Year in Review of a New, Local Not-for-Profit

January was an ambitious, educational start; the GBHO invited Robert Lauria the property manager of the shopping district and Peter Helmes the chief architect responsible for the ideas behind the expansion of the shopping center. This gave the community an opportunity to see firsthand the changes that will be taking place in Golden’s Bridge. Our organization was the sole catalyst that brought together, in a public meeting the key people involved with the proposed affordable housing community adjacent to exit 6A on Rte 22. This singular forum gave the community an opportunity to ask questions of John Bainlardi, the manager of the proposed development, Supervisor Parsons, as well as Edward Burroughs a town resident and the head of planning for Westchester County. Additional meetings have had time dedicated to Joan Arnold’s idea of senior housing in Golden’s Bridge as well as bringing in Assemblyman Buchwald to present the crumbling infrastructure surrounding 684 and its impact on the hamlet. The Assemblyman along with Senator Murphy have been responsive in assisting with the remediation of the wall that separates 684 from Route 22, the re-striping of the North Street-Route 138 junction to make it a safer point for cyclists and pedestrians. Our engagement of Senator Murphy for the MTA to replace the Welcome to Golden’s Bridge sign will yield a replacement; it has been down for close to a decade now. Working with these two gentlemen has produced positive results for our hamlet. We continue to work with the NYSDOT to further improve Route 138 for pedestrians and cyclists.

Meaningful projects that enhance the appearance of Golden’s Bridge are underway. Come the spring blue hyacinths and yellow daffodils will be popping through the ground opposite the shopping district, planted by a community volunteer. The GBHO is waiting for final approval on a sign that denotes the historic significance of the L158 train bridge. This landmark has been on the National Historic Register for many years now - few know this fact.

Our greatest accomplishment has been finding a large group of community members who wish to be positively engaged in helping to shape the community. In October eleven residents cleaned up the pathway on Route 138, this is the first leg of a safe walkway that could potentially connect Old Golden’s Bridge to the neighborhoods off of Route 138, heading east. We are thankful to one Golden’s Bridge lawyer who took the organization through all of the paperwork needed in order for the GBHO to become a not-for-profit organization. The men and women of Golden’s Bridge who have volunteered and attended tedious town level meetings in order to better understand the decisions that are being made, we thank you. The trustees of the GBHO look forward to further enhancing a community that we love. If you wish to volunteer, please contact info@goldensbridgehamlet.org.

Jonathan Monti

Acting Chair, GBHO