After 43 meetings and more than four years of work, the American Beach Water and Sewer Advisory Board gathered for the last time Thursday — a meeting that was as much about reflection as it was closure.
For decades, residents had pushed to connect American Beach homes to modern water and sewer systems. That effort has stretched more than 20 years, said Amy Bell, administrative manager for the Nassau County manager’s office.
Bell, who has worked closely with the board, grew emotional as she presented a timeline of its work since members were appointed in March 2021. She spoke about the trust that had to be built between the county and the historically Black community and thanked board members for standing as the “front line for their community.”
“This project could not have been completed without the advisory board members and their American Beach neighbors,” she said through tears.
The evening was filled with similar moments of gratitude and remembrance. Board member Ervin Gilyard recalled his childhood in Nassau County and his years living in American Beach.
“I have seen changes made [in American Beach] probably not as fast as they should’ve been made,” he said. “But we’ve got people in places looking to help American Beach and from my heart I appreciate that.”
During public comment, American Beach resident Carlton McKenzie offered thanks, crediting both homeowners and the board for their persistence.
“This was a project from the heart,” board member Ruth Waters added, echoing a sentiment shared throughout the night — that collaboration, patience and pride carried the project forward.
The official celebration is still to come. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned once the county finishes repaving roads in American Beach, likely by the end of September, Bell said.
