Berm site sees upgrades, thanks to PSEG grant

The berm site at the corner of Bellmore Avenue and North Jerusalem Road recently underwent some additional renovations, thanks to a grant from PSEG Long Island.

The triangular piece of land at the intersection of the roadways in East Meadow is an area that has been left completely to nature. The property belongs to Nassau County, and was adopted by the Council of East Meadow Community Organizations — also known as CEMCO — just over 30 years ago, in 1992.

In the early 90s, CEMCO got money in order to build a berm on the property, a large planter with a variety of plants, flowers, bushes and shrubs. Throughout the years, CEMCO has maintained the berm in different ways, Joseph Parisi, its current president, told the Herald.

The original berm was built out of wood. A major cleanup and renovation took place in 2018, when the foliage was landscaped and weed barriers were installed. A stone wall was also constructed in place of the original wooden berm. 

CEMCO has also partnered with other groups, such as local scouting organizations, to see other renovations and cleanups through at the berm site. Last fall, Nathan Kovoor, on his journey to become an Eagle Scout, employed the help of Troop 362 to clean the space.

“It’s something that’s good for everyone,” Kovoor said, “and it’s good to help out the community.”

Recently, CEMCO applied for a grant through PSEG Long Island in order to add more upgrades to the space. The organization was given $1000.

Parisi said there are now new plantings and mulch, among other renovations, and that the berm was completely restored.

To learn more about CEMCO and its work in the community, visit its Facebook page, Council of East Meadow Community Organizations, or email CEMCO1976@gmail.com.