(SYOSSET and WOODBURY, N.Y.) – With efforts proceeding to transfer Stillwell Park in Syosset from County control to the Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) once again urged the administration of Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman to finalize a capital infrastructure plan and corresponding bond ordinance that will fund long-overdue upgrades.
Legislative committees voted unanimously on Monday, Jan. 7 to approve an intermunicipal agreement to transfer the 297 acres of parkland, which encompasses an expanse of nature trails and preserves and popular ballfields that attract thousands of children and their families to the facility to play and watch little league baseball, flag football, soccer, and more.
As part of the intermunicipal agreement, which could be approved as early as the Jan. 27 meeting of the full Legislature, $12 million in capital improvements will ultimately be completed upon completion of the transfer, with $6 million being funded each by the Town and County. In 2019, Deputy Minority Leader Drucker and the Minority Caucus secured $3 million for the effort.
Deputy Minority Leader Drucker is continuing to fight for the inclusion of the final $3 million as capital plan negotiations between the Blakeman administration and both legislative caucuses continue. A 13-member supermajority vote is required to pass bond authorization items. He is also bringing together community stakeholders to ensure the unique trails and natural assets within the Preserve will be maintained in its pristine condition and that no changes will occur following the transfer in ownership
“My constituents have been clamoring for this agreement for more than five years, and the fact that we have taken an important step toward enhancing this youth sports hub and preserving one of Nassau County’s pristine natural treasures is very gratifying,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said during Monday’s committee hearings. “We have to make sure the additional $3 million from the County side is going to be provided for in the 2025 Capital Plan, and I urge County Executive Blakeman to meet with the Democratic Minority Caucus to complete the capital plan and deliver resources not just for Stillwell Park, but for critical infrastructure projects all across Nassau County.”
In the interim period until the transfer is completed, Deputy Minority Leader Drucker pressed the Town of Oyster Bay to ensure all necessary repairs are completed promptly to keep the parking lots and playing fields safe for players and spectators.