by p.biancaniello
New York State officials went before the public on Thursday with their Phase III plan for the Nissequogue River 
Wayne Horsley addressing questions at Phase III meetingState Park (NRSP). Wayne Horsley, Long Island Regional Director of NYS Parks made the presentation announcing the $40 million dollar plan.
Phase III would use the balance of Senator Flanagan’s NRSP fund. Additional funds will come from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).
Phase III includes demolition of four derelict buildings on the park property. Three of the buildings #18.1, 18.2 and 18.3 were used as medical staff housing for employees at the Kings Park Psychiatric Center. Also targeted for removal is the former day care building identified as #40 located across the street from the maintenance building (west side) as you pass the booth entering the park.
In addition to the removal of buildings phase III includes: Marina relocation with improvements and wetland restoration. New construction, replacing building #40 with a Silver LEED (LEED is the acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) NYSDEC Marine Resources Building. Replacing and installing a water main and fire hydrants. Exterior improvements and energy conservation upgrades at the Administration Building (#125).
;)
The mandate of the NYS Division of Marine Resources is to manage living marine resources and habitats within the marine and coastal district of NYS. It is currently renting space at 205 Belle Mead Road, East Setauket. The rental is expensive and miles from the LI Sound. The NRSP appears to be a perfect fit for the Marine Resource Division. Since NYS owns the property relocating to the NRSP means no rental costs. The proximity to the marina makes a lot of sense for a Marine Division that uses boats.
According to Director James Gilmore, identifying the property for use by his division happened by chance after attending an event in Huntington, he drove through the park and realized the potential benefits for his division. This set into motion a review of the possibilities. Working with Wayne Horsley and other interested parties resulted in the conceptual plans presented to the public in two meetings on Thursday.
;)
Approximately 150 people participated in the informational meetings. Kings Park Chamber of Commerce President Tony Tanzi received applause when he voiced his organization’s enthusiastic support for the project. Linda Henninger president of the Kings Park Civic Association (KPCA) issued the following statement, “The KPCA is excited about Phase III and marine upgrade projects. We look forward to working closely with the DEC and State Parks during the process. The public meetings were informative, one aspect of community input stood out, the community wants the State to work simultaneously on a master plan for the entire park while moving forward on these exciting projects.”
Presenters were peppered with questions from boaters, both motorized and Kayakers, about the marina project with Wayne Horsely offering assurances that both groups were considered valuable users of the park and consideration would be given to their concerns.
;)
Dissent came in the way of concern for the location of the DEC building. Although the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation (NRSPF) has not taken a formal position on the project, foundation members Dorothy Chanin and Roy Conforte questioned the siting of the building on property that is uniquely beautiful. The Foundation had encouraged the DEC to use the Rockers Bldg. located on the Boulevard which would not be visible to people entering the park. The NRSPF was created to support the park and will meet on Monday evening and is expected to discuss and determine their position.
There were a number of calls from the audience to develop a master plan for the park. The NRSPF has raised funds to help defray the cost for NYS Parks. The Foundation was created to protect, enhance and beautify the NRSP for future generations. “Our goals include assisting State Parks with the creation of a comprehensive master plan to determine the most appropriate and sustainable reuses of the park’s buildings and grounds for cultural, recreational and educational purposes.” Nissequogue River State Park Foundation website.*
*P.Biancaniello is a member of the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation