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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2013
MEDIA CONTACTS: Collin Nash, Ryan Mulholland, & Sam Marksheid | (516) 869-7794
North Hempstead Begins Demolition on Shields Property in Port Washington
Port Washington, NY –As part of the Town of North Hempstead’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents, Supervisor Jon Kaiman today co-hosted a press briefing kicking off the demolition of the dilapidated Shields House in Port Washington.
The 5,000 square foot building located at 1070 Port Washington Blvd. has become an eyesore and a potential environmental risk. The vacant 60 year old rundown, boarded-up, two-and-one-half story house with decrepit wood siding, asphalt roof shingles, and peeling exterior paint has been unoccupied for several decades.
“This is a great win for the community,” Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman said. “We are taking down this potentially hazardous eyesore and providing the Port Washington Community with much needed parking spaces.”
The lot that the Shields House sits on is owned by the Port Washington Parking District. The Parking District and the Town are working to turn this property into a public parking area for merchants, with approximately 30 parking spots, as well as a pocket park off of Main Street.
Mindy Germain, of Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington, has been a proponent of the demolition of the Shields Property, and said on behalf of her organization, “We are gratified that the Town board under the leadership of Supervisor Jon Kaiman found a way to turn what has been a blighted property into a productive property containing desperately needed merchant parking and a pocket park that will enhance upper Main Street.”
Mitch Schwarz, Co-President of the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce attended, and said, “We are looking forward to the rehabilitation of the Shields property into merchant parking, which will free up street spots for our customers.”
Other community leaders who attended include Jim Kallenberg, Executive Director of the Port Washington Business Improvement District and Annette Oestreich of Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington.
Demolition was largely completed today by Gramercy Wrecking and Environmental Contractors. Cashin Associates will be providing oversight during demolition to ensure that environmental requirements are met and that hazardous materials are properly removed and disposed of.
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From left, Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Town Clerk Leslie Gross, Mindy Germain of Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington, Mitch Schwarz, Co-President of the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce, and Jim Kallenberg, Executive Director of the Port Washington Business Improvement District.
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From left, Jim Kallenberg, Executive Director of the Port Washington Business Improvement District, Mitch Schwarz, Co-President of the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce, Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Town Clerk Leslie Gross, and Mindy Germain of Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington.
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Gramercy Wrecking and Environmental Contractors begin to tear down the Shields House.