HoehmTown Happenings

West Nyack Revitalization Update

I’m pleased to announce that Phase II of the West Nyack Revitalization project is now underway. As most people know, the historical hamlet center and surrounding residential areas have been plagued by flooding issues for generations. This project offers significant improvements to the stormwater management infrastructure in the area, which along with the Klein Avenue levee will greatly improve the quality of life for residents and protect the investments of our property owners and local businesses. 

The stormwater management aspect of the project is highlighted by the replacement of the severely outdated and undersized culverts that run under West Nyack Road near the Post Office. In addition to the retention ponds and landscaping provided in Phase I, the installation of new, high-capacity culverts will result in much better drainage and stormwater control in the area. Also, this portion of West Nyack Road will be raised to provide additional protection against flooding in the roadway. Additional catch basins will be installed in several key areas along the stretch from Strawtown Road to Western Highway, resolving some existing issues where water tends to accumulate along the roadside now. 

Another major benefit of the project will come from improvements to storm resiliency resulting from the undergrounding of utility wires in the area. Power and other utility lines will be moved underground from along the Village Square plaza down to Sorce Funeral Home. This will provide more reliable power and communication connectivity to our residents and businesses while also enhancing the aesthetics of the area. 

Traffic flow and safety will also be greatly improved, as the existing triangle at the split of West Nyack Way bordered by West Nyack Road, will be converted into a true 4-way intersection. West Nyack Road will be pushed to the south in this area and new parking and some additional green space will be added in the area opened up by this re-alignment. This will also eliminate the issue of cars backing out directly onto the road from the shopping center at 726 West Nyack Road. That parking lot will now be buffered by a curb and sidewalk, creating a much safer flow from the center onto West Nyack Road.

The broader scope of the revitalization project will offer tremendous enhancements to parking, streetscape appeal, walkability, and traffic flow in the area.  In addition to the 15 recently added parking spaces at Fulton Avenue, 30 new on-street parking spaces and 26 municipal lot spaces will be added on and along West Nyack Road.  New sidewalks and decorative streetlights will be installed, creating a highly walkable connection between our new park and the existing shops and restaurants. A new fountain and some additional green space will be added adjacent to Klein Avenue. 

The Town appreciates your patience as these much-needed improvements are implemented. As many residents may be aware, the process of this revitalization has been in discussion for over two decades. The town worked diligently to secure millions of dollars in state and federal grant funding to help support this project. To accommodate the installation of the new culverts and the undergrounding of the utility wiring, there will likely be a period of time when a section of West Nyack Road will be closed, but detours will be posted to make sure every business is accessible. Engineers from both the town and contractor are currently working hard  to minimize the timing and scope of any road closures. 

The end result of all these investments will be a full transformation of the downtown district into an inviting, walkable, and attractive space, serving as a source of pride for all of Clarkstown.