by Mike Schnitzel
A collaborative effort between Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy and Mayor Eugene E. Scarpato resulted in the passage of the Transportation Equity Act Conference Report, announced on July 29, according to Robert Recklaus, a spokesman from McCarthy's office.
The legislation, which passed the House of Representatives by a 412 to 8 vote, allocated $800,000 worth of funding for improvements along the entire stretch of Sunrise Highway in Lynbrook.
"There will be all new streetlights and [brick-paved] sidewalks, and we've planted about 78 new trees," said Scarpato. "The improvements stretch from Ocean Avenue to Horton Avenue on both sides [of Sunrise Highway]."
The construction began about three months ago, according to Scarpato, and should be completed by the end of the year. The $800,000 in federal funding will be applied against a $1.5 million village bond to complete the beautification process.
"These funds will help local businesses attract new customers and improve the overall quality of life for the village," said McCarthy.
According to Scarpato, an original project, which called for beautification of the stretch of Sunrise Highway between Peninsula Boulevard and Earle Avenue only, began about three years ago.
"The original project was nice, but it left something to be desired," said Scarpato. "It was going to take care of the railroad station and storefront area, but we decided to do the whole thing."
Money for that project was obtained through New York State Intergovernmental Transportation Equity Act funding totalling $1,370,930, in addition to a $386,673 village bond, according to Scarpato.
