In The News

ISLIP BEACH IS BACK, BETTER THAN EVER!

Beach Reopens After Super Storm Sandy Devastation

Islip, NY – There was much to celebrate in the Town of Islip today, with the long-awaited and much anticipated grand re-opening of Islip Beach, located at the end of South Bay Avenue in Islip. Supervisor Tom Croci was joined by Town Board Members in cutting the ribbon to the new and improved facility that had suffered devastating damage from Super Storm Sandy in October, 2012.

“We stand here today to reopen one of our greatest treasures here in the Town of Islip,” said Supervisor Croci. “Islip Beach has a long and important history in our community, and is a special place for so many of us. The overwhelming damage incurred here was a great concern to all Town officials, and getting it open and operational for residents to use as quickly as possible was important to each and every one of us.”

Councilman and Parks Liaison Anthony Senft echoed Supervisor Croci’s sentiments. “Good government was at the forefront of every decision made relating to this massive reconstruction project. And by working together, today we open the gates to a new and improved Islip Beach.”

Islip Beach, which was donated to the Town by the Havermeyer Family, opened in 1960, and has served as a bathing beach for decades. Before Super Storm Sandy, it featured a concession stand, pavilion, playground, restrooms, outdoor shower and gazebo. The October 2012, hurricane wreaked havoc on the popular bay beach, causing nearly $2 million in damages, which included the uprooting of the concession from its foundation, unusable and unsafe boardwalks, and a beachfront strewn with storm debris.

The Town Board approved the reconstruction project in May 2013, awarding the contract to Bensin Contacting, the lowest responsible bidder. Work at the beach began almost immediately, and included the demolition of the concession, reconstruction and repair of boardwalks, the pavilion and gazebo, the installation of some new playground equipment, as well as a major cleanup of the bay and beach.

“Despite a blizzard, unending rain, and incredible heat, the Town forged ahead with reconstruction to create an even more beautiful beach,” Councilman Steve Flotteron said.

The new Islip Beach now boasts a concession facility that includes handicapped bathrooms, showers and ramps and that is equipped with an energy efficient lighting system. Ramps, railings, and boardwalks are made from Ipe wood, a dense Brazilian hardwood that is used for its durability, performance and density, and that is naturally fire, insect, moisture and movement resistant. The cost of the project is $1.76 million, with the majority of funding to come from FEMA.

“We thank Islip residents for their patience during this recovery period as we have worked to improve our Parks and Recreation system, post-Sandy,” said Councilman John Cochrane, Jr.

“The devastation to Islip Town as a whole was mind boggling,” noted Councilwoman Trish Bergin Weichbrodt. “Islip Beach was one of several Town facilities in need of major repair caused by Super Storm Sandy. Slowly, surely and responsibly, we are chipping away at the damage in a concentrated effort to give Islip residents back the Town that they know, love and deserve.”

To view the photo gallery from the Islip Beach Re-opening, click here.
To watch the YouTube video of the ceremony, click here.

Jobco, Flotteron partner on foreclosures
by John Callegari

Islip Councilman Steve Flotteron and Great Neck-based Jobco Realty will unveil a new public-private plan to address the foreclosure crisis in Central Islip today.

Rather than devote 20 percent of its 284-unit Coventry Gardens to affordable housing, the plan will have Jobco Realty funnel $2 million into the surrounding Central Islip neighborhood, buying foreclosures, rehabilitating them and making them affordable – and livable – for families.

Flotteron said the area around the land that will become Coventry Gardens – located on Lowell Drive in Central Islip – is plagued with more than 70 abandoned homes, most of which are already in foreclosure. Jobco will buy $2 million worth of those homes, rehabilitate them and sell them as affordable through an agreement with the Long Island Housing Partnership.

“You need to think how the whole community can benefit from a development rather than just the ones who will be living there,” Flotteron said. “If the development is beautiful but the surrounding community has problems, it won’t be successful. This is a better solution.”

Flotteron said there were already numerous developments in the area with affordable units, and rather than add to that, the community would be better served with the current proposal.

In addition to the $2 million being spent on the foreclosed homes, Jobco Realty will spend more than $1 million in community investment, including downtown revitalization initiatives, converting an old firehouse into a clubhouse and redeveloping the local fire department substation.

Flotteron said the Coventry Gardens plan will serve as a pilot program that would be put into place on a more consistent basis if successful.

The Coventry Gardens development is currently under construction.

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