Governor Hochul Announces $13.4 Million to Support Three Projects in Westchester County

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $13.4 million in State funding to support three projects across Westchester County, strengthening public safety, expanding access to community resources and preserving a treasured Hudson Valley historic landmark.

"Investing in Westchester means preserving the Hudson Valley's rich history, providing firefighters with the support they need to protect their communities and modernizing our community spaces to ensure that Westchester remains vibrant and safe for decades to come," Governor Hochul said. "I'm proud to continue providing funding to support this community and those who work so hard to maintain it."

The investments include $6.3 million to fully renovate and reopen Fire Station #4 in the City of Mount Vernon, $4.1 million to modernize the auditorium at the Grinton I. Will Library in the City of Yonkers, and $3 million to complete the second phase of improvements at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson.

Mount Vernon Fire Station #4

The $6.3 million State investment will support the full renovation and reopening of Fire Station #4 in the City of Mount Vernon, which has been closed for nearly five years due to significant structural issues, including water damage, mold and ceiling deterioration. The closure forced firefighters to temporarily relocate and this funding will allow firefighters to return to the station.

Fire Station #4 covers the largest geographic service area in Mount Vernon, including six affordable housing developments supported by New York State Homes and Community Renewal. These developments represent approximately 900 homes, including 300 that are currently occupied and another 600 expected to come online within the next year.

Yonkers Will Library Auditorium Renovation

The State is committing $4.1 million to fully renovate and modernize the auditorium at the Will Library, one of the largest branches of the Yonkers Public Library system.

Originally constructed in the 1960s, the auditorium remains an important gathering space for educational, cultural and community programming, yet the space has not undergone significant improvements since its original construction. The funding will support improvements to the aging facility, helping modernize the space and ensure it continues to serve as an important educational, cultural and community resource for Yonkers residents.

Historic Hudson Valley's Van Cortlandt Manor Historic Preservation and Modernization

The $3 million State investment will support the second phase of critical infrastructure improvements at Historic Hudson Valley's Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, a National Historic Landmark and home to the annual Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, a popular Hudson Valley attraction that draws visitors to the region each fall.

The historic property serves as an important educational and cultural destination, providing visitors and students with opportunities to explore New York's colonial history, including the history of slavery in the state.

The first phase of improvements is already underway, supported by an initial $3 million federal grant and additional State and local investments that brought funding for the project to $5.6 million. The new $3 million State commitment will support the second phase of modernization, including $1.525 million for energy-efficient heat pumps to provide year-round climate control while protecting historic structures,$625,000 for a new workshop space where carvers and builders can support educational and cultural programming, and other upgrades.

State Senator Shelley Mayer said, "I applaud Governor Kathy Hochul for providing funding for three significant projects in Westchester County: the renovation and reopening of a major fire station in the City of Mount Vernon, the continued improvements to Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, and in my own district, the much-needed modernization of the auditorium at Grinton I. Will Library in Yonkers. For more than 60 years, the Will Library has served as a hub for the east side of Yonkers, providing the community not only with books but with cultural events, classes, programs for people of all ages and a place to gather. The auditorium, which seats 325, is one of the largest event spaces in Westchester but has not been updated since its opening. As a longtime supporter and patron of the library, I thank Governor Hochul for committing $4.1 million to renovate and modernize this invaluable resource in our community."

State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey said, "I am elated to hear of the investment of $13.4 million supporting Westchester County, specifically the $6.3 million investment in the full renovation and reopening of Fire Station #4 in the City of Mount Vernon. Since 2021, this critical station has been shuttered in an area that could ill afford it. In one of the most densely populated areas in the city- an area with the combination of older housing stock that is more fire-prone, along with it an area where necessary housing is being built, and experiencing significant growth made it challenging to not have a full station. Walking through the station and seeing the disrepair myself reinforces my extreme gratitude for Governor Hochul, someone who values our brave public servants and knows they deserve proper accommodations. If you're saving lives, you shouldn't have to risk yours. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, Fire Commissioner Kevin Holt, all of Mount Vernon's Bravest, my colleagues in government and all of the community advocates whose efforts help make these investments possible."

Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow said, "These investments represent a meaningful commitment to strengthening the communities we serve across Westchester County. The $6.3 million investment to restore Mount Vernon's Fire Station #4 will help ensure our firefighters have the facilities they need to protect residents, while the $4.1 million investment in the Will Library auditorium will revitalize an important community space for generations of Yonkers residents. I thank Governor Hochul for recognizing these critical needs and continuing to invest State resources in projects that improve public safety, strengthen our neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life for the people of Mount Vernon and Yonkers."

Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky said, "Thank you to Governor Hochul for making these investments in Westchester County's public safety and cultural resources. State support for our municipalities is essential to realizing local priorities that directly benefit our residents. These projects will help to ensure that Westchester remains a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place now and in the future."

City of Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said, "I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her commitment to fully renovating and modernizing the Will Library auditorium. Since the library was built in the 1960s, this space has served as an important hub for cultural enrichment, educational programming and community connection in Yonkers. This investment will ensure the auditorium continues to bring people together, support local arts and culture, and provide residents with a welcoming space to learn and engage for generations to come. We are grateful to the Governor for recognizing this community resource and investing in its future."

City of Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson- Howard said, "Every Mount Vernon family deserves to feel safe, and every firefighter deserves a safe, modern firehouse. Thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul's leadership and this $6.3 million investment, we are moving closer to reopening Fire Station #4 after nearly five years. As our city grows, our public safety infrastructure must keep pace. Our firefighters should never have to leave dangerous conditions in the line of duty only to return to unsafe conditions at their own firehouse. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued partnership and commitment to a safer, stronger Mount Vernon."

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, "These investments are about strengthening the communities that make Westchester County such a special place to live, work and raise a family. From ensuring Mount Vernon firefighters have a safe, modern fire station to serve their residents, to creating more welcoming spaces for learning and community gatherings in Yonkers, to preserving the history and cultural treasures of Van Cortlandt Manor, these projects will have a lasting impact. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued partnership and commitment to Westchester, and for recognizing the importance of investing in the safety, quality of life of our communities."

Historic Hudson Valley President Waddell Stillman said, "Historic Hudson Valley is grateful to Governor Hochul for this $3 million investment in Van Cortlandt Manor, which will help preserve this National Historic Landmark and ensure it remains an important educational and cultural resource for generations to come. These improvements will protect historic structures, expand opportunities for students to engage with New York's history, and enhance the visitor experience at a destination that brings people to the Hudson Valley and supports our regional tourism economy. We appreciate the State's partnership in preserving our shared history while preparing Van Cortlandt Manor for the future."