Vanderbilt Cup Races

As reported on December 15, 2010, January 12, 2011, and February 15, 2011, the Old Bethpage Village Restoration Motor Parkway Bridge has been subjected to dumping of debris and an attack by graffiti vandals. Last December, Jim McKenna, Site Director of the Old Bethpage Village Restoration, committed to cleaning up the bridge and its surrounding area. Here's the latest update:

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

Graffiti covers both sides of the 1910 bridge and the abutments.

Debris dumped by the Organic Restoration Farm is piled high on both sides of the bridge.

Sadly, the railings and north wall of the bridge were severely damaged during the dumping.

In comparison, below are images of the bridge taken in 2008:

Old Bethpage- May 11, 2008

Old Bethpage- September 12, 2008

Follow-Up Actions

Following our survey of the bridge, Michael, Stephen and I met with James McKenna to discuss cleaning, restoring and protecting this historic bridge. Here's the plan:

The fence near the bridge will be immediately repaired.

Security surveillance at the site will be significantly expanded.

The debris will be removed by the Organic Restoration farmers during March and April 2011.

The Nassau County Department of Parks and Old Bethpage Village Restoration will remove the graffiti from the bridge by May 1, 2011.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration will restore the concrete wall and railing of the bridge.

The Ford Model-A Club and the Long Island Preservation Society will thoroughly clean the bridge and surrounding area by the summer.

If you wish to assist in this project and other efforts to 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. In less than three weeks, 37 Founding Members have joined.

Links to related posts on 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

Featured 2011 Car Event of the Day

The 100th Anniversary Indy 500 Celebration of Automobiles, Friday, May 13, 2011 to Saturday, May 14, 2011, Indianapolis, Indiana. This event will be a competition between automobile owners to be judged on the appearance of their cars. The event will celebrate the significance of vehicular transportation and competition to Indianapolis and be a centerpiece of the numerous festivities planned to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 29.