May 1, 1997

Contact: Geoffrey Ryan (718/595-5371)

City and Bedford Cooperate on Renovating King Building for Community Center

Commissioner Joel A. Miele Sr. of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Town of Bedford Supervisor John R. Dinin announced today a new partnership that will enable the Town to renovate a City-owned building for use as a Community Center.

Commissioner Miele said, "I am pleased that the Town of Bedford has found a creative purpose for re-use of this building in the heart of Katonah, and I am doubly pleased that the City has been able to help the Town in these efforts. Our agreement is another demonstration of the new spirit of cooperation between the City and the watershed communities."

"We are grateful that the City was willing and able to grant us a permit to renovate and use this building," said Bedford Supervisor Dinin. "The development of a Community Center answers a long-felt need in our town, and the renovated structure will be an attractive asset for the community."

Located at 92 Bedford Road in Katonah and known as the King Estate, the buildings on the property had been vacant for several years and were scheduled for demolition by DEP.

"When the Town suggested that the main building could serve as a Community Center," said Commissioner Miele, "we were delighted and staff members of DEP went to work at our end, while Bedford's officials and volunteers went to work at their end."

"On Saturday, May 3rd, a group of volunteers organized by the national organization, 'AmeriCares,' will start work on the King Estate" said Supervisor Dinin. "AmeriCares' efforts on our behalf are representative of what so many at DEP and in our community have done to make this dream come true."

The permit under which the building will be renovated and operated contains provisions to ensure that the City's water quality protection standards are adhered to, for instance:

• An environmental consultant will identify sensitive natural resources that might be affected by activity associated with the project;
• No trees larger than four inches in diameter may be cut down without permission of DEP; and
• The land will be restored upon completion of the renovation work.