After meeting with Nissequogue River State Park (NRSP) Foundation representatives, State Assemblyman Steve Englebright agreed to sponsor legislation to create the park’s Master Plan. The plan will help facilitate removal of the site’s dilapidated buildings and determine how to improve the park’s many assets. State Senator John Flanagan teamed up with Englebright to assure the bill’s passage in both state houses on June 18th of this year.
The NRSP Foundation has strongly endorsed the creation of the park’s master plan from its inception in 2008. On the foundation’s website it states, “In order to begin transforming the grounds from a former state hospital into an active state park and recreational facility, the state must first create a master plan to determine the most appropriate potential reuses of the park’s buildings and grounds. The park could possibly host a variety of recreational, cultural and educational activities that would provide economic and quality of life improvements to the Long Island region.”
Former foundation chairman Mike Rosato praised State Assemblyman Englebright for his efforts in securing the park’s master plan. “Mr. Englebright has been a friend of the foundation and park from day one. He’s a very innovative and passionate public servant, and I can’t thank him enough for fulfilling one the foundation’s most important goals.”
State Senator Flanagan added, “I am thrilled this legislation has passed both houses of the Legislature so that this important property is protected for future generations. It was a pleasure working with my colleague Steve Englebright and I thank him for joining this effort. I look forward to Governor Cuomo’s ultimate approval of this bill so we can ensure a bright future for this wonderful local resource and preserve some of the limited open space we have left on Long Island.”
