Thursday, October 1, 2026
It was just over a year ago when I first took on the issue of the lighting outage on State Route 878, while I was leading the Nassau County Bridge Authority, which oversees the Atlantic Beach Bridge.
At the time, I was acutely aware of the dangers posed by the lack of proper lighting along this vital route, which has been an issue for far too long. Now, as the mayor of the Village of Lawrence, I am proud to announce that we have made significant progress in addressing this issue, fulfilling the promise I made to our residents to make our roads safer for all who use them.
This progress would not have been possible without the efforts of State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, whose unwavering dedication to our community has been invaluable. Thanks to her strong support and her ability to advocate for our needs in Albany, we have secured a $150,000 grant that will provide the funding necessary to resolve the lighting outage on Route 878. This funding represents a major step forward in addressing a longstanding safety concern in our village, one that has affected us for years.
The grant will enable us to install new lighting and make essential upgrades to the infrastructure along the road. These improvements will enhance visibility for drivers, reduce the risk of accidents, and ultimately make conditions safer for people traveling in and out of Lawrence. This is a critical improvement that will bring much-needed peace of mind to our residents, visitors and commuters who uses the road.
As mayor, I can’t stress enough how important this issue is. What might have initially seemed like a small inconvenience to some was, in fact, a potentially serious hazard that needed immediate attention.
Collaboration between local and state government has played a pivotal role in addressing this issue. When we come together, we can solve everyday problems that directly impact the safety and well-being of our residents. The lighting on Route 878 was a prime example of a problem that required urgent attention from both local leaders and state officials. Through the leadership of Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, we have made great strides toward solving it. Her tireless work in securing the necessary funding for this project has demonstrated how effective partnerships between local governments and state representatives can be in overcoming community challenges.
I remain fully committed to ensuring that our village remains a safe, vibrant and thriving community. While securing this grant is an important step forward, there is still much work to be done. We will continue to work with Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and other state representatives to improve the infrastructure in our village and to address the needs of our residents. Together we will ensure that Lawrence remains a place where everyone feels safe and confident as they travel through our neighborhoods and streets.
It is important to recognize that the role of government extends beyond simply providing services — it also involves actively addressing problems that affect residents’ everyday lives. The lighting outage on Route 878 is a perfect example of how a seemingly small issue can have a profound impact on public safety. By addressing it head on, we have taken a significant step in improving road safety in our community, but we have also shown how community-focused governance can make a tangible difference in the lives of our residents.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick for her unwavering support and leadership throughout this process. Without her tireless efforts, the progress we have made would not have been possible. I am excited about the improvements that will follow, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration to ensure that Lawrence remains a safe, welcoming and prosperous place for all of our residents.
Thank you again, Senator, for your dedication to making Lawrence a better place for everyone.
Samuel Nahmias is mayor of the Village of Lawrence.
