Streetscape project completed in East Rockaway

Mary Malloy/Herald

The Municipal Parking Field located at Baisley Avenue — which was on the village’s list of infrastructure improvement projects for this year — has been completely refurbished, according to Mayor Francis T. Lenahan.

“This project was completed by funding provided by the Nassau County Office of Community Development, under their Block Grant-36th Year and Village funds,” said Lenahan. “I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to all involved in bringing this project to fruition. This is another example of the commitment the village board has to improving the quality of life for village residents.”

The parking field consists of 84 regular and four handicapped-accessible spaces. A pay-by-space central meter station has been installed, and will be kept at the current rate of 25 cents per half hour.

On Baisley Avenue and Davis Street, all sidewalks, curbs and aprons were replaced, Lenahan said. In addition, seven new trees were planted with grates, and the utility strip was replaced by new brick work. The street shoulder on Baisley Avenue and Davis Street was rehabilitated.

“This is not only a parking field to be used by the public, the residents, business owners and employees, but a much needed beautification and rehabilitation of sidewalk areas which were in disrepair for too long,” Deputy Mayor Bruno Romano said.

The village’s Clerk-Treasurer Doris Piedimonte said that to help defray the maintenance of this municipal field, as well as the parking enforcement costs, which otherwise would impact taxes, this revenue will help to keep our taxes down while offering visitors, business patrons, business owners and employees “an affordable parking option.”

“I would like to thank the Village Engineer, Juan Garcia, for overseeing this project,” said Building Department Superintendent Tom Smith. He added that the new meter system will be in effect October 24, and that the required signage will be installed by the DPW prior to that date.

DPW Superintendent Kevin Conklin said that the parking lot was closed two Saturdays ago for the striping and numbering of the new parking design. “Thanks for all who cooperated in getting the parking lot emptied for that day.”

The mayor and board of trustees have requested a study from the village engineer to evaluate the other parking fields within the village and to make recommendations for future rehabilitations.