Deal sought with MTA on Preston Way bridge

By MARTIN WILBUR

The Village of Mount Kisco announced Wednesday that it hopes to have an agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority by Jan. 30 on the Preston Way bridge replacement that would enable it to go out to bid.

A post on the village’s social media and website stated that if an agreement is in place by the end of the month and meets the New York State Department of Transportation requirements, the Village Board would be able to approve the agreement at its Feb. 2 meeting. 

Being able to put the project out to bid is seen as a critical step so Mount Kisco would be able to get an updated price tag on the work.

“Going out to bid is a key milestone in this project, as the true cost to replace the bridge is still unknown, and all parties involved cannot plan accordingly until such a number is identified,” the village’s statement read.

Any agreement will confirm that the MTA would be responsible for the force account, which was $845,000 based on the last estimate for the work of $8.6 million two years ago, according to the village. That figure was an all-inclusive number for the cost of the project at that time. It would also spell out future maintenance responsibilities once the new bridge is opened.

In recent public comments, Mayor J. Michael Cindrich has stated that he could find no evidence that the MTA had kept up with maintenance of the bridge. The village had also contended that it shouldn’t have to bear full financial responsibility for the bridge’s replacement.

The announcement comes after state Sen. Pete Harckham, D-40, organized a meeting last Friday with Mount Kisco officials, MTA representatives, the DOT and staffers from the offices of U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler and Assemblymember Chris Burdick. The span was abruptly closed on Dec. 3 within two hours of a DOT order to shut it down after the results of an August inspection determined it was no longer safe to carry traffic.

Cindrich and Village Manager Ed Brancati could not be reached for comment late Wednesday. Burdick said that he was hopeful the Jan. 30 target date for completing the agreement could be met. All involved entities have been working diligently to reach an understanding since it is clear Preston Way is a critical artery for Mount Kisco and the surrounding area, he said.

“I think the parties recognize that it’s a real hindrance to not just the village but to northern Westchester since so many people, as we discussed, come to Mount Kisco either because they work here, go to businesses, and so forth,” Burdick said. “That’s not lost on them and they’re working to try to achieve that.”

Wednesday’s announcement did not mention if the MTA or state would contribute more money to the project. Mount Kisco had obtained a $5 million state grant and borrowed $3.6 million to cover the previously estimated expense.