By Nicole Falco
One such project is the village's continued effort to improve Valley Stream's roads. The board approved a $2.1 million bond resolution to begin Phase II of reconstruction of roads, including East Avenue, Monroe Boulevard and a section of Hendrickson Boulevard.
Phase I began in fall 2001 at a cost of $3 million and Phase II has joined it. The almost $6 million spent on road improvements in the last two years is more than has been spent in the village's 77-year history.
"The mayor's objective is to get all the roads in Valley Stream back in shape," said Vincent Ang, village clerk. "I'm sure there will be a Phase III.... This program will not go away until all the roads are repaired."
Memorial Park
The village has set aside a space 380 feet long and 150 feet wide for the construction of Memorial Park in A.J. Hendrickson Park. It will be adjacent to the lake, south of the bridge, north of the tennis court.
"A lot of people came to us and asked if we could plant trees in someone's memory.... People have asked us regarding victims of the World Trade Center," Ang said. "The $4,000 for implementation is nominal. This is something we need and is appropriate to residents."
Interested residents can choose from either a tree with a plaque or a bench with a plaque. The area can accommodate over 50 trees and almost 20 benches.
Fitness trail and Clubhouse
For those residents interested in staying in shape, the installation of a new fitness trail that "rings" the lake in Hendrickson Park is one third of the way complete. The new trail replaces a 20-year-old one that had been donated by the Kiwanis. The cost to the village is $7,500.
In addition to the trail, a new lighting system is being installed in Hendrickson Park, as are new bocce-ball courts and new benches.
For the lighting system, Ang said underground cables will be installed that will reduce the frequency of repairs as is the case with overhead wiring. The lights are replicas of the old coach lamps. A bid for the project came in at $270,000. The bocce-ball courts are being completed "in house." The new benches are in addition to the ones in Memorial Park and will cost the village about $3,500.
The construction of a new clubhouse at Fireman's Field is scheduled for spring, as is landscaping to the surrounding area. Barrett Park and Mill Pond Park will also enjoy new landscaping that includes replacing the hemlock trees. Ang said the landscaping would cost approximately $40,000.
More fountains
A final spring project is the construction of additional lake fountains in Hendrickson Park. The new fountains are in addition to ones already in the lake. The fountains serve the purpose of aerating the water, which reduces the odor problems that had plagued village lakes.
"We are moving as quick as possible to restore Valley Stream to what it should be," said Mayor Edward Cahill. "We are very excited about what is transpiring...to get Valley Stream looking as pretty as possible."
