A letter signed by 447 people was sent to Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, stating:
“We, the undersigned, are in favor of the inclusion of a bicycle lane and sidewalk in the West Shore Road reconstruction plans.
“A walkable shoulder is an unacceptable substitute for a proper bicycle lane and sidewalk, and the absence of a bike lane and sidewalk will unnecessarily endanger pedestrians, cyclists and joggers.”
Nassau County Commissioner of Public Works Shila Shah-Gavnoudias, P.E. sent a letter in response to it stating in part:
“West Shore Road requires immediate reconstruction due to safety concerns related to a failing seawall and deteriorating roadway. A project of this scope necessitates a tremendous amount of planning and coordination over many years between federal and state agencies, local governments and civic associations. The final outcome of these efforts has resulted in a project separated into three phases. Recently the necessary permits from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the New York State Department of State were finally granted, allowing Nassau County to begin soliciting contractor’s bids for the project.
“Despite the many efforts undertaken by engineers and consultants, I was informed that the inclusion of a bicycle path is not feasible as there is simply not enough road width to allow for such an endeavor. Expansion of the road is not possible as one side of the road is federally-regulated wildlife refuge and the other is private property.
“While I am sure you are disappointed, you can take pleasure in knowing that Nassau County is moving forward as quickly as possible to repair the failing seawall for West Shore Road.”
Bayville Mayor Douglas Watson sent a letter to Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano in support of the work on West Shore Road going forward. It is reprinted on the editorial page.
