Department of Public Works – Deputy Mayor Fitzgerald
TREES – I would like to thank the Tree Department for their efforts over the past few months in getting the tree trimming list down to a very manageable number of open requests (approximately two weeks).
Their efforts certainly paid dividends this past week with the storm that passed through on Friday. Due to the ongoing trimmings that have occurred there was minimal damage (a few downed limbs).
I would also like to remind residents if they have a request for a tree to be trimmed or have questions on a particular tree to please call DPW. A supervisor will come and inspect the tree for damage and will take the necessary actions to ensure it remains safe.
Additionally, I would invite all residents to view a recently produced show on 4VS where we can further educate ourselves on the importance of trees and how we maintain them. It can be found at www.4VS.org under WATCH NOW>COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT>FLORAL PARK VILLAGE TREES.
ROADWORK – The drainage projects (W Hitchcock/Depan, Lowell/Emerson, and Elm/Crocus) will begin on Aug. 3.
With regard to the reconstruction of Floral Blvd., the request for bids recently went out. As this project gets closer to commencing, we plan on meeting directly with the residents in the affected area prior to any work beginning to review the project and what they can expect as the project progresses.
Floral Park Police Department – Deputy Mayor Fitzgerald
I would like to thank the men and women of the Floral Park Police Department for the job they do in not only keeping us safe but being at the ready whenever a call for service is made. May God continue to bless and protect them. Thank you.
Recreation and Pool Departments – Trustee Pombonyo
Since Friday, July 3, there has been ongoing sunshine, swimming, and fun at our Village pool. Over six hundred members joined us for an exciting “Welcome Back” opening day as those of all ages greeted friends they haven’t seen in a while. The water was perfect and a fun-filled time was had by all.
Our membership and daily attendance numbers continue to rise and, as promised, we are continuing to add programs to our offerings.
This week, our always popular Water Aerobics classes began and will continue to take place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 a.m.
No need to register for Water Aerobics, all pool members may just show up for invigorating movement, dance, fitness, and fun.
For parents of babies and toddlers, stop at “My Tot and Me” beginning this Sunday, July 19 at 9 a.m. to share some special time in the pool together.
Other Pool/Recreation exercise and sports classes are starting up with registration on Wednesday, July 15, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Offerings include Jazz/Hip-Hop for ages 7-12, Adult Yoga, Summer Bootcamp, Senior Exercise, Zumba, Aerobics and Tennis Lessons for your enjoyment.
And, for our children, check out our Pool All-Day Camp Program, now through Aug. 13. There are also Tennis programs and lessons available; Morning Sports programs, “where kids can be kids” at no chart; the primary recreation/arts & crafts program, also at no charge; and other special features.
Visit our fpvillage.org homepage or call 516-326-6334 for all the exciting details.
Thanks to Recreation Superintendent Kurt Meyfohrt, Pool Director Tom Dillon, our many talented and dedicated park and pool staff members, all working with Village Administrator Gerry Bambrick and our tech support team of Darlene Lanza and Gena King, our recreation and pool offerings are increasing day-by-day.
Coming soon at the pool will be the popular “Residents’ Sessions” and opportunities to bring your special guests. New memberships are still available and all residents are welcome to join the pool to participate in all that summer in Floral Park has in store!
Conservation Society – Trustee Pombonyo
Looking for a peaceful place to walk, relax, and appreciate the outdoors? Visit Centennial Gardens on Floral Parkway, noon to 5 p.m. daily.
For helpful information, spectacular photos, and volunteer opportunities, go to fpgarden.org and the Floral Park Centennial Gardens Facebook page and Instagram.
Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce and Our Local Businesses – Trustee Pombonyo
As our businesses reopen, there are lots of surprises and specials in-store when you shop, dine and take out local in Floral Park and Stewart Manor. Cheers to all our awesome business owners, staff, and customers.
Fire Department – Trustee Cheng
I want to thank the Fire Department for their participation in our Little League’s and local school’s graduation caravan parade.
Fire Calls for the month of May: Rescue – 75; Rest of the Fire Department – 19.
As I mentioned last month, the Fire Department holds its only fundraising campaign in the spring.
This year they were unable to do door-to-door solicitation due to the pandemic. If you are financially able, please consider making a donation to our all-Volunteer Fire Department. We all have seen their devotion and dedication throughout this most difficult time. Thank you.
LIRR Third Track – Trustee Cheng
Work is continuing at the MTA substation at Plainfield Avenue.
As you probably know, the Linden tunnel is now open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Building Department – Trustee Chiara
The Building Department has reopened to the public. Currently, they are limiting access to one client at a time for transactions at the counter.
They are back to full staff in the office and are working on closing out permits. They continue to automate the Building Department now by accepting electronic architectural drawings for code review, making this important process less costly, more efficient, and by reducing paper and storage.
Please contact the Building Department at 516-326-6319 or by email at FPBuildings@fpvillage.org with any construction concerns to avoid delays and please do so before your projects are underway. Thank you.
Library – Trustee Chiara
The Floral Park Library opened on Monday, July 13, for browsing.
Nearly 70 people visited the library throughout the day to enjoy the freshly painted library building. The pandemic gave the DPW staff an opportunity to paint and freshen up the building and carpentry work is being done in the Young Adults section.
Thanks to DPW Superintendent Kevin Ginnane and the DPW staff, especially Jim Pohl, who was instrumental in the painting and the detailing he performed to make it all look so good. Thanks, Jim!
The Library staff continues to take reservations for the use of public computers. All reservations must be made in advance.
Continue to check the website www.floralparklibrary.org for scheduled openings, guidelines to enter the Library, and for updates on all of their offered programs.
CREW – Trustee Chiara
On Wednesday, July 8, the Coalition of Resources, Education, and Wellness had its first jam session at the Rec Center.
Marco Conelli and Company performed live music and provided a really nice musical session for a summer evening.
All of our young adults are invited to come to the Rec Center on Wednesday, July 22 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to share their musical talents and songwriting abilities.
Marco will share his experiences with all who attend. Check the website fpvillage.org for details.
Mayor’s Report – Mayor Longobardi
Mayor Longobardi reported that the Village has reopened the Village Hall building to the public.
The Village offices never closed operations during the pandemic so it continued to provide full services, only it was done remotely and by mail to protect the public due to the pandemic.
Village Hall is streamlining and automating its services with a reduced staff and I am happy to report a smooth and efficient operation is in place.
It is a new and better way of doing business improving wait times. Reopening Village Hall and all of its buildings required a lot of planning and effort.
Residents are encouraged to request services via the website, email, or over the phone to continue to protect them during the pandemic.
If you have to visit the Village Hall, please be advised that masks are required and that there is a maximum of five persons allowed in the Village Hall lobby, so please call in advance.
Thank you to all of the staff and to the residents for their cooperation during this time.
The Village has received a number of inquiries and permit requests for block parties, a great and fun summer season tradition in Floral Park.
Unfortunately, the board has been advised by the state and Nassau County not to approve block parties, which are deemed outdoor gatherings, at this time due to the Governor’s Executive Order limiting attendance at outdoor gatherings to 50 persons – a number that would not be readily compliant with the state’s requirements.
The village will continue to closely monitor the status of block parties with the state and Nassau County as the summer progresses.
The health, safety, and security of its citizenry is the board’s top priority, so please be understanding at this time. Thank you for your patience.
Submitted by the Village of Floral Park
