Locals welcome road improvements

A Town of Hempstead road improvement project is under way in East Meadow, and residents who live on Falcon and Inglewood streets and portions of Midvale and Kingston avenues, an area east of Newbridge Road, say they are glad it’s finally happening.

The improvements will include new asphalt pavement, the installation of pedestrian ramps at all intersections and new curbs and aprons along parts of the blocks, according to town spokesman Mike Deery.

“I called the town more than 50 times,” said resident Debbie Mascia. “There were more than 67 potholes” on Inglewood Street, between Midvale Avenue and Newbridge Road, she said, “that I could fit my foot in.” Mascia, who said she was “instrumental” in getting the road repaved, added that she has been calling the town to complain about the streets for nearly two years.

Like her neighbors, she said, she has gotten flat tires from the pitted and broken pavement, and added that when friends come to visit they complain, saying, “It’s like driving down a street in Beirut.”

The $800,000 project is being funded through the capital budget allocated for town improvements, according to Deery.

“One way we invest in our communities is by improving our roadways,” Town Supervisor Kate Murray said in a statement. “Upgrading our streets saves money in the long term and enhances quality of life for neighbors.”

Ruth Groel, who has lived on Inglewood Street for more than 60 years, said this is the first time she has seen the street being repaved. “The car used to make a big bump going down the road,” Groel said. Her daughter, Marge, eventually started calling the town to complain as well.

In order to fix some curbs and aprons, repair company Richard W. Grim Inc. removed numerous trees on the north side of Inglewood Street. Gail Casey, who lives on Inglewood, was not pleased to see them go. She said they took down about 10 trees, adding, “I’m not happy about it.” Neighbors told her that the large trees’ roots were growing beneath the street and that residents would incur fees if the trees in front of their homes damaged newly laid asphalt.

Juan Serrano, an East Meadow resident since 2010, said he was pleased to see the road improvements. “I’m extremely satisfied by what’s taking place,” he said, adding that the construction company has made an effort to provide easy access to the street and prevent parking problems for neighbors. But Serrano would like to have his curb replaced, which is causing unevenness in the sidewalk in front of his home. He said he plans to repave his driveway within the next few years and will fix it then, but, pointing to the problem spot, he asked, “Why would they fix some spots and not this?”

Locals say they are glad the town is taking action, and are looking forward to the day when they can drive down the block without spilling their morning coffee. The road will remain open throughout the construction, which is projected to be completed by September. Residents, however, say the work is moving along quickly, and they expect it to be finished even sooner.