County Investing $2M to Explore Reopening Crescent Beach, Protecting Harbor

Local officials gathered in Glen Cove Monday to announce a study to explore the re-opening of Crescent Beach and to protect Hempstead Harbor.

Nassau County will fund a $2 million feasibility study for the installation of public sanitary sewers in the North Shore community surrounding Crescent Beach. 

The study aims to identify the sources of contamination and remediating those issues so that the beach, which has been closed for swimming since 2009 due to elevated bacterial levels, can be reopened. It also aims to make major improvements to protect Hempstead Harbor and the public's drinking water.

Additionally, has been working on his own initiative regarding Crescent Beach. The City of Glen Cove is doing testing and legislation. 

"Immediately after meeting with the county executive and his staff to explain the inherent problems in the area surrounding Crescent Beach, the county laid the groundwork for a long-term solution to our problem," said Glen Cove Mayor Reggie Spinello. "This study, along with the supporting testing the city is providing and our new legislation regarding septic systems, will result in a marked improvement in the water quality in our area."

“This vital $2 million investment will ensure that Sea Cliff Avenue, the Village of Sea Cliff’s main strip of businesses, will be accounted for in this environmental project," Sea Cliff Mayor Bruce Kennedy said. 

“It’s important that we reopen Crescent Beach so that it once again serves as a beautiful destination for families, seniors and beachgoers,” said Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. "The installation of sewers in this North Shore is an important public health initiative as it will protect the local environment and improve the Long Island Sound so that our recreational fishermen and residents can rely on these waters for enjoyment and business alike. I thank Mayor Spinello for his commitment to this project and for dedicating the resources necessary to identify which sewered areas should be incorporated into the County’s sewage collection.”

“Crescent Beach is a true treasure for the City of Glen Cove and for too long has been contaminated and unsafe for residents to swim and enjoy," Rep. Steve Israel said. "I want to thank this bipartisan and diverse coalition of elected officials who have joined me in working tirelessly on finding a comprehensive solution to this issue and County Executive Ed Mangano for providing a $2 million investment in the future of this treasured natural resource.”

“This study is a positive step in maintaining the natural beauty and resources of the waterfront. With the hard work of Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano we will finally be able to formulate a solution to the problems associated with Crescent Beach and get this cherished area open to the public once and for all,” Sen. Carl L. Marcellino.

"For far too long, Crescent Beach has been unavailable for use by the residents of the Glen Cove community," said Assemb. Charles Lavine.  "Understanding the problems that exist here and undertaking the effort necessary to ensure the environment is protected is a vitally important step in reclaiming the beach. 

“Since being elected, having Crescent Beach be reopened has been one of my top priorities," said Leg. Delia DeRiggi-Whitton. "This is the beach I brought my own children to when they were small, and I hope these actions the county is taking today will help to ensure that Crescent Beach is enjoyed for many generations to come," 

Photos include Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, Assemb. Charles Lavin, Glen Cove Mayor Reggie Spinello, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, Congressman Steve Israel, Sea Cliff Mayor Bruce Kennedy, Glen Cove City Council Member Tony Gallo, and Nassau County Health Commissioner Lawrence Eisenstein.