The Western Waterfront and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay are currently undergoing major enhancements and improvements, transforming the area into an aesthetically pleasing waterfront with marine-related educational, recreational and community activities.

"The Western Waterfront project is moving full steam ahead," said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto. "The Town made a promise to revitalize the waterfront, and we are following through on that promise."

As part of the ongoing revitalization of the Western Waterfront, the Town is creating a new entrance through Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, off Larrabee Avenue, to be completed by July 14. The work on West End Avenue will be completely finished in the fall - with the landscaping in place. By August first, the asphalt will be laid in the street and all the utilities will be installed. The sewer work has just been completed. Presently, the road surface on West End Avenue is dirt and gravel. The connecting road from Larrabee Avenue was being worked on in June, but the heavy rains that month impeded the work. Recently there was only one road for entering and leaving the Western Waterfront, but now, during July, residents can use "the one big road," even though it is not yet paved.

Mr. Venditto said, "The former Bayside Avenue entrance will be turned into a dead end. The Bayside Avenue entrance will not be completely closed off, as the Town will maintain a pedestrian crossway into the Western Waterfront for area residents to utilize. This portion will also be completed by July 14.

"Initially, the Town will use concrete dividers to turn Bayside Avenue into a dead end," Mr. Venditto said. "By this fall, the concrete dividers will be replaced by fencing and landscaping, adding to the aesthetics and beauty of the area. Signage will be posted alerting visitors to the new entrance through Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park.

"By constructing a new entrance to the Western Waterfront through Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, the Town has created a central access point to one of our most precious resources, Oyster Bay Harbor," said Mr. Venditto. "Town residents are now able to visit the Western Waterfront for a day of marine education and then head on over to Theodore Roosevelt Park for some swimming or a barbecue without ever leaving the waterfront area.

"Currently, visitors to the Western Waterfront will notice construction being performed on West End Avenue, the road stretching through the waterfront area," Venditto explained. "When completed in the fall, the reconstruction of West End Avenue will include a road extension to the new entrance, resurfacing, new curbs and drainage, and landscaping."

In addition to these roadway enhancements, numerous structural and aesthetic improvements have been made, including:

* Removal of existing structures (buildings, off-shore ship cradles, marine railways)

* Pier restoration (structural improvements and new railing)

* Completion of Buildings 'G' (Waterfront Center office, Oyster Bay Sailing School, Christeen office, shellfish hatchery/wet lab and two classrooms) and 'H' (Sagamore Rowing Association)

* Removal of the Quonset Hut

* Creation of a September 11 Memorial

"Oyster Bay Harbor has also seen dramatic improvements to its other main attraction, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park," Venditto added. "Town residents can now take advantage of new playground equipment, refurbished tennis and basketball courts and baseball fields, as well as new lighting in the parking lot and around the newly renovated restroom facilities. The town has also added to the beauty of the park by planting numerous bushes, shrubs and trees, especially around the flag pole area."

Venditto said that the Town of Oyster Bay has been working diligently with New York State Senator Carl L. Marcellino and the State Department of Environmental Conservation to revitalize the Western Waterfront, which includes the former Jakobson Shipyard and the former Capone Property.

"Oyster Bay Harbor is considered the jewel of the north shore in the Town of Oyster Bay," Venditto said. "These improvements and enhancements are transforming the Oyster Bay Harbor waterfront into an area that Oyster Bay residents can not only enjoy on a daily basis, but an area they can be proud to call their own."