The clocking is ticking on Port Chester's day-to-day management.
With its post still officially vacant, Port Chester only has two months left before its full-time village manager leaves office.
, who has been village manager since 2008, has turned in his resignation and is set to leave office on Oct. 5.
Russo's resignation comes as Port Chester is in the middle of some key issues:
- Coming up with a new Comprehensive Plan for the village's future, and an updated zoning code to go with it to control future development.
- Completing the changeover in the way in which the village collects revenue for sewer usage. The village plans on charging for sewer usage based on water consumption. However, the village has not completed the billing system that will generate fees.
- Solving the problems with the that supports the Port Chester waterfront.
On , Russo told the village Board of Trustees on Monday night that specifications for bids on the waterfront bulkhead repair are expected to be published on Friday.
The project, Russo said, is expected to cost from $5 million to $6 million. He expects potential bidders will need about a month to examine the scope of the project and submit bids.
Going to Florida
Russo said his departure from Port Chester can up quickly.
“This is something that was kind of unexpected," Russo. "In this business if
you are going to make a move the position you are looking for needs to
be open. The mayor from Sunny Isles Beach, FL, who I have remained
close with, contacted me and asked me if I wanted my old job back. I
was planning to head down that way in a couple of years anyway. I am
not leaving because of anything here in Port Chester, I have really
enjoyed my time here. I think we have accomplished a lot and there are
still some things I plan to finish before I leave in October. With the
opportunity coming open I just felt it was the right time to make the
move.”
Port Chester resident Bea Conetta said the village will miss Russo.
Chris Russo leaving is going to be a very big loss," Conetta said. "To me, this administration has begun to turn this town around. A lot of things have been turned around and the entire staff has done a great job but [Russo] has been a great part of that.”
