2024 at 4:28 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A beautiful summer day on Sheets Creek West (Jeff Stone)MANORHAVEN NY — The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is investigating a complaint from residents of Manhasset Isle about the strong smell of sewage in Sheets Creek The issue is just one among many that demonstrate the massive water-quality problem Long Islanders face — with both their drinking water and the surface water all around them from ponds and streams to the bays to the Sound and the Atlantic Ocean The quality of both has been declining for decades; it was 10 years ago that the Suffolk County Legislature acknowledged in its then-new Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan that "Suffolk County’s water quality is at a tipping point." "DEC’s Division of Water received a report of potential illicit discharges (dry weather flows) into Sheets Creek which flows into Manhasset Bay," spokesman Jomo Miller said adding that the DEC also referred the complaint to the village for additional follow-up Mayor John Popeleski told Patch Tuesday the village's public works foreman and building inspector had traced the storm drain from which the sewage smell seems to be emanating back to a connected county storm sewer on the other side of Soundview Drive from Shore Road "They don't believe what's coming in is coming in from the section that belongs to the village but further up the line owned by Nassau County," he told Patch I know what low tide smells like," said the Toms Cove resident Sewage concerns around Manorhaven Beach — from bacteria to toxic nitrogen levels — aren't new the Manhasset Bay Protection Committee created an informal work group to address the issue and hoped to get a partnership going with the Interstate Environmental Commission's tracking program and the town of North Hempstead "The idea was that we could identify the 'hot spot' for bacteria coming into the area and then trace it back into the watershed to a location where we could do a project — such as if a parking lot needed some stormwater retrofits," Sarah Deonarine executive director of the Manhasset Bay Protection Committee "But we were unable to get partnering with them on the town board's agenda Long Island's increasingly polluted water has impacts on the economy aquatic life and storm resiliency — and the aquifers underneath are the only source of public water for the 3 million residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties Both counties draw drinking water from a single source the system of aquifers beneath the surface of the island Suffolk County did a comprehensive water resources study and found: "There are so many facets of water quality," said Sue Van Patten from the DEC's Division of Water "Excess nitrogen is key — and the main source of that is human waste mainly the cesspools and septic systems that are prevalent on the island." a specialist with the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan that addresses nitrogen problems with LI’s water quality said 380,000 cesspools and septic systems need to be replaced This is about the contents of flushed toilets going into the groundwater. A cesspool is a pit in the ground lined with stone or cement. A septic system does a little more work, as wastewater flows into a "leach field" where it undergoes a filtration process — but an old system likely discharges harmful substances into the ground. was developed in 2015 as a partnership between DEC and the Long Island Regional Planning Council in coordination with Suffolk and Nassau Counties and many stakeholders More than $1.6 billion has been invested in 327 nitrogen reduction projects The project will convey treated water from the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility (previously known as the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant) located in Nassau County which currently discharges an average of 50 million gallons per day of treated water into Reynolds Channel to the Cedar Creek Water Pollution Control Plant ocean outfall pipe DEC has awarded more than $170 million for 123 nitrogen reduction projects in Nassau and Suffolk Among the accomplishments in the past few years that are helping to remove the excess nitrogen are: Patten said the DEC is now working on a Long Island Action Plan "We've broadened our scope a little bit," she said Working with many collaborators on the island they're determining not just priorities but also how to get things done It will go out for public comment in 2025." it has many stakeholders and needs many collaborators "It's way bigger than just septic replacement it's the Bay Park Conveyance Project on the South Shore I think there is a growing understanding that there's a problem But people like Stone are worried that it's all moving too slow pointing out that residential and commercial development continues on the Island creating more stormwater run-off problems in severe weather "There's more sewage now than ever," Stone said Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 2024 at 9:16 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}(Google Maps)MANORHAVEN NY — Two workers at a home demolition site in Manorhaven were injured Monday suffered a cardiac arrest while being transported to the hospital and was pronounced dead by hospital staff was transported to a nearby hospital for minor injuries 2025 at 9:29 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A fire early Wednesday at the Manhasset Bay Marina sent one person to a hospital for treatment NY — An unoccupied boat caught fire early Wednesday in Manhasset Bay Marina A 43-foot marine trader boat was fully engulfed and flames spread to a nearby 42-foot boat The Port Washington Fire Department and other departments extinguished the blaze Both vessels sank and a 58-year-old male was taken to a local area hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation Arson Bomb Squad and Marine Bureau responded 2020 at 3:43 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Vincent Costa will challenge Manorhaven village Mayor Jim Avena this month (Photo courtesy of Vincent Costa.)PORT WASHINGTON NY — Village elections are planned this month featuring a pair of mayoral duels in Manorhaven and Flower Hill In Manorhaven, Mayor Jim Avena will face a challenge from Vincent Costa on Sept. 15. Avena took over the mayoral office in 2016 after defeating Gary Pagano. He is running on the Manorhaven Residents Party ticket The party is running on a platform that government became stronger during Avena's tenure launching the Manorhaven Boulevard project and cracking down on unlawful over-occupancy code violations includes incumbent Trustee Priscilla von Roeschla and Joe Zimbardi Costa is running as a part of the Manorhaven Liberty Party which has expressed concerns about development in the area including what it sees as over-development and an inequitable favoring of builders over neighbors Patch has reached out to both candidates to fill out our 2020 candidate questionnaire Party Affiliation: Manorhaven Liberty Party. raised three children in the Port Washington Schools and has four grandchildren Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None Campaign website: Facebook page Manorhaven Liberty Party. There are serious issues with over development pertaining to our waterfront properties The single most pressing issue facing our nation/state/community is _______ What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post Manorhaven Liberty Party is an independent leadership body in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency): We want to preserve our village by the bay Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job Managed over 300 people in UPS as a shop steward Held various ranks in the Port Washington Fire Department various committees throughout my 44 years and still active The best advice ever shared with me was: Never make a promise What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions Since moving to Port Washington 38 years ago My wife and I wanted to instill positive community values and how rewarding it is to help others and make a difference in the community Founding member and head advisor of the Port Washington Fire Department Juniors 2000 till present day I was the founding member of the Christmas Tree lightning on Main Street and continued as co- chair My wife and I are parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima Church 2023 at 10:37 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Kevin Guzman threw a brick through the glass door of the Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in Manorhaven on Sunday night (Nassau County Police Department)MANORHAVEN NY — A man was arrested after Nassau police said he hurled a brick through the glass door of a church in Manorhaven on Sunday night threw the brick at the Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church He was charged with third-degree criminal mischief His arraignment was scheduled for Tuesday at First District Court 2022 at 12:52 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}(Nassau County Police)PORT WASHINGTON NY — Authorities have arrested a man they say illegally set off fireworks and assaulted a police officer in Manorhaven Nassau County police responded to a 911 call about loud explosions at the intersection of Kirkwood Road and Manorhaven Boulevard they encountered a man setting off fireworks he refused to comply with their verbal commands and attempted to reach into his vehicle," authorities said "The subject became increasingly agitated and combative as officers attempted to place him into custody." that a firework canister fell out of the man's pocket A police officer suffered minor injuries to his right hand The man accused of setting off fireworks has been identified as Argelis Alvayero He was placed under arrest and charged with assault explosives without licenses and certificates He is scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Friday The Village of Manorhaven has elected a new mayor and two trustees by narrow margins who was seeking his fourth term on the board Popeleski received 381 votes and Avena received 351 Popeleski ran alongside incumbent trustee Harry Farina and challenger Monica Ildefonso on the People’s Working Party line “Manorhaven residents were ready for a change and they made sure it happened during this election,” Popeleski told Newsday “I look forward to being that change for them.” Avena ran with Deputy Mayor Rita Di Lucia and Dan Garcia on the Manorhaven Residents Party line All candidates were elected to 2-year terms politics and crime stories in Nassau County By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy Popeleski said he will appoint someone to take over his trustee seat at the village's July 6 board meeting Avena did not respond to requests for comment who retired from the Port Washington Water District six years ago He told Newsday the village is in the midst of several important projects including resurfacing roadways rebuilding Manorhaven’s section of the preserve pathway and upgrading pump station and sewer lines He added that he will work to secure grant funding for more upgrades to the area he said he will work with the Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District and the local chamber of commerce to try to bring more businesses to the village “We have a lot to do but we are ready to roll up our sleeves and keep moving forward until we get everything done,” Popeleski said Darwin Yanes is a native Long Islander and Stony Brook University graduate who covers education He previously covered the Town of North Hempstead Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories The Newsday app makes it easier to access content without having to log in Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months 2019 at 7:59 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}(Google Maps )MANORHAVEN NY – A local priest has been accused of sexually abusing a minor more than 40 years ago the pastor at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in Manorhaven "has voluntarily agreed to step down immediately from all ministry" while an investigation takes place the director of communications for the Diocese of Rockville Centre The alleged abuse was only recently reported through the diocese's Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) The allegation against Peterson has been reported to civil authorities. Newsday reported that the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office is investigating Peterson was a priest in Suffolk County for 35 years – including lengthy stints at St. Joseph's in Babylon and St. Mary's in East Islip, according to his bio posted online Dolan said "the diocese is not aware that any other such allegations of misconduct have been made against Father Peterson." Senator Elaine Phillips (R-Manhasset) recently visited Manorhaven Elementary School in Port Washington to serve as a guest reader to the second grade Senator Phillips read “If I were President” by Catherine Stier and DyAnn DiSalvo-Ryan to the students.  The book helps children learn about the presidency and government what their responsibilities are and some of the day to day tasks a President must deal with.  2018 at 2:05 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A suspected MS-13 gang member was arrested after police say he assaulted a man with a glass beer bottle in Manorhaven on Sunday afternoon a 54-year-old man was approached by 33-year-old Christopher "Oso" Aguilar who struck the man in the face with a glass beer bottle in Manorhaven at 4 p.m The man was struck by Aguilar a second time when he fell to the ground The 54-year-old man suffered a laceration to the bridge of his nose and both a contusion and abrasion above his right eye was arrested following an investigation and was charged with second-degree assault He was arraigned on Monday at First District Court in Hempstead Elected officials gathered for Manorhaven’s 9/11 memorial service at Village Hall Sunday to remember the nine Port Washington residents who died in the attack on the World Trade Center The event coincided with several Sept. 11 services across North Hempstead. Earlier that morning, the Town hosted its service at Manhasset Valley Park please make it a point to remember the importance of our American heritage the need for patriotism and respect for the country we call home,” said Mayor John Popeleski “Thank you to the heroes who have sacrificed throughout history and to those who continue to protect this great country.” Those who died in Port Washington included David Scott Agnes Several other officials joined the Manorhaven mayor Anna Kaplan (D-North Hills) and state Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti (D-Manorhaven) all spoke about remembering those who died He said that when the need for their help arose many immediately answered the call of duty They’re always stepping above and beyond to protect and serve.” He said that nobody was judged that day based on their race Kaplan stressed the value of never forgetting the deceased She said that both for America and its people “We come together today in their honor because we all vowed that we would never forget,” she said “We vowed to always keep them in our hearts and in our prayers Sillitti said 9/11 will always mean something different for New Yorkers many are still dealing with the consequences of the assaults on the Twin Towers in Lower Manhattan “We see the sideline a little bit differently we still mourn the loss of our friends and our family and neighbors We obviously all know someone who spent time on the pile someone who just had that lingering cough or something in between.” About 410,000 to 525,000 people were exposed to toxins from 400 tons of pulverized concrete According to the World Trade Center Health Program 4,343 survivors and first responders have died in the years since “That’s why we have these events — large and small,” said Sillitti those words that we mentioned before have a different meaning for us because we will never forget — because we can’t.” 2020 at 4:48 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}In Manorhaven incumbent Mayor Jim Avena will face a challenge from Vincent Costa on Sept In Manorhaven, incumbent Mayor Jim Avena will face a challenge from Vincent Costa on Sept. 15. Avena took over the mayoral office in 2016 after defeating Gary Pagano. He is running on the Manorhaven Residents Party ticket Party Affiliation: Manorhaven Residents Party I am engaged to lifelong Port Washington resident Antoinette Lewis My daughter lives in Port Washington with her husband and three daughters My son lives in Texas with his wife and four children Does anyone in your family work in politics or government Occupation: Retired; spent over 30 years in the financial services industry including serving as president of investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald Campaign website: ManorhavenResidentsParty.com I am seeking a third term as mayor to keep moving Manorhaven forward by continuing to make dramatic improvements to our infrastructure Preserving quality of life in our beautiful waterfront community while keeping taxes down my finance background has helped the Village turn around our finances to increase our bond rating by four points to AA+ (the highest it's ever been) and reach a current budget surplus of $300,000 to be used in case of an emergency I believe my finance and leadership background has served the village well fixing our sewers and turning unused eyesores into waterside parks our beautification efforts that include planting a good number of trees has enabled us to obtain Tree City USA designation from The Arbor Day Foundation in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency) Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform We plan to continue to improve quality of life further enhance Manorhaven's beauty and waterfront access This began with abolishing alternate side parking in winter upgrading and repairing our failing sewer system being tough on illegal over-occupancy and flagrant code violations balancing the budget with a five-year plan building a substantial surplus with average annual tax increases of only about $25 per household completing Morgan's Dock Park and dramatically expanding the Nature Preserve The $3 million Manorhaven Boulevard project is planned to start this fall thanks to my and Priscilla von Roeschlaub's work with County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton my accounting education and overall financial and management experience has prepared me well for working with village staff and residents to match our government's performance with the beauty of our special village Many residents have remarked on how clean and well cared for Manorhaven is now as well as their appreciation for our excellent snow removal performance and finally getting roads repaved and repaired We're also proud that a lot of the improvements have been funded through grants that do not cost the village anything never lose sight of the mission." This is a pearl of wisdom that has served me well throughout my military I am very proud to serve as the mayor of the Village of Manorhaven I have always tried to do the best possible job with any position I have ever held and am pleased about the excellent financial and infrastructural health our board and staff have brought the village I am also honored to have served in the U.S reaching the rank of 1st lieutenant and volunteering on the board of the Senior Citizens Center as well as for Our Lady of Fatima Outreach Center I am also a member of the Port Washington Sons of Italy John Marino Lodge and Knights of Columbus 2016 at 6:42 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Many parents of campers of Port Day Camp were upset when the Town of North Hempstead suddenly revoked the camp’s permits to use Manorhaven Pool for swim lessons for the remainder of the summer a parent to two campers in fourth and sixth grade said it was a “shock” when parents dropped off their children at camp Thursday to discover the lessons were cancelled just one and a half weeks before camp ends The Town reportedly closed the pool due to complaints from residents about feces found in the pool “Due to the many day camps at Manorhaven Pool that have been exceeding their permitted number of campers as well as an unusually high number of hygiene incidents at the pool while day camps were swimming we were forced to close the pool down on numerous occasions so that it could be chemically treated according to Department of Health guidelines,” Bosworth said in a statement “This lost time was an unfortunate inconvenience to our many resident pool goers.” The pool was reportedly closed four times this season for this reason but Port Washington resident and parent Diane Palermo said Port Day Camp was only at the pool for one of those occasions Some parents felt the camp was being unfairly blamed for the situation They responded by writing letters to Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Parks Commissioner Jill Weber Both Stehn and Palermo penned letters they shared with Patch “I understand that the sanitary conditions of the pool are top priority since I can remember the pool has closed multiple times during a season because because of poop in it," Stehn wrote in her letter "Obviously feces in a public pool is unacceptable but do you real believe that 3rd-6th graders are to blame The staff at the pool should be checking those very young children who should be wearing swim diapers and fining those parents who don't have their child in one before blaming campers.” Palermo said she received an email from the camp last week regarding a Department of Health inspector making a surprise visit Palermo said the inspector called Port Day Camp the best run swim program that she has ever seen in all of her years working for the Department of Health In response to the many complaints on the issue the Town reached a compromise to balance the needs with the camps and the rest of the community The Town will continue to allow day camps to use the pool when it is closed to the public The Town originally gave the camp the option of relocating to Whitney Pond Pool or North Hempstead Beach park but parents were not happy with these options in their letters But now that the Town has created the compromise Port Day Camp will get a section of the pool assigned to them during the hours of 9-11 a.m “We are happy that the children will be back at the pool and continuing with their swim lessons,” Donna Preminger Executive Director of Port Washington Children’s Center 2021 at 12:30 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}(Shutterstock)PORT WASHINGTON NY — A man has been hospitalized after falling from the second floor of a Manorhaven home The incident happened Thursday around 4:30 p.m Nassau County police say a 38-year-old man was inspecting a chimney on Orchard Beach Boulevard when he fell to the ground A coworker called 911 and the injured man was airlifted to an area hospital The unidentified man is in stable condition NY — Manorhaven Village Hall is now home to a grab-n-go mini library where residents can pick up a book anytime for free The "Little Free Library" box — which resembles a tiny wooden house — is the latest effort by the Port Washington Public Library to expand its reach within the community It's located at the entrance of Village Hall "The Little Free Library belongs to everyone in our community the director of Children's Services for the public library system This is PWPL's second "Little Free Library," with the first located at 6 Irma Place 2011 at 8:06 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Pool enthusiasts A revamped 37,000-square-foot pool complex at will be open for business A completely rebuilt 25,000-square-foot main pool area that features a competition and lap swim area zero-depth entry for children and beginners Families can also enjoy the separate kiddy pool Also noteworthy: a 12,000 square-foot bathhouse complex complete with event space and food services  invites the community to visit the pool for “free swim sessions” from June 18-25  Call 311 first for exact hours during this period The opening celebration on June 25  will include Ad Lib Steel Drum Orchestra and giveaways by KJOY Radio is scheduled from 11:00am to 5 p.m 2015 at 1:35 pm ETPhotos courtesy Port Washington School District Members of the community came together to celebrate Manorhaven Elementary’s Walk for Health event that honored 9-year-old Seraphina O’Brien who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in October administrators and community residents dressed in purple and participated in a victory lap and crossed a ceremonial finish line on Thursday and representatives from Kohl’s and Cohen Children’s Medical Center spoke at the event which was made possible through the Kohl’s Cares Keeping Kids Healthy Program which was donated to Cohen Children’s Medical Center Kohl’s has donated more than $4 million through Kohl’s Cares to Cohen Children’s Medical Center “I want to thank Manorhaven for its many acts of kindness,” said Michael O’Brien who thanked the school for its constant support of Seraphina and for keeping her connected to the school are grateful for the tremendous outpour of support.” The event was meant to show students and members of the community that walking can be fun and healthy The school was provided with pedometers and support materials to conduct the walk 2023 at 11:29 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Timothy Ibanez stabbed his mother and sister on Tuesday afternoon NY — A Manorhaven man was arrested after Nassau police said he punched and stabbed his mother and sister on Tuesday afternoon Officers responded to a Kirkwood Road home for a domestic disturbance around 2 p.m. in the kitchen of his home when Ibanez punched the women multiple times before stabbing them with a knife Ibanez held both in the home for over an hour before they escaped to a nearby neighbor's home and called 911 Ibanez was arrested in his home without incident Ibanez's mother suffered a puncture wound to her left arm while his sister suffered numerous puncture wounds to various parts of her body Both women were brought to nearby hospitals where they were listed in stable condition Ibanez was charged with two counts of first-degree unlawful imprisonment two counts of second-degree attempted murder and one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon His arraignment was scheduled for Wednesday at First District Court 2010 at 10:04 pm ETThe Growing up at Manorhaven Park Reunion 2010 on July 17 at Manorhaven Beach Park was a success which went on as scheduled from 11:00am until 8:45 p.m and all were there for one reason: to reconnect with the community in which they grew up and to see childhood friends and share memories and laughs while singing and dancing to the live music The music was performed according to schedule despite the very hot weather. Most folks enjoyed the music by staying within the picnic area, under canopies that provided shelter from the sun. The music was even recorded. [Editors's note, click here to listen.] as the grass cooled under the shade of the trees folks gathered near the stage to rejoice in the live music and celebrated their life with childhood friends and family.The performances took place starting at noon with musicians from Paul Green's School of Rock and t0 local bands such as From The Top  The music went through the day and into dusk.While music played an important role and the turnout could not have been better Seeing the Tau Beta logo brought back memories of yesteryear Whether this event was a one-time occurrence or becomes an annual tradition and what a beautiful memory we will have shared We give thanks to the Town of North Hempstead Manorhaven Park and all who helped make this event a success Music Director and Co-Chair of Growing up at Manorhaven Park Reunion swimming will be just one of the highlights at That's because North Hempstead is opening a new water sports education center at the facility For North Hempsead Recreation Supervisor Kevin Hawkins who spent the last 20 years running pool facilities and programs including those at the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center in Roslyn began working for North Hempstead last year So Hawkins and Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Recreation John Darcy got to work putting together programming that will be new this summer residents ages 13 and up can learn to sail on a 23 foot sailboat (two 3-hour sessions run $325) Residents ages 18 and up can also learn to standup paddle board (a 1-hour session is $65) or take a 5-lesson package standup paddle boarding fitness class ($275.) The center offers kayaking lessons for ages 10 and up with a 2-hour class running $60 per person Residents under 18 must be accompanied by an adult And there are fishing lessons for ages 5 and up Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult Other new highlights include Zumba for adults with a choice of sunrise or sunset sessions swimming lessons for ages 6 months -adults and tennis lessons The Red Devils Swim Team will be back in session for those ages 7-17 the band Orleans ("Dance with Me," "Still The One," and "Love Takes Time") will perform in the park at 7:30 p.m The new programs were well-received by town officials “I am pleased that the Town Of North Hempstead is offering classes like sailing yoga and fishing to our residents and encouraging the use of our beautiful waterfront," Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio said Both Hawkins and Darcy said the town is partnering with local businesses such as Kostal Paddle and to keep courses affordable and possibly help these companies reach new markets Hawkins and Darcy are currently reaching out to local yoga outfits for partnering opportunities Some of the programs may become available year-round Click on the pdf at the right to learn more about new programs or visit northhempsteadny.gov for more information 2015 at 12:33 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Residents who wish to get a jump start to the summer season are able to register early for Manorhaven Beach Park Pool Those who wish to register for Manorhaven Beach Park’s summer session can stop by the registration office at Manorhaven Beach Park pool The pool is open daily Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m Early bird registration is cheaper than regular registration: Manorhaven Beach Park has been recently renovated and offers a water slide for kids For more information, call 311 or visit myNHTV.com The Village of Manorhaven on Manorhaven Boulevard on Thursday A long awaited $6 million project to revamp Manorhaven Boulevard delayed by opposition to tree removal and then the pandemic is underway as local officials hope upgrades will attract new businesses and visitors to the village 6 to celebrate the start of work on Manorhaven’s main street The upgrades include repaving the mile-long road as well as Manorhaven Village’s municipal parking lot DeRiggi-Whitton said she’s hoping most of the changes will be completed by spring with some touch ups in the fall "We’re really trying to polish up this gem," DeRiggi-Whitton told Newsday on Wednesday "It could have such potential to be a destination spot." Local officials are counting on the upgrades to attract new businesses and help increase traffic to the village which according to 2020 census data is home to just shy of 7,000 people owner of newly opened OneMore Cakes & Bakes bakery on Manorhaven Boulevard said the upgrades are needed to enhance the village’s business district She noted that the area is "relatively quiet" for retail activity and said more businesses would help drive foot traffic "If we have more retail businesses [in the area] so people don’t feel like we’re out of the way because they can shop for more than one thing," Li said State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti (D-Manorhaven) who has lived in the village for close to a decade said people may often overlook the village when traveling to the Manhasset Bay Marina or Manorhaven Beach Park and Pool but said the changes will make the village more attractive for visitors "I really hope that after this project is complete visitors that come through our village will fall in love with it "You won’t just drive through to get to your destination Officials noted that because Manorhaven Boulevard floods easily during heavy rain workers would clean existing pipes and install new drainage is a very necessary and important part," Sillitti said Village of Manorhaven Mayor Jim Avena also praised the project we cannot wait to see the final product next year," Avena said in a statement "We’re certain that the ‘new’ Manorhaven Boulevard will attract more businesses into our village." which DeRiggi-Whitton said has been in the works for more than five years was delayed by the pandemic and after officials had to alter original plans that called for the removal of 90 trees after hearing opposition from local residents will be removed out of the originally planned 90 trees "We redid the plan to save all the oak trees," DeRiggi-Whitton said You get the natural beauty from the beach and the trees."