Rockville Centre's Maple Avenue set to undergo renovation

Late this week or early next week, contractors are expected to break ground on the renovation of Maple Avenue, a project that will last at least through next spring, village spokesman Jeff Kluewer says.

The first phase of the project, which will run until the end of the year, will get under way after the village receives all of the large concrete manhole assemblies — many of which already line the road — that it needs to replace. The focus of the early renovation work will be on the street’s infrastructure, and it will include the replacement of nearly 4,200 feet of electrical conduits, 1,200 feet of water main upgrades and 15 of the manholes leading to the electrical system below the street.

The first phase of the work will also include new lighting for the street as well as lighting conduit upgrades and drainage improvements.

Mayor Francis Murray described Maple Avenue, a stretch of just under a mile between North Long Beach Road and North Park Avenue that runs parallel to the Long Island Rail Road tracks, as the “Fifth Avenue of Rockville Centre” because it is the venue for all of the village’s parades.

According to Murray, U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy helped secure a $1.2 million grant to fund the rehabilitation. Murray also credited the village’s two part-time grant writers for their help in securing the federal funds.

According to Kluewer, when the work is completed, the roadway will be “patched as required to accommodate vehicle and pedestrian traffic.”

The second phase of the renovation, which will continue next spring, will include the repaving of the road. The village will also add plantings as well as colored, stamped concrete at several crosswalks that will resemble cobblestone.

Village officials said they hope to secure additional funding to add ornamental street lamps, similar to those on Front Street, as well as park benches and extra plantings for the street on which the Village Green, the village’s Electric and Water Department offices, a firehouse and several shops, houses and apartment buildings are located.

“This project will beautify Maple Avenue and will also substantially improve our water and electric infrastructures now and for decades to come,” Murray said. “Next year, when we have finished the project, this area will show the village at its very best and be a source of pride for our residents.”