Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo
Thanksgiving Wishes
I’m thankful to start my report by thanking all of you ~ our caring residents and businesses, our skilled Village employee staff, and my very hard working colleagues on the Board ~ for making Floral Park such a special place, especially at the holidays.
Appreciation also goes to the many first responders who participated in last Sunday’s Mass Casualty Incident drill, hosted by the Floral Park Fire Department, on the Hempstead branch of the LIRR tracks. Trustee Chiara will be reporting on this important event, and we thank him for his contributions throughout its planning, execution and follow-up.
Wishing all a Thanksgiving filled with joy and peace!
Police Department
Ongoing training is important in both our Floral Park and Nassau County Police Departments (NCPD). Both Departments often benefit from shared training services. In October, two of our highly experienced Police Officers and most recently appointed Sergeants, Joseph Lauria and Joseph Cosmo, participated in intensive supervisory training at Nassau County’s four-week Basic Course in Police Supervision at the Nassau County Police Academy. This mandatory program, also called Sergeant School, offers instruction in leadership, supervision, the law, incident command, and other important areas. Our Sergeants also gained knowledge about NCPD’s frequent collaboration with and support for the Village Departments with regard to the involvement of County Detectives for major crime investigations, the Canine Unit, Aviation (helicopter) Unit, and Emergency Medical Services.
When describing the training experience, Sergeants Lauria and Cosmo noted its value. First, was the Incident Command System’s protocols to follow during major incidents, which are often highly dangerous. Others included the dangers of domestic disputes and the important role that Child Protective Services (CPS) often plays, and State Liquor Authority intervention in cases of illegal drinking. In all, the Sergeants found this training to be important and informative in honing and refining the necessary skills needed to be an effective supervisor, leader, and teacher to all the Police Officers and support staff of our Department. As our Sergeants are usually the first supervisory Police Officers at a scene, especially at night, this training is essential.
NCPD has issued warnings about a new pattern in commercial burglaries taking place in the County. Specifically, these burglaries involve perpetrators who enter the unlocked back doors of businesses and steal items of value such as pocketbooks, credit/debit cards, cash, keys and clothing. Two such burglaries with the same pattern occurred in two of our Floral Park restaurants a month ago. We must all remember to secure items of value and ensure we are not leaving them out in plain sight near unlocked doors. And, at home, we need to keep our doors locked.
It’s the holiday time of year when heavy traffic and congestion present challenges everywhere. In Floral Park, we see incidents of blocking the box or entering an intersection that is not clear due to stopped traffic, possibly waiting for a red light ahead to change. When drivers block the box and the light changes to green on the intersecting streets, that traffic cannot move, causing increased delays and congestion. Our Police Commissioner and Officers are intent upon putting a stop to this illegal driver behavior. They are vigorously ticketing offenders, and fines are high for each offense. So, have a happy holiday by driving safely and avoiding blocking the box.
Conservation Society (FPCS)
Another bright and colorful Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary season comes to end this Sunday, November 26th at 4 PM. You have four more days (Thanksgiving, it’s closed) to enter the Gardens and enjoy the spectacular golden leaves, brightened by the autumn sunshine, especially late in the day. Of course, the outer brick path remains open for pleasant walks, winter exercise and taking in the Gardens’ beauty through the seasons. Throughout our winter Board Reports, we’ll be thanking all of those who made the Gardens available to the thousands who visited in 2023.
You can welcome 2024 at the Gardens with a colorful calendar created by our talented local photographer, Christine Kozak. You’ll enjoy up-close photos of the unique trees, plants, flowers and birds that call Centennial Gardens home throughout each month of the year. You may view a sample copy and make your Calendar purchases at: christinekozak.com, click on Store and you’ll see the Calendar link. Proceeds go the Floral Park Conservation Society, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit volunteer organization, and Centennial Gardens enhancements.
Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses
SHOP AND DINE LOCAL on Small Business Saturday, two days after Thanksgiving. Businesses on Covert Avenue, Tulip Avenue and Jericho Turnpike will have surprises, sales and specials. Enjoy window shopping and picking out gifts for the favorite people in your life. And, when you leave your cars, leave the parking meter fees behind too ~ all are suspended in our business districts for Small Business Saturday, compliments of the Villages of Floral Park and Stewart Manor.
With December comes the start of the 2023 holiday season! Join the Floral Park Junior Woman’s Club and the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce for the Annual Tree Lighting and Festival on Friday evening, December 1st. The delightful Shops open at 5 PM, with the Festival starting around 6:15 PM.
The Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Stewart Manor Tree Lighting will follow on Saturday, December 9th, starting at 4:30 PM, with the tree lighting around 5:15 PM. Take a horse and buggy ride, pose for photos with Santa, and enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes.
Don’t you just love this festive time of year in Floral Park?
Trustee Frank Chiara
Library
The Floral Park Library’s “Food for Fines Program” continues until the end of November. Fines will be waived up to $5.00 per library card holder for a donation of food. The food donated will be given to the OLV Food pantry. Please consider making a food donation even if you don’t have any overdue books.
On Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 2 PM, Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, in partnership with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Office of Crime Victim Advocate, Nassau County Police Department and the Family & Children Association will host a scam prevention seminar at our Village of Floral Park Library. The seminar will share some important tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of common scams.
Want to learn how to make a marbled holiday ornament? On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 6:30 PM, instructor Cathy Buckley will have a class on how to make marbled holiday ornaments. Anyone interested in learning how to do so should register for the class at the library.
Our Library will be closed Nov 23,2023 for Thanksgiving. The library staff would like to wish all a Happy Thanksgiving!
Fire Department
Our Village of Floral Park Volunteer Fire Department, along with participation from our neighboring fire departments of South Floral Park, New Hyde Park, Bellerose Terrace, Stewart Manor, Garden City and Mineola, with the LIRR Safety Committee, the LIRR Fire Marshals and Nassau County Fire Officials, took part in a Mass Casualty Drill on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at 8 AM. This drill simulated a vehicle being struck by a LIRR train and then dragged down the railroad tracks. All departments responded as if it was a real incident. The departments assessed the accident scene, set up a command center and strategically directed responders to care for any individuals that were injured. Actors from the Village of Floral Park Explorer Program and New Hyde Park Program put on makeup and pretended to be injured on the affected train. This was a reality-based training exercise where all the departments used their fire equipment to address the emergency.
The Mayor, Village Board, elected officials and other dignitaries had the opportunity to be on site to observe the drill. We all observed a very impressive response from the responding departments. Firefighters in full gear along with EMT personnel used their skills to address the presented emergency. An after-action meeting was held after the drill to discuss the benefits of the drill and possible methods to enhance the response.
This drill highlights the impressive amount of training that our volunteers participate in. They take these drills very seriously to ensure that they are prepared for the many different types of emergencies that might arise. All of our communities are fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers.
A special thanks to Chief Eric O’Connor, Chief Sal Arrigo, Ex-Chief Kevin Greene, Ex-Chief Kenny Fairben, the LIRR Safety committee and Nassau County Officials, everyone worked so hard to put this drill together. This drill took a major coordinated effort. Thank You to our Village of Floral Park Fire Department and the LIRR for organizing the drill.
Members of the Village of Floral Park Fire Department are also volunteers with the Nassau County Firefighters – Operation Wounded Warriors (NCFF-OWW). The NCFF-OWW is comprised of firefighter and EMS volunteers throughout Nassau County who conduct numerous fundraising events through the year to help meet their goal of providing material and moral support to the wounded men and women of our Armed Forces. Each years efforts culminate with a personal visit from a NCFF-OWW representatives to each military hospital in the area to meet with our brave wounded warriors and express our gratitude for the sacrifices that they have endured for our country. This year over 50 firefighters from Nassau County will be making the trip on December 6th, 7th, and 8th. Members of the Village of Floral Park Fire Department will be participating and visiting over 600 wounded military personnel.
NCFF-OWW is collecting donations of Walmart and Target gift cards, patriotic t-shirts, and the like, new toys for preschooler and grammar school children, diapers and baby care items and other items. Visit their website at ncff-oww.org to see the list of needed items.
Donations can be made at the Floral Park Fire Department Headquarters, One Vernon Avenue, in Floral Park on Saturday, November 25th, Sunday, November 26th, Saturday, December 2nd, and Sunday, December 3rd, from 10 AM to 1 PM. Please consider supporting this organization. Your donation is a great way to show appreciation to all of those military personnel who have sacrificed so much to keep our country safe and free.
Thank you to Ex-Chief Joseph O’Grady of the Floral Park Fire Department for spearheading this program here in our Village.
I would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy!
Trustee Jennifer Stewart
Congratulations to Floral Park Knights Varsity Football Team. While last Friday night did not end the way we would have all liked, there is much to be proud of. In addition to all your athletic and academic achievements, your team brought the community together in the best way! Best of luck to you all in your next chapters.
4VS
Tonight, we start with the announcement of our 2023 Alliance for Community Media Northeast Regional Video Festival Awards. First place, in music and performance: Wes Houston Presents, “Wes & Friends: The 200th Show”, Producer: Wes Houston, Crew: James Green, Demos Manolis, Kitiara Maingon, Kyle Meyfort, Jake Torres, and Toni Warren; First place general talk show: Uncorked #25 “Disney World Wines”, Producer: Rex Whicker, Crew: Cris Greco, James Green, Kitaiara Maingon, and Patrick Walsh; Second place diversity empowerment: Inspiring Stories “John’s Crazy Socks”, Producer: Bill Corbett Jr., Crew: Francis Brandt, James Green, Jamie Liesner, Kitiara Maingon, Kyle Meyfort, and Owen Williams;
Finally, third place instructional & training: FPFD Red Alert “Emergency Medical Technology”, Producer: Larry King, Crew: Olivia Binkley, Cris Greco, James Green, Kitaiara Maingon, Kyle Meyfort, Devon Senjalia, and Jake Torres. Congratulations to all! This is an impressive showing!
Department of Public Works
Our Department of Public Works crews are out daily collecting leaves on Village roads. Hot patch crews are completing road repairs; Spooner lot, Hinsdale Avenue and Clayton Avenues have been striped. Hanover Street has been repaved. All parks and village buildings are continuously being cleaned and maintained. New carpeting is currently being installed in sections of Village Hall. Trees have been planted on Clayton Avenue and trimmed throughout the Village. Village wide tree plantings will take place the week of 11/27. Our Department of Public Works is still taking requests for anyone who would like a tree planted. If interested, please call 516-326-6320.
The Sanitation Department collected 66 tons of household waste, 7 tons of cardboard and paper, 3 tons of commingled plastics and glass and 11 tons of bulk rubbish.
Please be reminded that there is no bulk pick up this week. Additionally, please do not rake leaves into the street, bag and place them at the curb on your regular lawn/leaf garbage day pickup.
MTA/LIRR
We continue to work towards resolution of our MOU. Please be advised of train schedule changes for the Thanksgiving Weekend
I would like to take a moment to reflect on how thankful I am to be a member of this board and this community. My family and I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Trustee Michael Longobardi
Building Department
There has been little change in status from two weeks ago on the Centennial Hall and Covert Avenue fire properties. Both hope to start foundations soon depending on weather conditions. The property at 266 Jericho Turnpike is still being assessed by engineers and design plans to move forward are being developed and reviewed. This past weekend Gyro Village celebrated their grand opening. My fellow board members were there to officially welcome them to the Village. I was unable to attend and would like to congratulate them and wish them many years of success. Progress continues at various other businesses planning to open in the coming months. These include a Pizza Bar, Haagen Dazs Ice Cream, and a clothing store.
As a reminder to residential owners, home improvements such as new driveways, solar power panels, new basement, new fence, and use of a dumpster may require a permit or perhaps a variance. These procedures are designed to help the owner stay compliant with codes as well as safely complete household improvement. If you are looking to make home improvements, please reach out to the building department for assistance at 516-326-6319. We are here to help you complete a safe enjoyable improvement.
Pool and Recreation
The weather is turning colder but the youth council touch football and hockey leagues are still going strong. The recreation center has started winter hours closing at 4:30 PM each day. Thanksgiving Day the park will be open from 8 AM to 12 PM. 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 that day. Open registrations will continue each day from 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM. Youth programs include youth Zumba, gardening for kids, and youth tennis. Adult and senior programs include aerobics, cardio kickboxing, Yo-Chi, Pilates, tennis, pickleball and more. Details and applications are available in the lobby at the information table and online at the village website www.fpvillage.org. Floral Park Little League registration for the 2024 season opens November 23rd and runs through January 7th. Details and registration are available on the Floral Park Little League website.
Our annual Recreation Center tree lighting is Friday, December 8th at 7 PM at the multi-purpose rink. Come by, 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.
Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC)
The next meeting for TVASNAC, the Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee in the Town of Hempstead will be Monday, November 27th at Hempstead Town Hall One Washington Street in Hempstead at 7 PM. 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.
On behalf of my family and myself, I would like to wish all our residents, Village employees and fellow Board members a very Happy, Safe and Blessed Thanksgiving. Thank you for all you do!
Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald
I had the opportunity to speak to the New York Racing Association today. They will be planting the promised arborvitaes by the fence that abuts the parking lot. It will be located on the Floral Park side of the fence. The planting should take place sometime next week. The rest of their multiyear project is still on schedule.
In closing I hope to see everyone next Friday night for the Tree Lighting at Memorial Park, for what my predecessor called a Hallmark Channel Event. In regard to Thanksgiving, no matter what day to day things make people upset, I hope we all reflect on it and realize that there is more good in our lives, in Floral Park and the world, that we should all be thankful for.
And with that I’d like to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow residents
