The North Hempstead Town Council unanimously approved a five-year capital plan on Tuesday that includes approximately $28 million in new bonds.
Nearly $16 million of the new bonding would be put toward the town’s general fund, which as part of its five-year plan would average $2.6 million in bonds each year and $66.3 million in total expenditures.
Approximately $12.3 million would be put toward a fund for unincorporated areas at a $2.5 million per-year average in bonds over five years and $18.5 million in expenditures altogether.
Town officials said state and federal grants would cover $43.8 million of its total expenses. Officials said they are expecting an additional $600,000 per year state grant for road work.
“As town supervisor, I am committed to investing in the town’s future, and I’m pleased that we can do that while reducing our overall debt,” North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said.
The town Council approved its debt service plan for the capital plan as part of its 2015 budget last fall.
Projects included in the plan during the next year would improve the town’s park system, storm preparedness, infrastructure, historical preservation and public safety, officials said.
To strengthen the town’s fortification from future storms, the town plans to construct two debris management sites at Michael J. Tully Park in New Hyde Park and North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington, as well as reconstructing the Town Dock for $75,000.
The debris management initiative, which would align with the findings of an audit conducted last year by the Environmental Protection Agency, would cost about $750,000 to map a storm water drainage system, investigate sites for compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and design and bid construction projects for vehicle washing pads at town sites.
Officials said similar projects are being planned in future years.
A Whitney Pond Park pool restoration is set to take place over the next two years and cost $1.5 million in total, according to the preliminary plan, with roughly $400,000 in work set to take place in 2015.
A $400,000 replacement of lighting at athletic facilities at Tully Park is also set to take place in 2015, according to the plan.
Officials said the town will also focus on upgrading its parks to align with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
The town has 16 active parks, five athletic fields and 28 “passive” parks, which do not require registration fees.
The town is also considering a $1,529,151 restoration of the Schumacher House at Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park, for which approximately $450,000 in grants have been received, officials said.
A $1.4 million initiative to purchase highway equipment and vehicles is also included in the bond, including a $650,000 expenditure in 2015.
The town would then bond for $300,000 in each of the next two years and $150,000 in 2018.
