At his final meeting as a Mineola trustee, George Durham said Wednesday that the village is in good hands moving forward.

Durham, a fourth-generation Mineola native, is not seeking re-election on March 15 after 11 years on the board.

“It has been a privilege and honor for me to serve the residents of Mineola,” Durham said. “While we can’t wait for the finished product of our downtown, Mineola is in the right direction.”

Durham’s first involvement in village government came 23 years ago when he joined the community development committee. 

Durham was involved in creating the master plan of Mineola in 2004 as the downtown revitalization subcommittee chair.

Park renovations, downtown streetscapes, paving, and recently opened parking were among the improvements Durham described in the village during his time on the board. The construction of four transit-oriented mixed-use buildings, which are fully occupied now, was cited as the only way to increase the village’s tax base and that they were greatly needed.

Durham described the deep roots he and his family have in the village, saying his great grandparents raised his grandfather in the village since he was born in 1899 before the village was incorporated. He then thanked those that have supported him over the years.

“With the Mineola board change in hand it paves the way for new visions of Mineola to continue its ever-changing development and expand its future,” Durham said. “It’s been a pleasure working with everyone in the village and I thank them for their commitment to Mineola.”

Mayor Scott Strauss said it “has been an absolute pleasure” working with Durham over the years.

Trustee Paul Cusato thanked Durham for his time as well and added Durham “always spoke his piece, his mind and that’s what it’s all about.”