By Jonann Brady
Major capital projects take time, and this one has been no exception. Meetings have been held, plans have been drawn up, budgets explored. But with the county facing a projected $428 million debt, the First Precinct renovation -- at a projected cost of $16 million -- has been on hold, along with most every other capital project in the county.
In a last ditch effort to move the project forward, the Chamber of Commerce announced last week a letter-writing campaign to press Suozzi to include it in his four-year capital plan.
Doris Duffy, vice president of the Chamber and Baldwin Community Association member, said the two groups would work together to get the word out to local residents about the campaign, and said BCA block captains would begin distributing sample letters this week.
County Legis. Joseph Scannell, who has been an advocate of the project, said that despite the county's fiscal crisis, he hasn't given up hope.
"I'm not willing to throw in the towel yet," said Scannell. He added
that sometimes timing and patience are key, and pointed to the $4.4 million recently allocated to pond renovation in Baldwin. "If we had tried to push that through last session, we would have gone down in flames."
Scannell also said that Suozzi is holding up a magnifying glass to all
capital projects and putting them through a four-tiered process to determine if they are necessary.
Suozzi's administration officials could not comment on the status of the First Precinct, other than to say that all their energy is focused on presenting the county's four-year budget plan on April 1. After April 1, all capital projects will be analyzed carefully, including this one, according to the administration.
At this point, businesses near the proposed site and those that would have to relocate have grown ambivalent about the project.
While some owners are resigned to whatever fate befalls them, others say that businesses deserve a clear statement on the project's
status to keep the area from languishing. Several residents have complained about the dilapidated condition of the corner.
Howard Gainsburg, who owns Baldwin Kitchen and Bath on Merrick Road, said that landlords won't invest in their properties if they are unsure they will be there in the future.
Gainsburg also said that while he initially thought moving the First Precinct was a good idea, but at this point, he doesn't see any advantage to the town or local business. He cited a potential lack of parking as one problem.
"The whole area should be upgraded, like they did across the street," said Gainsburg, referring to the Town of Hempstead's facade project and county sidewalks and lighting on the east side of Grand Avenue. "And then the main thing should be the enforcement of existing laws and sanitation codes."
Donna Dukes, who owns Alex and Gabby's Urban Beauty and Clothing Store, decided to base her business on Grand Avenue and Merrick Road two years ago, despite the looming threat she might have to relocate. (As part of the Precinct plan, the county would buy out the businesses and the tenants living in the apartments above them.)
"We took a chance by moving here," said Dukes, who owned a business in Manhattan. "The block was trashed."
But Dukes says she saw potential in what she called an "eclectic" area -- a mood she tries to create for her business.
Though Dukes understands the benefits of a new Precinct, she admits she would prefer to stay put and have the county and invest money to improve the area.
"Personally, I would like to see more businesses, commerce and restaurants," she said. "I'd like to see a zoning board to keep businesses at a certain attractive level."
Other business owners on the block agreed with that sentiment. The Chamber, too, believes that if the Precinct isn't funded, the county must work to secure funds to revamp the area.
"If it doesn't happen, we would work toward improving the area as you've seen in other parts of town with the sidewalks, lighting and facades. And we'll work to get more high-quality businesses and create a more walkable downtown," said Duffy.
Scannell has said that if the project is not funded, he will work with the Town of Hempstead to undertake a facade and beautification project similar to the one across the street.
With no clear answers coming from the county yet, Baldwinites seem once again resigned to playing a waiting game.
"I'm not worried about it -- no one's talking about it," said Mike Patel, manager of Ray's Luncheonette. He shrugged, served another customer and said, "What are we going to do?"
