Politics & Government

Town Opts for Jackson Ave. Redesign/Rebid

Groundbreaking may take place in September.

The long-awaited Jackson Avenue improvement project is still a go, according to Oyster Bay Town Councilman Chris Coschignano. But if the Town is going to take over the road from Nassau County, it's going to be done the Town's way.

"We're pretty particular about our roads," Coschignano says. "They have to be up to our standards."

A deal was struck in April for the Town and county to share the approximately $6 million cost of the project, with the Town subsequently caring for the road. But the 60-day time frame to break ground has long since passed. The county canceled its contract with local construction company E.W. Howell last month when it became clear the Town wanted to utilize its own plans and contractor.

While Coschignano says fresh plans were necessary for the best possible project, not everyone agrees.

"It's hard to imagine that specifications for federal, state and county governments are less stringent than what the Town would require," says Marc Herbst, executive director for the Long Island Contractors' Association. Herbst notes that with the high unemployment rate in the contracting industry, this isn't the time to delay projects. He added that pushing the project into the fall and less favorable weather could lead to added costs. 

Coschignano couldn't offer any specifics on what the Town wanted to do differently as opposed to the county plans. He hasn't seen the final plan but says it's just about done. Although this project has been beset with delays, the councilman thinks community morale is still high.

"I think people have faith that it's going to get done," Coschignano says, offering Split Rock Road as an example of a well-care-for Town road.

He adds that he could see the project starting soon after the Syosset Street Fair Sept. 11-12. According to him those who attend the 2011 fair will see the difference.

"We won't disappoint," Coschigano says. "This is going to be the cherry on top of the sundae in the end. This is going to be a masterpiece in the middle of town."


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