Yorktown considers adding interactive information boards

The Yorktown Town Board is exploring the possibility of installing digital information kiosks to make it easier for residents and visitors to access town announcements, calendars and community information.

Representatives from HootBoard gave a virtual presentation during the July 7 Town Board meeting, demonstrating how the interactive kiosks can display municipal events, department information, public notices and local attractions. The kiosks can be installed indoors or outdoors and customized with the town's logo and branding.

Supervisor Ed Lachterman said the idea came about after town officials noticed flyers all around Town Hall and started looking for a more organized way to share information with the public.

“We also realized that there were no true directional signs. Instead of just putting arrows and signs all over the place we thought that this would be an interesting idea that could also help improve constituent services,” Lachterman told Yorktown News. “It would be another layer of transparency for the town as well as an asset to those needing information.”

The system would allow town staff or designated administrators to update content, while individual departments could submit announcements for approval. The kiosks could also connect residents with resources such as event calendars, office directories, public transportation information and local guides.

Potential locations discussed included Town Hall and other public buildings, such as the Albert A. Capellini Cultural Center. Board members also asked about cost, maintenance, security and whether the kiosks would offer something beyond what residents can already find on the town's website.

Officials also discussed the possibility of installing outdoor kiosks, such as at Railroad Park to increase community engagement, giving residents and visitors access to town information, events and announcements while visiting parks, the business district and other public spaces.

“That is where the genesis of looking for the outside model to go in front of Railroad Park came from,” Lachterman said. “We have a ton of people that come through on the bike path that could appreciate what we have to offer as a town.”

The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce recently implemented the technology inside its Peekskill office at 1 South Division St. and told Yorktown News that it has allowed the organization to “promote upcoming events and help visitors discover local businesses.”

The chamber is also using QR codes linked to its HootBoard at member locations to connect businesses and provide consumers with an easy way to find businesses by category. It is preparing to offer advertising opportunities through the platform.

The proposal to bring the technology to the town is estimated to cost $26,398, according to the vendor’s quote. The total includes $20,998 for hardware and related costs, as well as a $5,400 annual software subscription.