Long Island Town Considers Raising Taxes To Save Community Swimming Pool

NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork)-- A popular 50-year-old public swimming pool on Long Island is in dire need of rehab.

Its inner-workings are falling apart, CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported. But should homeowners be expected to pay for a costly fix, even if they don't use it?

Surveys are coming in by the hundreds to North Hempstead Town Hall.

"My taxes are already too high," on resident said. "It would be a crime if the pool facility closed."

The decision at hand? Keep the town swimming pool open and spend millions to renovate with taxpayers footing the bill or close it at season's end.

"It's devastating to me -- I'm handicapped, I can't go around looking for another pool," one woman said.

The 10-question survey asked homeowners to consider a $9 million plan to repair the pool's infrastructure, pumps and filters. The other option is a $15 million plan that would include new locker rooms, a water slide and spray park, shady areas, and a clubhouse. The footprint of the pool would not change.

"The pool is over 50 years old and we've come to a crossroads where the pool has to be fixed or unfortunately have to be closed," North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said.

Bosworth is asking for input from all resident within the park district which includes New Hyde Park, Manhasset Hills, Searingtown, Herricks, and Garden City Park.

Depending on what's decided, taxes for households could rise annually to between $54 and $110 to pay for construction costs.

"There's a committee of 10 or 12 people. We have been meeting on and off for last two years discussing it, and going over exactly what to do," Martin Park Pool Advisory Committee Member Donald Panetta said.

For some, Martin Park Pool is the heart of the summer community including senior exercise, swim team, family fun and tradition.

"I think it does improve tax values of neighborhood," one resident said.

"They could scale back some of the stuff they proposed," another said.

Both renovation plans would take 20 years to pay back.