New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Dana Levenberg announced today that a total of $200,000 in state grant funding is making possible the installation of a new HVAC system at the Briarcliff Manor Public Library and Community Center.
The investment will help ensure a more energy-efficient, reliable, and sustainable heating and cooling system for one of the community’s most important public facilities.
“Aging infrastructure is an issue in all of my communities. I am always looking for opportunities to help us upgrade our facilities, and am very proud to have secured funding to modernize the Briarcliff Manor Public Library and Community Center’s heating and cooling system,” said Levenberg. “This investment will save the community money while improving air quality and comfort and increasing energy efficiency – a big win all around.”
“Investing in modern energy-efficient infrastructure at the local level significantly reduces maintenance costs and the burden on taxpayers,” Harckham said. “This project will help ensure that the Briarcliff Manor Public Library and Community Center remains a comfortable, sustainable, and welcoming space for residents of all ages.”
Located at 1 Library Road, the Briarcliff Manor Public Library & Community Center serves as both a vibrant hub for learning and community engagement and a designated cooling center during extreme heat events. The existing HVAC system – featuring a 43-ton chiller and four air handlers – has been in service for more than 15 years and has reached the end of its useful life. Persistent maintenance challenges, including water damage caused by an inaccessible attic-mounted air handler, underscored the need for a full-system replacement.
Briarcliff Manor Mayor, Steven Vescio, said: “This project is a perfect example of what can happen when state and local governments work together. I wish to express my thanks for the support of Senator Harckham, Assemblymember Levenberg and others for championing this initiative and recognizing the value of local libraries as both community hubs and climate-conscious public facilities.”
The $1 million project, which began in October and is anticipated to be completed by January or February will replace the aging infrastructure with a state-of-the-art Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC system.
This modern system will provide simultaneous heating and cooling across different zones of the building – ensuring comfort for patrons and staff in spaces such as children’s reading areas, study rooms, and administrative offices.
Library Board President, Stephanie Casper, said: “Reliable, efficient climate control is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. From protecting our collections to providing a comfortable, safe gathering space for residents of all ages, this HVAC replacement allows us to fulfill our mission even during extreme weather conditions. We’re proud to be part of a forward-thinking project that strengthens both our facilities and our partnerships.”
The new VRF system is expected to deliver up to 40% energy savings compared to traditional chiller systems, while reducing maintenance costs and minimizing structural disruptions during installation. Its quiet and flexible operation will support a better indoor environment and longer-term system reliability.
The legislators secured $100,000 each for the installation of the new system.
The state funding was provided through the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) program. Since taking office in 2019, Harckham has delivered over $35 million in State Senate grant funding to municipalities, first responders and nonprofits in his 40th Senate District. Levenberg has delivered over $11 million in grant funding since taking office in 2023.
