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Town Approves Sand Miners Monument

Town Approves Sand Miners Monument

Immediate Release:|Contact David Chauvin 516869-7794| March 7, 2005

 

Port Washington, NY - Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Councilman Fred Pollack are pleased to announce the Town Board’s unanimous decision to provide a parcel of land to use for a monument dedicated to the Sandminers of Port Washington.“This really is an extraordinary endeavor of people who had a vision and found others who supported it,” said Supervisor Kaiman. “This monument is the beginning to help people understand the history of the Town and labor.”

 

"I am very pleased with this decision," said Mr. Cimini, president of the Sand Miners Monument, Inc. "The organization is looking to get funding and completion of the project as soon as possible."

 

            The monument will be built on Town land adjacent to the Harbor Links Golf Course.  The entire expense of the project will be met through private sources raised through and by the Sadminers Monument, Inc., a not-for-profit organization.

 

            “Many consider that we have a monument to the sandminers already —we call it Manhattan,” said Councilman Pollack. “This monument is an exciting prospect that is years overdue.  It will take a significant part of the history of Port Washington and turn it into an educational opportunity.”

 

"There were thousands of men employed and this was the biggest business in the Town of North Hempstead," said Dr. Williams, historian. "The sand was 140 million tons and most of the major construction in the city used that cow neck/bay sand. It will pay tribute to the immigrant workers."

 

Prior to construction, the Town will have to approve the plans to assure that it meets all of the Town’s standards.  Once the project is complete, the Town will accept ownership of the monument.  

 

            Sandmining rose from the Port Washington Peninsula and the sand there produced concrete for some of Manhattan’s most famous structures, including the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, The World Trade Center, FDR Drive and the Queensborough Bridge.

 

 

Photo (L to R):           Dr. George Williams, Councilman Anthony D’Urso, Councilman Fred Pollack, Leo Cimini, Rob Klugman, Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Councilman Angelo Ferrara, Councilman Wayne Wink, and Councilman Robert Troiano.

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