Dobbs Awards Bid to Coppola for Shoreline Stabilization

Dobbs Ferry's Board of Trustees voted unanimously Wednesday to award a bid to Coppola Paving and Landscaping Corp. to complete the village's waterfront stabilization project.

Coppola's bid—$1.38 million—was the second-lowest of 18 officials received on June 24.

"We completed an extensive review process of the four lowest bidders last week," explained Matt Daniels, an engineering consultant for Dobbs Ferry. "We felt Coppola had the most experience with similar projects of equal or greater scope."

Shoreline stabilization is just part of a $6 to 7 million waterfront revitalization project that will include upland improvements as well. 

The village has pledged to bond up to $1 million for shore stabilization, The New York Department of State has granted $2 million for shore stabilization and local philanthropist and Dobbs Ferry resident Marie McKellar has pledged to donate $1 million—with an additional $500,000, if the village can match it in private donation—to assure the project comes to fruition.

for the park to help complete its RiverWalk trail throughout the county. 

Village Administrator Marcus Serrano said the shoreline stabilization element should take four-to-five months, and that work would begin in September if all goes smoothly. 

Dobbs Ferry's shoreline has not been reenforced for more than 50 years, Daniels said, and therefore is at risk for erosion and possible collapse. He assured trustee that Coppola's plan is much more modern and durable than the last attempt—made purely of rock.

Mayor Hartley Connett asked Eric Coppola, the company's president, whether the project would disrupt traffic and parking at the train station.

Coppola, whose company constructed the train station lot, said it should not. The only disruption will be for deliveries, which he plans to have made "during off-peak hours."

The village has worked a 15 percent contingency into the agreement in case contractors run into any unforeseen problems.

"The project should be pretty cut and dry," Coppola said.

Plans for Dobbs Ferry's revamped waterfront include: a scenic walking trail, children's playgrounds, picnic areas, a performance stage, comfort station, a kayak launch area and a lawn for games or relaxing.