Board funds furniture, carpeting and more

The interior 892 Route 35 undergoing remodeling. THANE GRAUEL PHOTO

By NEAL RENTZ

The Town Board has added $535,000 to the bond to purchase an office building off Route 35 in Cross River, to fund new furniture, carpeting, renovations, a parking lot expansion and more.

The board took the actions at its Jan. 26 meeting. The town is moving some offices from the former Lewisboro Elementary School campus in South Salem to its new building located at 892 Route 35, which it purchased last year.

The move was necessitated by the need to relocate several other town departments from the school campus, after the Katonah-Lewisboro School District decided to end the town’s monthly leases . 

Meanwhile, the Town Board is pursuing a proposal from KG+D Architects to construct a new police headquarters on the property that now houses the New York State Police outpost and the town Highway Department, 81 Spring St., South Salem. 

In 2025, the board purchased the Old Post Road Professional Building and Annex at 892 Route 35 for $2.2 million to house some town offices on the second floor and the town court on the first floor. The town expects to begin moving offices in April. No changes are being considered for the third floor.

The court would move to the first floor of the office building if the design is approved by the state, Supervisor Tony Gonçalves said at last week’s Town Board meeting.

The additional borrowing includes such items as furniture, carpeting, internal and exterior renovations, a parking lot expansion, and backup power systems.  

The list of items was compiled by Facilities Maintenance Manager Joel Smith, Gonçalves said. Typically, the items would have been paid separately by the board, he said. But since the town is changing the length of the bond from five to 15 years, he sought to increase the amount of the bond to pay for expenses related to the building. 

“We had to revise the resolution anyway,” rather than creating a second bond, he said, adding later in the meeting that the original length of the bond should have been 15 years.

The town’s bond counsel said the $353,000 could be included in the bond since the items are related to the building, Gonçalves said.

The site plan allows for the creation of seven additional parking spaces in what is now a 19-spot lot, Gonçalves said. 

Sklarin asked who would be using the new furniture. The new furniture would be used by the eight town employees who will be working on the second floor, Gonçalves said. The town court would use its current furniture, he said.

The furniture will cost $149,000 and will be purchased through a state contract, “which means we don’t have to go out to bid,”  Gonçalves said. 

Sklarin said the bond should include all renovation expenses related to the Route 35 building work on the court, which must be approved by the state. Gonçalves said he wanted to begin work on the building as soon as possible and not wait for what the state will approve for the new court area, which could be paid through a bond anticipation note. 

Court renovation costs could be added to another bond which would include capital project needs of town departments, Gonçalves said.

Councilwoman Julia Hadlock said once the town moves eight employees from the former school, the month-to-month lease with the school district would be reduced.

The revised bond was approved 4-0, with Sklarin abstaining. The revised bond totals borrowing of up to $2,553,000.

Also related to the Route 35 building, the board approved a contract for $149,739 with Bell Office Furniture to purchase furniture.

In addition, the board approved a contract with TC Merritts Land Surveyors for a land survey of the Route 35 building campus that would be used if the town seeks to add additional parking spaces at a cost not to exceed $4,500.

Another resolution regarding the potential new site for the police department, the board approved a geotechnical engineering contract with Carlin-Simpson & Associates for an amount not to exceed $11,785. Soil samples will be taken to find out the condition of the grounds, Gonçalves said.

Also related to the potential police department property, the board approved a contract to do survey work with TC Merritts Land Surveyors at a cost not to exceed $5,950. The company will establish the topography, the grade levels and borders of the site, Gonçalves said.

The geotechnical and survey work are being paid through a donation to the town, Gonçalves noted. 

WWII veterans honored

Also, at this week’s meeting the Town Board approved proclamations to honor two World War II veterans who are over 100 years old. Quentin Nicastro was honored on his 102nd birthday.

Nicastro served as a gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress during the war, completing 30 missions from England.

On D-Day, Nicastro flew bombing missions over the beaches of Normandy, witnessing the vast Allied fleet that launched the liberation of Europe.

“His courage, sacrifice and steadfast dedication embody the highest ideals of the United States Armed Forces and the enduring spirit of the Greatest Generation and reaching the milestone of 102 years is a remarkable testament to a life lived with purpose, resilience and honor,” the proclamation read.

Another proclamation honored Gene Tedaldi on his 101st birthday.

Tedaldi served in the United States Navy, operating in the Pacific aboard a landing ship tank, or LST.

“He took part in the historic Battle of Okinawa, contributing with courage to one of the most significant amphibious operations of the war; and Gene has been a devoted longtime resident of Lewisboro, enriching the community through his character, history, and example,” the proclamation stated. “Reaching the milestone of 101 years is a remarkable testament to a life of service, strength, and resilience.”