Rye Brook selects consultant and accepts state grant funding to study Brook Lane stormwater modifications

The Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees approved hiring Ramble Emeritus Engineering Solutions Inc. to perform engineering work on a proposed stormwater drainage modification project in the Brook Lane area, using a state grant to pay the consultant’s fee.

The board accepted Ramble’s written proposal at an estimated cost of $100,000 and authorized the mayor and administrator to execute necessary documents, subject to final agreement modifications by village counsel. The work will be advanced from the village’s FY 2025–26 general fund consultant account and reimbursed in full by the grant the village identified as coming from New York State Homes Community Renewal’s resilient investments program (referred to in the meeting as the RISK program). The motion passed on a recorded vote with Trustees Epstein, Fisher, Heizer, Merlino and Mayor Klein voting yes.

Village staff described the scope as a heavy reconnaissance and analysis effort including hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of the watershed, development of three conceptual options, and preparation of a single preferred option to a 30% design level. A staff speaker explained the firm will perform a benefit-cost analysis and that the funding available in the awarded grant supports work up to the 30% design stage; the village would then seek additional grants or funding to bring any preferred design to final construction documents.

Administrator Chris and the Superintendent of Public Works explained that proposal evaluation considered experience with the Blind Brook watershed, the firms’ quality of staff and methodology, familiarity with federal and state requirements, and financial responsibility. Staff said Ramble (the meeting repeatedly referred to the firm as “Ramble” or “Ramble Associates”) was selected as best value and that the state reviewer approved the firm for reimbursement. Board members noted Ramble was the second-lowest cost among proposals and that the difference was “de minimis.”

Trustees asked whether the consultant will complete full design; staff and the firm’s representative said the selected consultant will take one preferred option to a 30% design and prepare the materials and documentation (including benefit‑cost analysis) needed to apply for subsequent construction funding. If awarded, those future grants would fund further design and construction.

The board also heard that the village has ongoing stormwater efforts in other neighborhoods (Rich Manor, Yvonne Circle) and that completing the Brook Lane analysis is part of a multi-year effort to pursue buyouts, designs and construction where grant funding is available. The authorization included a direction to advance the consultant invoice from village funds until grant reimbursement is made.