Officials tackle flooded blocks in Baldwin

Nassau County and Hempstead Town officials are working together to try to solve the flooding of a two-block stretch of Woodside Avenue in Baldwin caused by insufficient storm drains.

About 20 residents, including homeowners who say they have endured years of flooding in their homes and damage to their cars, attended a special meeting of the Baldwin Oaks Civic Association on Wednesday at Coes Neck Park.

County and town officials were present to discuss the heavy rains that caused flooding on Woodside Avenue from Grand Avenue to Centennial Avenue.

"Both jurisdictions are going to be working together to get this resolved," said William H. Rockensies, the town's engineering commissioner. "It is not a simple problem to fix."

The rainwater flows down from Grand Avenue, a county road, and from Schuman Avenue and Barth Drive, town roads. As much as four feet of water then pools on Woodside Avenue, the lowest point, residents say.

"Our street would flood even if there is no hurricane or big storm," said Charles Dickens III, 36, who has been living on Woodside Avenue for four years and whose home has been flooded twice.

Brian J. Schneider, assistant to Nassau's public works deputy commissioner, said the county would conduct a study about water flow in the area because Woodside Avenue is in its drainage system.

The town plans to install two new catch basins at the intersection of Woodside and Schuman avenues this fall to collect water before it travels to Woodside Avenue. But first the town board has to hold a public hearing to approve the project's funding -- about $50,000 to purchase just the catch basins. Then a contractor would need to be hired, town officials said.

"We have to get the money first," said Dorothy L. Goosby, a town councilwoman who represents a portion of Baldwin. "This is going to cost a lot of money."