Village looks to county for sidewalk funding

Warwick — The Village of Warwick is hoping to begin replacing sidewalks if it gets an Orange County Urban Consortium Community Development grant. This time the Village Board has its sights set on First Street and turning the corner onto South Street. Each year, the Orange County Office of Community Development administers the federal Community Development Block Grant Program. Municipalities may apply for funding for projects relating to infrastructure, improving recreational facilities and senior citizen centers, and supporting economic development. The village has used the money it has received to replace sidewalks and create handicap accessible bathrooms. So far, sidewalks have been replaced on Factory, Van Buren, John, and Howe streets. This year, the board decided to move over to the other side of Main Street, noting there is a lot of foot traffic on First Street, which also is the location of one of the village’s parking lots. “One side of First Street, the sidewalk is in terrible condition,” said Mayor Michael Newhard. “I would like to do extensive work on the residential side, including new sidewalk, curbing and tree planting, and possibly going around to South Street. There is lots of foot traffic on First Street, so I think it would be a priority.”