Bedford Hills-Katonah off-road path project moves ahead

Prohibited tractor-trailer aside, safety improvements are planned for the pathway along Route 117. THANE GRAUEL PHOTO 

By JEFF MORRIS

The Town Board recently heard about the work needed to develop the Route 117 off-road pathway to connect the hamlets of Bedford Hills and Katonah.

Planning Director Jesica Youngblood gave a presentation via Zoom at the Town Board’s Feb. 17 meeting.

She had explained in a January memo that the New York State Department of Transportation made available Transportation Alternatives Program grants for various projects, including the construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities. She recommended submitting two TAP grant applications prior to the March 12 deadline. The board approved those applications earlier this month.

In a Feb. 12 memo, Youngblood said continuing to develop the Route 117 off-road pathway to connect Bedford Hills and Katonah furthers implementation of the town comprehensive plan’s “Connect #1” recommendation, which is to “implement specific measures for pedestrian improvement strategies in working towards developing complete streets as well as expanding recreational opportunities.”

The pathway had been included as one of the largest items in Comptroller Brian Kenneally’s overview of future capital bonding, listed as a $6.6 million expenditure. However, the town’s share of the cost would actually be $1.3 million, as the TAP grants will pay for 80%. Because those funds come in the form of reimbursement, the total cost had been included in the capital project list.

Now, Youngblood requested that the board declare itself the lead agency for a SEQRA environmental review of the project and the Planning Department circulate the notice to all interested and involved agencies. She said that it would be advantageous to begin the review now, because it would mean “a few more points” in their grant application if they can demonstrate to the DOT they have started the process.

“It gives them a little more confidence that the applicant is serious about the dollars they are requesting,” she said.

Youngblood prepared for the board’s review a Short Environmental Assessment Form with accompanying plans for each phase of the project. She said after the 30-day notice period ends, the board can complete Part 2 of the SEQRA review and adopt a declaration of its findings.

This grant opportunity, she said, dovetails with a $50,000 design grant obtained in 2024 through the Hudson River Valley Greenway for specific improvements along Route 117 from Haines Road to Harris Road.

Safety enhancements sought

Youngblood provided a brief summary of the components of each project phase, emphasizing safety enhancements. In Phase 1, construction at Exit 39N of Saw Mill River Parkway will include curb bumpouts, a realigned pedestrian island, installation of improved median and crosswalks, and new signage.

At Exit 42 there will be a new asphalt pathway, new ADA ramps, drainage improvements, a new pedestrian curb ramp with crosswalk, and signage at Nottingham Road.

Construction at the southern approach towards/at the Harris Road intersection will include installing a pathway and box-beam guide rail, travel lane reconfiguration with right turn and thru lanes to be combined with a separate left turn, and a new crosswalk and signage.

Phase 2 includes design and construction of the pathway’s extension north from Harris Road, which is the end of the Route 117 designation, into downtown Katonah, with new sidewalk segments. It will feature creation of a 10-foot-wide multi-use path with guide rail along the east side of Bedford Road between Harris Road and Sunrise Avenue. From Sunrise Avenue to the Community Center of Northern Westchester, a new 5-foot-wide concrete sidewalk will be installed to replace the existing sidewalk, and there will be installation of “sharrows” — shared arrows on travel ways for dual usage of motorists and bicyclists — in the roadway.

Youngblood provided estimated total project budgets from Hudson River Valley Greenway consultant Creighton Manning of approximately $1,953,000 for Phase 1 and $4,704,000 for Phase 2, making the town’s 20% share $390,600 for Phase 1 and $940,800 for Phase 2, for a total of $1,331,400.

“It’s very helpful to get a sense of exactly what $6.6 million could get us,” said Supervisor Ellen Calves. Youngblood added that it could be less, if they decided not to go ahead with the sidewalks. “If that needs to come off, we could shave the budget back,” she said.

“It’s going to be a lot of work,” said Calves, “but very worthwhile, a very long investment in our future.”

According to Youngblood, the town would find out if it is awarded the grants later this year, which means they would not be able to do any contractual work until the first quarter of 2027. She estimates “anywhere from about 12 to 18-plus months” for all the permitting and reviews needed and the construction itself, “so really you’re looking at shovels in the ground later in 2027” stretching into 2028. 

The board voted to declare its intent to be the lead agency for SEQRA.