Town Passes Measures To Protect Meadowmere Park

The Town of Hempstead passed two resolutions at its meeting this week designed to help prepare the small community of Meadowmere Park for storms and emergency. The passage of the measures was announced in the community by Town of Hempstead Councilman Bruce Blakeman, who represents the area, as well as Supervisor Laura Gillen, Senator Todd Kaminsky and Assemblywoman Missy Miller.

“Meadowmere Park is a wonderful community that suffered immeasurably in the wake of Superstorm Sandy,” Blakeman said. “There is only one access road to this neighborhood of 100 homes and that road flooded during Sandy. It became abundantly clear that we had to work to help ensure the safety of the residents here in the event of any future emergencies.”

The first resolution passed was to accept a bid for a permanent generator for the Meadowmere Park Fire Department, which is being funded through the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery. After Sandy, the firehouse served as an emergency center for neighbors to eat and sleep, since every home on the small island had flooded.

“I am so happy that the Town Board was able to approve these two items which take us to the next step of protecting this small community,” said Gillen.

The second resolution was to retain Cameron Engineering for consulting services related to the reconstruction of a community footbridge. Among the details that will be handled by the consultants are preparation of surveys, permits, work easements, final design plans and construction inspection.

The wooden pedestrian bridge is the only secondary access to Meadowmere Park. It connects the community to Queens. The Five Towns New York Rising Community Reconstruction Plan that was crafted in March 2014 provided for the rebuilding of the bridge and will utilize federal Housing and Urban Development grant monies specifically designated for storm recovery.

The restructured bridge will be built to withstand future storm surges and also accommodate emergency vehicle use and evacuation needs. The bridge will maintain its attractive suburban charm and character, using wood planking and railings, along with wooden pile supports. Associated road grading, shoreline stabilization and other drainage work will accompany the new bridge.

“These projects are extremely important since New York Rising’s Assessment of Flood Risks have identified Meadowmere Park as being at extreme risk,” said Blakeman. “I take personal satisfaction in my role of assisting in this project because my nephew, who was killed in the terrorist attacks of 9/11, was a member of the Meadowmere Fire Department. I am so happy to be able to help this community in his memory.”

Photo: Town of Hempstead