Briarcliff Wins $3M Grant For Sidewalks, Crossings, Traffic Calming

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY — A $3 million state grant will support Briarcliff Manor's long-range project to expand and improve its central business district.

The state awarded $3,045,266 to the village to construct sidewalks, traffic calming measures, and pedestrian crossings along Pleasantville Road, North State Road and Delton Lane. It is part of a $179 million package of grants to 75 communities, including 13 in the Hudson Valley.

"We're investing in strategic initiatives across the state to improve quality of life, promote economic growth, and revitalize our communities," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an announcement last week.

The funding, which provides up to 80 percent of total project costs, is made available through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation. Projects were selected through a competitive solicitation process that required awardees to demonstrate how proposed activities would contribute to increasing the use of non-vehicular transportation alternatives, reduce vehicle emissions and/or mitigate traffic congestion. Combined with project sponsor contributions, these awards will leverage nearly $550 million in additional community investments.

Briarcliff Manor's grant is part of its broad, long-range plan to redesign and expand the central business district along Pleasantville Road — a plan centered on making downtown more attractive and accessible.

Another piece of the puzzle fell into place in mid-June, when the Board of Trustees finalized the purchase of 1050 Pleasantville Road, the former site of the Wells Fargo Bank, adding that to the three acres it already owns south of the bank parking lot. The village instantly gained additional parking. Long-term possibilities include additional retail, professional office space, residential units, off-street parking, and additional space for operations that have outgrown Village Hall across the street.

And a sidewalk, stretching south as far as the bus stop, with a crosswalk across Pleasantville Road between the bus stop and the Post Office.

The village's Streetscapes and Placemaking project has been in the works for several years, with input from residents and merchants. What is "placemaking?" Check out this link recommended by the village.

The project includes more off-street parking, plus also more crosswalks, connected sidewalks on the west side of Pleasantville Road, and widened sidewalks in front of the businesses on the east side, with room for outdoor seating, bike racks, and tables.

"When things are more walkable, people are more likely to stop by," Village Manager Josh Ringel told Patch.

The downtown stretch of road will be redesigned with bump-outs at the crosswalks, which will mean shorter time in the street for pedestrians and, village officials hope, encourage drivers to be more mindful and slow down.

Briarcliff will combine this latest grant with an additional grant to build a new path connecting the North County Trailway directly into downtown.

The funding was earmarked to improve access to transportation systems and advance New York State's work to fight climate change by supporting enhancements that promote non-motorized modes of travel.