Jamesport Sidewalks Get Makeover, Lighting Next

JAMESPORT, NY — Walking in the Jamesport business district just got a little easier.

New sidewalks were completed by the Riverhead highway department this week, Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter said.

Next up, the second phase of the area's revitalization will mean the installation of lighting fixtures early next year, the supervisor added.

The project was completed by Ridge-based contractor Laser Industries, and spearheaded by the Riverhead Highway Department, with the sidewalks installed along the north side of Main Road at a cost of $52,770, Walter said.

According to Walter, Riverhead highway department funds were used as the town’s match to secure a Suffolk County downtown revitalization round 15 grant in the amount of $27,416, which will be used for the purchase and installation of LED lights and fixtures.

It took almost 3 years to save enough money to do the Jamesport sidewalks after receiving numerous requests and concerns from residents, said Riverhead Highway Superintendent Gio Woodson.

“Finally, the project is now complete and I am pleased with the results,” he said, adding that the highway department embarked upon a similar project in South Jamesport earlier in the year.

Plans are in place to continue sidewalks and roadway improvements along the entire 250 mile stretch of town roadways, Woodson said.

Noting that the highway department completed a similar sidewalk replacement project in South Jamesport earlier this year, he said that work will continue on improvements to the 250 miles of town roadways under its jurisdiction.

Walter said the lighting improvements will signal a win win.

“The project will enhance lighting of pedestrian facilities along Main Road in the Jamesport business district for residents and tourists alike," Walter added.

Speaking on the lighting component of the project, Riverhead Community Development Director Dawn Thomas, who prepared the application with her staff in cooperation with the Jamesport Civic Association, said that Riverhead town officials have agreed to remove and replace existing conduit and install new decorative light poles with LED fixtures.

“The existing lighting fixtures along the downtown sidewalks and pedestrian paths are approximately 20 years old, inefficient and in need of repair,” she said.

Thomas pointed out that the new LED lighting will increase the efficiency of the lights by at least 50%, as well as replace aging infrastructure and providing a safer walking environment.

The supervisor said the enhanced pedestrian lighting will help to bolster Jamesport businesses by connecting them with recreational opportunities and by increasing a walkable business district for all.

Patch photo courtesy Riverhead Town.