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Lake Avenue Smithtown's 8.2 Million Dollar Road
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 8:16PM By Stacey Altherr
It was a long time coming, say many residents and business owners. And although the Lake Avenue project in Saint James’ business district may be on budget and on time (actually, much earlier), there are roadblocks that could mean it may not reach its full potential for a while.
The Project’s Growth
The project, originally installing a new water main pipe to replace one more than 50 years old, which was decaying, and needed repaving of the road, was originally planned in the 2017 capital budget, for the main business road in Saint James. Over the course of a year, it grew to include not only a beautification project, but the installation of a sewer pipe, which officials say would make sense to lay down while the road was torn up.
“The original water main was a much smaller main for a much smaller population,” said Nicole Garguilo, town spokeswoman. The original project was a repaving and some curb work, but local civic groups called it “lipstick on a pig,” Garguilo said.
The beautification of the street, something the business civic associations have asked about for years, was about $2 million, and included Victorian-style street lamps, stamped concrete sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and other features to make it not only charming but more functional.
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The stamped concrete, which was originally in the proposal as brick, is more stable and a more even walking surface, say town officials.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Kerry Maher, president of the Civic Association of Greater Saint James, and owner of the family business St. James Funeral Home. “Running any business is risky, but we want to do what we can to make them flourish.”
Maher says local civic leaders already see interest in the Lake Avenue area now that sewers might be on their way.
“We had our town board meeting, and we had [business owners] come from Bay Shore to ask about it,” she said. “People are aware of the renovation.”
There are already new stores that have come to Lake Avenue, including a gluten-free bakery, says Garguilo.
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