By Jeff Lipton
The Woodmere Dock project requires dismantling and reconstructing the entire 570 feet of existing bulkhead, and the areas behind the bulkhead that have to be disturbed in order to replace the bulkhead will be completely backfilled and resurfaced. Workers will stabilize the wall and use 220 cubic yards of dredging material for backfill.
In addition, plans include replacing 10-feet-by-14-feet of a wooden ramp for boats and 5-feet-by-14-feet platform of stairs, as well as maintaining a 42-inch outfall pipe. The State Department of Environmental Conservation issued a permit for the work to the Town of Hempstead on Oct. 8, 2002, said DEC spokesperson Mark Lowery. They can start work anytime. It's been approved, said Lowery.
But town officials said all regulatory approvals will be in place by early summer of 2003, when the project will begin. The construction work is being undertaken by the town's Department of Conservation and Waterways.
Woodmere Dock has always been one of the jewels of the town's recreation system, said Town Supervisor Richard Guardino. It's a beautiful spot to fish, launch a boat or simply enjoy the beautiful view of the open bay.
The town is very fortunate to have trained personnel on staff who can undertake a project of this magnitude, Guardino added. Not only is that the most cost-effective way to proceed, it ensures that the work can be done to the most exacting standards.
Town Councilman Anthony Santino said, as other heavily utilized recreational facilities, the dock has shown some wear and tear in recent years. The renovation program...will restore the facility to its former luster and ensure that it provides many more years of enjoyment for area residents, Santino said.
Town Councilman James Darcy added that the town will utilize the latest environmentally-friendly materials to ensure that nothing disturbs the surrounding wetlands and the wildlife.
Sy Glass, president of the Woodmere Merchants Association, said he was delighted that the town is ready to move forward with the Woodmere Dock project this year. Glass said he has been pushing for years for its reconstruction.
It's just wonderful, Glass said. I put in [a request] for this project and I've been meeting with the Town of Hempstead. It needs improvement. It has pebbles and stones there and broken things. It has not been fixed up in 40 or 50 years. Kids come there to fish and play. Not everybody could afford to go to a beach club. The Woodmere Dock is a place of enjoyment and it needs to be fixed up.
The town's municipal H-1 parking field at Harris Avenue and Vian Avenue, just north of West Broadway in Hewlett, is slated for improvement this spring, town officials said. The plans will include installation of new curbing, sidewalks and lighting.
In addition, the lot will be resurfaced and restriped and the town will install new landscaping to beautify the area. The project would cost about $330,000.
These improvements represent a major investment by the town in Hewlett's infrastructure, Guardino said. The Town of Hempstead has a firm commitment to building a better Hewlett.
The newly renovated parking field will add to the overall appearance of Hewlett.
Santino said he recently voted on a resolution which awarded the construction contract to Catalyst Construction, LLC of East Rockaway.
Mary Haves Cooper, a vice president in the Hewlett Business Association, said she was a little skeptical that the project will be pulled off because Hewlett has become a neglected area by government officials.
I'll believe it when it happens, she said. It seems like Hewlett is a step child. Cedarhurst has gotten things done and Woodmere has gotten things done. Hewlett is different because it is very long, stretching from the public library to King Kullen shopping center, she said.
She said that if the town goes through with its plans, it will be a step in the right direction. She added that improving the parking situation is critical in a community like Hewlett, where available parking spots are hard to find.
