By: Scott Brinton
Landau said that was only one of a long string of losses he has suffered as a result of flooding on Bayberry Avenue since he bought his high ranch in 1974.
Bayberry, a short street off Hewlett Avenue with two homes, two boatyards and a clam bar, floods whenever there's a high tide during a full moon, or during a major storm, such as a hurricane or nor'easter. The floods can come at any time of year, Landau said.
For 35 years, he said, the Town of Hempstead has promised to fix the road so saltwater will no longer overrun it. But, Landau said, the town has repeatedly stalled the project for one reason or another, leaving the road to flood and become full of potholes.
Recently, Landau and his neighbor, Judy Greenberger, began to approach media outlets and county Legislator David Denenberg, a Democrat of Merrick, seeking help. Landau and Greenberger want the town to finally make good on its numerous pledges to raise the road, which sits at the bottom of a small hill, only feet from Merrick Bay.
"I'm tired of putting money into this house and paying high taxes and getting nothing in return," said Landau, a sales manager. Referring to the street-raising project, he added, "Get the job done. Thirty-five years is enough. Enough is enough. Promises do nothing."
Greenberger, a nurse and a former town employee, said, "It's hard to explain why all these years have gone by," and the town hasn't acted to relieve the flooding.
The flooding occurs when an unusually high tide in the bay forces water back through drain pipes and onto local streets.
Gary Panasuk, who has owned the 250-slip Blue Water Yacht Club at the end of Bayberry for nine years, said his customers can't get to their boats when it floods. Pointing to the pothole-filled street, Panasuk said, "This is a sin."
Landau noted that a school bus couldn't get through Bayberry Avenue during a recent flood, and was forced to make a U-turn on Whaleneck Drive to get out of the area.
In a recent letter to Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Councilwoman Angie Cullin, Denenberg stated, "The condition of the road is extremely dangerous. The flooding may cause serious injury. Furthermore, residents' property is being destroyed. Therefore, I respectfully request that the town take action to alleviate this situation through a full road rehabilitation project this year."
Town officials said in reply that money for the project was allocated in this year's budget, and sealed bids for the rehabilitation would be accepted at the end of October. Bids should be awarded in early November, and after that, the town will set up a work schedule with contractors.
William Rockensies, the town's Department of Engineering commissioner, stated in a September letter, "This project is moving forward, and we will progress it as quickly as possible."
But Landau and Greenberger are skeptical that the project will start anytime soon. They say they've heard the town's promises before. The residents, Landau said, "do not mean anything to" town officials.
