PRESENT: Chair: Pinto. Members: Abinanti, Carsky, Maisano, Noto, Ryan, and Wishnie. Staff: Emilia Vita.

ALSO PRESENT: Anthony M. Landi, Commissioner-DPW; Ralph Butler, First Deputy Commissioner-DPW: Robert Abbamont, Public Works Liaison.

The meeting was called to order at 4:25 p.m. by Mr. Pinto. On the motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Noto, the minutes of May 19^th were approved as amended, by a vote of 7-0.

This meeting is an informational meeting to update the members on the Woodlands Viaduct bridge construction project in White Plains.

Commissioner Landi gave a brief background of the bridge, which is located on the Bronx River Parkway. The bridge was built in the early twenties and it’s the only bridge that has two 90-degree turns. The approximate cost of the project is estimated at $11 million. Mr. Landi said the County was fortunate to secure State and Federal funding for this project. Mr. Landi said he has followed the requirements of both agencies, especially with the selection and consulting process and other restrictions, and has compiled with all. Because the Bronx River Parkway is a nationally registered parkway, the Commissioner has also complied with the Historical Society and met all conditions.

Mr. Landi mentioned that there were several issues raised by residents, especially keeping the bridge open during construction opposed to closing it to make a shorter construction period. The decision was agreed to keep one lane open in each direction at all times while the bridge is under construction.

First Deputy Commissioner Butler said this project started March of this year and is in its staging process: the trailer and the staging area have been set up and the "Jersey" barrier has been placed to protect the traffic.

*For additional details, a tape is on file.

Mr. Butler said during the week of June 8^th, there will be some removal of the bridge structure. There are three main stages to follow while under construction:

1. Northern end of the Bridge, will keep the 2 lanes of traffic on the southern end until completed;
2. Traffic will be put back on the northern end while the southern end is completed;
3. The "approach work", will smooth the curve slightly and encroach into the hill slightly, as required by the federal regulations.

Until the two outer roadway sections began to deteriorate and could not handle traffic vehicles, there were always two lanes on the parkway. With active construction there is minimal backup of morning rush-hour traffic.

Mr. Butler said the width of the structure will increase about 6 feet which will provide for 11 foot lanes and 2 foot shoulders on each side. The entire deck of the bridge is being replaced, (pictures on file) the columns and the arch will be strengthen and repaired. The appearance of the bridge will remain.

The total cost of this project in the Capital Project is $16 million. The construction cost is approximately $11 million. From the Federal funds: $5 million was received from the SHIP Program, $1.95 million from STP Urban, $5.5 million from the STP Flex program and from the State’s HDRR program the project has received $2.5 million

Mr. Butler said the County cost would be minimal - $1.5 million. The design cost is over $1 million which includes the environmental work, with construction management costs similar. The County has a forced account with Metro-North which enforces safety in and around the construction project.

Mr. Wishnie asked if it would be possible to have a bike path or walkway under the bridge. Mr. Landi said there is an existing path that goes under the archway, but there is no connection.

The project should be completed by August 2000, approximately 24 to 30 months, if the winter is mild, it may be completed sooner. The contractor is Persico (Richard) Contractors and Savin Engineers, both have worked for the county before on other projects and are found to be reliable.

When this project was in its first stages, Mr. Wishnie said there were numerous issues raised about the funding and the construction of the viaduct and he commends Commissioner Landi’s efforts to secure the funding applications and saving the County money.

A brief discussion of asphalt surfaces versus concrete surfaces ensued. Commissioner Landi said generally there is no comparison:

• Concrete outlasts asphalt - for a life expectancy;
• The cost of concrete is expensive and procuring time is longer;
• Asphalt cost is less and when put down, it can be utilized the same day;
• Concrete is noisier than asphalt;
• The County has the capability of maintaining asphalt better than concrete.

For informational purposes, Mr. Pinto mentioned the Scarsdale Road Bridge which will be closed while undergoing construction for 45 days, beginning July 7^th through August. There is a bypass that will no delay any traffic.

Commissioner Landi reported that he will make a presentation to the Harrison Town Board regarding Polly Park Road.

There is no other status on the construction of the Harney Road Bridge. Mrs. Carsky stated her concerns with the impact of the environmental. Commissioner Landi said bonding should begin in September.

Mr. Pinto asked for the status on Battery Place Bridge and Deans Bridge, the Commissioner will look into it and report back to the Chair with his findings.

With regard to the Central Westchester Parkway project, the Chair has not received a response from the Administration. Mr. Pinto understands that a letter was written to the New York State Department of Transportation. Mr. Ryan asked for a copy of that letter.

The third sewer rehabilitation to the New Rochelle/Mamaroneck facility will be discussed at a future meeting.

The sub-committee on the Inflow and Infiltration is pending a response from the County Attorney’s office. Mr. Maisano wrote a letter to the Board of Legislators and County Executive Spano to address and resolve the issue as soon as possible. The Public Works Committee must address the Inflow and Infiltration project by the end of the summer for closure.

With consent of all the Public Works Committee members, the meeting time will be changed to 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m. on the motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Ryan; motion carried 7-0.