FamousNYLover Posted September 11, 2009 Share #1 Posted September 11, 2009 I just found this on Bee-Line News Press. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2009 FREE “STIMULUS” BUS DAYS ANNOUNCED AT UNVEILING OF PETRILLO PLAZA County hopes to stimulate shopping and Bee-Line ridership with FREE holiday bus rides Westchester County Executive Andy Spano announced a holiday shopping stimulus plan that would offer three free days of bus rides on the Bee-Line at today’s unveiling of the newly refurbished Petrillo Plaza in Mount Vernon. Spano was joined by Mount Vernon Mayor Clinton Young and County Legislator Lyndon Williams for the reopening of Petrillo Plaza – the county’s third busiest hub in the Bee-Line system. Spano said the $2.9 million facelift, which included new sidewalks, benches, bus shelters and lighting, would benefit the thousands of commuters who use the plaza each day. He used the occasion to announce three upcoming “shopping stimulus days” that the county hopes will attract new riders to the Bee-Line and shoppers to the stores. “The new Petrillo Plaza not only makes life easier and more comfortable for our Bee-Line bus riders, but it helps to revitalize downtown Mount Vernon,” said Spano. “What better way to enjoy this improved transit hub – and stimulate the economy – than by offering a county-wide series of fare-free days for residents to save money on gas and go shopping by bus.” Riders will be able to travel on Bee-Line buses (except for the BxM4C Westchester-Manhattan Express bus) at no charge during three Bee-Line Shopping Stimulus Days: Monday, October 12th- Columbus Day Friday, November 27th- After Thanksgiving Day Saturday, December 19th- Before Christmas. Spano said the free bus days may get even more people to try the Bee-Line and see the benefits of bus travel. The county, he said, plans to work with the business community to promote the shopping stimulus. Mayor Young emphasized the importance of revitalizing the city’s downtown business district and noted that his efforts to rehabilitate Petrillo Plaza date back to when he served as a county legislator. “This project has greatly improved the appearance of this block, improved traffic flow and increased the efficiency of one of the county’s most used transportation hubs,” Young said. “I’d like to thank County Executive Andy Spano for being a true partner of Mount Vernon as well as our County Legislator Lyndon Williams who saw this important project through to completion.” Williams said, “I am delighted that the project has been completed. This development has in fact beautified and uplifted Mount Vernon’s transportation district, making it a safer environment while establishing a more convenient and pleasurable commuting experience for city and county residents.” The project -- a joint initiative of Westchester County and the City of Mount Vernon -- has been in the works for about four years. Construction began in 2007 on the block bounded by Park Avenue and North Third Avenue alongside Metro-North’s New Haven Line train tracks. The improvements expanded the waiting area for Bee-Line passengers, doubled the width of sidewalks and installed new bus shelters and benches, street lighting and a landscaped center median along East Prospect Avenue. The street was also paved and new traffic signals and crosswalks installed. Additional beautification efforts included new trash receptacles, hanging plant baskets, curb extensions, information kiosks and pedestrian lighting. Spano and Young noted that $1.6 million came from the Federal Transit Administration, $991,307 from federal earmark funds received by the City of Mount Vernon, $200,000 from New York State and $200,000 from the county. Vernon Hills Landscaping of Mount Vernon was the general contractor for the project and the work was supervised by the county Department of Public Works. The project was designed by the county’s Planning Department. Link http://www.westchestergov.com/transportation/recent_press_releases.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EE Broadway Local Posted September 16, 2009 Share #2 Posted September 16, 2009 Thank you, Yuki! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.