Independence Day Celebration  

Reis Park's epic Independence Day celebration was the Town’s biggest in 40 years! Howling Marty kicked off the night with the Star-Spangled Banner on the harmonica. The Lions Club grilled with pride, the Somers Chamber organized their 3rd annual basketball tournament, and the Happy Crabs and Pork Chop Express put on an unforgettable show. There were activities for all ages and even a bald eagle sighting! Nick D mc’d the hot dog eating contest. The fireworks were amazing and most importantly a community united to celebrate their beloved country. It was an awesome night.

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New State Police Barracks

‍The Town of Somers and the New York State Police are in the final stages of securing a new headquarters in Somers. A state-of-the-art building will be constructed at their current 295 Route 100 location on a 2.5-acre land parcel. The groundbreaking date is yet to be determined. The Town will secure a bond to cover the costs of land purchase, construction, and other related expenses. It will then lease the land/building to the State Police, and the debt will eventually be paid. Notably, there will be no financial burden on the taxpayers.

Reis Park Expansion Project

‍We have officially exchanged acreage with Westchester County, gaining access to 11 additional acres connected to Reis Park for new recreational facilities. At the June 6th Town Board meeting, we approved the proposal from KG&D Architects to provide their professional services during the planning stage.

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 Public Access AED’s at Reis Park & Van Tassell Park

Life saving technology has been installed in our parks in case of a cardiac emergency. We added 4 public access AED’s (automated external defibrillator) in Reis Park and Van Tassell Park.  There are three located in Reis Park: (1) recreation office, near the stage and handicap restroom, (2)concession stand and (3) upper comfort station. There is one located in Van Tassell Park by the public restrooms near the Police Station.  All public access AED’s are clearly marked with signage.

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Proposed Lithium Battery Storage Facility in Mahopac

‍A company called East Point Energy, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, has proposed building a 116-megawatt Lithium Battery storage facility on a 95-acre property on Miller Road in Mahopac near Baldwin Place in Somers. The Carmel Planning Board is leading the project, and the Town of Somers has hired external attorneys in the event the proposal gets approved to protect our residential areas and address the environmental and safety concerns.

Installation of Route 202 Crosswalk/Sidewalk by DeCicco & Sons and Heritage Hills

‍The New York State Department of Transportation has approved the plans for the crosswalk and sidewalk. The Town Board has also approved proceeding with the construction by initiating the bidding process. This includes the sidewalk and pedestrian crossing at the Heritage Hills Drive/DeCicco & Sons Supermarket intersection and the northern side of Bailey Park. These decisions were made at the June 6, 2024,Town Board meeting.

Grants: $2.0M Congressional funding and $1.7M WIIA

‍Two grants have been allocated for the Water Main Project in the Business Historic Preservation District (B-HP). This project involves extending the water main from Heritage Hills to the B-HP Zoning District. We await approval from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Westchester County Health Department for the expansion plans. Once completed, this project will provide fire protection and water that meets NY PFAS standards for the Town and businesses in the B-HP.

Fluoride in Water

‍On or about July 15, 2024, the Northern Westchester Joint Water Works (NWJWW) will begin fluoridating the Yorktown and Somers water supply. The facilities’ fluoride feed systems (Amawalk and Catskill Treatment Plants) have been recently upgraded to meet more stringent health and safety requirements. Both treatment facilities, Catskill via remote feed station, now have the ability to properly fluoridate the water supply, using 20-23% Hydrofluorosilicic Acid, at a target dosage of 0.7mg/l.

During times in which the Amawalk Treatment Facility must supply water to all residents of NWJWW (Town of Cortlandt, Montrose, Somers, and Yorktown) the fluoridation process must be discontinued. This would only occur during times in which the Catskill Treatment Plant must be taken offline. Not all communities receive fluoridated water therefore the process must be suspended, while Catskill is offline.

This only affects residents of the towns of Yorktown and Somers. For additional information contact Matthew Geho, Operations Director at914-737-3559 ext # 111 or matthewgeho@nwjww.com

Old Bet Statue and Dedication

Old Bet is back! The new Old Bet sculpture has been placed back on the reinforced obelisk in front of the Elephant Hotel.  The dedication ceremony took place on World Circus Day on April 20, 2024.  It was a beautiful ceremony and momentous unveiling of the gorgeous bronze sculpture, which is part of the Old Bet Monument, a National Historic Landmark. A special thank you to Luigi Badia, the sculptor and the Wittmann family for funding the sculpture.  You can watch the dedication ceremony here.

Town of Somers first Entry Marker Installed on Route 35

It’s been a long time coming, but our first Town of Somers entry marker sign has been erected on Route 35.  This project was spearheaded by former Supervisor Rick Morrissey.  Phillip Ceradini was hired as the architect who designed the beautiful granite pylon signs in a simplistic and unique manner to welcome the drivers to Town.  The stone is etched with “Somers” and “1788”, the year Somers was incorporated as a Town. We plan on installing 3 more markers around Town, locations to be determined.

Somers named as Tree City USA      

The Arbor Day Foundation has named the Town of Somers as a 2023 Tree City USA!  The significance of this this honor is that the Town of Somers is doing its part ineffective urban forest management.  The Town has met the four requirements needed to receive this recognition :maintains a tree board, adopted a tree ordinance, spends at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrates Arbor Day. The Town of Somers Tree Board celebrated Arbor Day on April 26, 2024 by planting a redbud tree in Bailey Park. Please stop by the park to see our new addition.

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What are some of the benefits of becoming a Tree City USA?

           · Trees reduce energy costs up to 25% by providing shade to buildings and protecting them from winds

            · Neighborhoods with trees are seven to nine degrees cooler than those without

            · Trees help reduce the sounds of traffic

            · Homes with trees have higher property values

            · Trees absorb carbon dioxide, lessening the effects of climate change

            · The Town is in a better position to receive urban forestry grants

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