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Town Receives $200,000 Grant for Abandoned New Cassel School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2013
MEDIA CONTACTS: Collin Nash, Ryan Mulholland, & Sam Marksheid | (516) 869-7794

Town Receives $200,000 Grant for Abandoned New Cassel School
 
New Cassel, NY – Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman recently announced that on May 8th, the Town received a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the demolition of the site at Grand Street School in New Cassel.

This grant and imminent demolition of the former school, which has been abandoned for almost fifteen years, keeps in line with the Town’s ongoing New Cassel revitalization project. Several years ago, the Town redeveloped the previously under-utilized commercial strip on Prospect Avenue.

“This grant allows us not only to rid the community of the Grand Street school, which became an eyesore and a health and safety hazard, but it allows us to continue with the positive transformation of New Cassel which has been a continuous effort from my administration,” said Supervisor Kaiman.

Supervisor Kaiman also noted that, “this would not have been possible without the support of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand who advocated on behalf of the Town for this project.”

“I am delighted that the New Cassel revitalization is continuing as our residents deserve a neighborhood that is thriving economically and socially,” added Town Councilwoman Viviana Russell, who represents the area. “The redevelopment of this property should certainly help do that for the community.”

This grant is part of $1 million in grants given to New York City and the Town of North Hempstead to help communities clean up and revitalize contaminated sites. The funding was awarded through the EPA’s Brownfields Program, which reinvests in contaminated and polluted properties to protect the environment and reduce blight.

Plans for this upcoming open space are still being discussed, but will be consistent with the Visioning Plan created by the community to include senior housing and recreational space. The area will also provide additional parking for the brand-new 60,000 foot square foot “Yes We Can” Community Center, located across the street.

The Department of Public Works has completed the project investigation and is currently preparing bid documents with demolition expected to begin sometime during the fall.
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