No Hidden Treasure, But Some Surprises Under Main Street

As contractors have been tearing apart and rebuilding Main Street in New City for the downtown rehabilitation project, workers have discovered a few surprises.

Edward J. Lettre, Clarkstown's public works administrator, says the workers haven't found any buried treasure, but they have run into things such as part of the foundation for the old Route 304 and even a huge pile of shells.

"Some places you have to dig deeper than others and you never know what you'll find," said Lettre, who is overseeing the multi-million project to revitalize Main Street with new sidewalks and landscaping, new street lighting, improved street parking and a new roadway.

The project also includes turning Landau Park at the corner of Congers Road and Main Street into a centerpiece for downtown. Work on the renovated park is ongoing, along with the work on Main Street itself.

Work on the renovation project is moving up Main Street. The current phase of construction started with a detour of northbound traffic at Third Street. The detour has been moved up about two blocks and will be soon moving again to the area of Demarest Avenue.

Lettre said new light posts will soon be installed on the sections of new sidewalk that have been built on Main Street.

The current phase of the project is expected to continue through November.