KATONAH, N.Y. - The community gathered with state and local officials on Jan. 16 to officially break ground on the building renovation project at the Community Center of Northern Westchester (CCNW).
Executive Director Clare Murray and other CCNW personnel were joined by Board President Ryan Becker, project architects KG&D, site engineers Insite Engineering, landscape designers Benedek & Ticehurst, contractor Eric Kelly of W.A Kelly Construction, Assemblymembers Dana Levenberg and Chris Burdick, and Bedford Town Supervisor Ellen Calves along with a crowd of enthusiastic supporters who braved the cold to see the next step in the expansion project 30 years in the making.
The Community Center of Northern Westchester provides access to food, clothing, and programs designed to help promote self-sufficiency and well-being for area residents. A hub of local emergency resources, CCNW currently serves more than 3,000 food insecure families each year, provides support to 670 seniors, receives and distributes 800,000 pounds of food, facilitates 13,000 pantry visits and home deliveries, equips 1,600 children with school supplies, and conducts job skills training among countless other services.
Operating out of their 3,500 square foot building at 84 Bedford Road in Katonah since 1997, the CCNW eventually outgrew the space.
In October, Assemblymembers Levenberg and Burdick were able to secure a $2 million grant from New York State which will help facilitate the renovation and expansion of the CCNW facility.
Improvements and upgrades will include:
Renovations of the current facility and construction of a 3,500 sq. ft addition with energy efficiencies as a priority.
Expanded client service areas with a larger food pantry and flexible use classroom.
An elevator to provide universal access.
A spacious donation room with dedicated donor parking to streamline contributions.
A covered food delivery and storage area.
Significant site development to increase parking and improve traffic flow.
Land improvements for storm water management and eco-friendly landscaping featuring native plants.
The center currently operates out of a temporary location at 669 Bedford Road in Bedford Hills.
Before placing the ceremonial shovels in the ground, Executive Director Clare Murray offered remarks to the crowd.
“There have been all sorts of twists and turns, but you have all been with us for this journey,” Murray said. “And now we’re so close, and we’re so excited to be able to provide our services out of our newly renovated and expanded facility.”
Looking to the future, Murray joyfully explained some of the many benefits that the new facility will enjoy.
“We’re really excited that we’re no longer going to have to play traffic wardens out here,” Murray joked. “We’ll have a one-way circular driveway and more parking and greater accessibility to everyone in the community. We’ll have an elevator for universal access and more space for our clients, and we’ll be able to serve them with greater dignity and respect. It’s because of the support of all of you and the whole community that has made this happen.”
“The Community Center of Northern Westchester is not just a place where people can seek assistance with food, clothing and career counseling, it’s also a place where they can get help turning their lives around,” added Assemblymember Burdick, “The positive difference that CCNW makes in our communities cannot be overstated. I’m thrilled that my colleague Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg and I were able to secure funding in the NY State budget to help make this expansion a reality.”
CCNW is provided with a long-term lease by the Town of Bedford, with Supervisor Ellen Calves calling it “a crown jewel in our town.”
“Supporting Clare and her team to help facilitate this much-needed renovation and expansion plan is an honor,” said Calves.
For more information, visit www.communitycenternw.org
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