Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino (center second from right) was joined by Councilman Joseph Muscarella, Councilwoman Michele Johnson, Councilman Louis Imbroto, and Councilman Thomas Hand; as well as Nassau County Legislators Rose Marie Walker and James Kennedy; Town officials and crews, as well as local sports organization heads, in announcing plans for the upcoming development of the Liberty Industrial Finishing Site.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Joseph Muscarella, Councilwoman Michele Johnson, Councilman Louis Imbroto and Councilman Thomas Hand today unveiled plans for future development of the former Liberty Industrial Finishing site – adjacent to Ellsworth Allen Town Park – in Farmingdale. Town officials were joined by their colleagues in government, Nassau County Legislators James Kennedy and Rose Marie Walker, who have committed grant monies to assist in the funding of the project. The plans, which were developed in partnership with the community after the remediation process completed in 2011, include the construction of softball and baseball fields, a t-ball field, a multi-purpose field for sports teams, as well as a pedestrian/bicycle pathway, bathrooms and a parking area. The year-long project got underway this fall with Town crews already beginning site preparation. Ellsworth Allen Park will more than double in size once construction is complete.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “For way too long, the Liberty site has been an eyesore in our community. My administration is jumpstarting this community revitalization project so that the property can be enjoyed by seniors, children, and area sports teams. Ellsworth Allen Park will be the pride of Farmingdale when complete.”
“This project is long overdue and a dream come true for most residents in Farmingdale and the Town of Oyster Bay. I was proud to lead the fight for environmental cleanup of the property and I look forward to joining with residents in celebrating the expansion of Ellsworth Allen Town Park when complete,” stated Councilman Joseph Muscarella.
Plans for the park include the construction of three ballfields, including a: 90ft. baseball field with infield artificial turf and outfield natural grass; softball field with infield artificial turf and outfield natural grass; and an artificial turf t-ball field. Multi-purpose field space will also be constructed to accommodate sports teams. To save taxpayer money, Town staff has been working to clear the property, and will remove rough grading, install an irrigation system, run conduit for lighting and pave a temporary parking lot.
“The Liberty Site project has been near and dear to me throughout my entire tenure on the Town Board,” said Councilman Anthony Macagnone. “Our residents have waited a long time to see the development of this property come to light, and I’m proud to see that day coming for the betterment of our community.”
The Town anticipates completing the project by the summer of 2019. Subject to Town finances, future plans for the property could potentially include an upgrade to the western end of the property at Ellsworth Allen Town Park and construction of a community building.
“I am so proud to see that we are able to move forward with the expansion of Allen Park, to provide a beautiful facility for residents of all ages to enjoy,” Councilman Imbroto said. Whether you and your family enjoy bicycle riding, jogging, baseball, softball or soccer, this new venue will serve as a premier destination for young families and senior citizens like.”
Helping to offset the cost of development, Nassau County Legislators James Kennedy and Rose Marie Walker have committed $150,000 in Community Revitalization funding to the project.
“I am so pleased to join with my colleagues in local government to help make this long-overdue project a reality for our residents,” Legislator Kennedy said. “This facility will become a haven for residents of all ages to enjoy.”
Legislator Walker added, “Projects like the Allen Park expansion are proof of the good that can come of local government representatives working together for the betterment of our communities. I am proud to partner with Supervisor Saladino and the Town of Oyster Bay in making this facility a state-of-the-art destination for our residents.”
Background:
In the 1940s and 50s, private operators at the Liberty Aircraft Products Company caused hazardous substances to be disposed of, leading to the property eventually being deemed a federal superfund site. In the late 1990s, the site became a national priority for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which assumed the role of lead agency for the purposes of documenting the extent of the contamination and determining the best remediation plan. Ultimately, the EPA developed a remediation plan that would have cleaned the property to commercial/industrial standards. Based on extensive efforts of the Town of Oyster Bay, the Town, by committing to acquire 22 acres for recreational use, committed the EPA to require a higher level of cleanup. As a result, these efforts have resulted in removal of all industrial and commercial activity from the site; the demolition and removal of all structures; the construction and operation of a water remediation system; and the removal of tens of thousands of cubic yards of soil from the premises.