New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today $200,000 in State Senate funding for the Village of Ossining to complete a new solar roof and an overhaul of the police desk and communications area at the Birdsall-Fagan Police & Court Facility. Harckham secured the funding through the Senate’s Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) program
“The Birdsall-Fagan Police & Court Facility, which serves both the Village and Town of Ossining, is busy day and night, so it is vital that this structure be kept up-to-date for use by law enforcement professionals and residents alike,” said Harckham. “Additionally, the installation of a solar roof is an investment that will save taxpayer dollars and lower the village’s electricity costs.”
Ossining Mayor Rika Levin said, “On behalf of Ossining, I want to extend our deep gratitude to Senator Harckham for his continued partnership and support through the CREST Grant program. This vital funding for our new Police Communications Room and the replacement of the police and courthouse roof strengthens the safety, resilience, and functionality of our municipal services. We thank Senator Harckham for his steadfast commitment to investing in the infrastructure that keeps our community secure and connected.”
The solar roof project at the facility on Spring Street is among a number of solarization and sustainability initiatives launched by the Town and Village since 2015. When the New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced a community solar program for municipalities, Ossining was the first to complete a project—a rooftop solar array at the Town’s Operations Center. A solar canopy at the train station is also in the works.
At the Police & Court facility, it is estimated that the solar array on its roof will provide more than $50,000 in net savings over the next 20 years. The entire project is set to cost $280,600 and Harckham’s grant funding will cover $100,000; an investment tax credit will reduce the cost by another 30%.
The renovations inside the Ossining Police Department, also funded with a $100,000 grant from Harckham, will include replacing storage cabinets, counter-tops, workstations and raised flooring in the police desk and communications area. The desk area was originally installed in 2000 when the building was outfitted and first opened as just a police station. Deemed important since this area of the building is the public’s first point of contact with law enforcement and court officers, the entire project is set to cost $101,028.
Ossining Police Chief Aaron Zimmerman said, “The Ossining Police Department is grateful to Senator Harckham for championing two grants for our headquarters. The first, for a new roof, will keep our staff and equipment warm and dry while also creating cost-savings. The second will update our communications room, providing crystal clear communication, faster coordination, and real-time data sharing. These upgrades strengthen our operations literally from top to bottom.”
