Feb. 12, 2014:  The Bronxville Board of Trustees took a first, tangible step toward upgrading the village's department of public works (DPW) facility on Palumbo Place. At its regular meeting on February 10, the board approved a resolution to hire Calgi Construction Management of White Plains to determine whether modifying the current DPW facility is feasible or whether a new complex should be built.

The current facility, built in 1942, is not large enough to house expensive trucks and equipment or provide adequate space for DPW employees to perform repairs.

Trustee Anne W. Poorman noted that restriction of Palumbo Place to one-way traffic grew from concern that DPW employees were "literally lying in the busy two-way 'cut-through' street repairing vehicles."

Trucks and equipment, which sit outside in all types of weather, suffer from the extremes and tend to have shorter useful lives. "We shoot ourselves in the foot," Poorman said, "because we buy really expensive equipment." She stated that although the DPW facility upgrade has been a topic of board discussion for approximately five years, budget realities have led to its deferment.

Calgi Construction Management, as part of its $23,550 contract, will meet with the appropriate DPW staff to prepare a detailed analysis of space and equipment needs; review existing space for possible modification to meet current and future needs; develop alternative site designs; and prepare schematic plans showing overall layout and room sizes for village review. Calgi will engage the services of an architect as well as electrical and mechanical engineers in developing a comprehensive plan for the site.

Harold Porr, village administrator, pointed out that since DPW operations cannot shut down during a renovation, Calgi will explore upgrading one area while the other stays in operation and will then overhaul the second. The DPW complex houses a salt barn.

Porr pointed out that the village has a positive track record with Calgi, as the company served the construction manager for the village hall renovation.

Deputy Mayor Robert Underhill stated that a key goal of the evaluation is to determine possibilities for the DPW facility given the magnitude of capital expenditure involved in the upgrade alternatives. He added that long-term financing for the duration of the project would be favorable in the current economic environment.

"I think we've seen in the last couple of months how important DPW is to the safety, well-being, and ambience of Bronxville," Poorman stated. "They do a fabulous job."

Pictured here:  Current DPW facility.

Photo by Carol P. Bartold