Nassau lawmakers to vote on Jackson Avenue project

After years of delays, the Nassau County Legislature is expected to vote today on an agreement giving Oyster Bay Town control of a one-mile stretch of Jackson Avenue in Syosset and $3 million to help the town rebuild it.

The project would fix potholes and widen the road on Jackson Avenue, a major artery serving about 20,000 vehicles a day. If the resolution passes, work could begin on Jackson Avenue as early as November.

County Executive Edward Mangano said Wednesday that he has sent an emergency resolution to the county legislature. The resolution allows both the rules committee and the full legislature to vote on the agreement in the same meeting, said Cristina Brennan, a spokeswoman for presiding officer Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa).

If the resolution passes, the county will give Oyster Bay $3 million of the project's $6 million cost. Oyster Bay will pay for the rest of the project and future maintenance of the road.

Jackson Avenue is filled with potholes, and residents say the narrow street and confusing streetlights cause accidents.

The resolution appears to have the support of Nassau lawmakers. Thirteen of the legislature's 19 members must vote to add the resolution to the agenda. Brennan said 11 Republicans would support the resolution and vote for the project. And the legislature's eight Democrats are expected to do the same, said Nassau Legis. Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), a longtime advocate for the project.

In April, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto offered to take control of the project, leading to the current agreement between the town and the county.

"We have worked hard since taking office to find a way to fix Jackson Avenue, and today I am proud to announce that we have accomplished that goal," Mangano said in a statement Wednesday.