Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Plans to repave another 10 percent of the Franklin Square street network were outlined by Brian Kunzig, the commissioner of engineering for the Town of Hempstead, and Peter Martini, a representative from the Hempstead Highway Department, during a Franklin Square Civic Association meeting at John Street School on April 23.
Residents applauded the progress, although some voiced concerns about pedestrian safety, traffic control and neglected infrastructure.
Kunzig, who has worked in the Town office for three years, emphasized a long-term vision—to repave every road in town on a 20-year cycle.
There’s about 1,200 miles of roadway under the jurisdiction of the Town, Kunzig continued, stating that 64 miles span Franklin Square alone. He said the office plans on paving over 100 miles of roadway this upcoming year.
Balancing these projects with ongoing drainage and utility coordination efforts, he said, remains a complex task.
One area of contention is a section of Houston Road, which residents said hadn’t been paved in nearly 30 years. Kunzig noted that part of the street is scheduled for resurfacing in collaboration with National Grid, whose delayed utility work has pushed some paving timelines until 2026.
Martini said the Hempstead Highway Department has its hands full, as well.
In addition to storm drain cleaning and pothole repair, he said, the department is responsible for coordinating tree removals and sidewalk maintenance—though sidewalk upkeep responsibilities often fall to property owners.
Martini acknowledged complaints about areas like Catherine Avenue and Washington Street, where speeding and cut-through traffic have sparked calls for more enforcement.
John Israel, president of the FSCA, addressed his concerns about the cut-through traffic in areas around Franklin Avenue. “It’s as if the stop signs don’t exist,” he said.
Martini said the department is exploring creative solutions, such as speed-reducing striping, but noted that the installation of traffic signals falls under Nassau County’s jurisdiction.
Pedestrian safety was another major concern discussed during the meeting, specifically near the Franklin Square Public Library.
Mark Shimnoski, a librarian from the Franklin Square library, raised issues about the municipal parking lot across the street. “There’s so much uneven pavement that people can tumble very easily,” he said.
Shimnoski also cited poor lighting, faded striping, and a string of nighttime accidents.
“A lot of people are scared,” Shimnoski said. “They have to walk in groups back to their cars.”
Kunzig promised to coordinate with the Highway Department to improve markings and explore LED lighting and security camera installation with the public safety office.
Still, he said, funding remains a hurdle. Because district laws require local assessments to pay for parking lot improvements, Kunzig explained, larger upgrades may depend on community support and elected officials’ backing.
Meanwhile, the heavily traveled Hempstead Turnpike continues to draw criticism.
Though Hempstead Turnpike is under the jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Transportation, residents are frustrated by potholes and drainage issues—especially near Belmont Park. The Town plans to raise these concerns with state representatives, Kunzig said, while exploring solutions like porous pavement to reduce water pooling.
Despite challenges, officials remain optimistic. With construction season now underway and ground temperatures finally rising above 40 degrees, paving is set to ramp up through late fall.
“A lot of our success has to do with the great team and the Town Board support that we have now,” Kunzig said.
For Franklin Square residents, the future may look smoother, but only if community voices continue to shape the path forward.
According to members of the Franklin Square Civic Association, joining the organization is a great way to get involved in the community, keep up with pressing issues and provide the opportunity to address concerns.
Information about the civic association can be found at FSQCivic.org, where Franklin Square residents can find out when and where monthly meetings are.
