In a recent victory, David Miller has been re-elected as the mayor of Russell Gardens, vowing to continue his work on infrastructure improvements throughout the village and other necessary projects. Miller, who first assumed office in April 2019, was enthusiastic  about tackling the unfinished projects that he believes will greatly benefit the community.

“I have unfinished business; I have some things that I’d like to get to,” Miller said, emphasizing his primary focus on the village’s roads. Recognizing that road repairs can be a significant expense, he expressed his determination to complete this crucial project during his current term, saying “that’s not a small thing. That’s a big accomplishment.”

To fund the road repairs, Miller revealed that the village currently has about $500,000 in a surplus account specifically allocated for roads, along with an additional $50,000 dedicated to the renovation of the village hall. Moreover, a reserve of $1 million has been set aside to ensure the completion of these projects if necessary. Seeking additional financial support, Miller intends to explore grant opportunities to further aid in infrastructure improvements.

One of the initial steps taken by Miller is the hiring of a road engineer who will provide a better estimate of how much money will be needed for road repairs.

In the recent election, which took place on June 20, Miller secured his position with a total of 30 votes out of approximately 800 registered voters. The swearing-in ceremony at the village meeting July 13, also included Village Clerk and Treasurer Danielle Pennise, as well as Deputy Clerk Eileen Clancy.

Aside from road repairs, Miller wants to address other pressing issues within Russell Gardens. He plans to improve the antiquated lighting throughout the village, a project he has already initiated.

In the past, Miller has successfully executed a comprehensive video surveillance system project that covers all exits and entrances of the village for upgraded residential security. Every move in and out of the community is monitored.

Miller, who has been a resident of Russell Gardens for 35 years, intimately understands the community’s needs. Recognizing the importance of even minor improvements, he remarked that “little things like repaving the entrance to village hall, no more tripping over one bad step. Nobody thinks about it, but it’s a major deal to just get it over with. That wasn’t done in 30 years. They renovated this whole building in between and didn’t do it.”

Over the past few years, Miller has made notable progress in upgrading the village’s infrastructure. This includes acquiring new capital equipment and replacing outdated systems, such as installing new cameras in the court and transitioning the accounting and billing departments to electronic platforms.

Furthermore, staff changes have been made to streamline operations and bring the village into the future. Miller said, “We basically swept this place clean…I think that we needed to get out of the 30-year-old or 35-year-old (place) really where we were not moving forward.”

With 2050 residential homes, four apartment houses, and 18 commercial properties, Russell Gardens is a tight-knit community known for its tree-lined streets and lush canopy trees. Responding to the evolving needs of the village, Miller aims to modernize and revitalize Russell Gardens, leaving behind the stagnation of the past.

Deputy Mayor Larry Chaleff echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the village’s commitment to upgrading its entire infrastructure. “People come here, and they just stay,” Chaleff said adding, “we want to upgrade the infrastructure of the entire village.”

The next village meeting is slated for Sept. 7.