The Great Neck Water Pollution District (GNWPCD) recently conducted a Manhasset Sewer Feasibility Study for the Plandome Road commercial area north of Northern Boulevard to Vanderbilt Avenue. There is a growing concern that continued use of cesspools in our business district is both expensive and bad for our environment, especially the impact of cesspools on the water quality of Manhasset Bay.
The study showed that low-pressure sewers would be the most economical approach at an estimated cost of $12.4 million. This approach would have the added benefits of lessening disruption of traffic during installation, and limiting potential future high-rise development on Plandome Road.
Sewers in the commercial district will help reduce vacant store fronts, add new businesses, and increase tax revenue to the economy in our area. Restaurants could expand their seating and new restaurants could open providing more social opportunities for our residents.
Sewers can also improve the water quality of Manhasset Bay, which has been found to have dead zones caused by nitrogen and coliform from fecal matter. The study indicated that nitrogen discharged into Manhasset Bay would be reduced if the area is sewered.
For these economic, social and environmental benefits, we support this project and call on our Town of North Hempstead and NYS elected officials to pursue grant funding to make this project a reality for Manhasset.
