Conservation Society – Trustee Lynn Pombonyo
I’m starting with Centennial Gardens and all the absolutely amazing things that have taken place this summer that have made the Gardens THE outdoor space to see and be seen (along with our park and pool, of course).
On July 25th, the unveiling of a 48′ x 15′ mural, designed and painted by Dilianny Espinoza, was unveiled for an enthusiastic audience of over 100 fans. This magnificent blue masterpiece, filled with colorful impressions of the unique array of flowers, plants and birds that call our Gardens home, is located on a slope directly beneath the main gate on Floral Parkway. Thanks to Dilianny, our very talented artist, and Conservation Society volunteer Marina Horan, who discovered Dilianny for our Gardens. A truly lasting contribution!
And, speaking of contributions, we now have a fascinating labyrinth in the lower Gardens behind Chris Deeks’ Strolling Gardens, designed and lovingly constructed by Debra Rissetto with assistance from her also talented FPCS friends. Take a stroll to the labyrinth and you will be greeted by an invitation to “Walk the Labyrinth Slowly. Find Your Center. Enjoy Peace.” Over 100 Facebook likes and two dozen comments such as, “What a great space of peace and tranquility,” demonstrate what a special place Debbie’s labyrinth has become in only a short time. You can find the labyrinth surrounded by hundreds of bright and colorful flowers in the Strolling Gardens, making for an exquisite space to experience the best of nature. Debbie, many thanks for this unique gift to Floral Park.
Our Village gardening classes for children are bursting with activity under the direction of instructor Mrs. Laura Trentacoste. The life of a sunflower has been a topic of interest for the children and on our Gardens Facebook page, too. And thanks to all the volunteer gardeners who rolled up their sleeves to beautify the Gardens at the August 7th monthly weed-out. If you just can’t get to the Gardens, see it all in magnificent photos on the Floral Park Centennial Gardens Facebook page, the creation of FPCS’ own Ann Moynagh.
Recreation Department – Trustee Lynn Pombonyo
It’s hard to believe but, coming soon will be our summer volleyball and basketball league playoffs, always exciting to watch and cheer on your favorite teams.
Planning is now under way for fall and the array of enjoyable programs for youth, adults and seniors that come with it. Stay tuned!
Department of Public Works – Trustee Lynn Pombonyo
Good news from DPW! The Village-wide LED streetlight completion project has already begun on the North Side with installations on Brokaw Avenue (Jericho Turnpike to the city line) heading east. The project will include the replacement of over 1000 street fixtures in total. The new lights will consume less energy, are more environmentally friendly, and last longer with reduced maintenance required. The project is expected to end this fall with the final installation of the Centennial Gardens brick path LEDs completed along Floral Parkway. For more information, see our fpvillage.org website. Thanks to Go West Electric and our DPW for this major accomplishment.
Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses – Trustee Lynn Pombonyo
Our Village government continues to work with the property owners of the fire damaged businesses, United Properties and Park Place, and their contractors to expedite the demolition process and move the debris off Covert Avenue. Daily site visits and meetings amongst the owners’ representatives and the Village have been taking place to ensure ongoing follow-up. The Village has also been consulting with exterminators (local and large commercial) to engage in the most comprehensive rodent control, given the size of this demolition operation. Residents will continue to receive updates regarding the status of the demolition from Renee Marcus, Building Superintendent. For further information, the Building Department number is 326-6319.
To all, please continue to SHOP AND DINE LOCAL for a memorable experience here in Floral Park and Stewart Manor!
Third Track – Trustee Archie Cheng (Read by Mayor Fitzgerald)
As we all know, 3TC and the LIRR have been working on the Hempstead Branch for the past 3 weekends. The good news is that we should only have 1 more weekend of around the clock work.
The Village has been as diligent as we possibly can to ensure the safety of our residents and to minimize the disruption of living near train tracks while heavy work is going on.
As a reminder, after this weekend, 3TC and the LIRR still have to install supporting system equipment for the Hempstead Branch. AS of yet, we have not heard much about this work, but it probably deals with utility work which should not be as disruptive and certainly will not be 24 hours a day.
I am happy to report that 4 of the utility poles that are up outside of the new retaining walls have been removed and that work will continue.
Finally, the installation of the Charles Street retaining and sound walls should begin within the next 2 – 3 weeks.
Fire Department – Trustee Archie Cheng (Read My Mayor Fitzgerald)
As previously reported, the Fire Department and the Nassau County Fire Marshall’s Office did a drone flyover of the 3rd Track area. The FPFD is reviewing the drone footage and will be working on response plans in the event of an emergency or disaster.
The Department is still actively recruiting new members. Ciro’s Pizza has agreed to attach the Department’s recruitment flyer on their pizza boxes. We thank Ciro’s for their assistance.
Please consider joining the Department. Come to Headquarters, call the Chief’s Office or speak to any of your neighbors who are members about the benefits, training, camaraderie and feeling of satisfaction that comes with being a member of the Department.
The Floral Park Fire Department calls for the month of July are as follows: Rescue 72, Rest of Department 39, for a total of 111.
Police Department – Trustee Frank Chiara
ALARMS.ORG has once again announced that our Village of Floral Park is ranked No. 1 on Long Island and No. 2 in New York State as one of the safest communities. We have held this ranking for the last 2 years. They acknowledged that our Village is a “Peaceful and Safe Place to Live”. So true!! Our Police Department does an excellent job keeping our Village safe. We all thank you for doing so.
Again, kudos to our Police Department and our entire community as we work together so that we can all enjoy this safe and wonderful community.
After 32 years of loyal and dedicated service to our Village, Detective William Lauria has announced his retirement. Detective Lauria started his career as a Police Officer in August 1989. In February 2001, Police Officer Lauria was recognized and promoted to the distinctive rank of Detective. He has served in that role for over 20 years.
Detective Lauria, a lifetime resident of the Village of Floral Park, is well respected among his peers, who he has willingly mentored throughout his career. He is a relentless detective, who has successfully investigated all types of criminal acts. He has always shown his compassion and concern to all who have been a subject of crime investigations by investigating each case as though it was the biggest of cases, even though they may have been minor in nature. The victims of complaints always felt satisfied with how Detective Lauria interacted with them. Billy, thank you for all of your years of service to our Village. We all wish you the best in your retirement. Enjoy!!
Building Department – Trustee Frank Chiara
The Building Department has once again handled a substantial amount of building permits during this summer season. They are up to date with the issuance of permits and the turn-around time is very “timely”.
During the summer, with the assistance of summer interns, the Department is electronically storing building reports, not only to save space, but now the Department will be able to pull up records much quicker. Thanks to all of our summer interns for assisting the Department with this project.
Pool Department – Trustee Jennifer Stewart
As we head into the final weeks of the Pool Season, I am happy to share that the summer has moved along ‘swimmingly’. Many sunny hot days have led to fun days at the FP Pool. We were pleased to bring back Family Nights with themes such as Western night, where a good time was had by all. The season will end on Monday 9/6 with the final jump and the traditional senior citizen swim on Tuesday 9/7. As we get ready to close the 2021 season, we are looking toward making the 2022 Season even better, so please keep an eye on the Village website for information this winter on the 2022 season.
Floral Park Library – Trustee Jennifer Stewart
It was so great to have so many residents come out to the library lawn on 7/15 to hear the Mike Barry Band. The evening was beautiful, and the music was terrific! Another concert is scheduled for this Thursday, 8/12 at 7pm – Bobby Signs Bobby Darin – bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show
So much excitement for the FP Library as it was voted Best Public Library in the Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s annual Best of contest. Congratulations to Ms. Pat Eren and her staff for this well-deserved honor! Some of the highlights that brought this recognition on are; the Library of Things, where residents may borrow items such as family games, a telescope and a microscope, kids, teens, and adult summer reading programs, yoga on the library lawn, and concerts on the lawn. Residents are encouraged to stop into the library and participate in some of the wonderful programing happening there.
One final note – last Saturday 7/31, I was so glad to be part of the excitement at FPM as the Booster Club and the Music Program co-hosted the “Greatest Game on Turf” – what I hope was the first annual Wiffle Ball Tournament. There were brackets for all ages and abilities as well as Home Run Derby. It was a great event to benefit the extra-curricular programing at FPM.
Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald
As the rest of the Board stated, there’s lots of exciting things going on in Floral Park whether it’s the Floral Park Library being named the ‘Best Library in Nassau County’ to our police department and the work they’ve done with Floral Park being named the ‘2nd Safest Town in New York State.’ While Police Commissioner McAllister is not here this evening, Lt. McCarthy is and we thank you and the police department for ensuring the safety of our Village especially during this past year, it wasn’t easy.
Deputy Mayor Pombonyo mentioned Centennial Gardens earlier and it was great to see so many people attend the mural unveiling, over 100 people. It was great to see how many people came out and support their hard work.
Lastly, it was great to see on the agenda tonight all the organizations who are making plans to meet in the Fall. Organizations like the North End Civic Association, Floral Park Jr. Womans’ Club, the Womans’ Club, Wednesday Mother’s Day Club, FP Titans, FP Little League, St. Elisabeth’s Blood Drive, AHRC, Hance Family Foundations and Youth Council, to name a few.
Thank you, Felix of Just the Facts Media, for coming this evening and for all of your time and effort for recording the meetings. It is very much appreciated.
