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Politics & Government

Mill Pond Reconstruction Project Almost Complete

That orange netting along the pond's perimeter, however, remains for now.

Of all the picturesque spots in town, Mill Pond might top the list. But residents will have to wait a bit longer until the pond's restoration is finished. 

Although the Mill Pond project began more than a year ago, Town of North Hempstead Councilman Fred Pollack would not commit to a definite completion date. Still, he did say that "most of the work is done."

The nearly 5.1 million-dollar project was funded from a combination of Federal and state grants and town reserves. In addition, the town is currently working with Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington, through a generous donation from Dorothy and Ed Slade, to create a garden area.

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Already, the upgrade has significantly improved the ecology of the pond.  The town placed two different species of plants along the water to absorb excess nutrients including fertilizers that enter the pond unintentionally, to provide a habitat for smaller fish species, and to prevent algae blooms, which lead to fish kills. In addition, the town repaired a device that controls the flow of water from Mill Pond to Manhasset Bay, boosting the water quality in both bodies of water. 

Still, the site will maintain a construction-like appearance for the near future. The orange netting that lines the pond's perimeter is designed to provide essential support for the plantings. "It will take at least a full year for the roots to take hold and the plants to be strong enough to sustain themselves without the netting" Pollack said. "If all goes well, I expect the netting can be removed in the Spring of 2011."  

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One pressing issue is the incomplete state of the curb on Mill Pond R0ad. The town has deliberately delayed finishing the curb at the request of the Port Washington Water Pollution Control District.  According to the town, there is a sewer pipe there that needs replacing. "Once that work is completed by the district, the town will complete the curbing," Pollack said.  

While the project is still a work in progress, signs of completion are already evident. The recently planted garden attracts colorful butterflies along the eastern tip of the pond. Locals and patrons of nearby restaurants stroll along the brick walkway around the pond, while others relax on the benches. Even the birds have returned, as one egret did on a warm afternoon, perched atop the orange netting. 

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