North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the members of the Town Board announced the launch of several critical infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the Town’s physical framework and enhancing services for residents.
Speaking from a street currently under construction on October 9, DeSena, Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava, and Councilmen Dennis Walsh and David Adhami emphasized the administration’s commitment to improving the structure, safety, and sustainability of North Hempstead’s communities.
“These infrastructure improvements are vital to ensuring our Town continues to thrive and meet the needs of current and future generations,” DeSena said. “We’re moving forward with projects that will deliver long-term benefits to our residents.”
The town’s 2025 repaving program includes the planned milling and resurfacing of over 40 miles of local roads. DeSena noted, “When I first took office, North Hempstead paved an average of just eight miles per year. We’re now quintupling that amount.”
In a shift toward a more data-driven process, the town also revamped its road selection criteria. This year, streets were prioritized based on direct assessments conducted by the town’s Highway Department, moving away from previous practices that relied on decisions from elected officials.
Next year, North Hempstead will utilize Pavement Condition Index (PCI) surveys for repaving. This system, developed by the Army Corps of Engineers, will use the latest technology to ensure that repaving selections are guided by objective needs, targeting roads in greatest disrepair and maximizing the impact of public funds.
In addition to upgrading roadways, the Town of North Hempstead is launching the $1 million LED Streetlight Program. After years of delays, the Town is now moving forward with plans to replace more than 7,000 traditional streetlights with energy-efficient LED fixtures.
In the previous decade, only 20% of the streetlight network had been converted. Under the revitalized initiative, 2,000 LED lamps have already been installed towards a goal of 3,500 by year’s end. The remaining 3,500 are scheduled for completion in spring 2026.
The Town said this program is expected to reduce streetlight energy consumption by 60%. In addition to energy savings, the new LED lights have a projected lifespan of 20 to 25 years, significantly reducing long-term maintenance costs. Beyond efficiency, the town said, the upgraded lighting will enhance safety for pedestrians and drivers alike, while also contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and supporting New York State’s clean energy objectives.
“These programs are our most extensive ever and, frankly, long overdue. I’m excited to see a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable North Hempstead on the horizon,” Walsh added. “Every town’s dream for tomorrow depends on maintaining a strong infrastructure today.”