By Jason Scheer and Esther McKenna
On April 18, Nassau County Legislator Joe Scannell (D-Baldwin) issued an ultimatum to his fellow Democratic legislators: Put the carousel back in Baldwin or put Republicans back in control of the Legislature, which now has a one-seat Democratic majority. Scannell said that he would vote against the party for the rest of the year if it did not oppose County Executive Tom Suozzi's plan to move Nunley's Carousel to Oyster Bay.
Suozzi representative Ian Siegel denies that any formal plan is in place to move the former Baldwin landmark. According to Siegel, Suozzi was approached by the carousel committee of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, of which musician Billy Joel is chairman, with a plan to restore, maintain and move Nunley's Carousel to an Oyster Bay town park.
Scannell heard about "Suozzi's plan" to relocate the historic carousel through second-hand sources - a tune Scannell has been singing with regularity. Last year he blasted Suozzi's plan to move the First Precinct out of Baldwin. Scannell learned of that plan through Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony Santino.
"Very disappointing," Scannell said of the lack of communication from fellow Democrat Suozzi. "Extremely disappointing."
The carousel is currently in storage at Mitchell Field, where it has been dormant since the county purchased it in 1998 for $800,000. Joel and supporters have already raised $500,000 to move the carousel to a park across the water from his North Shore estate.
"That's a problem," said Scannell. "That's not right."
Scannell said he had two meetings with Suozzi and members of the county executive's staff, but to no avail. He said he was told the carousel was going to Oyster Bay.
Siegel says the move has never been a done deal. "No deal has ever been set in stone with regard to moving the carousel," he said. The statement was similar to the one released after Scannell fought the relocation of the First Precinct.
Scannell says he has received positive feedback from members of both parties since making his ultimatum.
Legislator Jeffrey Toback (D-Oceanside) said he supports moving the carousel back to the South Shore, but not necessarily to Baldwin. He said it holds a special place in the hearts of local residents. "I have lots of fond memories of going to Nunley's and playing on the carousel and the rest of the attractions there, as do many of my peers," he said. "So it is a good idea to bring it back to that neighborhood."
As for the lack of communication referred to by Scannell, Toback said, "My personal experience is the communication between the [legislative] branch and the administration is good." However, he acknowledged, "That is not the case with all of my colleagues."
Denise Ford (R-Long Beach) said she would support Scannell's efforts to bring the carousel back to Baldwin. "Even though I'm a newcomer, having moved here in 1980, I remember Nunley's carousel, and we should keep it in the South Shore where it belongs," she said.
Ford applauded Scannell for his conviction. "I admire Joe for taking a stand," she said. "It's very brave and the right thing to do. He's watching out for the people he represents."
Siegel said on Monday that the administration would make a public announcement by June 1, and solicit groups to submit proposals to operate and maintain the carousel. Interested parties must show they have the means to fund and restore the carousel in a reasonable time period and demonstrate an arrangement with a public entity to operate it for 99 years.
Scannell plans to use money from community-development funds for the landmark's restoration. For the first time in history, the Legislature was allotted $200,000 per year to finance non-traditional improvement projects this year. Previously, the money could only be used for sidewalk improvement, antique pavers and general beautification projects.
As for the location of the carousel, Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony J. Santino (R-E. Rockaway) said that Baldwin Park is not just the right place, but the only place. "Baldwin Park is at the south foot of Grand Avenue. It's already an established recreational facility that is accessible, has plenty of parking and attracts people from all over Baldwin," said Santino.
On Monday, Town Supervisor Kate Murray released a statement permitting Baldwin Park to be used for the relocation. "The Nunley's carousel was a Baldwin fixture for over half a century," she said. "Moving this South Shore treasure to Oyster Bay makes about as much sense as moving the Coney Island Cyclone to Peoria, Illinois."
Siegel said that any group that is awarded the contract must make the carousel available to all residents of Nassau County. As for Scannell's perceived lack of communication, Siegel said: "Communication works both ways. This carousel was in storage for 10 years and no one asked about it."
Built in 1912, the carousel entertained children on its hand-carved wooden animals for more than 50 years at Nunley's Amusement Park in Baldwin.
Comments about this story? Baldwineditor@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 207.
