Sen. Croci Secures $1 Million To Help Clean Up Contaminated Long Island Park
BRENTWOOD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- There has been more progress on a plan to clean up a major mess on Long Island.
The signs still say "park closed" in Brentwood, but now state money has been allocated to help clean up the Roberto Clemente Park, a central location of the Islip illegal dumping scandal, 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reported.
"Last night at 11:30 we approved in the state budget $1 million for the clean up of the park here," said State Sen. Tom Croci.
Sen. Croci Secures $1 Million To Help Clean Up Contaminated Long Island Park
Croci said an additional $2 million in clean up cost will have to come from Islip tax payers.
The park has been closed for nearly a year, and likely will remain shuttered another summer due to the illegal dumping of contaminated debris.
"I made a commitment to the residents of the Town of Islip and the Brentwood community when I was elected to the Senate that I would continue my partnership with them and the Town to clean up and restore Roberto Clemente Park," said Croci. "The money I secured in this year's state budget will help Supervisor Carpenter and the town create a better, more beautiful park for the children and families of Brentwood, and lessen the financial impact of these improvements to the taxpayers of the town."
Sen. Croci has also vowed that he will continue to pursue additional state funds in the months ahead.
A criminal investigation into the dumping continues. In December, six people, including two former Islip town officials, were charged in connection with the case.
The 32-count indictment includes charges of criminal mischief, conspiracy and numerous environmental violations. All six have pleaded not guilty.
