Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo
Police Department
On November 29th, NYS Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick sponsored a Floral Park Library program entitled “Senior Scam Awareness.” This Nassau County presentation included experts from the Office of Crime Victim Advocate (OCVA), led by Executive Director Jeanine Diehl and Deputy Director Nora Durand. OCVA ensures that victims of crime and witnesses to crime in Nassau County are afforded all the legal rights, protections and assistance they are entitled to under the law.
Their very comprehensive presentation went far beyond senior scams to crimes against victims of all ages. The focus was on fraud in its many forms; safeguards to avoid being a victim; and the immediate actions you must take if you think you are a victim of fraud, namely, call 911 or your local Police Department.
And so, next came the Floral Park Police’s own Lieutenant William Doherty and Detective Christopher Timm, joining the presentation to personalize it for our residents. They explained examples of fraud taking place in Floral Park, our FPPD response, and additional challenges that arise when such incidents aren’t reported immediately to FPPD.
The OCVA experts and our Officers responded to many questions posed by the audience, and provided valuable hand-outs.
OCVA has a very informative website containing a link to a pamphlet explaining the Office’s advocacy and support. The website is: nassaucountyny.gov/ocva
Great appreciation is extended to Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Nassau County, FPPD and the Floral Park Library for presenting this noteworthy program.
Out in the field is our Motor Carrier Unit, focusing on the safe operation of trucks throughout the Village and the use of new technologies to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
October’s and November’s truck inspections, conducted by the Department’s Motor Carrier Unit, totaled seventeen on Plainfield Avenue and Jericho Turnpike. Sixty-six equipment and moving violations were issued, with seven trucks and three drivers taken out of service, and two trucks towed. Brake and tire infractions were noted, as were drivers without the required commercial licensing.
In November, Motor Carrier Unit Sergeant Naughton and Officer Kratochvil participated in on-site NYS Department of Transportation training. At the inspection site, the Officers trained in the use of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s SafeSpect web-based technology to gather and record data. Sergeant Naughton has indicated that this technology, which is used nationally, enables the Unit to access the prior inspection records of both the trucks and drivers, from anywhere in the country. Since SafeSpect is also streamlined, each inspection can be conducted in considerably less time, putting trucks with no violations back on the road more quickly. More to follow on SafeSpect and our law enforcement.
Now, as the holidays approach and the traffic gets heavier, please pay attention at intersections. Do not enter an intersection until it is completely clear. Be mindful of “Don’t Block the Box” for your own safety and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians. And remember, our Police are out there to enforce it.
Conservation Society (FPCS)
With Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary now closed for the winter season, please enjoy long walks and taking the time to view the wintry Gardens from the outer brick path.
And you can fondly recall 2023 at the Gardens with FPCS’s 2024 Calendar. Christine Kozak’s photos of the trees, flowers, plants and birds through each month of the year are magnificent. The calendars make special holiday gifts, and may be purchased at: christinekozak.com (click on Menu, then Store) and at the Swing the Teapot restaurant. Proceeds go to FPCS for Gardens beautification and enhancements.
Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses
It was a rainy night, but all shined bright at the Floral Park Junior Woman’s Club, Chamber of Commerce and Village of Floral Park Tree Lighting and Festival on December 1st. The rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the large crowd, especially our children, and the holiday performers from Our Lady of Victory, Bridge Church and Floral Park Memorial High School, along with our Master of Ceremonies, Antoinette Biordi of News 12 Long Island. Our Village shops with their twinkling white lights added a festive touch.
The Village trees sparkle brightly over Memorial Park. When you’re driving south on Plainfield Avenue, crossing Tulip Avenue, see how those beautiful trees glow above the houses, a very special tradition!
Many thanks to the wonderful people who made this night come alive including our Tree Lighting & Festival Coordinators: Susan Walsh, Margaret MacDonald, Mary Conway, Marie Grant, and Associate Pastor Noel Abraham; Santa Claus; and Floral Park’s Department of Public Works, and Police and Fire Departments.
And, as you’re admiring our beautiful trees, take a drive on Covert Avenue and see the magical snowflakes glistening above our businesses, compliments of the Villages of Floral Park and Stewart Manor, and artfully displayed by the Departments of Public Works of both Villages.
Then, coming this Saturday evening, December 9th will be the Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce and Village of Stewart Manor Tree Lighting. Starting at 4:30 PM, you can enjoy a horse and buggy ride, hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes, and pose for photos with Santa.
And, while you’re SHOPPING AND DINING LOCAL in Floral Park and Stewart Manor, take a ride throughout our neighborhoods and be amazed at the spectacular light displays and holiday decorations. Be sure to drive along Cisney and Magnolia Avenues. Where they intersect, you’ll love the Christmas tree, decorated by the Hillcrest Civic Association, president Margaret MacDonald, and Floral Park DPW. We all celebrated with Santa and the Floral Park Fire Department on Sunday, December 3rd.
Thanks to all who have made our Village the best, brightest and most beautiful place to celebrate this glorious season. It is truly the most wonderful time of the year!
Trustee Frank Chiara
Library
On Monday, December 11, 2023 at 1:30 PM the library is hosting a Monday Movie Matinee ‘Last Christmas”. The movie is a heartwarming Christmas story starring Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, and Michelle Yeoh. It is rated PG-13 and runs for 102 minutes.
On Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 4:30 to 5:30 PM the library is inviting teens from grades 6 to 12 to a Teen New Year’s Eve event. Teens will come to ring in the New Year with their original funky glasses and confetti poppers which they will be designing themselves. Registration for the event is required.
On Wednesday, December 27, 2023 the Chef of d’Future will be at the library holding session during the day for children grades K thru 5. At 4 PM teens can attend a class with Chef Julie to cook up an amazing New Year’s Eve celebration. Registration is required and will start on December 13, 2023 at 10 AM.
On Thursday December 28, 2023 the Long Island STEAM group for children grades 1 to 5 is having a Dry Ice Capades event where the children will be able to manipulate matter in all of its three states. All mad scientists are welcome. Registration begins December 14, 2023.
Also on December 28, 2023, at 4 PM teens can come to the library to learn how to make amazing origami with Alma. Registration is required and starts on December 14, 2023. There is limited space at some of these events so sign up early to secure a spot.
The library’s website, www.floralparklibrary.org contains more detail on these and other upcoming events!
Fire Department
For the month of November our Volunteer Fire Department responded to 41 calls with 6 mutual aid calls assisting our neighboring communities. There was a total of 93 ambulance calls with NYU Langone answering 76 of them and our FP Rescue company responding to 20.
Our Volunteer Fire Department has been called upon by Santa to assist at the many local Christmas events taking place in our community. They have been transporting Santa around in their fire trucks because Santa’s sled has not been working properly. Santa designated our Firefighters as Elves not only to transport him around but to assist in giving out candy canes to all who come out to these events. This is just another way that our Volunteers go above and beyond to help out in our Village. A big thank you to them all.
Trustee Jennifer Stewart
4VS
Did you know that 4 Village Studios has a “Watch Now” feature? Right now, you can visit 4VS.org and watch outstanding programing as FPPD: Behind the Badge, FPFD: Red Alert, Reali-Teen, Community Spotlight, as well as the Floral Park Mayor’s Report. Wrap your holiday gifts while watching your friends and neighbors on TV.
Department of Public Works
The holiday season is upon us and two traditions here in Floral Park help usher in the season. The first is our DPW crews hanging beautiful seasonal decorations along Tulip and Covert Avenues as well as Jericho Turnpike. Second is DPW hanging hundreds of lights on our tree in Memorial Park in preparation for our annual tree lighting which took place on December 1st. While the weather was not festive, the mood in Memorial Park sure was! Thank you DPW for preparing the tree and the shopping booths, all the while completing their regularly scheduled tasks of maintaining, cleaning, and fixing things throughout the Village.
MTA/LIRR
The Village is continuing our negotiations with the MTA to finish the MOU.
If you have comments or concerns regarding the Long Island Rail Road, please reach out to the MTA at MTA.info and as well as letting me know at jstewart@fpvillage.org so that our Village Board can advocate for you as well.
Trustee Michael Longobardi
Building Department
Plans have been submitted for a proposed pharmaceutical lab located at 100 Jericho Turnpike. In January there will be a Board of Trustees special use public hearing regarding this location. The cleanup at 266 Jericho Tpke. is complete and the owner has submitted plans to move forward with the rebuild. These plans are being reviewed by the building department. The Covert Avenue fire property has received site plan approval from Nassau County. The foundation work will start over the winter depending on weather conditions, once all permits are issued. The developer at the Centennial Hall property is planning to start foundation work before the end of the year now that site plan has been approved.
For our commercial property owners, we would like to remind everyone that parking lots are to be used only for the respective business or businesses located on the property. Parking lots cannot be leased for alternate use unless first approved by the Board of Trustees.
Pool and Recreation
Except for the hockey league, all outdoor leagues have completed their fall season and the playing fields are closed for the winter. Congratulations to all on a great fall season. The recreation center has started its winter hours closings at 4:30 PM each day. Session II winter/spring 2024 registration will open Tuesday, January 9th at the Pool Building. Senior program registration only on January 9th will be from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Open registration for all will be 7 PM – 9 PM on the same day. Open registrations will continue each day from 9:30 AM – 7 PM. Activities include zumba, gardening for kids, aerobics, cardio kickboxing, yo-chi, pilates, tennis, pickleball and more. Details and applications are available in the rec center lobby at the information table and online at the village website. Floral Park Little League registration for the 2024 season is now open and runs through January 7th. Details and registration are available on the Floral Park Little League website.
Reminder to all residents that the 2023 leisure passes expire this month. It is time to renew and get your 2024 leisure pass which is required to use our park facilities. However, if you have a resident pool pass from 2023, it is considered your leisure pass and does not expire until June.
Our annual recreation center tree lighting is Friday December 8th at 7 PM at the multi-purpose rink. Come by and join your neighbors and friends, and enjoy the music, hot chocolate, cookies, and visit from Santa to kick off the holidays at our recreation center. We look forward to seeing everyone this Friday.
Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC)
There is no December meeting for the committee. The next meeting will be in January. 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 which has the links under the TVASNAC noise complaint contact information page on our home page.
Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald
Next Wednesday, December 13th at 10:30 AM here at Village Hall, the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency will hold a public hearing with regard to Centennial Hall. More information, including the public hearing notice can be found at the Town of Hempstead IDA website which is tohida.org.
I received an email from the Governor’s representative here on Long Island. The Governor received approval from the Federal Government to allow businesses and residents that had damage during the September’s rain storm to apply for small business loans with reduced interest rates. The application period starts tomorrow December 6th and closes on December 22nd. We will pass that information along in our e-newsletter that we send out on Fridays after our board meeting or you can visit https://lending.sba.gov/.
In regard to the Tree Lightings, I want to thank all the people involved in the multiple tree lightings. There is a lot of planning and executions that go into that and it always seems to come off flawless in making this time of year very special.
