Astorino Proposes Plan to Mitigate Flooding in County

By Sam Barron

Flooding in some parts of Westchester may be reduced in the near future.

Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino announced Thursday, standing outside the Westchester County Center in White Plains, that $9 million has been designated for seven capital projects to address chronic flooding along the Bronx River and Sound Shore.

Astorino also announced the expansion of the River Rescue program, a public-private partnership to engage volunteers in removing debris from the Bronx River, and the ongoing restoration of the banks of the Bronx River.

“The actions announced today are positive steps in alleviating flooding in some of our biggest problem areas,” said Astorino. “The causes of flooding in this county are a result of many complex factors that cannot be fixed overnight or without significant capital investments beyond the means of the county.”

The Bronx River is county-owned, making it easier for the county to start work there. Other flood-prone areas like the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Hutchinson River Parkway would require state and federal approval and funds, which is not likely to come anytime soon, according to Astorino.

Bronx River projects include stormwater wetland restoration and stream bank stabilization at Fisher Lane in Greenburgh at a cost of $700,000. The county has been working at removing debris from the Bronx River, as part of a public-private project launched last year.

The project has been divided into six sectors along the length of the river and crews will target completion by June, weather permitting. The county is continuing its partnership with the Turf and Landscape Association, which has volunteered services from its commercial landscapers to assist in the removal of debris. Assistance from local municipalities and residents is also being provided in some areas.

Tom Roach, the Mayor of White Plains, praised the county for taking the initiative to clean up the Bronx River and help reduce flooding.

“Flooding does not respect municipal boundaries and that is why it is so important that municipalities and the county work together to address the causes of flooding in our county,” Roach said. “Westchester County has provided a direct benefit to the City of White Plains. We appreciate their assistance and we look forward to working with the county on other mutually beneficial flood mitigation initiatives in the future.”

Several legislators attended the press conference and expressed their approval for the initiative and the fact that something is finally being done to combat flooding.

“My hope is that the entire Board of Legislators sees the importance of these investments and approves these projects with appropriate haste,” said County Legislator Michael Smith (R-Greenburgh), whose district encompasses part of the Bronx River. “These projects are positive steps in the right direction towards improving the quality of life for many impacted Westchester taxpayers.”

Other legislators called the move a good first step of many to fix a longstanding county problem.

“I’m glad the county executive is moving forward,” Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky (D-Greenburgh), who has taken a lead role on flooding issues, said. “This has been lying dormant for a while. I am very happy we are moving forward.”

Shimsky called the proposal the end of the beginning and hoped that more projects to alleviate flooding were identified. Legislator Alfreda Williams (D-Greenburgh) said that the announcement was long overdue.

“I am delighted t hear that the county executive has committed to this project,” Williams said. “This will make things a lot easier. We have suffered a great deal.”

While officials in southern Westchester and the Sound Shore were expressing their approval, officials in Pleasantville were disappointed that nothing was being done to alleviate their concerns. Pleasantville is often impacted by flooding from the Saw Mill.

“I find it interesting that none of the severe problems we have over here in District 3 were addressed at all,” Trustee Mindy Berard said. “We have tremendous problems and we’re not seeing anything coming our way.”

While Berard acknowledged that the Sound Shore does get hit, she said that Pleasantville suffers serious problems when it rains.

“They don’t just come with hurricanes and tropical storms,” Berard said. “They come with heavy downpours. It causes all types of issues for commuters and homeowners. We have homeowners that have tremendous problems. I’d like him to look our way.”

Trustee Brian Skarstad said he understands the county’s position, though it isn’t what he wanted to hear.

“The real fix here is going to be really expense,” Skarstad said. “In this current economic climate, I’m not sure we can look for that fix being carried out. It’s just not going to happen. We can’t afford it, the state can’t afford it. We’re low man on the totem pole.”

Mount Pleasant Supervisor Joan Maybury said that the county was moving forward in a positive way, and was confident in Astorino’s ability to bring pressure on the state and federal government to help Mount Pleasant.

“We know how to fix it and the federal government knows,” Maybury said. “The momentum is not going in that direction. We deal with constant closures. This is an excellent first step to reduce flooding in places that historically suffer.”

Maybury said that while the State Department of Transportation has done some work in the Saw Mill, more needs to be done.

“We know where these areas are,” Maybury said. “But nobody has taken any steps. No maintenance has caused a lot of problems.”