Legislator John Testa Announces Three Major Infrastructure Projects for His Northern Westchester District

Major rehabilitation to Albany Post Road, George’s Island Park and Washington Street.

Follows Completed Projects to Rehabilitate Main Street (Rt. 6), Crompond Road/Division Street (Rt. 202) and Upgrades in Blue Mountain Reservation and George’s Island Park

In a continuation of his focus on Westchester County owned infrastructure in the northern portion of the county, Legislator John G. Testa announces three major projects to be completed over the next year.

The three new projects detailed below come following a multi-year focus by County Legislator Testa to finally address the long-neglected county infrastructure in the northern part of Westchester County. So far, the entire portions of County owned roads of Main St. (Rt. 6) and Crompond Road (202), North and South Division Streets in Peekskill (a total of approximately 4.5 miles), have been completed. These projects were not simple resurfacing but a complete rehabilitation of the entire roadway with milling, resurfacing, replacement or adjustment of utility castings, concrete curb replacement, installation of handicap ramps, new traffic loops, and new pavement markings.

The County Parks have also been a focus for Testa. Major improvements have been made in both Blue Mountain Reserve and George’s Island Park, both county owned. In 2014, $5.4 million of funding was allocated to provide for much needed infrastructure improvements at George’s Island Park and Blue Mountain Reservation, including road resurfacing, new guiderails, and new culverts and swales to reduce stormwater runoff in keeping with Westchester County’s Best Management Practices for stormwater management. George’s Island also had the boat launching area and docks rehabilitated along with the picnic areas, playground, sanitary sewers and landscaping.

“I have made it a priority to fight for the funding and approval for these long overdue projects,” said Testa. “Northern Westchester communities had not been getting their fair share of county infrastructure improvements and it was time to get the attention we deserve. It is not just about fairness but is a serious public safety and quality of life issue. The projects completed so far and the ones to start soon are a huge step towards catching up but there is more to be done. I will continue to advocate for these improvements and work closely with my colleagues, as we have done previously, to make them happen,” Testa added.

George’s Island Infrastructure (RGE04)

Major water and electric upgrades are planned in 2018 at George’s Island Park. Along with being one of the few boat launching sites available for the public, the park contains two large picnic areas, pavilions and bathrooms. Many families and organizations utilize these facilities for gatherings and events. The supporting electric and water service are original to the park and are in poor condition and inadequate. A full replacement and upgrade will be done. A bond Act of $225,000 was unanimously approved to fund this project.

Old Albany Post Road Over Sprout Brook in Cortlandt (RB03P)

The existing jack arch bridge that supports the Old Albany Post Road as it crosses over Sprout Brook in Cortlandt is in need of replacement. Originally constructed in 1929, the structure will be removed and replaced with a new precast concrete pile-supported bridge, waterproof membrane, asphalt wearing surface and steel bridge rail. The bridge has 9,200 vehicles a day travelling over it. The total cost of the project is $7.2 million with $4.9 million being provided by NY State through the ‘Bridge NY’ Program. The project will require approximately 18 months to be completed.

Washington Street Rehabilitation (RB134)

Approximately 1.23 miles of Washington Street from Welcher Avenue to South Street will be rehabilitated, including milling, resurfacing, stone curbing, ADA sidewalk ramp installation, traffic loops, new pavement markings and related work and repairs. With approximately 7,600 vehicles a day traversing this roadway, this work is long overdue. Engineering and design for the project is nearing completion with construction bonding to follow in 2018.

About John G. Testa

Former District 1 County Legislator, John G. Testa is served five terms at the Westchester County Board of Legislators, spending the last 3 terms as BOL Minority Leader. John G. Testa is a lifelong resident of Peekskill who first entered elected public service as a member of the Peekskill Common Council in 1998 and then served three terms as Mayor. He previously served on the Conservation and Parks Advisory Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. John became an elected official eager to improve the City in which his family has lived for more than a century and quickly earned a reputation as a strong, independent, nonpartisan voice for fiscal responsibility. John received a BS degree in Technology from SUNY Oswego, where his academic achievements gained him induction into Epsilon Pi Tau, the International Honorary Fraternity of Technology. He earned his MS degree in Technology from the City College of New York. He began his teaching career in 1980 at Peekskill High School, his alma mater, as an instructor in Technology and Social Studies, retiring in 2013 after 33 years teaching. John has been a leader in support for the Arts Community in Westchester. He presided over the construction of the Peekskill Art Lofts, the establishment of the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, and the complete restoration of the Paramount Center for the Arts, originally a 1930’s movie house and helped bring critical funding to many Westchester programs. Legislator Testa received the “Advancing the Arts in Westchester Award” by ArtsWestchester. John has a been a leader on environmental issues for two decades and has a long record of initiatives he has supported and spearheaded. His active involvement in developing and promoting environmentally friendly policies began as mayor and continued throughout his time as Westchester County Legislator. His efforts consistently earned John the endorsement of the NY League of Conservation Voters. John’s most recognizable accomplishment has been his promotion and preservation of local history and historic landmarks, bringing an unprecedented focus on the region’s rich history, and its legacy of historic Victorian architecture. His roots in historical preservation stem from his experience as a Revolutionary War re-enactor and member of The Brigade of the American Revolution for 50 years. John was instrumental in securing the preservation of the Lincoln Depot, now the Lincoln Depot Museum, where he now serves as President. The museum was recognized in 2015 as one of The Best Museums in Westchester. He also secured the preservation of historic Fort Hill as parkland, a 40-acre parcel that was originally a Revolutionary War encampment site. Under his leadership, the United States Dept. of the Interior declared Peekskill a “Preserve America Community.” John was able to establish a record number of National Register designations of local structures, including the first Downtown and Neighborhood Historic Districts and supported the preservation of the historic Miller House in North White Plains. In 2017 John was named a “Champion of History” by the Lincoln Society in Peekskill. John and his wife of 37 years, Nancy, live in Peekskill and have two adult children, John, Jr. (fiancé Courtney Kelly) and Katy (husband Mike Mearon). John and Nancy recently welcomed the arrival of their first grandchild, Lacey Mae, in 2019.

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