By Scott Brinton
County Legislator Norma Gonsalves, a Republican of East Meadow who is up for re-election in November, announced plans last Thursday to upgrade the North Merrick commerce zone in three phases. The work will include, in order:
€Merrick Avenue, from Larkspur to Jerusalem avenues.
€Jerusalem Avenue, from Midian to William streets.
€Merrick Avenue, from Old Mill Road to Orchard Street.
The county plans to redo sidewalks with red-brick pavers, and install antique-style street lamps, benches and garbage cans. The project will cost $650,000, with the county putting in $540,000 and the state $110,000.
Gonsalves said that for three years she has saved the annual allotment she receives as a legislator for capital projects in her district, with plans to revamp North Merrick. State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr., a Republican of Merrick, and Assemblyman David McDonough, a Republican of North Merrick, kicked in a state grant to complete the project.
"I couldn't be happier," said Mary Ramo, former president of the North Merrick Community Association, at a public meeting that Gonsalves held at Fayette Elementary School.
Christine Mack, the association's current president, said, "How [the revitalization project] is going to help the businesses is the biggest benefit."
A number of residents expressed concern about the Merrick Avenue business district, north of downtown and just south of Camp Avenue. Nancy Molaro, who lives nearby, just off Merrick Avenue, said, "We pay $10,000 in taxes, and we get nothing in return." She noted the Headliners salon, which burned down more than two years ago but remains a charred eyesore. She also said there are pigeon droppings up and down the sidewalk.
"Let's get some more revitalization down there, between Horatio and Camp. It's neglected," Molaro said.
Fuschillo said the county is currently conducting a cost analysis for a revamp project there. Once that's complete, the state will provide the necessary funds for the county to do a revitalization project on that section of Merrick Avenue.
The senator also noted that when revamp work is done, the state generally offers matching grants to businesses, enabling them to reface the front facades of their shops and offices.
Other residents worried about potentially hazardous driving conditions around Pat's Farms, just north of the Southern State Parkway. They said a red light was needed there. Gonsalves said the county would look into their request. "There are a lot of things we need to address here, and we will address them," the legislator said. "Just don't expect them to be done overnight."
Comments about this story? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.
