Town board approves $12.9 million filtration plant for Carmel Water District No. 2

The Town of Carmel on June 3 approved a package of resolutions that authorizes construction of a new water filtration plant for Carmel Water District No. 2 and the issuance of bonds to finance the project, with the board setting a maximum estimated cost of $12,911,963.

At a public hearing before the vote, residents asked whether demolition of existing structures on the Brewster Road site and related costs were included in the estimate and how environmental hazards would be handled. Town staff and consultants said the $12.9 million figure covers demolition and installation and includes contingency allowances for unforeseen conditions; they also said abatement of asbestos and lead paint will be required before any demolition or training exercises can proceed. A grants manager for the town’s engineering consultant said the town plans to reapply for the Water Infrastructure and Innovation Act (WIIN/WEIA) grant in the coming round; WEIA funding can reach up to $5 million, and the town’s income survey could qualify it for 0% financing that would lower borrowing costs.

The town read a public-notice statement describing the project, including the SEQR determination that the action is an "unlisted action" under New York State environmental review regulations and a public-hearing opportunity for comment. After hearing public comment, the board adopted a "public interest" order authorizing the project and separately approved bond issuance to fund it. Both resolutions were read into the record and approved by roll call.

Town staff said they are exploring a county partnership to assist with demolition work; staff noted environmental constraints will drive the sequence of work — asbestos and lead paint must be sampled and abated before demolition or training exercises could occur. A staff member (Rich) also updated the public on operational steps: water restrictions in District 2 will remain in place through September while the tank behind ShopRite is being filled and accredited; the Lindy tank will be drained, demolished and replaced over the summer.

Votes at a glance
- Public-interest order approving facilities improvements for Carmel Water District No. 2 (maximum estimated cost $12,911,963): adopted by roll call.
- Resolution authorizing bond issuance to pay for the project (amount authorized: $12,911,963): adopted by roll call.
(Other routine resolutions approved that evening are summarized in the meeting record.)

Why it matters
The board’s action moves a multi-million-dollar water treatment project into the financing and design phase, a step officials say is necessary to address operational constraints in Water District No. 2. Residents and the board repeatedly urged pursuit of grant funding and county collaboration to reduce local costs and accelerate remediation work.

What residents asked
Several members of the public pressed officials for detail: whether demolition costs were included, how hazardous materials would be handled, what contingency was built into the estimate and whether the town would seek grants or county assistance. Officials answered that demolition and installation are included in the $12.9 million estimate, that abatement will be required where hazardous materials are present, and that the town will continue applying for grant funding including the WEIA program.

Next steps
Town staff said they will continue environmental sampling and abatement planning, pursue grant funding, and proceed with the bond issuance process to fund the project. Officials indicated further design, permitting and coordination with county entities will follow before construction begins.