Last year, Gerry Pond Park in Roslyn became home to the impressive Horse Tamer statue. Now, it is the recipient of Town of North Hempstead funding for water quality improvements for the three ponds that are connected via stream at the park.
The funding totals $2.5 million and was unanimously approved by the board at its most recent meeting.
The two council members that represent the Roslyn area were pleased with the funding.
“Many of my constituents visit and enjoy the scenic nature of Gerry Pond Park, which has become such an integral part of our town,” said Councilman Peter Zuckerman, attending his first meeting after being appointed to replace outgoing councilman, Thomas K. Dwyer. “I am pleased that the pond will be preserved so it can be enjoyed by town residents for decades to come.”
“It is important that we beautify our town and engage in important environmental projects that sustain our water quality for this and future generations,” added Councilwoman Anna Kaplan.
Town officials said that more than $2.8 million in grants are available for the Gerry Pond project from Nassau County, the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of State. Phase I of the project, officials said is expected to begin this year and once that is completed the town will apply for new grants to acquire funding for the remainder of the project.
The Gerry Pond project is only one of the several similar projects being undertaken throughout the town. Supervisor Judi Bosworth said that a public town board work session would be scheduled within the next month to review detailed presentations of the specific projects outlined in the five-year draft capital plan.
In all, the town board approved $17 million in bonding resolutions town-wide with more than $6.3 million of that being reimbursed through federal, state and county grants and $2 million dedicated to road reconstruction and repaving throughout the town.
