Millbrook sidewalk improvement’s final phase awaits additional funding

MILLBROOK — The final phase of a three year long sidewalk-improvement project on Franklin Avenue is slated to begin later this summer with funding almost in place.

The fourth and final stage covers the north side of Franklin Avenue from Friendly Lane to Front Street. According to Millbrook Mayor Peter Doro, the focal point of the project is to improve safety and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. As of Tuesday morning, July 7, a detailed funding plan for the construction has yet to be announced.

“The focus of the project, and of the grant itself, is ADA accessibility, improving accessibility for the villages, handicapped, senior and other populations that need help,” Doro said.

Dutchess County awarded a grant to partially cover the construction, with local taxpayers likely to cover the rest. The bid was set for discussion at a July 8 Board of Trustees meeting, and officials expect to set the financing structure for outstanding costs shortly after.

“We’re still figuring out how we’re going to structure the rest of the financing that is needed,” Doro said.

As of press time, a clear estimate of outstanding costs was not available as village trustees had not yet approved any bids. The grant award total also had not been announced.

Doro said additional information and questions regarding finances and payment will be discussed at the July 8 meeting.

The sidewalk-improvement project is expected to be complete by the start of winter, although an exact timeline is unclear.

Not every concrete slab of the north sidewalk needs restoration, but cracks and irregular steps will be smoothed out and bricks will be replaced with concrete. Additionally, the project includes the removal of one tree along the avenue and updated, safer crosswalks, including repainting.

Residents on Franklin Avenue on Saturday, July 4, said improving the sidewalks is necessary, although they worry how much taxpayer money will be going toward the project. Some didn’t know the construction was going to be taking place.

Doro refers to Franklin Avenue and the business district as the “lifeblood of the village.” He said businesses along the north sidewalk will remain open and accessible throughout construction.