Councilmember Lurvey proposes ARPA Fund allocation toward
Plandome Road Sewer Project
North Hempstead Town Councilmember Veronica Lurvey placed a resolution on for the April 4 Town Board meeting authorizing the Town’s director of purchasing to issue an RFP for services related to the creation and administration of a small business grant program related to the Manhasset Sewer Project as part of a $3.1 million allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Both resolutions passed at the April 4 Town Board meeting
The North Hempstead Town Board voted unanimously to memorialize its formal support for the Plandome Road sewer project in Manhasset at the March 14 Town Board meeting. The resolution was brought forward by Council Member Veronica Lurvey at the request of the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District.
“I am proud to support the Plandome Road sewer project,” said Councilmember Lurvey. “This is an important initiative that will benefit our community by providing a safe and efficient wastewater treatment system.”
Council Member Lurvey’s resolution comes on the heels of months-long research regarding the legal feasibility of the Town’s allocation of ARPA funds along with an itemization of approximately how much money would be needed for certain aspects of the project. After thorough conversations with the Town attorney, officials from other municipalities embarking on similar projects, and representatives of the sewer district, it was determined the Town could now move forward.
The Town’s allocation of $3.1 million allocation is based on the following cost estimates:
1. $1.76 million for property owners
• Approximately $20,000 per connection (up to 88) along Plandome Road
2. $1 million for Town facilities to connect to the sewer line
• This includes cost estimates for both the equalization and connection fees
3. $334,000 for miscellaneous expenses
• Allocating significant contingency funds will enable the Town to be prepared for certain unexpected expenses
The Plandome Road sewer project aims to improve public health, protect the environment, and provide financial relief to local business owners by providing a modern wastewater treatment system for the area. The project will be funded in part by a $5 million grant secured by New York State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti.
At the April 4 Town board meeting, Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said, “This project is something that residents have been asking for for many years and I am proud to continue to push to move this long-stalled project forward.”
Multiple business owners on Plandome Road spoke at the meeting to show support and gratitude for this project. Mayor of Pladome Manor, Barbara Donno, shared a letter of support that is signed by 13 village mayors from Manhasset, Port Washington, Great Neck and East Hills.
—Submitted by the
Town of North Hempstead
with additional reporting by Julie Prisco
