Town divvies up majority of remaining ARPA funds

The Chester Town Board allocated most of its remaining ARPA [American Rescue Plan] money at its May 22 meeting. Of the $298,000 remaining from the COVID-era federal relief package, $100,000 was allocated for the development and execution of the town’s comprehensive plan, including $25,000 for a survey of Kings Highway in the Sugar Loaf area “to lay the groundwork for future sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian-friendly improvements,” the board explained.

Another $125,450 in ARPA money was earmarked for the installation of a generator at the Chester Senior Center on Laroe Road. The idea is to make the Senior Center an emergency center, as well as a heating and cooling center, which the town currently lacks.

During public comments, two Sugar Loaf residents spoke in favor of allocating money for a survey of the walkability of Sugar Loaf. Jeff Zahn, president of the Sugar Loaf Community Foundation, said, “Sugar Loaf is ready for a renaissance. So much is happening... sidewalks and traffic calming have long been considered important. We had no chance to address this until the town took over roads this year. We can’t do anything until we get the go ahead on the survey.”

Another resident by the name of Nick from Kings Highway in the heart of Sugar Loaf said, “Currently our community foundation is organizing several fundraisers. Begin the process of improving the business district by approving funds for the survey.”

It has already been decided, based on public opinion, that the improvements for Sugar Loaf will not include installation of speed bumps.

Other business

The RFP for services to the new EMS district for the Chester area has been completed and released to the public. The town of Chester will be implementing a new tax district to pay for EMS services contracted for the area. Supervisor Brandon Holdridge has said improving EMS response time is his top priority as a public servant.

Holdridge said, “We are finally at the point [where] we can release this. We have it written up. Proposals will be received at the office of town clerk ... until July 8.”

Holdridge announced that the town would be installing turf at the dog park and “no pets” signs at other town parks, including Carpenter Field and Chester Commons. He also said he had a meeting with the town engineer about making sure playgrounds are inclusive for disabled children.

The supervisor said the town received negative reactions from the state DOT on two requests. The request for a speed limit reduction for Kings Highway in Sugar Loaf was denied, as was the request to expedite the reconstruction of the 17M bridge. It remains on schedule for construction in late 2026 or early 2027.

The supervisor attended a municipal finance school with the town comptroller, which he called “very informative.” He also said his office is open to accept donations for the four families recovering from the fire at Whispering Hills. There were six affected families, but two of them said they did not need donations.

The town board appointed EJ Szulwach to the Chester Conservation Advisory Council. The board accepted two building moratorium waivers: one for a barn at 306 Black Meadow Rd. and one for a business at 1597 Rt. 17M.

Holdridge said he spoke to the town engineer about adding three to six handicap spaces at the Senior Center. The board tabled a vote on the matter until a later meeting.