre and waterfront. About 90% is grant-funded.
July 4 fireworks postponement and July 24 rescheduling
A storm and a firing-system failure postponed the Independence Day fireworks; the show is rescheduled for Friday, July 24 at the high school, with July 31 as the rain date. Village crews also cleared about a dozen fallen trees overnight.
Abendroth Park Master Plan
Consultants are gathering public input on a 10-acre master plan for Abendroth Park through January 31, while bid-ready designs for new bocce courts at Recreation Park and a new playground at Edgewood Park go out to bid in February — all funded by developer fees-in-lieu, not taxes.
Pride Month flag raising
A pastor thanked the board for its 2022 Pride Month resolution and asked to hold this year's flag raising June 6 at 10 a.m.; the manager confirmed the flag raising is already on the village calendar.
Waterfront railing repair
The damaged waterfront railing is out to bid, and the village is working with its insurer and Costco to make the private snow-pushing contractor — not taxpayers — pay for the fix.
Playground Improvements at Edgewood and Recreation Parks
Edgewood Park's playground replacement is funded and awarded at $217,958, but the bigger Joseph Curtis Recreation Park project ($623,220) was tabled to June 15 while the village waits for developer parkland fees to cover bids that came in higher than expected.
Veterans Advisory Commission Launch
The village's new Veterans Advisory Commission is officially seated with four members, aiming to give local veterans a voice on village needs. The chair says open positions remain and they want members from every service era.
Waterfront project under budget and moving
The waterfront improvement project came in at $4.7 million against a $6.2 million estimate, roughly 90% grant-funded, with contractors already removing the old walkway.
$2 Million Federal Grant for Gym Renovation
Congressman Latimer secured $2 million for the long-delayed gym renovation after the funding was clawed back by the previous administration. The gym will also house the new Youth Media Lab.
Waterfront Redesign Funding
The waterfront project's lowest bid came in at $4.7 million — well under the $6.2 million estimate — and about 90% is funded by grants and non-taxpayer dollars.
Westchester Avenue Mural Project
A 'Greetings from Port Chester' mural at Westchester Avenue and South Regent Street, with the village funding the letter 'O' for $850 and businesses sponsoring the rest.