I am pleased to advise you that work on the Ashford Avenue project resumes on Monday, September 8. During the first week or so, work crews will be focusing on two major items. The first item to receive attention will be the mountain of debris, dirt, and old asphalt which has accumulated on Ardsley Road near Sprain Valley Road. In addition to the elimination of an aggravating eyesore, the site is needed for a staging area for an office trailer, equipment and supplies. The second item to receive attention will be the ludicrous utility pole which will be removed from the middle of the road near the corner of American Legion Drive and Ashford Avenue. A detailed timetable for other needed items has not been released yet by NYS DOT. However, a representative has shared with me that November 30, 2003 is the latest date when all work (except landscaping) should be completed. Columbus Construction Company of Mount Vernon, NYS DOT's subcontractor, will be performing all the work. In deference to the morning school bus schedules work on the road will be delayed each day until 8:30 am. However, no such accommodation can be made at the end of the school day and work will continue to 3:30 pm

You may recall that a similar work resumption letter had been mailed out in early July. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, the bonding company for the project experienced financial difficulties, and the project came to a standstill, again. Thanks to the efforts of a telephone campaign by Village officials, Cheryl Murray at the Governor's Regional Office in Peekskill, Pat Keegan in Congresswoman Nita Lowey's White Plains office, the staff of State Senator Nicholas Spano's Yonkers office, helpful reporting by The Rivertowns Enterprise, The Journal News, and CBS Channel 2 News, and a site visit by John Haggerty of Governor Pataki's Executive Chambers in mid August, the project has been jump-started and, hopefully, will be completed before the

onset of winter. Expect subsequent construction updates as more details

become available. Should you have specific or immediate concerns, the preferred method to contact me is at manager@ardsleyvillage.com. Of course, the downside to all this newly resumed activity will be traffic snarls so commuters and parents of Middle School children please build in the extra time to get to your destinations. On behalf of the construction crews and our police officers, please indulge us with your continued patience. It is most appreciated!