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Cortlandt 9/11 Memorial to be Built in Two Phases

CORTLANDT, N.Y. - Construction of the Buchanan-Cortlandt-Croton 9/11 Memorial is now being planned in two phases, said project manager Janet Mainiero, after five contractors offered in-kind services.

Along with in-kind donations, the Cortlandt Town Board, Croton Board of Trustees and Buchanan Board of Trustees may possibly each donate cash toward the project. The three governments are discussing figures of $15,000, $8,000 and $4,000 respectively, for a total of $27,000. Cortlandt could vote on the proposal as soon as June 11.

No donations have been finalized by any of the municipalities yet; the inter-municipal agreement finalizing the design of the memorial would need to be amended by resolution if any of the governments decide to donate.

The estimated cost of the project has come down significantly, from original estimates of about $200,000, to a current high estimate of $85,000 for the entire project.

The high-end estimate of the project's Phase One is $35,000. Phase Two's high estimate is $50,000 - with the largest portion going to a life-size bronze statue.

"We are working with the contractor, as well as with suppliers, to determine what will be donated and what we will be responsible for," said Mainiero. "Currently, most of the equipment and labor will be donated. However, there are materials that will need to be purchased - or donated, if we are fortunate," Mainiero added.

Cortlandt Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi said she is in full support of the project. But not all members of the Cortlandt Town Board are convinced.

"We're asking for, and have not received, a detailed budget of what the memorial will receive," said council member Frank Farrell. "I'm concerned about making a commitment of the taxpayers' money, when I'm not even sure what it will cost."

"I understand that people on the committee have a good idea and want to honor the people that perished on 9/11, and I respect that. But I'm not comfortable going into an open-ended commitment," he said.

Mainiero said the foundation would be able to contribute about $20,000 toward the construction of the project, but some additional money collected will go toward insurance expenses.

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