Another legislator presses for West Shore Road repairs

West Shore Road continues to be a sore subject for Nassau legislators

After Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa) on Monday warned that the waterfront road may be closed if safety is a concern, Legis. Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove) hand-delivered a letter to him asking that for a quick resolution to questions that are delaying repairs.

“This is a serious issue for the 18th Legislative District,” wrote DeRiggi-Whitton, who represents the 18th District, which includes West Shore Road. “As it stands right now, you and I should both be concerned that the Nassau County government is not functioning in the best service of taxpayers.”

Schmitt on July 23 pulled from the Rules Committee agenda a $9 million project for the first phase of reconstructing the two-mile road that runs along Oyster Bay Harbor, connecting Mill Neck to Bayville. Schmitt said there are questions about the road’s ownership and its repair costs. Democrats say the road is deteriorating and hazardous.

DeRiggi-Whitton wrote that after Schmitt pulled the contracts, “you publicly told me to meet with you on the issue. Since that session -- over five weeks ago -- I have been unable to schedule that meeting with you” despite weeks of trying.

“Taxpayers need a solid determination about how and when the road will be repaired,” DeRiggi-Whitton wrote. “It is my hope that going forward you could press for information and meetings to be held in a more timely fashion. Such delays reflect badly on the entire county government.”

Schmitt aide Ed Ward said Monday that the presiding officer’s staff had planned a meeting with the county attorney’s office and public works about West Shore Road on Tuesday. Ward could not be reached Tuesday for comment.

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