(FREEPORT, N.Y.) - Nassau County Legislature Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Debra Mulé (D – Freeport) presented a $300,000 Community Revitalization Program (CRP) grant to the Incorporated Village of Freeport on Wednesday, Aug. 5. The funds will be applied toward capital improvements at the former Armory, including but not limited to asbestos testing and monitoring, window, door and roof replacement, electrical service to the property and the installation of heating units.
Initial phases of County funding have yielded infrastructure and safety improvements that have made way for the Armory to host a daycare facility and the Rising Stars Youth Foundation. The Village is considering a trade school for the adjacent structure, which is currently being utilized by the Merrick Fire Department while their firehouse is undergoing renovations.
“These funds will allow the Village to complete necessary infrastructure improvements without any of the financial burden being placed on local residents,” Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Mulé said. “I am happy to have the opportunity to deliver resources that will provide tax relief for our community and help to preserve and modernize this historic structure.”
“I happen to have been in the HVAC business for 40 years, and we need more younger people to come in, train and work in there,” said Freeport Mayor Robert T. Kennedy. “If you look at the electric trade, carpentry, plumbing – they’re all looking for students that have been trained, and I think [this trade school] will be a great advantage to our residents of Nassau County. Thank you to Debra Mulé, our Legislator – this money is going to go to good use, and we anticipate opening up the school within six to nine months.”
PHOTO CREDIT – Office of Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Debra Mulé