Jackson Ave. Repairs Included in Capital Improvement Plan

The Jackson Avenue roadwork saga, which has frustrated residents and politicians alike, finally took a turn for the better Friday when it was announced that the project is included in the unanimously approved 2010 Capital Improvement Project Plan.    

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano joined Nassau County Legislature Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt and Minority Leader Diane Yatauro to announce the passage.

"By pumping $166 million into the Long Island economy, work can start on needed improvement projects, broken roads, and upgrading a faltering infrastructure," Schmitt said. 

The Jackson Avenue improvement project hit its latest snag in November, when federal funds through President Obama's stimulus plan were put on hold. The Federal Highway Administration indicated that it would need to conduct its own reviews of the project before it could proceed. 

Jackson Avenue, which is traveled by 20,000 vehicles daily, is the main thoroughfare heading north in Syosset after the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway terminates at Jericho Turnpike. The project includes creating a center turn lane, curbs and sidewalks and realigning the road.

"The road has not been changed since the 1960s and now we have SUVs, vans and other large vehicles," Residents for a More Beautiful Syosset Vice President Laura Schultz told Syosset Patch in February. "Improving the road and sidewalks would make it safer not only for drivers but also pedestrians."

County Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), a longtime supporter of the project, was pleased with the outcome.

"This excellent conclusion to allow the improvements to Jackson Avenue is a perfect example of what elected officials from both parties are capable of doing to insure the safety and betterment of life for our constituents," Jacobs said. "I applaud County Executive Ed Mangano and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto and it has been a pleasure to work with them to reach a solution. Partisan politics has to be put aside when it comes to paving a road and public safety. This should be used as a standard for all our constituents."