Spring has finally arrived, although the temperatures have remained winter like. I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Village Board and our families to hope all had a Happy Easter and/or Passover. Thanks to the Recreation Committee for another successful Easter egg hunt.
Speaking of weather, the village issued a number of parking tickets during the past two snow storms. At the time of the first storm, most of our residents complied with the Snow Emergency regulation. However, this changed with the second storm.
As a result a number of tickets were issued. As your mayor I find this disheartening. While I don’t like to see anyone receive these tickets, the need to provide safe roads is paramount. Time of day or night does not impact the declaration of a snow emergency but rather the depth of snow coupled with the need to sand/plow.
Typically the volunteer fire chiefs and volunteer auxiliary police officers make announcement whenever possible to instruct residents to move their cars. This is not required and at the time of the last snow storm this was not possible. It is incumbent on residents to be responsible for their cars.
Hopefully the snow is finished for this season, but as indicted in past articles and the Village Green, cars must be off the roads once the snowfall is more that two inches. The village is required to do all it can to make our village streets safe for all drivers but most importantly for our emergency vehicles. This may sound drastic and hopefully a serious condition will not be created in the future but imagine you or your family has a need for an ambulance or fire vehicle, then being told that the vehicles can’t access your street due to narrow restricted roads.
An emergency is just that, an emergency. Time is critical and for all those who have had to rely on emergency services fully understand. Please, in the event of future storms realize the impact of blocked streets has safe and efficient travel. Make the effort to get the cars off the streets when it snows. If a weather report calls for snow be safe and move the car regardless of the predicted snowfall amount.
Speaking of traffic and cars, I saw an interesting message on a passing truck recently. It went as follows: “ behind every rolling ball is a child.” Be aware, follow traffic devices, and please drive slowly.
As a village we have been somewhat lucky with the damages inflicted by Sandy compared to other areas throughout the island. The storm is behind us, for the most part. FEMA paperwork is still ongoing but close to completion. Due to the various tree work there is free firewood available at the Highway yard next to Kelleher Field. The yard is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. for wood pick up for all interested parties.
A few weeks back I was fortunate to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade hosted by the Village of Mineola. Along with the Williston Park Fire Department, I was joined by former Mayor Doreen Ehrbar, Deputy Mayor Kevin Rynne, and Trustee Billy Carr along with our Recreation Committee members and their families. It was a bit chilly but a fantastic event. Special thanks to our own Auxiliary Police Officers for their assistance in providing traffic safety during the event.
On a very serious note, the residents should be aware of a problem taking place at 467 Willis Ave (A and A Studios). There has been an ongoing investigation and review of the business practices at that location by both the NCPD and the village. Two weeks ago two women were arrested on two separate occasions for performing a massage without a license and prostitution.
The village has filed charges in our Village Court against the landlord regarding what is believed to be village code violations. The cooperation of the Third Precinct Inspector Sean McCarthy, Deputy Inspector Robert Musetich, and Detective Captain Kevin Smith (Narcotics/Vice Squad) has been instrumental in helping to move in the right direction on this issue.
The village will continue to pursue this matter from every available legal avenue as there is no need for this type of establishment to be operating within the village. Any location is inappropriate, however, the current facility is two blocks from St Aidan’s School and Church , a block away from Solomon Schechter School , a block away from Village Hall and Library, two blocks from the Third Precinct, and in close proximity to our residential streets. As this matter evolves I expect to keep our residents informed.
Along the lines of the NCPD , I’d like to thank members of the Third Precinct for their continued cooperation in all areas with the village. Most recently Sgt. Brown attended a village meeting for informational purposes for both the Village Board and the residents. Deputy Inspector Musetich and Sgt. Johnson attended a Chamber of Commerce Meeting, at my request, to discuss topical issues regarding the Williston Park/ East Williston areas.
