Monday, January 20, 2025
Residents of Glen Cove’s Shore Road often say they feel their homes shake from passing cars and trucks, and that walking in their neighborhood is dangerous because there aren’t as many sidewalks as they’d like. In recent years, flooding has taken a toll on their quality of life as well.
Now, a long-awaited plan to improve safety, functionality and aesthetics along Shore Road has been presented by Lora Cusumano, a resident of Shore Road and a liaison to the county.
Unveiled at an online public meeting last week, the ambitious project, spearheaded by the Nassau County Department of Public Works, addresses a range of infrastructure challenges along the road’s 3.3-mile corridor through Glen Cove, Sea Cliff and Glenwood Landing.
The proposed upgrades include drainage improvements, traffic-calming measures, bike lanes and streetscape enhancements. The project is estimated to cost $14 million to $18 million, and would begin in 2026.
“This project is the result of years of advocacy and collaboration,” Cusu-mano said during the presentation. “It’s a reflection of the pride we feel in our community and our shared vision to make this area safer, more functional, and more beautiful for everyone.”
The County Legislature’s minority leader, Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, who has advocated for upgrades of the road, hailed the project as long overdue.
“For far too long, flooding along Shore Road has been a tremendous headache for all who live in, work in and visit this area, but with the steps that have been taken so far, I truly believe a fix is on the horizon,” DeRiggi-Whitton said in a news release. “This is one of the larger Nassau County capital projects, This project will be a big improvement to one of Glen Cove’s major gateway entrances.”
Shore Road begins at Glen Cove Avenue in Glen Cove, runs along City Stadium Park and becomes The Boulevard at Sea Cliff Beach. Over the years, safety has become such a concern that in 2018, Cusumano founded the Shore Road Neighbors Group, a Facebook page comprising like-minded residents who came together to make the case for what they said were desperately needed changes.
Flooding has been a persistent issue, especially near Scudders Pond and The Boulevard, and the project outlines extensive drainage improvements. At Scudders Pond, where a failed timber weir, or barrier, has led to backflow from tidal waters, new boards would be installed and debris cleared from the outfall pipe.
Similar improvements are proposed for other flood-prone areas, such as Carpenter Avenue and Hammond Road, where poorly graded flow lines and undersized pipes frequently cause water backup.
“These flooding issues have been a nuisance for years,” Cusumano said. “But they’re more than just a hassle — they’re a safety issue for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. These improvements will make a real difference.”
Additionally, upgrades near 14 The Boulevard would address inadequate inlet capacity by adding new drainage inlets and connecting them to a functional outfall system, mitigating the standing water and pooling that have disrupted daily life in the area.
A major focus of the project is improving traffic flow and safety on Shore Road. Five new bidirectional electronic speed-awareness devices would be installed to deter speeding, while several intersections would be reconstructed to enhance visibility and accessibility.
A new traffic signal is planned for the entrance to Tappen Beach, on Prospect Avenue, and the busy intersections at Glenwood Road and Littleworth Lane would undergo much-needed upgrades. A proposed redesign of the intersection at Prospect Avenue and Glen Avenue/Locust Place is particularly significant, with conceptual plans aiming to eliminate blind spots, improve traffic flow and ensure safer navigation for vehicles and pedestrians.
“We’ve taken a close look at how these intersections function, and these changes will make a dramatic impact,” Cusumano said. Cyclists would also benefit from the improvements, with new bike lanes planned for several stretches of the road, including the scenic section between Sea Cliff Beach and Putnam Avenue.
Renderings show a safer, more organized roadway with dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, to encourage alternative modes of transportation and reduce vehicular congestion.
“Encouraging walking and biking isn’t just about safety,” Cusumano said. “It’s about fostering a sense of connection to this beautiful waterfront area.”
The project also includes aesthetic improvements. New sidewalks, with curb ramps that comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, would ensure accessibility for residents of all abilities, while decorative features such as benches, planters and trees would create a more inviting atmosphere.
Lighting upgrades would not only beautify the streetscape but also improve safety at night. Proposed streetscape designs for the stretch between Sea Cliff Beach and Putnam Avenue include widened sidewalks and a parking lane lined with decorative light fixtures and greenery.
“This area has so much potential,” Cusumano said. “The planned improvements will elevate the character of the neighborhood while preserving its charm.”
The project has been divided into five sections, each with tailored upgrades. From Scudders Lane to Glenwood Landing, the focus would be on milling and resurfacing existing roadways, improving drainage and updating traffic signs.
Other sections, such as Glenwood Landing to Laurel Avenue, would add bike lanes, new sidewalks and street lighting along the waterfront. Each area’s unique needs and characteristics were considered in the planning process.
“This project represents a comprehensive vision for Shore Road,” Cusumano said. “It’s a collaborative effort that balances the practical needs of infrastructure with the beauty and charm that make this community special.”
The project is anticipated expected to begin in 2026. Residents of Shore Road and Glen Cove have until Dec. 27 to submit comments to Cusumano, who will forward them to the county. Cusumano can be reached at: Lora@LuxHouseHunters.com.
