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Southampton Town officials said they are still pushing to create a walking path to the Peconic River in Riverside, though they now envision more of a park setting that features benches, a picnic area and launch ramp for kayaks and canoes.
The first hurdle, however, remains securing Suffolk County approval for the additional amenities as the county owns the 14 acres of waterfront land that sits off Flanders Road, next to the McDonald’s.
Frank Zappone, the town’s deputy supervisor, said this week that the county could sign off on the town’s plans as early as next month, giving a contractor hired by the town ample time to clear the property of trees, invasive plants and garbage. If that can be completed in short order, he thinks the 10-foot-wide walking path could be finished and opened to the public by this summer.
“We’re prepared to pull the trigger pretty quickly if we can get this document signed, sealed and delivered with the county soon,” Mr. Zappone said.
Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming, whose district includes Riverside, said a draft agreement was exchanged earlier this month and she also anticipates it being finalized soon. She also explained that specific details, such as what amenities should be included in the park, are still being discussed.
“I believe we should be able to find a way to build the community’s desires for the trail into the agreement,” Ms. Fleming said. “We want to work with the community—it’s a beautiful idea and it’s definitely a great resource.”
To include all of the features being suggested, Mr. Zappone estimated that it would cost the town between $750,000 and $1 million. He explained that town officials intend to fund the bulk of the work through a state grant that they cannot apply for until after the park plans are drafted.
In addition to that, the town intends to use a $15,000 Suffolk County grant earmarked for Riverside revitalization efforts, as well as a $20,000 Community Development Block grant that the town previously secured. The Flanders, Riverside and Northampton Community Association also recently submitted its own separate application to the State Department of Environmental Conservation that seeks a $50,000 grant, Mr. Zappone said. That money, if secured, would also go toward the park’s construction, he added.
on Jan 20, 2017