Both projects are part of the county's capital projects budget approved last year, but to go forth bonding must be approved by the Board of Legislators.
Astorino, in requesting approval from the legislators, said that these two initiatives were consistent with his position that capital projects that are essential to maintaining public safety and the county's infrastructure should move forward. The Eastchester roadwork is a safety priority; the renovation at Blue Mountain Reservation is for the Sportsman Center, which is open to the public and also used for public safety training.
"Even at a time when we are watching every penny we spend, it is imperative that we follow through on these kinds of improvements," Astorino said. "It is the old 'pay now or pay later.'"
The Eastchester project calls for milling, resurfacing, concrete curb replacement and installation of pavement markings between White Plains Road (Route 22) and Old Wilmot Road. Once the bonding is approved by the board, the project will be designed and bid two months from the date of bond approval.
"This is a matter of safety," Astorino said. "This road draws more than 14,000 cars a day and is in need of rehabilitation to ensure that it remains safe."
County Legislator Sheila Marcotte, who represents the area, also praised the project. "I am delighted that this project is finally moving forward," she said. "Wilmot Road is a critical artery in Eastchester and residents of the area will be served well by the improvements that this bond act will fund. This project is a fine example of the good things we can accomplish when the county and municipalities work together."
Bonding for the Blue Mountain Reservation will provide money for design of a project to rehabilitate the Sportsman Center and other site work that is expected to cost about $4.6 million. The project includes improvements to the entrance, roadways, drainage and parking lot, as well as a new pedestrian bridge to accommodate the adjacent Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway hiking trail, reconstruction of the lodge, landscape improvements and fencing.
"Our Sportsman Center is not just a recreational facility," Astorino said. "It is also used by our county police and officers from nearly every local police department as well as New York State Police and our court officers as the place to get firearms training. Nearly 3,000 police officers attend practice sessions annually. It is imperative that we make sure the center is maintained."
The Sportsman Center, opened in the 1960s, features a multiple-range pistol facility; a large bore high-power rifle range with 100-yard targets and small bore rifle; an archery range; and a trap and skeet area with a total of four combination fields. Range officers who are experts in their field provide instruction.
The center hosted the shooting events for New York's Empire State Games in 2007. It generates more than $230,000 per year in revenue for the county.
The project was endorsed by County Legislator John Testa of Peekskill, who said: "I know firsthand how extensively the public utilizes Blue Mountain Reservation. Growing up and living in Peekskill, I have spent countless hours at the Blue Mountain reserve and this beautiful resource has been neglected for too long. These funds and the extensive repairs they will make possible represent long-awaited and most welcome news in the name of public convenience and public safety."