Town To Put Environmental Bond Issue On November Ballot
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto announced that the Oyster Bay Town Board has approved putting a $60 million environmental bond issue before the voters on Election Day, November 6. "Town voters have overwhelmingly approved the creation of two $30 million SEA (Save Environmental Assets) Fund bonds," Supervisor Venditto said. "Under the two bonds, a total of $35 million was earmarked for open space acquisition and parkland and $25 million was dedicated for park improvements.
Supervisor Venditto
Councilwoman Walker
Councilman Muscarella
"The Town has come to the end of the SEA Fund money, but not the end of the open space acquisitions and park improvements we would like to undertake," the Supervisor continued. "To accomplish this, the Town Board has approved my request to establish a $60 million SEA Fund III, under which $30 million would be allocated for open space and parkland acquisition and $30 million for parks improvements. The Town Board's approval is now subject to approval of the voters on November 6."
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The Supervisor noted that if SEA Fund III is approved by the voters, the selection process for open space acquisition and park enhancements will follow the same guidelines that were established under the original SEA Fund. The existing SEA Fund committee, comprising the Commissioners of the Department of Parks and the Department of Public Works or their appointed representatives, the Town Attorney and four members reflecting the geographic and demographic representation of the Town, will continue to conduct research on environmentally sensitive lands for possible acquisition and/or enhancement or park facilities and make recommendations to the Town Board for approval.
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"Everywhere you look, you can see the fruits of the first two SEA Funds," Supervisor Venditto commented. "From the Mill Pond property in Oyster Bay, Underhill property in Jericho, Borella Fields in Bethpage, and the Vanguard/Seamann & Eiseman property and a four-acre parcel on Andrews Road…which is now John Walker Memorial Park…in Hicksville to the new Plainview-Old Bethpage and Hicksville Community Centers, refurbished basketball courts, new playgrounds and landscape beautification, the SEA Fund has helped the Town preserve open space and make improvements that otherwise would still be on our 'to do' list. My fellow Town Board members and I already have some ideas of how we would like to see SEA Fund III spent, and I know we will be getting plenty more ideas from the public. With the success of the first two SEA Funds, I believe voters are going to give their support to SEA Fund III.
"My fellow Town Board members and I take great pride in preserving and protecting the Town's precious environment," the Supervisor emphasized. "We are committed to ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to live in a community with preserved natural resources and outstanding recreational areas. SEA Fund III will go a long way toward helping us fulfill that commitment."
Tobay Dune Stabilization Project on March 24, 2007
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto and fellow Town officials, along with Town crews and other concerned individuals are among the 600 volunteers pictured below on Saturday, March 24, at 10:00 a.m., at the 19th annual Dune Stabilization Project at Tobay Beach.
"Begun in 1989, the Dune Stabilization Project has been an immensely popular volunteer activity for residents of all ages," Supervisor Venditto stated. "Part of the project’s popularity is that people can actually see the results of their efforts…the dune grass they plant is directly responsible for preserving the dunes and beach they enjoy during the summer. Last March, despite brisk winds and chilly temperatures, more than 500 volunteers bundled up and joined Town crews in planting 95,000 stalks of dune grass."
Supervisor Venditto went on to say that dunes provide a natural barrier against storm surges and high winds during severe weather. Without dunes, waterfront property is at greater risk. Wildlife, such as shore birds, can lose critical habitat, and the coastline itself can be altered. The grass helps stabilize and enlarge the dunes by catching blowing and drafting sand.
"By volunteering for the Tobay Dune Stabilization Project, you can look forward to a few hours of planting and fun, working alongside Town officials and crews, as well as residents from across the Town who share your interest in helping preserve Tobay Beach," Supervisor Venditto said. "As in past years, you can fortify yourself with coffee, hot chocolate, clam chowder and donuts provided by generous donors. Once your planting is done, you will leave with the good feeling that comes from knowing you have performed an invaluable environmental service."
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Condemnation Of Property For Park In Massapequa Approved
The Oyster Bay Town Board has approved the condemnation of a 13,254 square foot parcel located at 103 Broadway, Massapequa, for a passive park according to Town Supervisor John Venditto.
"In 2004, the Town Board approved the rezoning of a triangular-shaped block in Massapequa, bounded on the north by Sunrise Highway, on the west by Hicksville Road and on the east by Broadway, to a combination of ‘NB’ Neighborhood Business District and ‘ORD’ Office, Research and Development," Supervisor Venditto stated. "The rezoning, which was recommended by a study conducted during a moratorium on the block, was in response to residents’ concerns with respect to the potential future development, and possible redevelopment, of properties located on this block, which could impact the attractive residential character of the surrounding area.
"One of the suggestions from the community was to establish a park to serve as a ‘gateway’ at the southern end of the triangle, which is currently the site of an auto repair business," Supervisor Venditto continued. "The Town has now taken the first step toward acquiring the property for use as a passive park."
Town of Oyster Bay Town Board Meeting on January 9, 2007 Hearing to consider the condemnation of property located at 103 Broadway, Massapequa, NY Pictured below: Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, Councilman Chris Coschignano, Councilwoman Elizabeth Faughnan and Councilman Joseph Muscarella
"Pro"
Resident in support of the proposed redevelopment of the property, believes the property is "run down" and a neighborhood "eye sore." Supporting the Town's plan to acquire the property, he is pleased that it is slated for redevelopment and expressed the neighborhood's support of the Town of Oyster Bay's plan.
"Con"
Robert from Hometown Garage, Complete Auto Care, intended on purchasing the property for redevelopment is against the Town's plans. The Board duly noted and recognized Robert's sketch of what the property would look like if he was able to acquire it. However, Robert is "disappointed that the Town has gone beyond the point of no return." Plans have been made to go ahead with the process of converting the area into a parklet.
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