Town of North Hempstead council members have committed $2.5 million in bonds for improvements to the water quality of three ponds in the Village of Roslyn’s Gerry Pond Park.
“This is a critical environmental project that will upgrade the water quality, enhance wildlife habitat and add passive recreational opportunities for residents,” North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a statement issued last week. “Approving bonding now will allow us to have the flexibility to borrow the necessary funds so that we have the opportunity to start work on these important projects in the late spring and summer.”
Council members during their March 11 meeting approved $17 million in bonds throughout the town. Officials said $6.3 million of the bonding will be reimbursed through county, state and federal grants.
Town officials said a public work session will be held within the next month to review the project’s details. A date for that meeting has not yet been scheduled.
Officials said the first phase of the project is expected to begin later this year.
Once that is completed, the town will apply for up to $2.8 million in grants from Nassau County, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of State and the Environmental Protection Agency to help finance the remainder of the project.
“Many of my constituents visit and enjoy the scenic nature of Gerry Pond Park, which has become such an integral part of our town,” said North Hempstead Councilman Peter Zuckerman, whose 2nd district includes the Village of Roslyn. “I am pleased that the pond will be preserved so it can be enjoyed by town residents for decades to come.”
