Dead Trees, Drainage, Decor: Port Washington Streetscape Update

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Dead trees, drainage and decorations were among the topics of discussion Thursday night, as officials sought to ease neighbor concerns about excessive tree removal and standing water in the upcoming $3 million Manorhaven streetscape project.

County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton joined village Mayor Jim Avena and Deputy Mayor Priscilla von Roeschlaub at the meeting. Former Suffolk County public works commissioner Gil Anderson, now with L.K. McLean Associates, and Ken Arnold, current commissioner of the Nassau County public works department.

After hearing resident concerns that too many trees would be removed as part of the Manorhaven Boulevard refurbishment, officials happily announced that as little as seven dead or diseased trees would need to be removed. However, about 32 trees were flagged as having some sort of deficiency, meaning they may need to be removed or at least altered in some way. The news delighted several residents, with a soft smattering of applause emerging from the crowd.

Dead tree removal dominated much of the discussion, with some residents expressing concerns that canopies wouldn't be adequately replaced. Officials tried to mitigate those feelings by reminding neighbors that trees would be replaced "in kind," meaning one would be planted for each tree removed.

Officials also talked about drainage issues along certain sections of the busy boulevard. Separate from the ongoing sewer restoration project, Anderson said plans call for regrading the roadway to give it a slight curvature in order to help funnel water to storm drains and prevent pooling. The village also proposed replacing all catch basins and cleaning out storm drains.

Additionally, plans called for widening sidewalks to 4 feet to bring them in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as extending curbs around tree roots and adding handicap-accessible ramps. Also in the plans are two bus shelters, adding a crosswalk and stop-sign intersection at Firwood Road, and installing a plaza with benches, trash receptacles and landscaping near the tennis courts.

The bus shelters would have bars separating seats to prevent people from sleeping on them, officials said.

DeRiggi-Whitton, who referred to Manorhaven as the "jewel" of Port Washington that "just needs to be shined," teased beautification ideas to that end, such as installing nautical-themed decorations. Nostalgic streetlamps with arms capable of holding plants and holiday lights were also proposed, as were artsy benches. She encouraged residents with ideas to reach out to her office.

"We really want to dress it up," DeRiggi-Whitton said.

She and the mayor agreed the project will incentivize new businesses to open, with Avena saying he envisions a string of restaurants operating along the boulevard.

Planners stressed the proposal isn't final. More things could be added or taken away in the coming weeks and months, including adding even more crosswalks at other intersections.

The county hopes to put out biddable contracts by the end of 2019 and begin construction in the fall of 2020.