ROCKLAND, NY – Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick (D-Rockland/Westchester) recently announced three state grants to improve village hall facilities in Chestnut Ridge, Montebello, and Wesley Hills. The grants come through the State and Municipal (SAM) Grants Program.
“Projects like these are not flashy, but they are essential for maintaining the municipal buildings that are owned by the people of the communities they serve. I’m pleased to be able to contribute in a tangible way to improving them,” said Senator Reichlin-Melnick. “I got my start in local government, so I know how important it is to have a village hall that is welcoming to residents and functional for staff.”
Village halls in each of these communities will see big investments and the money that Senator Reichlin-Melnick has delivered lessens the burden on village taxpayers. The grant money for both the Villages of Chestnut Ridge ($50,000) and Montebello ($125,000) will be directed to exterior work on their village halls. Montebello’s project includes a new slate roof on their historic village hall. The Village of Wesley Hills ($55,000) is reconfiguring their interior space to serve residents more efficiently.
Mayor Lance Millman of Montebello said, “We thank Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick for this significant grant that will be used to restore and maintain our historic Village Hall! History should be available for all future generations, and we welcome the opportunity to work together both now and in the future!”
Mayor Rosario (Sam) Presti, Jr. of Chestnut Ridge said, “The SAM grant obtained by Sen. Reichlin-Melnick on behalf of an appreciative Mayor, Board of Trustees & Chestnut Ridge Village residents, will be utilized to repair the roof at Village Hall. An expenditure of this sort would normally take away from other Village needs, but with the money from the grant, the Village can look to address other necessities in our ongoing endeavors to make Chestnut Ridge a welcoming community and the place to be!”
Mayor Marshall Katz of Wesley Hills said, “These funds obtained by the Senator for Wesley Hills will help enhance the Village’s engagement with our residents and other visitors to Village Hall. The money will help fund a project to reconfigure our lobby, providing additional counter space that will allow our staff to serve more than one visitor at a time. The Village is appreciative of the work of Senator Reichlin-Melnick in securing these funds.”