Update #3: Damage to the Old Bethpage Village Restoration Motor Parkway Bridge
As reported over the last four months on VanderbiltCupRaces.com, the Old Bethpage Village Restoration Motor Parkway Bridge was subjected last year to dumping of debris and an attack by graffiti vandals. Here's the latest update on the cleanup and restoration of one of only two existing Motor Parkway bridges in Nassau County :
Old Bethpage- May 1, 2011
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Report from Jim McKenna, Site Director, Old Bethpage Village Restoration, April 20, 2011:
"Restoration Farm got most of the debris on the north side removed. I would still like to get rid of all of the north side debris and will probably have to send in a crew with shovels as the concrete abutment makes it impossible to get equipment in there. I will request assistance in clearing a path to get to the debris on the south side, however I will request that Restoration Farm begin removing the tree branches from the south side to begin the process of clearing the south side. I put a work order in with the county paint shop for the paint to cover the graffiti and just saw the supervisor of the paint shop who said he would put together the paint necessary to do the job. As soon as I get the paint, I will send my seasonal staff down there to paint the walls. I will also be sending this same crew to remove some of the vines and overgrowth directly effecting the sides of the bridge up top. I will also be following up with a work order regarding the repair of the fence directly across from the bridge site. I’m sorry I don’t think I can make your talk on Wednesday evening as I’m already committed to another meeting. I hope this gives you some encouragement. "
Future Actions to be Taken
-The fence near the bridge will be repaired.
-Security surveillance at the site will be significantly expanded.
-The remaining debris on the south side of the bridge will be removed by the Organic Restoration farmers in May 2011.
-The Nassau County Department of Parks and Old Bethpage Village Restoration will remove the graffiti from the bridge by June 1, 2011.
- Old Bethpage Village Restoration will restore the concrete walls and railings of the bridge.
-In cooperation with Old Bethpage Village Restoration and the Nassau County Department of Parks, a clean-up day will be announced for May or early June. Car clubs and the Long Island Motor Parkway Preservation Society will be participating. Newsday, News 12 and other local media will be covering this event.
If you wish to assist in projects to help preserve the Motor Parkway, please join the Long Island Preservation Society, an outgrowth of the Long Island Motor Parkway Panel. Become a Founding Member by sending an email to me at [email protected] . No fees are required-just energy and dedication. Current membership: 68.
Next Meeting of the Long Island Motor Parkway Preservation Society, Wednesday, May 18, 2011, 7:00 PM, Bonwit Inn, Commack, Open to all. Please bring your Motor Parkway memorabilia and Vanderbilia that you would like to show or trade.
Old Bethpage- April 14, 2011
The debris on the north side of the bridge has been removed. A ten-foot pile of debris remains on the south side.
The bridge walls on the north and south sides await restoration.
The fence cut last year by vandals remains open and unsecured. Old debris still litters the area.
Old Bethpage- March 4, 2011
With the assistance of Brian Schneider, a hydrogeologist with the Nassau County Department of Public Works, yesterday, Nassau County Department of Parks staff members Michael Fritz (Superintendent of Parks Maintenance) and Stephen Clark and I examined the damage to the bridge
Debris dumped by the Organic Restoration Farm is piled high on both sides of the bridge.
Old Bethpage- September 12, 2008
Old Bethpage- May 11, 2008
Links to related posts on the Old Bethpage Village Restoration Motor Parkway Bridge:
April 14, 2011, Update #2: Damage to the Old Bethpage Village Restoration Motor Parkway Bridge
March 5, 2011:Update #1: Damage to the Old Bethpage Village Restoration Motor Parkway Bridge
December 15, 2010: Old Bethpage Restoration Motor Parkway Bridge to Receive a Cleaning
January 12, 2011: A CALL TO ACTION: The Old Bethpage Village Restoration Motor Parkway Bridge
February 15, 2011: Help Restore the Old Bethpage Village Restoration Motor Parkway Bridge
Comments
how sad that it got so bad before action was taken but better late then never. I remember that the bridge was considered an eyesore by many at the time of the Village Restoration. Considering the importance of the car in LI history a full restoration should be done and car clubs should consider this a holy site.
Hi Steve:
Agree!!
Howard