By Jason Scheer
Legislator Joe Scannell (D-Baldwin) backed off his ultimatum to vote against fellow Democrats, who hold a one-seat majority in the county Legislature, and essentially put Republicans back in control. Scannell previously said he would vote against members of his party for the rest of the year if they did not oppose County Executive Thomas Suozzi's plan to move the carousel to Oyster Bay.
The change of heart came after Suozzi agreed to seek proposals from groups interested in operating the former Baldwin landmark.
Scannell feels that the proposal process, which is open to anyone and promotes competitive bidding, will yield positive results. "I'm very hopeful at this point, and I'm happy that this is now a process open to everybody," he said. "That, to me, is a victory in and of itself."
However, Scannell said he would renew the threat if the process proceeds unfairly. "It's not off the table," he said. "I'm going to reserve my right to withhold my vote if [Suozzi] is not treating Baldwin fairly."
The proposal process does not guarantee the carousel's return to Baldwin. Instead, Scannell said, he has partnered with other local leaders, such as Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony Santino and state Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) in a concerted effort to bring the icon back to the community where it had a home for a half century. "What we have to do now is get everybody together and on the same page," he said.
Scannell said he would also reach out to the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce to raise money for the carousel's return. The funds raised would be matched by government dollars.
Suozzi representative Ian Siegel confirmed that the county executive has opened the relocation project to an open bidding process. In addition to adequate funding, the winning bidder must also provide for a public facility where all county residents can use the carousel.
The Oyster Bay Main Street Association, chaired by musician Billy Joel, approached Suozzi with a plan to restore, maintain and move the carousel to a park in the North Shore town earlier this year. The Main Street Association will also be able to submit a bid as part of the competitive proposal process.
"We can never match Billy Joel's checkbook," Scannell said. He added, however, that "the truth is that the Town of Oyster Bay doesn't support [the carousel] anymore."
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto acknowledged that support for the project has waned in recent months. He explained that it originally seemed like everyone in town supported acquiring the carousel. However, concerns with traffic and noise have caused a noticeable division. "I would say it appears as though the community is sharply divided - equally divided - over whether this is even a good idea for the Town of Oyster Bay," he said.
Venditto added that the recent offer by the Town of Hempstead to move the carousel to Baldwin Park had influenced his thinking. He said he didn't want to stand in the way of Hempstead's efforts, in light of the divided opinion in Oyster Bay.
"I have to tell you, that is, in my mind, a very significant factor," Venditto said. "I certainly don't want my legacy to be [of] a town supervisor who actively denied something of such value to another town."
As of now, there is no deadline for proposals for the carousel. "We will make sure that there is ample time for any interested party to put together a proposal," Siegel said.
As for when the carousel will be spinning again, Siegel said, "We're hoping Nunley's will be riding again as soon as possible. Will it be one year? Maybe not. Will it [take] 10 years? Definitely not."
Comments on this story? JScheer@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 282.
