It was the Roaring 20’s of the 20th century as Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, SC Legislator Jason Richberg and Kevin McCaffrey donned derby hats in a model T-Ford at the dedication of the East and West Riviera bridges in the American Venice Historic District of Copiague. Councilman DuWayne Gregory and Brendan Cunningham of New York State Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre’s office also joined the American Venice Civic Association at the ceremony.
The bridges were severely damaged and in need of repair especially after Superstorm Sandy of 2012. Town Historian Mary Cascone worked with the NYS Government Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR) to have the bridges rebuilt to handle the heavy weight of modern large trucks, especially emergency and construction vehicles while preserving the original design of when they were constructed in 1926.
The Town and the Suffolk County Legislators presented proclamations to Angelo Costanza of Blue Marlin Boats who had the Lion of Venice pillars restored at the entrance to the American Venice. Civic president John Vogt said a few words thanking everyone for all of their work in making this happen including Mr. Costanza who is also renovating the marina there.