By Karenlyn Barone
The Tanglewood Preserve is set to undergo an aquatic habitat improvement program. The property that faces Ocean Avenue will see the erection of a senior assisted living center. Both projects are scheduled to start within the next two weeks.
The Tanglewood Preserve Improvement project is the undertaking of the Nassau County Department of Public Works and the responsibility of hydrogeologist and project manager Brian Schneider. The preserve's 11.4 acres are actually part of the Nassau County Parks and Recreation Department, but managing the project falls to the DPW.
A lofty undertaking, the improvement project seeks to return the preserve to a natural, environmentally sound state. Over the years, sediment and pollutants have made their way to the preserve by way of the Pinesbrook drainage system, which carries storm runoff from a large drainage area to the Tanglewood pond. The pond, which runs adjacent to the preserve, partially fills with sediments and pollutants and becomes shallower. An important part of the project will be the dredging of the pond to a depth that's suitable for fish and amphibians, which are essential to an aquatic ecosystem.
As a hydrogeologist, Schneider studies the surface and ground water, efficient stream restorations, wetland enhancement and strategies to combat erosion. In this project, Schneider will coordinate planting along the preserve's shoreline to stabilize the embankments and resculpt the shoreline. Wetland and upland plants will be used, as well as grasses planted along the fringes of the pond.
Blueberry and cranberry shrubs, water lilies and irises will add to the beauty of the area. Along with maintaining the shoreline, plantings provide essential shade for the pond. With the sun beating down during summer months, oxygen is depleted from the water and fish can't survive, so the plantings will help keep the water temperature within a more acceptable range.
Another aspect of the improvement plan will be the creation of a nature trail through the preserve. The plan is for a half-mile trail to circle the preserve, with wooden footbridges crossing the streams. Currently the preserve limits visitors' access to just a small area surrounding the three-acre pond. The proposed walkway will offer an improved pedestrian circulation pattern around the pond, keeping people away from the preserve edge and reducing erosion. The overall purpose is to improve the environment within Tanglewood Preserve, which will also include benches, lookout areas and a fishing platform at the southwest end of the pond.
"I'm estactic," said Schneider. "The preserve was neglected for so long, and now I can't wait to restore the area so that people can enjoy a part of nature that is rapidly disappearing."
The improvement project will cost about $1.1 million, with funding coming from municipal capital bonds that were sold by Nassau County. "The county is very excited to undertake this ambitious restoration project," said Schneider. "We believe that the project will be of major benefit to the community and all residents of Nassau County."
Before the assisted-living facility is built, vacant buildings still standing on the sight of the old Tanglewood Day Camp will be demolished. The camp, which ceased operations about six years ago, boasted a vintage train in its front yard, which has since been moved to Nassau Community College in Garden City for restoration. The only remaining signs of the camp's existence are a few small buildings.
"The village board has approved the demolition of buildings, and that is ready to happen as soon as the requisite disconnects are done," said Tom Miccio, Lynbrook's deputy mayor. "The village is very happy that plans for the facility are now under way."
The land was purchased by Forest City Daly Inc., and it has contracted for the assisted-living facility. According to Miccio, the facility will be privately owned and subject to the regulations of New York state. It will provide housing in a supervised environment for those who need minimal to moderate care.
Construction of the senior-citizen housing had previously been delayed by litigation. Miccio explained that a small group of citizens objected to the project and accused the village of arbitrarily changing zoning regulations to accommodate the facility.
"The lawsuit was finally dismissed as frivolous," said Miccio. "Now the project has come to fruition and will bring a new investment to the village. It was the right thing to do."
