The Village of Williston Park is aiming to strengthen its Neighborhood Watch program after a recent string of burglaries.
Former Mayor Doreen Ehrbar, wife of current Mayor Paul Ehrbar, said each block of the village should have a block captain for the Neighborhood Watch following a pair of burglaries in January.
“If you’ve noticed on your block you don’t have a block captain, we’re looking for block captains,” she said.
Those interested in becoming a block captain should contact Village Hall, Ehrbar said.
Mamuka Bokuchava, 31, of Brooklyn, was arrested last month in connection with two burglaries in Williston Park, Paul Ehrbar said.
Bokuchava has since been charged with at least 17 other burglaries, he said.
“There’s been burglaries in Mineola, East Williston, Albertson, and the unincorporated areas of Williston Park,” the mayor said.
Bokuchava was arrested after an assistant fire chief who happened to be on Princeton Avenue had taken down part of his license plate number at the crime scene.
Also at the meeting, the board said a new elevator and generator have been installed in the Williston Park fire house, thanks to grants obtained by Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park).
State Sen. Jack Martins (R-Old Westbury) also obtained $250,000 in state grants for the project, and the village bonded an additional $400,000, Ehrbar said.
“On April 7, we will acknowledge Senator Martins, who obtained a portion of the funding,” Trustee Teresa Thomann said.
Officials also plan to purchase new flowers for the firehouse’s exterior.
The Williston Park Public Library will close the first week in June for a renovation.
Ehrbar said Monday he also expects to send East Williston a finalized water-service agreement “on either Tuesday or Wednesday.”
The two Village Boards settled on the final terms of a 25-year agreement March 3. East Williston is still planning a referendum on a $7.5 million independent water supply system.
The Village Court heard 228 cases and collected $21,841 in fines, officials said.
The village has so far replaced about 100 overhead lights with LED fixtures, the board said. The switch is expected to save the village about $10 for each bulb per billing period, totaling $1,000.00 per month, officials said.
The Village Board also said Little Big Difference Day is scheduled for April 23 as a way for the community to initiate beautifying the town through volunteer work.
“It’s a great day for our neighborhood to come together and kick-off spring clean-ups,” Trustee Michael Uttaro said. “It’s a great day for service groups, Girl Scouts, high school kids that are looking to get their hours in.”
T-shirts, bags and other supplies will be distributed to assist beautification volunteers, officials said.
The village’s annual “Day at the Races” event will be held June 4 at Belmont Park.
Williston Park has more than 250 spots for its residents. Interested parties can contact Village Hall to obtain a seat, the board said.
