On May 30, 2019, WMPF held the 46th Annual Planning Awards Program and Dinner, an event that celebrates outstanding contributions to planning in Westchester County. The Town of Lewisboro was host to the awards at Le Chateau in South Salem.
Congratulations to the 2019 Award Recipients
PLANNING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Westchester County Parks | The Glass Conservatory at Lasdon Park
The Glass Conservatory at Lasdon Park is the result of a public-private partnership among Westchester County, the Friends of Lasdon volunteer advocacy group, and several local businesses all of whom joined forces to bring this impressive addition to Lasdon Park to fruition. This 2,500 square foot steel and glass Conservatory opened to the public in 2017, bringing the spectacular beauty of the tropical rainforest indoors.
Town of New Castle | 200 Cupola Building Mixed Income Integrated Housing
The creative renovation of this iconic building at the heart of the 114 acre former Reader’s Digest campus resulted in 64 integrated mixed income residential apartments. The adaptive re-use of the building was of critical importance to the community and now provides affordable, workforce and market rate housing options while contributing to the successful mixed-use re-development of the property.
Village of Croton-on-Hudson | Elliot Way Elevated Walkway Project
The Elliot Way Elevated Walkway is a unique solution to creating multi-modal access to Croton Landing Park, where insufficient width limited traditional designs. The walkway eliminates an unsafe condition by using helical piles to cantilever a new roadway and separate pedestrian walkway out over the Hudson River, thereby creating new usable space.
Town of Yorktown | Granite Knolls Sports and Recreational Complex
The development of this state of the art, multi-use athletic complex was facilitated by funds leveraged through the relocation of the Algonquin natural gas pipeline by Spectra Energy, and did not require the use of tax dollars. Set at the highest point in Town, the facility includes 3 multi-use turf fields, pickleball, handball, basketball, and volleyball courts, a putting green, children’s play areas, pavilion, hiking trails and passive recreation areas.
Westchester Community College | New American Cottage Garden at The Native Plant Center
The Native Plant Center at WCC is a teaching garden that stresses the environmental necessity, economic value and natural beauty of native plants in the Northeast. The new garden and renovation of the 1920s stone cottage is located at the hub of the WCC campus has become a beautiful, unique and welcoming space for students and the general public to explore and learn.
City of Peekskill | Lofts on Main Street Affordable Artist Housing
This mixed-use development houses 50 residential units for certified artists, 25 market rate units and ground level retail. A unique and affordable community in the heart of the Downtown Artist District, this project pulled together resources, approvals and funding from state, local and cultural entities in an exemplary project of downtown revitalization, historic preservation, community programming and aesthetic sensitivity.
PLANNING COMMENDATIONS
City of Peekskill | Lincoln Depot Plaza & Visitor Center
Lincoln Depot Plaza and Visitor Center, located on the City’s waterfront, compliments the Lincoln Depot Museum and enhances the site as a historic and educational destination. The complex, designed with sustainability in mind, recognizes the historic depot building and provides a home for the collections of the Lincoln Depot Foundation.
Village of Irvington | Irvington Comprehensive Plan Update
Using a unique “hub and spoke” approach to address the planning goals of the village, members of the planning, zoning, and architectural review boards, along with the trustees, worked within an organized system of public outreach to communicate and process information toward the efficient and focused update of their Comprehensive Plan.
Town/Village of Harrison | Manhattanville College Solar Energy Generation System Project
The Manhattanville College Solar Project involved the installation of solar car ports and ground mounted panels integrated into the College Campus to provide renewable energy to support the school’s facilities. Positioned primarily over existing parking lots, the installation involved nominal physical disturbances. It is estimated that the College will retain a significant 15 – 20% annual energy savings. Students and staff also benefit from new covered parking.
Village of Mount Kisco | Mount Kisco Comprehensive Plan and Form Based Overlay Zone
With a focus on the downtown and train station district, the village conducted an intensive process of public participation of both design and information gathering that produced a new Comprehensive Plan and Form Based Overlay Zone.
City of Yonkers | Daylighting of the Saw Mill River Phase III
The Phase 3 Daylighting of the Saw Mill River in Downtown Yonkers builds on the success of Phases 1 and 2 and expands this vibrant, river walk park with a variety of green infrastructure elements. Phase 3 restored a neglected section of the river to the public with a functioning water wheel that powers the LED lighting in the park, an amphitheater stone seating area for events, and interpretive plaques about the ecology, history and engineering features of the park.
Town of Ossining | Millwood Ossining Go! Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Initiative
The Millwood-Ossining Go! Plan, funded in 2016 with a Greenway grant to the Town and Village of Ossining and the Town of New Castle, resulted in MOGO; a bike and pedestrian trail plan designed to connect business districts, community resources, transportation hubs, and established trail systems. This unique regional plan, adopted by all three municipalities, was informed by extensive citizen engagement.
Town of Cortlandt | Charles J. Cook Recreation Center Fitness & Recreation Improvements
The Town of Cortlandt constructed a 20 station fitness loop and a thematic 9-hole miniature golf course at the Charles J. Cook Recreation Center as part of their ongoing program of enhancing the recreational and fitness opportunities of their residents. The Cook Center is Cortlandt’s premier facility for recreational activities.
DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN PLANNER AWARD
Since 2011, Ms. Barthelmes has dedicated countless hours to developing, programming, and implementing community-wide conservation and sustainability initiatives for the City of Peekskill. As the Conservation Advisory Council Chair, she has been the driving force behind establishing the Peekskill2030 and as a retired educator, Kay has used her communication skills to develop a community dialogue on conservation through informational materials, mini-documentaries, and collaborative meetings with other local groups.
For more than 20 years, Walt & Jane Daniels have volunteered as members on boards of municipal, regional, and non-profit groups to further the preservation, enhancement, and environmentally sound use of thousands of acres of open space for the recreational enjoyment of residents in Yorktown and throughout the Hudson Valley. The Daniels also co-authored the book Walkable Westchester, a comprehensive guide to the many parks and trails in Westchester County.
Mr. McLaughlin was appointed to the Planning Board in 1985. In his 34 years of faithful service to The Town of Mount Pleasant (27 years as Chairman) he has made it his priority to directly and meaningfully engage the public in the planning process – no matter how large or small the project. Mr. McLaughlin’s management of Planning Board meetings, and in-depth knowledge of the details of each application ensures balanced and equitable outcomes.
Mr. Gary began serving the Town of Carmel on the Zoning Board in 1980. In 1984 he was appointed to the Planning Board and one year later was appointed Chairman, where he served until his retirement in December of 2018. For nearly 40 years, Mr. Gary oversaw much of the growth of Carmel from a rural area to a thriving suburban community. Mr. Gary was a general contractor for most of his professional carrier before entering public service, where he served as the Commissioner of Highways for Putnam County. Mr. Gary is the longest serving public servant in Putnam County.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Ms. Noonan is the Executive Director of Housing Action Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to expanding housing opportunities for low and moderate income households throughout Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and New York counties and other parts of the Hudson Region. She has been with the council since 1979 and has held the position of Executive Director since 1986. Ms. Noonan has developed various programs which have assisted in the development of housing and advised State and local housing officials on designing and implementing affordable housing programs and plans. She has also designed housing seminars and trained professionals nationwide.
Through her work, Rose has fostered the creation of several Westchester not-for-profit organizations that strive to develop housing which serves low income families and individuals of modest means. Her services are primarily focused in the Hudson Region; however she has provided this service throughout New York State and in many areas throughout the country. Ms. Noonan’s strong working knowledge of Federal, State, County and local housing programs and how to integrate them to develop financially feasible and affordable housing developments are invaluable to the development of housing opportunities in Westchester.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Anna, who grew up in White Plains, is currently a graduate student studying Landscape Architecture at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Geography from SUNY Geneseo in 2015, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. Anna’s undergraduate research included two study abroad experiences where she explored cultural and environmental issues in communities in Western Canada and Buenos Aires. This summer, she will be working with the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation to further develop digital models of Liberty Island throughout various points in the island’s history.
ADDITIONAL DINNER PHOTOS
