Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced that the installation of solar lighting backup energy panels throughout John Burns Park in Massapequa has been completed. Funded entirely through a New York State grant through the New York State Office of Storm Recovery, lighting along the walking path and throughout parking lots at the facility have been retrofitted to LED with solar power and battery backup. The project was selected as part of the New York Rising Community Construction Program, through which the community identified areas of the community heavily impacted by severe weather events such as Superstorm Sandy.

 

“Through the New York State Office of Storm Recovery, the Massapequa community was identified as being eligible for reconstruction funding, to help rebuild and improve resiliency. Residents came together to gather public input, strategize and implement an effective plan to establish a stronger and better future,” said Supervisor Saladino. “This project not only improves our resiliency in the event of a future storm, it helps the environment while assisting the Town in its emergency readiness.”

 

John Burns Park is often heavily utilized as a command center during weather events, whether it be for gathering of equipment, drop off and pickup of supplies, or temporary location of storm debris. These newly retrofitted lighting fixtures, which will also be installed in other areas of the community, collect and store power from sunlight, going into effect in the event of a power outage.

 

“This lighting, which is also being installed along local roadways in the southern area of Massapequa, will help the community maintain functionality during power outages,” said Supervisor Saladino. “In the event of a power outage, this project will help make it safe for residents to traverse the area and evacuate when necessary.”