Rye Identifies City Projects For Next Five Years

RYE, N.Y. -- Rye officials have identified $26 million in capital projects that the city could implement over the next five years.

Rye officials believe that one of the highest priority capital projects is a replacement of the retaining wall on Blind Brook adjacent to Theodore Fremd Avenue. The wall was damaged by flooding in 2007 and would cost $1.4 million to replace.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

Casey Donahue

08/07/2013 5:50 a.m.

The city's 2013 Capital Improvement Plan was released this week, projecting possible improvement projects to Rye's infrastructure through 2108, as well as possible sources of funding. The projects include upgrades to buildings, drainage, sewers, transportation and recreation facilities. The plan includes a total of 56 potential projects.

The majority of the funding for the projects is expected to come from state and federal grants and aid, according to City Planner Christian Miller. Another 30 percent will come from debt, and another 21 percent from the city's fund balance. Miller said that the city's recent sale of 1037 Boston Post Road has left a $4 million surplus in the city's building and vehicle fund. The city has greatly reduced the amount of general fund money spent on capital projects, going from $3.3 million in 2007 to $195,000 in 2013.

"Much of the infrastructure was developed for the city when it became a village back in 1908, and some of that stuff is still here today," MIller said. He said that it is important to maintain facilities, and to look to the future when developing projects.

"When these things come along, you need to think not just about the immediate needs, but the long-term needs, to err on the side of doing a little more than a little less," Miller said. "You really are building for the next generation."

The plan includes $15 million for transportation projects, $2 million for sewer projects, $3 million for building projects and $5.3 million for vehicle and equipment replacement. Projects regarded as the most urgent include the retaining wall on Theodore Fremd Avenue ($1.4 million), the Hewlett Avenue pump station ($347,000), replacing a siphon for the sewer under Locust Avenue ($250,000) and replacing the sewer system under Purchase Street near Smith Street ($75,000).

There is a possibility that the Locust Avenue and Purchase Street sewer projects could be merged. Miller said that finding synergies like this is a benefit to updating the Capital Improvement Plan every year.

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