Politics & Government
North Hempstead Town Board Approves Upgrades to Beaches, Golf Course
Bonds passed to install new boat ramp at Bar Beach and work on erosion issues at Manorhaven Beach; new fees and golf carts approved for Harbor Links.
A trio of state grants have paved — and paid — the way for Town of North Hempstead projects to begin at two Port Washington beaches.
The town board unanimously approved two bond resolutions Tuesday evening to spend $530,000 to build a new boat ramp at Bar Beach, and $200,000 to rehabilitate wetlands and erosion issues in Bar Beach Cove.
"[The current boat ramp] is in serious state of disrepair," Councilman Fred Pollack said Tuesday. "It's going to be totally rebuilt so it's actually usable."
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A previous project to fix erosion issues at Manorhaven Beach Park was previously adopted.
Councilman Fred Pollack explained that all three projects will be 80 percent funded by grants received from the state. "They're reimbursement grants, so we have to spend the money before they pay us," Pollack said. "When we submit the vouchers to the state they pay us, and then we pay off the bond right away."
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While the town board cruised through much of the 59-item agenda, they spent some time discussing new fees and new golf carts for Harbor Links for the upcoming season.
The town board approved the leasing of new GPS-compatible golf carts for Harbor Links, and a GPS system to operate those golf carts. Supervisor Jon Kaiman said the GPS system will help serve the golfers better, protect the course itself, offer more convenience and help deter unapproved use of golf carts.
The golf course received permission from the town to alter the weekend pay structure as well. The golf course currently offers a lower rate for golfers with tee times after 10 a.m. Those discounted rates will now begin at 12 p.m.
Harbor Links also received town approval to raise rates on golf carts from $20 to $22; raise the 18-hole senior citizen cost from $27 to $29; and raise the nine-hole fee from $15 to $17 on the weekdays and from $18 to $20 on the weekends. According golf course officials, some of the fees haven't risen since 1998. Kaiman added that these prices only apply to residents of the Town of North Hempstead.
The town supervisor said he favored a raise in fees to help balance the golf course's budget, and so that the town wouldn't have to provide extra funds.
"When it comes to a recreational activity such as this one, it is our hope that the members of the town subsidize it as little as possible," Kaiman said.
