Budget Cuts, Playground Upgrades, Mural Update at CDA

Budget cuts, upgrades to the playground at and the ongoing painting of the mural at Shorefront Park’s bandshell were discussed at the July Community Development Agency meeting Thursday night at .

Funding Cuts for Public Improvement Projects

The 2011 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget has been cut by 15 percent by Suffolk County federal regulations. The budget has been adjusted accordingly and at this time, it is not anticipated that this will affect any major improvement projects.

These cuts are a result of a nationwide 16.9 percent cut to the CDBG budget by Congress in April. The CDA uses this funding for public improvement projects such as the .

"I think we'll be able to withstand the cuts this year; my biggest concern is what will happen next year," said Marion Russo, executive director of the CDA, at its meeting.

Mural Update

A mural, featured on the inside of the bandshell and designed by local artist Andrew Silver, is still a work in progress but is expected to be completed soon. The board members of the CDA are exploring the possibility of continuing the mural around the outside area of the bandshell. Baffles, to help the acoustics of the bandshell, have been ordered and security cameras will be installed.

New Equipment Coming to Playground

The will be updated to include one additional swing bay with a ground covering, as requested by residents, an adult exercise equipment area and a water fountain. An installation date has not yet been determined.

The next meeting will be held on August 4 at 7 p.m. in Village Hall.