The Department of Development has been undertaking a project to help revitalize the Chadakoin River Basin, with Phase One of the project now under way.

Tonight’s City Council meeting has the council looking at a resolution for the Development Department to apply for a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grant from the Department of State to help continue moving forward with this project.

Specifically, the Development Department is seeking approval to apply for Environmental Protection funds administered by the Department of State’s Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure for a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grant made available through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application. With the city working to activate the Chadakoin River Basin as an active recreation space and community waterfront park, the ongoing phase one of the multi-phase project, which has begun on the Basin’s south side, includes an improved dock at Panzarella Point, a kayak launch, welcome signage, lighting, improved parking and ADA improvements. According to the council agenda, the funding the DOD is looking to apply for will allow them to continue implementing improvements on the north side of the Basin including signature gardens, tiered terrace seating, as well as improved access, circulation, safety, connectivity, and placemaking initiatives intended to create a unique destination for residents and visitors to the city. This resolution will allow the DOD to apply to New York State for project funds up to $2 million.

Also up for discussion is a resolution to enter into a contract with GrantExec, a cloud-based research and management platform, to provide the city a centralized location to manage grant-related activities. The $2,175 cost for a one-year subscription is to be split between the BPU, Development Department and several other city departments. Scott Forster, city police chief, is asking the council for permission to replace a patrol vehicle with a total cost of $48,893.46 while Ryan Roush, acting fire chief, is requesting approval to use $85,262.02 of grant funding to purchase a cardiac monitor/defibrillator and a CPR device.

The council’s work session begins at 7:30 p.m. in the police training room on the fourth floor of city hall. Council committees meet before the work session. The Housing Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. in the police training room with the Finance Committee at 7 p.m. in the mayor’s fourth floor conference room, the Public Safety Committee in the police training room at 7 p.m. and the Public Works Committee in the Development Department conference room at 7 p.m.