NST Center Plaza Project Update
Aerial view, 9/23/19 – Photo by Glen Kotowski
BY JILL DAVIS
As of this writing, the Center
Plaza project is at roughly
the halfway point of completion.
The photos here will give
you an idea of the progress that’s
been made so far.
Most striking, and what will give
residents a good idea of what the
finished product will look like, are
the brand new pathways that have
been installed (see left side of photo
taken in January). A combination
of poured concrete bordered by
red pavers, the new walkways are
clean, smooth and attractive.
Naturally, work has slowed
down now that it’s winter. Readers
may wonder why concrete hasn’t
been poured lately even though
temperatures have been running
above average for the most part
this season. Pouring concrete is a
very delicate operation, requiring
temperatures to be consistently
above 40 degrees. This means that
even if we have a few days of 40+
temps, there’s no guarantee that
the thermometer won’t drop below
40 overnight. If that happens, the
work would essentially be wasted
and would have to be done over;
in short, it’s not worth the risk of
the extra expense.
To remind everyone of what’s in
store for the end result: The reconstruction
plan includes reducing
the width of the pathways, which
will immediately lighten the load
of concrete on the garage roofs.
Safety measures include the installation
of a four-way stop sign at the
entrance to the property, which has
been problematic for a long time;
it’s estimated that more than 500
cars come onto the property each
day, including many visitors who
aren’t familiar with the layout and
often run through the existing stop
signs. In addition, a full sidewalk
around the perimeter of the center
area is being added so pedestrians
can more safely walk around
the courtyard. When all the
heavy work is done, BrightView
Landscaping, the Towers’ landscaping
company, will be installing
the new landscaping.
Overall, however, the timeline
of the project is moving along
well and work will be picking up
again in spring. So far—weather
permitting—the goal of having
the courtyard completed before
Memorial Day is right on track.
Aerial view, 1/10/20 – Photo by Glen Kotwoski
Heavy work on hold (stand by!) – Photo by Dawn Steinberg
Paths beginning to take shape –
Photo by Dawn Steinberg
(Almost) ready for a close up! –
Photo by Dawn Steinberg
Work in progress, 12/27/19 – Photo
by Dawn Steinberg
February 2020 ¢ NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER 17