By Jason Scheer
On June 24, Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, along with Leg. Joe Scannell (D-Baldwin), announced that the county will spend nearly $225,000 towards the beautification of Grand Avenue between Village Avenue and Stratford Avenue.
The project, already underway, includes concrete sidewalks, concrete interlocking pavers, new brickwork, benches and Victorian-style light poles.
"This section of Grand Avenue will undergo a 'streetscape' beautification which will enhance the neighborhood community and improve the quality of life in Baldwin," Suozzi said.
Scannell said the project is more than aesthetic in nature. He said the sidewalks were in great need of repair, likening them to "a roller coaster," and that the infrastructure of the area will be strengthened by this project.
Scannell explained that the funds used to subsidize the project come directly from legislative funds and will not be felt by taxpayers, as was the concern of some business owners in the Associated Shopping Center, where the improvements are taking place.
Each legislator is allowed $200,000 to be put towards projects like the streetscaping and Scannell has had put forth $175,000 and Leg. Kevan Abrahams (D-Roosevelt), who also represents portions of Baldwin, put forth $50,000 for this project.
Scannell said that this project is part of an ongoing effort to clean up Grand Avenue that stretches back to 2001. Since that initial project, which took place at the corner of Grand Avenue and Merrick Road, other streetscape projects have taken place north on Grand Avenue at a total cost of about $500,000.
Descriving Grand Avenue as an area long forgotten and neglected by local governments, Scannell said that these recent efforts will serve to benefit Baldwin residents as well as business owners as the center of their town will be something to be proud of.
"When I was first elected in 2001, one of my main objectives was to put capital money on Grand Avenue," he said. "That's how people see us. Everyone drives down Grand avenue and we want to continue to put in the right direction."
The project is scheduled to be completed in October.
In March, the Town of Hempstead announced a plan dedicated to the beautification of Baldwin, proposing storefront improvements on the west-side of Grand Aveneue just south of fire district headquarters.
Comments about this story? JScheer@liherald.com or 569-4000 ext. 282.
