Rye Capital Improvements, What’s Your Favorite?

Rye Mayor Douglas French sent along the following list of capital improvements being queued up for Rye in 2013. What's your favorite? Leave a message below:

Rebuilding Rye
At a strategic workshop on January 12th, the Rye City Council discussed many key initiatives for 2013.  One of the most important areas of focus is the list of capital improvements identified to rebuild Rye’s infrastructure in and around our downtown and schools to include roads, sidewalks, and sewers.  It is an ambitious program expected to take years to complete, but in the end will improve safety, enhance Rye’s charm and save money in the long run.  Here is the list of funded projects and the estimated schedule from the City Planner:

Cedar Place Sewer
Project includes replacement of existing failing sewer line in Cedar Street.  Staff is targeting bid awards for the first quarter of 2013. Estimated project cost: $90,000.

Old Milton Road Drain
Project includes replacement of an existing drain line to address stormwater runoff and flooding at the Harbor House.  Bonds have already been issued for this project.  Staff is targeting bid awards for the first quarter of 2013.  Estimated project cost: $200,000.

Central Avenue Bridge
The project is fully funded and construction has begun with completion expected by August 2013.

Annual Street Resurfacing
Bid awards are expected in the second quarter of 2013 for the annual street resurfacing program.  This funding would include the repaving of Boston Post Road between Parsons Street and Library Lane.  Other streets have not been selected at this time, but will be prioritized based on the City’s pavement management system.  Estimated project cost:  $450,000.

Annual Sidewalk Repair Program
Bid  awards  are  expected  in  the  second  quarter  of  2013  for  the  repair and
replacement of City-owned damaged or deteriorated sidewalks.  Estimated project
cost:    $50,000.

Hewlett Avenue Pump Station
This project involves replacing the existing pumps at the Hewlett Avenue Pump Station.  The project is currently in design and was partially funded by an EPA grant.  Staff is targeting bid awards in the second quarter of 2013. Estimated project cost: $300,000.

Theodore Fremd Retaining Wall
This project involves the replacement of the retaining wall on Blind Brook adjacent to Theodore Fremd Avenue that was damaged by the 2007 floods.  The project remains under review by the NYSDOT and requires private property easement acquisition.  The project start date is impacted by the required relocation of a gas transmission line is required, which is targeted for the 2014 spring construction season.  Estimated project cost: $1,640,000. 

Peck/Midland Avenue Intersection
This funded project includes the implementation of intersection improvements and signal replacement at the Peck and Midland Avenue intersection.  Construction is expected in 2014.  Estimated project cost:  $180,000

Locust Avenue Sewer Improvement
Project includes extending a new sewer line across Blind Brook to bypass the City’s failing sewer siphon.  Project plans are 90% complete and could be ready for bid awards in the first quarter of 2013; however easements across private property are required.  Estimated project cost: $250,000.

Central Business District Streetscape Improvement
Project includes pedestrian safety and streetscape enhancements to Smith Street and the  Smith  Street/Purchase  Street/Elm  Place  intersection.    Staff will be undertaking design in 2013 and seeking public involvement regarding the selection of the preferred design alternative.  Given the level of design required and limited construction window, project construction is targeted for the summer of 2014.  Estimated project cost: $880,000.

Boston Post Road Retaining Wall
Project includes replacement of a portion of the failing Boston Post Road Retaining Wall. Design and  property/easement  acquisition  is  expected  in 2013  with construction in 2014.  Estimated project cost:  $300,000.

Sidewalk and Pedestrian Improvements
The project includes $250,000 in funding for pedestrian improvements in the City. Preliminarily staff has identified the following projects for potential consideration for a 2013 implementation including:

o   Midland  Crosswalk.    New crosswalk  on  Midland  Avenue at the north     playground of Midland Elementary School.
o   Milton  Road  Corridor  Improvement.  This project includes intersection     improvements at the Milton Road/Oakland Beach intersection to provide a new     crosswalk and pedestrian signal.
o   Forest Avenue Pedestrian Improvements.  Project includes crosswalks, ADA ramp and sidewalk enhancement in front of Rye Town Park on Forest Avenue at the intersection of Rye Beach Avenue, Oakland Beach Avenue and Dearborn Avenue.

Pedestrian-Activated Flashing Beacons
This project would involve the installation of Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB) at existing un-signalized intersections near existing Rye City Schools.  The signals are pedestrian activated and would serve to alert drivers of pedestrians within crosswalks.  Implementation is optimistically targeted for 2013.

Milton School Sidewalk Safety Improvement
This project would elevate an existing sidewalk and install a six-inch curb to better separate vehicles from the pedestrian area on Hewlett Avenue adjacent to Milton Elementary School.  Given that construction cannot occur during the school year a summer 2014 implementation is anticipated.

Theall/Osborn Road Pedestrian Improvement
This project would extend the existing curbs at the Theall Road/Osborn Road intersection to reduce the approximately 90-foot crossing distance by approximately 30%.  Targeted for 2013 pending NYSDOT design review process.

Five-Points Intersection Improvement
This project would extend the existing curbs on Grace Church Street at its intersection with Midland Avenue.  The existing crossing distance of this signalized intersection is nearly 100 feet and creates a barrier to children walking from the Louden Woods neighborhood to nearby Midland School.  In addition, the project would modify the existing narrow center island in Grace Church Street to provide a pedestrian refuge area.  Implementation is optimistically targeted for 2013 pending NYSDOT review.