It’s no secret that the cost of doing business on Long Island is high. Between high taxes, burdensome governmental regulations, and backlogged permitting processes, oftentimes the only companies able to thrive in our communities are large corporations able to spend anything they need to open and operate successfully.
Sadly, our small businesses are the ones who suffer the most here. Perhaps nowhere is this more apparent than on Plandome Road in Manhasset where, on top of all challenges, businesses must pay the crippling added cost of septic service. The cost to install and maintain these tanks can run thousands of dollars per month, hindering the ability of so many businesses to thrive.
For nearly 40 years now under previous administrations, our Town and the Manhasset community has been exploring ways to connect the 70 businesses on Plandome Road to the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District, eliminating the need for septic tanks, providing financial relief to businesses, and protecting Manhasset Bay from dangerous nitrogen flows.
Inexplicably, this project has been stalled for nearly 40 years. This is unacceptable, but thanks to a $5 million New York State grant, and millions of dollars of unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that were awarded to the Town for infrastructure projects just like this, we have been presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity to make this dream a reality.
Under my proposal, the town would allocate $3 million of ARPA funding to help fund our Plandome Road businesses’ connection to the sewer system, in a commitment to the future of Manhasset’s downtown business district.
Lowering the cost of doing business in our town and allowing small businesses to thrive is a pillar of my administration, and I am very proud that under my administration, forward momentum has finally been brought to this project.
In spite of opposition and stalling from some local politicians, I am determined to move forward and, after nearly four decades, undertake and complete this vital project.
Our businesses, our residents, our environment, and our future deserve this. It’s time to get it done.
