Second meeting planned on Massapequas reconstruction projects

Residents of the Massapequas are encouraged to attend a public meeting Nov. 19 to discuss community infrastructure projects that could be funded by a state reconstruction program.

The meeting is the second of four planned sessions sponsored by the Massapequas NY Rising Community Planning Committee, headed by Massapequa Park planning commission member Bill Van Wagner. The committee is working with planning consultants Sasaki Associates of Watertown, Mass., and the Manhattan engineering firm Arup on recommendations for projects that might be funded by the New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program.

The program has earmarked $26 million for projects in Massapequa, Massapequa Park and East Massapequa. Among projects residents and local officials suggested at the first meeting last month are bulkheading the shoreline of Colleran Park, which experienced significant damage from superstorm Sandy, and purchasing surplus Army trucks that can be equipped with fire pumps and travel through floodwaters for the fire department.

Other recommendations included installation of one-way backflow valves for storm drains to prevent rising water from flooding streets and solar street lighting in case of power outages.

The meeting is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. at the McKenna Elementary School cafeteria, 210 Spruce St., Massapequa Park.

The final meetings are expected to be scheduled for January and February, with funding allocated for projects selected by March, Van Wagner said.

For more information or to submit comments, visit: http://stormrecovery.ny.gov/nyrcr/community/massapequa-village-massapequa-park-and-east-massapequa.

SEE PHOTOSSandy's impact on Long Island