FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2013
MEDIA CONTACTS: Collin Nash, Ryan Mulholland and Sam Marksheid | (516) 869-7794
Supervisor Kaiman Meets with Federal Legislators & Agencies in D.C.
North Hempstead, NY– Supervisor Jon Kaiman and a contingent of staffers from his office visited Washington D.C. last week to meet with a number of federal legislators with the goal of updating them on projects and new undertakings within the Town.
The Supervisor also met with various federal agencies to solicit funding for a number of initiatives, including Community Arts, Cultural Development, Community Services, Shoreline Restoration, and Transportation Infrastructure upgrades.
Much of the funding sought is related to Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts in the form of public assistance grants, as well as hazard mitigation grants designed for long-term improvements to various town properties and infrastructure. These long-term projects include upgrading the Town Dock, North Hempstead Beach Park, and the Plandome Road Culvert, among others. Acquiring these grants would help the Town fortify these areas so they are better able to withstand future natural disasters.
In a meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), funding was sought specifically for the demolition of the former Grand Street School in New Cassel. This is the last major piece of the massive New Cassel revitalization project that included the reconstruction of Prospect Avenue and the creation of the ‘Yes We Can’ Community Center.
Funding was also pursued for arts improvements relating to North Hempstead’s collaboration with the Great Neck Arts Center, a vehicle intended to connect the community through the arts, recreation, senior centers, and through festivals and events.
The Supervisor’s trip included visits to the offices of Representative Steve Israel, Representative Carolyn McCarthy, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Kaiman also met with key members of President Barack Obama’s staff.
Supervisor Kaiman said of the trip, “I was delighted to see the attentiveness of our federal officials and agencies to our concerns stemming from Superstorm Sandy, as well as to our vision for cultural improvements in the Town.”
Supervisor Jon Kaiman (left) meets with members of President Barack Obama’s staff, Jay Williams Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Kellyn Blossom, Associate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.