MAYOR KEVIN FITZGERALD
Deputy Village Administrator and Village Clerk
The Village recently posted an opening for Village Clerk to replace Susan Walsh, who will be retiring in a few months. After an extensive interview process, where we met with several excellent candidates, the Village Board has decided not only to fill the role of the Village Clerk but also create the role of the Deputy Village Administrator. The experience and expertise of our present staff makes us pleased to announce that Darlene Lanza will fill the new role of the Deputy Village Administrator, effective in a few weeks. Joseph O’Grady will fill the role of the Village Clerk upon the formal retirement of Susan Walsh. By creating the role of Deputy Village Administrator, we believe that we will best serve the residents of Floral Park in keeping up with the emerging trends in all aspects of Village Government along with developments in our continuing growing community. More to follow in the upcoming weeks.
UBS Arena
Yesterday NYRA held a meeting of the Community Advisory Board which Trustee Chiara and I are a part of. They showed us the depiction of the new Grand Stand which was released sometime yesterday afternoon by the Governor’s Office. One question I asked was whether they would be willing to come and describe what the current plans are now that they have been released, not only to the residents of Floral Park but any other communities. They have happily agreed and will sent over several dates. Hopefully we can solidify something in the next week or so, where NYRA’s, at minimum, the Director of Community Affairs could come in and describe the plans, thoughts behind them and timelines. They are hopeful that the demolition of the existing Grand Stand will start this year and that the track will be open in time for the 2026 Belmont Stakes. They are not 100% sure. One of the focal points of the meeting was the amount of green space that will exist when the current Grand Stand is no longer there, along with a new back yard, and infield which had never been used before. With the new tunnels which are almost completed, they will allow residents of the existing communities to use it as a park.
Last thing I’d like to thank Taylor Herzlich from Blank Slate Media in joining us this evening and covering us, as Blank Slate Media has done so for a number of years. We do appreciate that.
DEPUTY MAYOR LYNN POMBONYO
Police Department
Our Floral Park Police Department continues to do directed patrols and enforcement in areas where residents and/or business owners express concerns. These have included Raff and Landau Avenues, particularly for speed and stop sign monitoring and enforcement. Our Police are also patrolling Covert Avenue, especially during the nighttime hours, to ensure that motor vehicles are being operated in a safe manner.
The Department’s Motor Carrier or Truck Detail has been focusing on Jericho Turnpike in 2024. This month, nine vehicles were inspected with thirty-three summonses issued for moving/equipment violations. One truck was removed by tow truck because of two unsafe tires, while another truck was taken out of service due to improperly secured loads. So far, in 2024, eighteen truck inspections have been conducted on Jericho Turnpike, with sixty summonses issued for moving/equipment violations, and three trucks were towed or taken out of service. The Detail’s focus will next return to Plainfield Avenue.
Our Police vehicles have been equipped with carbon monoxide (CO) detectors for use by all Patrol Officers. Our Police Officers are often the first of the first responders to emergencies, arriving minutes before the Fire Department. They often enter homes, unaware that CO may be present. In a recent incident, the CO levels in a residence were very high and several responding Officers felt its effects. The Officers were treated and, fortunately, they are fine. CO detectors will now provide our Officers with one more source of protection that will help them protect us.
Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses
Last Thursday’s February 29th front page of Newsday’s Explore LI was titled “Baked-in Nostalgia: Exploring 10 of LI’s Oldest Purveyors of Pastries and Other Delights.” I’m proud to announce that, out of the ten “Sweet Memories” iconic bakeries that are celebrated in this feature story, two are from Floral Park.
The story goes on to describe how our forever “pink-themed” Tulip Bake Shop brings back stories of Floral Park in the 1950s, along with the chocolate horns, seven-layer cakes, and the legendary Koenig’s rye.
Buttercooky Bakery, described as a “shrine for French pastries,” follows in the 1960s with its almond croissants, eclairs, Napoleons, strawberry shortcakes and tres leches cakes.
Colorful photos of the delectable dessert showcases in both bakeries tell the best story and are irresistible.
Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you to the Moynagh family of Tulip Bake Shop (and Swing the Teapot) and the Borgognone family of Buttercooky Bakery (and BC Bistro)! They have given Floral Park the gifts of tradition, the finest quality of hometown service, treasured memories of family celebrations at birthdays, the holidays, and special occasions, and the sweetest experiences we could ever imagine. Moynagh and Borgognone families, you make Floral Park proud and keep us smiling!
Upcoming Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce highlights include the Chamber meeting on Tuesday, March 12th, 7 PM at Trinity on Jericho Turnpike. The guest speaker will be the Village’s very own Renee Marcus AIA, Superintendent of the Building Department, who will speak about the advantages that our Building Department brings to our Village residents and businesses and provide updates about current construction projects. Interested business persons are asked to register at info@covertavenuechamber.org.
And always, SHOP, DINE AND HAVE DESSERT LOCAL, right here in Floral Park and Stewart Manor!
Floral Park Conservation Society (FPCS)
We all cherish our beautiful Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, located right in our own backyard. Ornithology enthusiast, photography expert and Gardens fan Douglas J. Cuoffi Sr. has published a magnificent book called “The Birds & Butterflies of Centennial Gardens, 2023.” This precious book contains over sixty full-page, vibrant, labeled photographs taken in the Gardens. Copies may be viewed in the Floral Park Library and Recreation Center. For more information about this Gardens treasure, you may contact fpcentennial@gmail.com.
And coming later in March, watch for details about this year’s Photos With The Easter Bunny, and let the Spring begin in Floral Park!
TRUSTEE FRANK CHIARA
Floral Park Library
The Month of March has begun and there are lots of planned activities and events taking place in our Floral Park Library:
- AARP/IRS Tax assistance volunteers will be at our library to assist low to moderate income taxpayers in preparing simple tax returns. The assistance is available on Tuesdays during March and through April 9th from 10 AM to 12 PM.
- On Thursday, March 7th at 6:30 PM patrons can come to the library to spend an evening with Lisa Mayer, your Angel Guide for a special mediation to help you tune into your own angel guide.
- On Saturday, March 9th from 2 PM to 4 PM, tweens and teens from grades 4-12 can come to the libraries’ teen space which will be transformed into a screening room and watch a movie. They will participate in a relaxing art activity while enjoying popcorn that will be served during this event. NO sign up is necessary.
- On Monday, March 11th at 1:30 PM the library will have a movie matinee featuring the movie the ‘Miracle Club’. The movie is a heartwarming film which follows three generations of close friends, with twists and turns in a journey to change their lives. The movie is rated PG-13 and is 91 minutes long.
- On Thursday, March 14th the Empire Safety Council is offering a six-hour Defensive Driving course, from 10 AM to 4 PM. There is a fee of $35 dollars if you would like to join.
- Also, on Thursday, March 14th from 7 PM to 8 PM there will be a retirement planning session on how to maintain a comfortable standard of living. John and Chris Sansone will discuss some difficult questions, including have retirees saved enough for retirement and how long will their assets last? There will also be a question-and-answer portion to address some retirement concerns.
Fire Department
The Fire Department held their annual Super Bowl football game on Super Bowl Sunday. This fun but competitive football game between fire headquarters and the other companies occurs every Super Bowl Sunday. It is in remembrance of the tragic Tulip Avenue Bowling Alley Fire that occurred on Super Bowl Sunday many years ago. It was a major fire in the Village which led to an explosion, injuring a number of our dedicated volunteers who left their homes and families that day to fight the fire. This competitive football game is played for bragging rights for the year. This year the Headquarters team won the game.
It was enjoyable to see our volunteers in a relaxed atmosphere competing against each other and having a lot of fun doing so. This game demonstrates the fraternity of the department and the camaraderie that is built by being part of our volunteer’s service.
The Department is always looking for new volunteers. Along with providing a valuable service to our community, volunteers will share in the comraderie the members have with each other. Please consider joining our Volunteer Fire Department.
TRUSTEE JENNIFER STEWART
Four Village Studio (4VS)
The 4VS Weather Station is calling for a 100% chance of rain for tomorrow and tomorrow night; a 40% chance of rain for Thursday; and they are forecasting a partly sunny day on Friday with the temperatures reaching 55 degrees.
Here are some show highlights for the next two weeks: Bill Corbett Jr.’s Inspiring Stories, featuring Joseph A. Salamone (Founder of the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying); Larry Davidson’s Davidson & Co featuring Karen Bella (Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist); and FPFD Red Alert with Larry King featuring “Terrorist Event Preparedness” with FDNY Assistant Chief Thomas J. Currao.
Department of Public Works (DPW)
Our crews have been out and about throughout the Village filling pot holes, as this is pot hole season with fluctuating temperatures. Our DPW Maintenance Department is completing some in-house projects including updating the break room and the storage room.
In the past week, sanitation has collected 124 tons of household waste, 22 tons of bulk rubbish, and 12 tons of paper and plastics. The feedback regarding the changes made to the sanitation schedule at the beginning of this year has been positive.
We thank and appreciate Superintendent Kevin Ginnane’s responsiveness to our residents’ needs.
MTA
There is nothing new to report regarding the MTA. As always, a reminder to residents to reach out to the MTA at MTA.info with questions and concerns.
TRUSTEE MICHAEL LONGOBARDI
Building Department
The Architectural Review Board held a meeting on February 21st for a proposed subdivision of 32 Orchid Street which would remove the existing house and replace it with two new homes. This meeting was held to just review the subdivision of the property and determine if it complies with Village building codes. The proposed two new homes would have to come back to the Architectural Review Board for the architectural review. That meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 27th. The structural repairs at 266 Jericho Turnpike are ongoing and are expected to last two more months. Construction at the old Centennial Hall site has begun and the expected construction timeline is one year. The construction at the Covert Avenue fire property is expected to begin in the spring.
Pool and Recreation
The winter session II programs are at the halfway point and are progressing well. Due to some scheduling conflicts, some of the sessions have been moved to other rooms. The changes have been posted at the pool lobby or the class folder. Please check with your program instructor or contact Gena King at the pool building if you are unsure of the changes. The snow has cleared and work has resumed on preparing the recreation center for spring opening and baseball season. Our staff is working in coordinating the summer programs and summer hiring for the park and pool. There will be much more on spring activities as we move forward.
Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC)
The next meeting will be at 7:00 PM on Monday, March 25, 2024 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.
