Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo
Police Department
Thanks to all who participated in our Police Department’s National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27th. Floral Park Lions Club President, Terry Whalen and her fellow Lions joined in and distributed informative Wellness literature and springtime flower and seed packets to all who took back their outdated and unused medications.
In all, four large cartons were filled and returned to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for proper disposal. FPPD reminds all that you don’t have to wait for Take Back Days to get rid of unwanted medications. You can return them to the FPPD lobby’s disposal box at any time.
Using $20,000 of $45,000 in funding from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, FPPD has purchased a new, smart Speed Alert Radar Message Sign. This sign displays the speed of each car as it passes the sign, typically causing drivers to take notice and adjust their speeds. Simultaneously, the device records the speed of each vehicle that passes, sending this data to the FPPD leadership, along with time and traffic volume data. It does not record license plates or identify vehicles.
This data is monitored by FPPD and, when specific locations and periods of time report speeding or speeds that are greater than reasonable or prudent, directed patrols are assigned to those areas and summonses are issued in a data-driven manner.
Thus far, the new sign has been used on Floral Blvd, Landau and Bryant Avenues, where speeding or driving at speeds that may be unsafe due to conditions has been reported.
Other directed patrols are now assigned to Jericho Turnpike in response to problematic and unsafe double parking on that busy thoroughfare. When visiting businesses, even for quick stops, double parking interrupts the flow of traffic and can cause accidents. FPPD asks for everyone’s respect for our vehicle and traffic laws, other drivers and pedestrians.
Conservation Society (FPCS)
The Gardens are open 12-5 PM daily for all to admire the blossoming flowers, bushes and trees.
Monthly community Weed Outs are held on the first Saturday of every month. The Gardens have been lovingly cared for by our dedicated Conservation Society volunteers; Troop Leader Ms. Katy Wong and her Boy Scouts from Troop 4; Social Studies Teacher Mrs. Diane Ventura and students from Floral Park Memorial and Sewanhaka High Schools; and expert FPCS volunteer and retired Assistant Principal Mr. Sal Trentacoste along with the Chaminade High School student groups.
And, for the third straight year, our Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary has been nominated as the Best of Nassau County Public Garden. Let’s all vote for our Gardens to make it three years in a row.
Vote at: archive.theisland360.com/contest2024. Then click on Arts & Entertainment, scroll down to Public Garden, and find our Centennial Gardens. You may vote over and over again until May 24th. We know that our Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is The Best of Nassau County!
Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses
Our Floral Park and Covert Avenue Chambers of Commerce meetings are bursting with energy and ideas.
The Floral Park Chamber is focused on Friday evening, June 7th and the exciting Street Fair being planned along Tulip Avenue. The 2023 Street Fair, chaired by Bill Barry of Uptown Taco, was THE BEST. President Marie Grant, Chairman Bill, and our Floral Park Chamber businesses are inviting you all to come for a great time!
The Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce was also energized by the crowd at their recent meeting. Tonight, this Board approved the Covert Avenue Chamber’s October 5th daytime Street Fair, with a rain date of October 19th. Join President Rene Jorglewich and her Board, Cathy Grasman, Anne Musso and Nancy Millus for their big quarter-mile-long party!
All the Street Fair details to follow.
In the meantime, we are proud to announce that the Floral Park Chamber has been nominated as the Best Chamber of Commerce of Nassau County by Blank Slate Media/the Herald Courier newspaper.
To win, our Floral Park Chamber needs your votes. Vote at: archive.theisland360.com/contest2024. Then click on Services, scroll down to Chamber of Commerce and find our Floral Park Chamber. You may vote over and over again until May 24th. Let everyone in Nassau County know about our wonderful Floral Park Chamber of Commerce!
And are you enjoying the Spring? Then, you will enjoy it even more when you SHOP, DINE & CELEBRATE LOCAL in Floral Park and Stewart Manor for Mother’s Day! Wishing a BEST DAY to all the very special Moms in our lives!
Trustee Frank Chiara
Fire Department
On Friday April 26th, the Floral Park Fire Department held their Annual Fire Department Installation Dinner.
All of the new Chiefs were sworn in along with all the company officers. Chief Hamerman gave his final remarks as the outgoing Chief and welcomed in the new Chief of Department, Salvatore Arrigo. It was a relaxing fun filled evening for our well deserving Volunteer Fire Department members and their families.
On Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at the Annual Meeting of the Nassau County Fire Commission, Floral Parks Volunteer Fire Fighter Frank Wakely Jr., was elected as the new Chairman of the Fire Commission.
Prior to becoming the Chairman, Frank has served as the secretary for the commission and has been a volunteer for the Village for 43 years. He is a second-generation Firefighter and an Ex-Chief of the Department. Frank has followed in the footsteps of his father, Frank Wakely Sr., who served as a volunteer for over 50 years. Not only is he well respected within the Floral Park Fire Department but also has the respect throughout Nassau County.
The Fire Commission’s mission is to protect the lives and property of the public. They serve to reduce the risk of fires and keep our county’s firefighters safe. They act as a liaison between the Nassau County Fire Service and the County Government.
Congratulations and best of luck to Frank in his new position and Thank You for your years of service to our community and to all of Nassau County.
Library
The Friends of the Library recently held two fundraiser events to support our local Library. One was the Bingo Designer Bag night and the other the Annual Library Lawn Sale. Both events were a great success and raised funds which will be used towards projects in our Library. A special Thank You to the Friends of the Library who devote so much time and effort putting these events together. Also, a big Thank You to all who attended and supported these events.
The month of May has begun and there are lots of planned activities and events taking place at the Floral Park Library:
- On Friday May 10th, at 4:00 PM the library is hosting a Teen Community Service Event, grades 6-12. Community service credits will be given to all teens who come and help those in need by filling toiletry sized bottles with shampoo, conditioner and hand cream.
- On Saturday May 11th, at 12:00 PM the library will be hosting a Career Corner where you can schedule a free 30-minute career consult to discuss and review your resume and LinkedIn profile, prepare for an interview, and learn job search strategies.
Details on these and other scheduled events can be found on the Library’s website at www.floralparklibrary.org .
Please be aware that the Library will be closed on Sunday, May 12th for Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day to all of our wonderful Mothers! Enjoy your day!
Don’t forget to cast your votes for the Best Library of Nassau County. Blank Slate Media is conducting its 10th Annual Contest of “Best of Nassau County” for 2024. Our Village of Floral Park Library is up for its fourth year in a row to be voted “Best in Nassau County.” To vote you can go on the Library’s Website at www.floralparklibrary.org and click on the display banner to register your vote. You can also go to www.archive.theisland360.com/contest2024 to cast your vote. You can vote daily, so please consider doing so.
Trustee Jennifer Stewart
4VS
Four Village Studio currently has openings for High School and College students to join our volunteer staff. The Studio has a long history of being a successful educational facility, offering career building knowledge and experience. Interested students from the area, aged 15 and over, should contact the Studio to set up an informational interview. Please email 4VS@4VS.org or call (516)326-1150 to schedule an appointment. To learn more about Four Village Studio, and to view the upcoming lineup of programming, please visit www.4VS.org.
DPW
The Highway Department has put down 15 tons of asphalt to repair various roadways throughout the Village. All Village roads were swept and aging street signs were replaced, including the Keith Fairben Street Sign at Holland Avenue and Jericho Turnpike, outside the Reliance Fire House. Outdoor dining has been set up in the Woodbine Parking Lot.
Our crews did a great job preparing the Spooner Lot for the successful St. Baldrick’s Day event that took place this past Saturday. And, old meter posts have been removed from the Caroline Place commuter parking lot. The Sanitation Department collected 60 tons of household waste, 12 tons of paper, 6 tons of plastic and glass, and 16 tons of bulk rubbish. The Parks Department has cut lawns and maintained all Village Parks. The crews have completed the beautification project at the Woodbine parking lot along Plainfield Avenue with new guard rails, Belgium Blocks and plantings.
Cultural Affairs
The Village has begun to plan for our summer concerts in Memorial Park. There will be something for everyone, so please keep an eye out for our summer schedule!
LIRR/MTA
Mayor Fitzgerald and I had a virtual meeting this afternoon with Nick Fasano, Assistant Director for the LIRR Government and Community Relations. We discussed the installation of a switch west of the station to east of the station which the LIRR believes will alleviate, to some degree, idling trains along the Hempstead Branch.
This switch will allow trains to move between the main line track and the Hempstead track and reduce waiting times. Please continue to bring your concerns regarding the MTA/LIRR to the MTA at MTA.info.
I’d like to end by wishing all the moms a very Happy Mother’s Day. There is no job that is as equally challenging as it is rewarding. Enjoy your day!
Trustee Michael Longobardi
Building Department
The IDA Public Hearing for the proposed development at the Covert Avenue Fire Property took place at Village Hall on Tuesday April 30th. The IDA decision is expected this month. Permits are issued and construction is expected to start on the new building shortly after the decision. Construction continues at the former Centennial Hall site. Projected timeline for the project is approximately 12 months.
The pedestrian walkway which will connect the Tulip Avenue intersection to the Spur Parking Lot is expected to start shortly. This walkway is partially funded by Nassau County.
Structural repairs on the fire property at 266 Jericho Turnpike have been completed and interior re-construction has begun. We have a proposed Yoga/Wellness Spa coming to 22 Verbena Avenue. There will be a special use permit hearing regarding this new business at our next Board Meeting, Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
The next meeting of the Architectural Review Board will be Wednesday May 22, 2024. Among the applications is an expected re-submittal for the restaurant at 99 Covert Avenue showing the requested changes to the site plan. Please check the Village Website at fpvillage.org for more information.
If you are planning any construction or renovations to your commercial or residential property, please reach out to the building department for help and guidance. They have a wealth of knowledge and information on building code requirements and safety factors, which are an extremely important part of any of your renovation or improvement undertaking.
Recreation and Pool
The Annual Summer 2024 Recreation Booklet is available online on the Village Website at fpvillage.org, in the lobby of the pool building, and has been posted on various social media pages.
There is a QR code you can scan to have full access to the booklet. The pool building is now open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday to Friday for information and registration. Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 8th the summer program registration will begin from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, then it will be ongoing each day after.
Among programs available for 2024 are:
- Three hours of fun at the park for ages 5-10 from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The program will include indoor and outdoor games, sports, crafts, and water games.
- Girls Volleyball for grades 5-6 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Girls will learn the techniques and fundamentals of the games as well as play full games.
- Girls Volleyball League on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 PM to 2:45 PM. Sign up as a team and play full games with rally scoring and refs officiating.
Please see the summer recreation booklet for all details. Applications for many of the activities and programs are also available on our website if you would like to complete an application prior to going to the pool building. Please go to fpvillage.org, click departments, then recreation, to download the application.
Opening day for our first swim is one month from tomorrow, June 8th at 12 noon. Our pool staff is hard at work cleaning and preparing the pool area for another great season ahead. We would like to remind all residents that a Floral Park Leisure Pass is required to use any park facilities and a membership application must be submitted to use the pool.
Little league is ongoing and there have been some exciting games this season already. If you have a free night, stop down the recreation center, sit with neighbors and enjoy watching our young residents play ball.
Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC)
The next meeting will be at 7:00 PM on Monday May 20 at Hempstead Town Hall, One Washington Street, Hempstead. If you want to make a noise complaint regarding air traffic, you can call 1-800-225-1071. You can also go to the Village website at fpvillage.org which has the links under the TVASNAC Noise Complaint Contact Information Page on our home page.
I would like to wish all our wonderful Moms a very Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for all you do. Enjoy a wonderful day with your families.
Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald
Tomorrow, Trustee Chiara and I will be attending the meeting with the Belmont Park Advisory Board where NYRA provides updates as to the ongoing demolition and hopefully the construction of the new Grand Stand.
Two weeks ago, the NYRA Director of Community Affairs was at the Northend Civic Association Meeting. I was not able to attend but I understand that he gave a great overview of what is happening at Belmont Park.
He is looking forward to going to other civic meetings in the fall and as the project continues for the next two years to give our residents more updates. Besides our frequent updates please see the attached link from NYRA which will provide information and updates on the redevelopment of Belmont Park as it progresses: https://www.nyra.com/belmont/
I’d like to thank Taylor Herzlich for joining us this evening and for continuing coverage of Floral Park in Blank Slate Media. We do appreciate that.
