Piermont's Drawbridge May See Art Installation

Piermont's Bridge Street Bridge—an old-time drawbridge that spans Sparkill Creek—may be getting a $10,5000 addition.

Rockland's Art in Public Places Committee (APPC) has expressed an interest in installing an exhibit—be it sculpture, a bench or something else entirely—on or around the historic bridge. The committee was started in 1986 when county executives passed a law that allowed one percent of the bonded capital cost of county government construction projects to go toward the arts. The committee has $10,500 for this specific project.

"The committee always works very slowly with the village," explained Erin Martin, who works with the APPC. She added that the installations are historically-minded. Two months ago, the APPC dedicated a new sculpture by the Rockland County Courthouse.

Village officials expressed hope that the art installation will maintain the bridge's aesthetic.

"A lot of effort went into restoring the bridge to it's original form," said Chris Sanders, Piermont's mayor. "Now you're looking to add a completely new element."

"It's an interesting idea, but I understand the concern," added trustee Steve Silverberg.

The project is still in its early stages; the village is set to select a liaison to work alongside the APPC.