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Town puts $30M environmental bond proposal on ballot Nov. 2nd

Town puts $30M environmental bond proposal on ballot Nov. 2nd

The Town of Oyster Bay is holding two public information meetings on the proposed SEA Fund II environmental bond referendum that will be on the ballot election day, Tuesday, November 2. The measure, if passed by voters, will establish a $30 million fund—half of which will be used for open space and parkland acquisition and the other half for park improvements throughout the town.

Four years ago, Town voters overwhelmingly approved a $30 million SEA (Save Environmental Assets) Fund. Twenty million of that was earmarked for open space and parkland acquisition and $10 million was dedicated for park improvements.

"The Town has come to the end of the SEA Fund money, but not the end of the open space acquisitions and park improvements we would like to undertake," said Supervisor John Venditto in announcing the 2004 referendum.

Informal public meetings will give residents an opportunity to learn more how SEA Fund II will help the Town further its efforts to preserve open space and enhance parks, said Venditto. The meetings have been scheduled as follows:

•Monday, October 18, 7:30 p.m.: Marjorie R. Post Community Park, community center, Unqua and Merrick Roads, Massapequa.

•Wednesday, October 20, 7:30 p.m.: Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall East, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay.

Purchases and improvements funded through the original bond took place at the Underhill property in Jericho, Borella Fields in Bethpage, the Vanguard/Seamann & Eiseman property, and a four-acre parcel on Andrews Road in Hicksville. Locally, money was spent on ballfields for John Burns Park a roller rink and vinyl pool coating at Marjorie Post, bulkheading replacement at Anchor Park and fence replacement at the town's parking lot, M-6 on Pine Street. New playgrounds, and landscaping were completed and basketball courts were refurbished at parks throughout the Town.

"The SEA Fund has helped the Town preserve open space and make improvements that otherwise would still be on our ‘to do’ list," said Venditto. "My fellow Town Board members and I already have some ideas of how we would like to see SEA Fund II spent, and I know we will be getting plenty more ideas from the public."