On April 24 I had the distinct honor of emceeing Toast and Tribute, an event sponsored by the Marlborough Democratic Committee to thank former Supervisor Al Lanzetta and Councilman Howard Baker for their service to the Town.  Combined, they served our community for over two decades.  We, the residents of Marlborough, are enjoying many of the projects they fostered and brought to fruition.  

While compiling my thoughts, I thought back on their accomplishments, which are many.  I had an astonishing realization about just how much money was infused into our community to pay for those projects they championed  If I outline the grants and aid the Town received under their leadership you will understand  what their full-time work got for us.  It totals more than $ 4,000,000. 

That’s correct, four million dollars. A considerable amount of that money was raised from grant applications through sources they contacted and nurtured during their tenures in office.  In addition, having an admirable working relationship with our elected State Senators Larkin and Skoufis, and NY State Assemblymen Skartados and Jacobson.  Over $1,000,00 of our tax money was returned back to our Town for needed capital improvements, the costs of which would have otherwise fallen upon the taxpayer, such as: sewer extension, Highway Dept. roof, playground rebuild and the TOMVAC rehabilitation.  
 

  Please note the list as I found it:

$1,000,000 Milton Landing 
$800,000 TOMVAC restoration to a community center
$135,000 Milton Waterfront Development Grant
$150,000 Repair Highway Dept. Roof
$101,000 Ulster County Planning & an additional grant of $7,500 for 9W Corridor Study
$50,00 recovered funds Train Station roof
$150,000 Exterior Renovation Train Station
$40,000 DEC grant for Feasibility Study of Milton Pier Reconstruction
$313,000 NYS ESD Grant for Pier Reconstruction
$60,000 Safe Streets to School Sidewalk Grant
$250,000 Marlboro Sidewalks Member Item
$98,000 Parks & Recreation funds for Watson Ave/Dock Road Park
$500,000 Member Item for 9W sewer extension, Marlboro
$4,000 Greenway Grant  Milton Landing Trail
$150,000 Member Item, Senator Larkin for new inclusive playground 
$10,000 Cultural Resource Survey Grant
$80,000 donated material and labor Marlboro Nature Trail
$40,000 for a kayak launch
$560,000 to complete the waterfront projects in Milton.

We are already enjoying many of the recreational opportunities and improved facilities they worked so hard to complete. In addition, our local economic growth promises to benefit from the waterfront development and infrastructure they oversaw.

On behalf of a grateful community, may I say thank you again to Al Lanzetta and Howard Baker. Your labors will serve us for many years to come.