Newly released test results from Nassau County’s Department of Health are illustrating how the comprehensive plan for addressing water contamination at Crescent Beach in Glen Cove is yielding significant improvements — placing the beach on the path toward its long-awaited reopening, Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove) announced.
Since becoming a Legislator, DeRiggi-Whitton has secured nearly $1 million in county-level bond authorization to fund past and future improvements essential for addressing bacteria contamination from a nearby estuary, according to her office. As part of a New York State Department of Conservation (DEC)-approved remediation plan, the City of Glen Cove installed Helix filter systems and a culvert and completed environmental upgrades to foster natural improvements to the situation.
The investments are paying off. Test results from July 22 onward have shown fecal coliform and enterococci, the bacteria that have forced the closure of the beach for more than a decade, at levels far below the acceptable average. DeRiggi-Whitton is also spearheading the pursuit of a $108,740 intermunicipal agreement for a Caterpillar Compact Track Loader that the city will use to maintain the hard-earned progress.
“Like so many Glen Cove families, I have wonderful memories as a child and later with my own children at Crescent Beach,” Glen Cove Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck said. “I appreciate Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton’s commitment to this effort, and I’m proud the City has played a role in moving us toward reopening a beach that means so much to our community.”
“Reopening Crescent Beach has been a monumental undertaking, and we have worked hand in hand with the Department of Health and City Hall to secure the necessary resources for removing the contamination and making it safe for the community to enjoy once again,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “These latest test results are incredibly encouraging.”
DeRiggi-Whitton thanked city officials and “everyone who has kept the focus on reopening this hometown treasure for a new generation of Glen Cove families.”