October 14, 1998

Contact: Geoffrey Ryan (718/595-5371)

Old King Building In Katonah Becomes New 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 that the old King building on City-owned property in Katonah has been completely renovated for use as The Community Center. The public is invited to the Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to be held at the site, 84 Bedford Road in Katonah, on Saturday, October 17th, starting at 1:00 P.M. Tours of the facility will be conducted until 4:00 P.M.

Commissioner Miele said, "Less than two years ago, the King Building was in dilapidated and dangerous condition and the City had scheduled its demolition. At the last hour, community members and officials came to us with an idea for renovating the building to serve the community. The City halted its demolition plans and reached an agreement with the Town of Bedford that would allow the renovation to proceed. Today, in an astonishing display of community spirit, of volunteer labor and donated materials, the building has been completely renovated. 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. This is another demonstration of the spirit of cooperation that has been created 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 the building as a home for The Community Center answers a long-felt need in our town and all of northern Westchester County, and the renovated structure will be an attractive asset for the community. I want to take this opportunity, once again, to thank all of the people whose extraordinary efforts and contributions helped us realize our dream"

"Because The Community Center is so close to the Muscoot Reservoir, DEP ensured that water quality protection measures would be taken during renovation and would remain in place thereafter," said Commissioner Miele. "An environmental consultant identified sensitive natural resources that might have been affected by the project. Landscaping at the site has included such erosion control measures as plantings, construction of retaining walls, the use of wood chips on paths, and keeping in place all trees larger than four inches in diameter."