RSS 2.0 FeedJuly 1, 2010, Wantagh Seaford Citizen
Denenberg discusses Wantagh Avenue road work
by Lauren Urban
County Legislator David Denenberg spoke about the ongoing construction on Wantagh Avenue, Bellmore Avenue and Merrick Road, as well as at Wantagh and Cedar Creek Parks, at a meeting at North Bellmore Library last week. “Wantagh Avenue and Bellmore Avenue are part of this year’s resurfacing project,” explained Legislator Denenberg.
In addition to money from last year’s budget for resurfacing, Wantagh Avenue received an additional $500,000 for “road improvements,” that could include curbing not included in the resurfacing budget. Despite the additional money, Wantagh Chamber of Commerce President Chris Brown is not completely satisfied.
Legislator Denenberg said at the meeting that “the roadways are [normally] resurfaced every four or five years.” However, Mr. Brown, who has worked in the community for 25 years, told the legislator, “It has been about 20 years since Wantagh Avenue was repaved.” In a follow-up phone interview, Mr. Brown stated, “The roads have potholes, speedbumps and the curbs are completely destroyed. Some areas don’t even have curbs.” The new $500,000 improvements will replace about 900 feet of curb, said Mr. Brown. “[The community and I] have been fighting for improvements for 10 or 15 years now...[The current resurfacing] is like putting a Band-Aid on the problem. Why not get it all done [at once]?” Mr. Brown did, however, express his gratitude and appreciation to Legislators Denenberg and Dennis Dunne for the current improvements, and said that he understands there are financial restraints. “Hopefully, down the road, when there is better financial footing, we can get it all done,” Mr. Brown concluded.
Bellmore Avenue is undergoing a large construction project as well. Not only is it being resurfaced, but it will need rehabilitation after that. It is not “an ideal situation” to resurface the road before rehabilitating it, but there was “no choice,” said Legislator Denenberg, because the road was “devastated by the winter” and the government is liable. The road rehabilitation will aim to fix such elements as drainage and curbing.
Merrick Road will also be receiving more than just resurfacing; it will receive revitalization and beautification, funded from last year’s capital plan’s million-dollar extension. The revitalization/beautification project includes decorative and antique lighting, brick pavers, benches, receptacles and fixing the curbs. High-rooted Bradford Pear trees that ruin the sidewalks are being replaced by other trees. The new trees will be aesthetically pleasing without blocking storefronts. The county plants trees twice a year, preferably in April and May.
Also included in reconstruction plans are Wantagh and Cedar Creek Parks. Wantagh Park recently received over $4 million for improvements. A new playground was installed, the tennis courts were resurfaced and the bulkheading was saved. In the future, the docks will be expanded to allow for an additional 40 boat slips, increasing boat owners’ chances in the lottery drawing. Cedar Creek Park received $1 million for an all-purpose turf field, as well as new T-ball fields.
