Funding for improvements to the Pike Street municipal parking lot, including the addition of 14 new spaces, has been approved by Suffolk County as part of its downtown revitalization grants program.
The county executive yesterday announced more than $580,000 in funding for projects in 12 downtowns across Suffolk.
Mattituck-Laurel Civic Association’s application for the Pike Street parking lot improvements was funded with $60,180.
Each award recipient was selected by the Suffolk County Downtown Revitalization Citizens Advisory Panel following a competitive application process, according to a press release issued by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.
“Creating and improving robust downtowns around Suffolk County is an integral part of my administration’s economic development agenda,” Bellone said.
“Investing in our downtowns and their infrastructure are not only critical to creating jobs and improving safety in our communities, they also help showcase the rich culture and beauty that makes Suffolk County the ideal place to work, live and raise a family.”
The Town of Southold purchased the .66-acre lot from the Mattituck Park District for $230,000 in 2015.
The town partnered with the civic association on the parking lot grant application, government liaison officer Denis Noncarrow said.
“We did the drainage back there the other day, at a cost of about $16,000. We wanted to get it done before the winter,” he said. “The rest of the work — the new curbing and asphalt, will be done in the spring.”
The civic organization got a $2,500 state grant through Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo to purchase bike racks and benches, Mattituck-Laurel Civic Association president John Carter said.
“It’s great news for a piece of downtown Mattituck that has needed the work,” Carter said. “And it’s a great example of what can get done when state, county, town, and civic association work together,” he said.
“The community of Mattituck should be commended for the commitment they make and the hard work they are investing to make Mattituck the crown jewel of Southold,” Supervisor Scott Russell said. “Legislator Krupski should also be commended for his hard work and for delivering yet again for the community there.”
