The New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) has selected the Village of Croton-on-Hudson as a winner of NYCOM’s Local Government Achievement Award for 2025. This award recognizes the Village for its new Solar Canopy and Battery Energy Storage Initiative at the Croton-Harmon Train Station parking lot.
In commenting on the award, NYCOM President RuthAnn Loveless stated, “Croton-on-Hudson’s train station solar project is a powerful example of how municipalities can turn underutilized space into clean energy assets that benefit the entire community. This project reflects smart planning, strong partnerships and long-term thinking. I applaud Village Manager Bryan Healy and the Village Board for their leadership and commitment to sustainability.”
Mayor Brian Pugh stated, “Our village’s carport solar array continues a tradition of being a leader in sustainability – both environmentally and fiscally. Revenue from the array helps close the gap created by the loss of parking permit sales since the COVID-19 pandemic. This project contributed to the Village being able to adopt our second budget in three years without a tax rate increase. Thanks to the hard work of the Village’s Sustainability Committee, we are keeping greenhouse gas emissions out of the atmosphere and keeping money in our residents’ pockets.”
The project transformed approximately 10 acres of the Metro-North train station parking lot into a solar energy site featuring 10,000 panels capable of generating 4.2 MW of clean power. A companion battery energy storage system will store 3.5 MW of electricity, allowing energy to be delivered during peak demand hours. The solar power is subscribed to hundreds of local households and institutions, and the project will generate an estimated $485,000 per year in lease revenue for the Village.
The initiative also includes an innovative stormwater drainage system, funding by the Village and will reduce DPW time and costs by minimizing the need to plow and salt areas beneath the canopies. Residents have praised the project for its environmental impact, civic pride and everyday conveniences like covered parking and improved lighting.
The award was presented today at NYCOM’s Annual Meeting in Bolton Landing. Accepting the award on behalf of the Village was Village Manager Bryan Healy.
