Village of New Hyde Park trustees tabled two resolutions Thursday night to advance a proposed Marcus Christ Community Center, citing the need for additional work.
The village’s board of trustees was originally scheduled to vote on going out to bid on the new community center and vote to undertake the new design and construction of the center.
Mayor Christopher Devane said the project is “99.9%” done, but more things need to be sorted out before continuing. He did not specify these project elements.
“We are on the cusp of going out to bid for our new community center,” Devane said.
A rendering of the building’s interior included a folding wall divider in the main meeting room and sliding accordion walls in large hotel ballrooms. The building is intended to provide meeting spaces for multiple local organizations simultaneously.
Devane said the plans include a community lounge with couches, tables, and chairs that will be used seven days a week as a more casual meeting spot.
Devane previously estimated the project would cost the village between $2.5 million to $3 million.
The village has set aside $1.1 million to finance the project. Half of the $1.1 million came from village taxes, which were raised two years ago and the other half came from grants, Devane said.
The village plans to issue bonds to fund the rest of the project, Devane said.
Devane said the votes to continue the project will occur at the board’s next meeting or work session.
The mayor also said construction has begun at the Central Boulevard and Lakeville Road parking lots to address flooding and drainage issues on Lakeville Road. Repaving will begin for Central Boulevard and Lakeville Road on Wednesday.
In preparation for the repaving, Devane told residents that all cars in both parking lots must be removed by 6 p.m. Tuesday. The village began handing out flyers Thursday night to alert residents.
The lots will remain closed from Wednesday morning until July 29 morning.
In other news, beginning this year, all New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce member businesses located outside of the Village of New Hyde Park will be charged $75 to participate in the village’s street fair. Nonprofit organizations will be charged $50.
Devane said the village’s street fair previously invited all local organizations and chamber of commerce members, whether from the village or outside, for free.
But Devane said this leads to expenses that the village and the fair organizers accrue.
“There are expenses,” Devane said. “Our DPW guys work overtime. We have to get portapotties, entertainment, tables, chairs, all that kind of stuff and there’s a cost associated with it. So we’re not looking to gouge people but that’s what we’re looking to do.”
The mayor said the village’s newly set business fee is cheaper than other local street fairs.
No exemptions will be given.
Devane said the charges would not apply to local fire departments and veteran organizations despite conversations arguing they should be exempt. Devane said he would instead sponsor those organizations so they do not have to pay.
The Village of New Hyde Park Board of Trustees will convene again on Aug. 15.
