Carmel seeks millions in state grants for parks, waterfront and dam projects  

The town of Carmel is taking a hopeful big step toward securing millions of dollars in state funding for park improvements, waterfront planning and critical infrastructure projects after the Town Board unanimously approved a resolution committing local matching funds needed to compete for four major grant programs. 

The resolution, approved July 8, authorizes the town to submit applications through New York State's Consolidated Funding Application process, which pools numerous state grant opportunities into a single annual application cycle. 

The grants could help fund improvements at Jimmy McDonough Park and Airport Park, a comprehensive planning study of the town's waterfront properties, and restoration work at two aging dams. 

"The resolution allows us to apply," Kevin Kernan, chief of staff to Supervisor Michael Cazzari, said in an interview following the meeting. "A lot of times you have to show the government you have the money in the bank. We have to show that we are going to spend the money." 

The largest planning effort involves the state's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, which could provide between $50,000 and $2 million, with the town responsible for a 25 percent local match. 

Rather than focusing on a single location, the proposed study would examine the town's lakefront holdings as a whole, including municipal property along Lake Mahopac, former school district parcels now owned by the town, and Swan Cove. 

Kernan said the study would evaluate shoreline conditions, public access opportunities, emergency service needs, environmental concerns, recreational possibilities, and future capital improvements. 

"The end goal is to provide a framework for future waterfront revitalization projects," he said. 

The town is also pursuing Water Quality Improvement Project funding to restore the Tea Kettle Spout Lake Dam and the Lake Casse Dam. Those grants require a 25 percent local contribution and can range from $100,000 to as much as $15 million. 

Another application targets New York's recently created KICKS program, inspired by the FIFA World Cup, to improve soccer facilities statewide. Carmel hopes to secure funding to construct Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant walkways connecting the parking area to the soccer fields at Airport Park. The program requires a 50 percent local match. 

The fourth application seeks assistance through the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Grant Program for improvements at Jimmy McDonough Park. 

Earlier this year, the town unveiled a master plan outlining extensive renovations to the park, including upgrades to athletic fields, drainage, parking and other infrastructure. Town officials have since scaled back portions of the original proposal, reducing the estimated project cost to roughly $12 million before it is presented to voters in a future referendum. 

Kernan said the town plans to seek approximately $675,000 through the state parks grant, although officials are still determining which portions of the master plan would be included in the application. 

As chief of staff, Kernan said he has spent months coordinating the effort among town departments, engineers and the town’s grant consultant assembling the applications. 

"There is a lot of preliminary work, lots of legwork that New York State requires in order for you to be eligible," he said. "Whether or not we are successful is based on their review. We can only hope and pray." 

The town recently saw those efforts pay off when it received a $100,000 CREST grant for improvements at Camarda Park. 

That project will add ADA-accessible pathways connecting the pavilion with restroom and concession areas, replace aging chain-link fencing around the pavilion and playground, and upgrade outdated electrical infrastructure with improved lighting for events and everyday park use. 

"It is something we really want to focus on," Kernan said of improving accessibility in town parks. "It has been neglected and we want to correct past mistakes so everyone can access the town parks." 

He said the improvements reflect the priorities of both Cazzari and the Town Board. 

"It is how the supervisor and Town Board feel," Kernan said. "It is an important thing to do so we are not ostracizing anybody." 

The state is expected to review Consolidated Funding Application submissions over the coming months, with funding announcements anticipated sometime between November and December, Kernan said.