More money granted for open space

Governor George E. Pataki has announced the award of 13 Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grants totaling $2,719,070 for open space acquisitions, park improvements, preservation, and waterfront revitalization projects in Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties. The Governor made the announcement at an event at the historic John Jay Homestead in Katonah, Westchester County, which is receiving a $139,000 EPF grant for interior and exterior renovations of an original carriage barn.
“The lower Hudson Valley is a vibrant area for commerce, recreation, and enjoyment of New York’s magnificent natural resources, and we are pleased to partner with communities and organizations across the region to promote tourism, education and economic development,” Governor Pataki said. “The Environmental Protection Fund is a valuable tool to help preserve and enhance the character of communities and their quality of life. All of these projects, including the renovations to the historic barn at the John Jay Homestead, will ensure that residents and visitors will be able to enjoy some of the treasures in the region, and we are pleased to make these important investments in the Hudson Valley.”

Senator Vincent Leibell said, “The legacy that Governor Pataki leaves will be his success in preserving and conserving New York State’s most valuable and precious natural resources and historic spaces. I am proud to represent the Hudson and Harlem Valleys which are home to some of the most beautiful parks and landmarks in the State. The partnership between the Legislature and the Governor has been most successful, especially this year, as we were able to increase the funds for the Environmental Protection Fund by $75 million.”
Assemblyman Adam Bradley said, “I am so pleased that the State is assisting the John Jay Homestead with a $139,000 grant. The John Jay Homestead is an important historical site and a vital part of this region's cultural heritage.”
The 13 EPF awards announced include seven grants administered through the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and six through the Department of State’s Division of Coastal Resources.

The State has awarded the Friends of John Jay Homestead a $139,000 grant to assist with the exterior restoration of John Jay’s original carriage barn (c.1800) and the rehabilitation of its interior to a three-season, multi-use facility for educational programs and visitor orientation. The organization, founded in 1977, partners with the State by providing volunteer assistance and critical funding in support of John Jay Homestead State Historic Site. This partnership has already funded the rehabilitation of five outbuildings: the schoolhouse, potting sheds, main barn, brick cottage exterior, and draft horse barn.

In addition to the John Jay Homestead award, the other EPF grants are: Orange County: Friends of the State Historic Sites of the Hudson Highlands, Tower of Victory - $350,000.
The grant for the Tower of Victory project will help prevent further deterioration of the 1887 tower, a major feature of the Washington Headquarters State Historic Site National Landmark property. The work will include repairs for correction of serious problems that resulted when a hurricane-damaged clay-tile hipped roof was removed in 1953, including restoration of the existing masonry tower structure, public bronze staircases, observation deck platform, and reconstruction of the roof structure.

The City of Newburgh will receive $216,250 to upgrade park areas within the City. The city will initiate a comprehensive approach to upgrade two neighborhood park locations in its east end, Audrey Carey and Gidney Avenue Parks. These parks are in low income neighborhoods where recreational facilities are scarce. Project scopes will include spray play areas, landscaping, and rehabbing basketball courts.

The Village of Highland Falls will receive $350,000 for the Acquisition of Rundell Property. The village will acquire two contiguous properties with Hudson River frontage to protect the properties as parkland and open space. This award is for the purchase of the Rundell property known as the Highland Falls Marina, a 1.2-acre site with 500 feet of Hudson River frontage. The property will be used for boating and picnicking.

In Rockland County, the Village of Nyack will receive $103,820 for restoration of courts at Memorial Park. The village will restore the badly deteriorated and much used basketball and tennis courts in its Hudson River shoreline park, Memorial Park, and replace with a rubberized surface. In addition, the cedar chip playground floor must be removed due to new mandated health regulations. Proposed renovations will consist of resurfacing the courts and playground, installing new fencing, nets and hoops, and installing new lighting fixtures for the courts.

The Memorial Park Shoreline and Fishing Pier in Nyack will also receive $150,000 to design and construct 170 feet of riprap and a new 50-foot fishing pier in the southeastern corner of Memorial Park on the Hudson River. Installation of these amenities will complete the village’s park rehabilitation efforts, improving public access and safety by removing debris and repairing the rotting barge currently at this location. Pictured Above Governor George E. Pataki