FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2014
MEDIA CONTACTS: Ryan Mulholland, Sam Marksheid, and Rebecca Cheng | (516) 869-7794
Town Board Approves Funding for Infrastructure, Environmental and Park Improvements Throughout the Town
North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the North Hempstead Town Board unanimously approved funding for several long-awaited capital projects throughout the Town at their March 11th Town Board meeting. The Supervisor’s capital plan is focused mostly on projects related to infrastructure and park improvements to existing Town roads and facilities as well as projects which will improve the quality of our water.
“Approving bonding now will allow us to have the flexibility to borrow the necessary funds so that we have the opportunity to start work on these important projects in late spring and summer,” Supervisor Bosworth said. “These projects are critical to the long-term health of our environment and to providing top-notch recreational services to our residents.”
Supervisor Bosworth also announced that in an effort to increase transparency and work collaboratively with the community and elected Town Council Members, a public Town Board work session will be scheduled within the next month to review detailed presentations of the specific projects outlined in the five year draft capital plan.
The Town Board approved $17 million in bonding resolutions town-wide with more than $6.3 million of that being reimbursed through federal, state and county grants and $2 million dedicated to road reconstruction and repaving throughout North Hempstead.
Town Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio whose district includes Port Washington, said of the projects, “I am pleased by both by the process and the outcome. I suggested -- and the supervisor agreed -- to hold work sessions in advance of voting on major projects, and this is working extremely well. Bonding for these improvements in Port Washington will maintain and improve our town, especially at it relates to the waterfront which is such a valuable asset.”
Port Washington projects include:
- North Sheets Creek Restoration: This project includes the replacement of an existing boat ramp, construction of a concrete seawall, installation of drainage structures, restoration of wetland areas and dredging a portion of the boat channel.
- Alvan Petrus Recreational Facility: This will rehabilitate the area and make this facility accessible to residents. The basketball court will be repaved and landscaping will be done to create picnic areas.
- Hempstead Harbor Nature Trail: This will continue the hiking trail along the west side of Hempstead Harbor.
- Essex Court Drainage: This project will enhance storm water drainage in this residential neighborhood off of Port Washington Boulevard, including new drainage catch basins, manholes and interconnecting pipe and road restoration.
- Beachway Outfall Restoration Project: This project will install a catch basin filter insert on the west end of Beachway, which is off of North Plandome Road.
In addition, an engineering study has been authorized for aquatic sand removal in Hempstead Harbor using grant funding.
Councilwoman Anna Kaplan, whose district includes Manhasset, said of the projects, “I am excited at the prospect of moving forward with these wonderful capital improvements that will add much-needed features to our parks and enhance safety in the Plandome Road area.”
Manhasset projects include:
- Manhasset Valley Park Playgrounds and Comfort Stations: Manhasset Valley Park re-opened last year with two brand-new turf athletic fields. This new project will add men’s and women’s restrooms, and a small concession area as well as new playgrounds.
- Plandome Pond Park Aquatic Sand Removal: This project will remove approximately 500 cubic yards of sediment from the pond.
- Whitney Pond Park Pool: This project consists making the necessary infrastructure improvements at the pool.
- Plandome Road Improvements: The goal of this project is to calm traffic on Plandome Road by widening the intersection of Plandome Road and Manhasset Avenue, including traffic signal modifications.
In Roslyn, $2.5 million in funding was approved to begin water quality improvements for the three ponds that are connected via stream at Gerry Pond Park in Roslyn.
More than $2.8 million in grants are available for funding for the entire project from Nassau County, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of State. Phase I of the project is expected to begin this year and once that is completed the Town will apply for new grants to acquire funding for the remainder of the project.
Councilman Peter Zuckerman added, “Many of my constituents visit and enjoy the scenic nature of Gerry Pond Park, which has become such an integral part of our Town. I am pleased that the pond will be preserved so it can be enjoyed by Town residents for decades to come.”
Please call 311 or 516-869-6311 from outside the Town for more information on any of these projects.
North Sheets Creek
Hempstead Harbor Nature Trail
The pond at Whitney Pond Park. A new swimming pool will be constructed at the park.
The baseball field at Manhasset Valley Park
Gerry Pond Park