Legislator Michael Smith Announces Funding, Improvements at Kensico Dam Plaza

Legislator Michael Smith Announces Funding, Improvements at Kensico Dam Plaza

Legislator Michael Smith (R-Mount Pleasant, Pleasantville, North Castle) was joined by his fellow Legislators in the approval of a $462,000 Capital Budget Amendment (CBA) to fund a number of much needed improvements and additions to the electrical and communications systems at Kensico Dam Plaza.  With Legislator Smith's support, the measure passed by a unanimous, 17-0 vote at the regular meeting of the Westchester County Board of Legislators on Monday, September 24, 2012.  The project will also include the installation of antennas that will provide free wireless internet service for park patrons in the northern plaza and picnic area.
 
Kensico Dam Plaza is located in the towns of Mount Pleasant and North Castle in Legislator Smith's district.  Following the bipartisan vote, Legislator Smith said, "I'm very pleased that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle joined me in approving this very important budget amendment.  I am also grateful to County Executive Rob Astorino for his leadership and commitment to our parks.  We are fortunate to have such an outstanding park system and the stewardship of those resources is an important function of county government."  Legislator Smith added, "Kensico Dam Plaza is especially important for the Westchester Community as the location for our major cultural events, ethnic festivals, July 4th fireworks and of course the site of our county memorial to those we lost on 9-11, 'The Rising'."
 
The CBA that was passed on Monday is part of a $3,262,000 funding package that will rehab the electrical infrastructure throughout the County-owned park.  Among the improvements that will be made are complete replacements of the lighting and security system including; new security cameras, pedestrian pathway lights, the security lights illuminating the dam and the installation of new security lights in the plaza.  In addition to the upgraded lighting and security, the primary electrical service and transformer will be relocated and secondary power distribution will be installed.

“The  Kensico Dam Plaza is one of the iconic locations that makes Westchester County a great place to live”, Legislator Smith said. “This investment ensures that the plaza will continue to be safely enjoyed by Westchester families for many years to come.”