Recreation Department – Trustee Lynn Pombonyo
As we celebrate the holidays in a big way, just like we always do in Floral Park, my reports tonight will focus on that holiday spirit. On Friday night, December 10th, an enthusiastic crowd of mostly children gathered for holiday fun including roller skating at the rink. We all counted down to light the park Christmas tree which is uniquely visible from Stewart Street, the Rec Center parking lot, and the LIRR main line. Now that the park is darkened at night, take a trip there and enjoy the view of our huge, beautifully lit Rec Center tree. It’s the only thing you can see at the back of the park by the rink, and it’s magnificent. Thanks to Superintendent Kurt Meyfohrt, Assistant Gena King, Santa, his elves, and the park staff for a fun-for-all event and this very special Christmas tree.
Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses – Trustee Lynn Pombonyo
On Saturday, December 11th, our Covert Avenue Chamber partnered with the Village of Stewart Manor for a fun filled afternoon of horse and buggy rides, winter refreshments provided by our Covert businesses, and a visit from Santa. Thanks to Covert Chamber officers Magdalena Chen and Rene Jorglewich for organizing this very special holiday treat. And, when you’re on Covert, take a moment to enjoy the beautiful Christmas tree next to Village Hall.
As your holiday shopping comes to an end, please continue to celebrate Christmas week and the New Year by DINING LOCAL in Floral Park and Stewart Manor!
Department of Public Works – Trustee Lynn Pombonyo
DPW will continue to plant new trees as now is the perfect time of year for that. It’s not too late to ask for a new curb tree by calling DPW at 326-6320.
The new salt shed is ready to go as our DPW drivers prepare the plows and engage in 2022 training for the first snowfall of the year. It’s never too soon, as today is the first day of winter.
Thanks go to DPW Superintendent Kevin Ginnane, Supervisor Kevin Pearsall, Assistant Superintendent Joe O’Grady, and our entire DPW staff for their winter storm preparedness. In addition, they have been behind the scenes for our holiday tree lightings, making all bright and cheerful, and putting Floral Park in the holiday spirit with the displays and decorations they have assembled all over the Village.
Conservation Society (FPCS) – Trustee Lynn Pombonyo
Bring back fond memories of our Centennial Gardens 2021 season with a perfect gift for yourself, family and friends – a 2022 Gardens calendar. View a sampling of the spectacular scenes at the Gardens on the Floral Park Centennial Gardens Facebook page, created by FPCS volunteer Ann Moynagh. You can then pick up your calendar at Swing the Teapot or order it online from Christine Kozak Photography, proceeds going to FPCS for their outstanding work in making the Gardens more and more beautiful, year after year.
Holiday Wishes – Trustee Lynn Pombonyo
As Christmas week begins, please take some time for a very enjoyable walk or drive around the Village to take in the sparkling lights and displays in front of our homes and businesses, including another beautiful Christmas tree in the Colonial Gardens Park, decorated by the Hillcrest Civic Association and president Margaret MacDonald. Thanks to all in Floral Park for making our Village such a joyous place to celebrate Christmas and the holidays, truly a Winter Wonderland. We are all blessed.
With heartfelt holiday spirit, I wish you all the happiest of holidays, the merriest of Christmases, and joy, peace, and good health in the New Year!
Third Track Project – Trustee Archie Cheng
We had a meeting today to discuss various issues with 3TC, the LIRR and the MTA. The meeting mainly concerned issues around Plainfield Avenue and Main Street. After working in that area, 3TC left the area with garbage and debris strewn around and what appeared to us to be unfinished work. We have been informed that 3TC is not finished in that area but will remove the garbage. Issues related to the gaps at the base of the sound walls, restoration and regrading of the embankment, removal of temporary utility poles are all items that will have to be completed at the end of the project. The MTA & LIRR will also look at fencing in the area to see if they can be replaced and we intend to have further discussions about possible landscaping. One good piece of news is that the completion of the sound walls along Charles Street should be done by the end of March.
Fire Department – Trustee Archie Cheng
The Fire Department would like to remind all of our residents to be careful with their decorations. Please be sure to keep your Christmas trees well-watered, don’t leave candles burning when you are not present, don’t overload outlets and be especially careful in the use of extension cords and fireplaces.
We all love our decorations, but more importantly we want everyone to be safe.
Finally, my family and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year. It is my prayer that 2022 brings us back to normalcy.
CREW Committee – Trustee Frank Chiara
The Floral Park Coalition Resources for Education and Wellness (CREW) held a Holiday Sidewalk Sale fundraiser on Saturday, December 18th and it was a great success. CREW recruited great vendors to sell their wares and residents were able to shop for the holidays locally. The monies raised are going to a great cause with the good works that CREW does with our young people. Thanks to all of the vendors and especially, to CREW’s Elaine Licari for setting all of this up and making it a wonderful event.
Floral Park Police Department – Trustee Frank Chiara
I would like to thank the Floral Park Police Department for the great work they do to keep the community safe. There were several incidents recently the Department resolved quickly and favorably. It is the dedication and the professionalism of all the members of the Police Department and its staff that are a testament to the safety and security of the Village. Thank you to all of you and please stay safe out there.
On behalf of the Chiara family, may 2022 be a year of peace and happiness for everyone. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Healthy, Safe, Happy New Year!
Trustee Jennifer Stewart
Good evening. The residents of our wonderful village have once again responded to calls for help in big ways. Two large toy drives are coming to an end for 2021, toys were collected for Tricia’s Kids and the annual Hance Family Foundation toy drive. Hundreds of children will have added joy this season due to the generosity of village residents.
Floral Park Library – Trustee Jennifer Stewart
The Floral Park Children’s Library has a “YouTube” channel where you can find amazing videos of Children’s librarian Mrs. Guidal’s countdown to Christmas read alouds. We look forward to seeing what the New Year has in store for our “YouTube” channel.
A sampling of programs ahead in the new year- Registration for a two part learn to knit program in the New Year began on 12/15. Don’t forget the library, through a generous donation from Friends of the library, has local museum passes available free of charge – here is a sample of what the library offers: Garvies Point Museum, Children’s Museum of LI, NY Hall of Science and NY Transit Museum. Passes cannot be reserved for specific dates, all information can be found on the library’s website floralparklibrary.org
Floral Park Pool – Trustee Jennifer Stewart
Things are moving along with our pool maintenance contract. As we turn the calendar to 2022, we are looking forward to planning for an exciting Summer 2022. Pool bags and towels are still available through tomorrow for your last minute gift giving needs.
My family and I wish all of our residents a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a healthy, safe, and normal 2022.
Mayor’s Report – Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald
Update on Belmont Park/UBS Arena
Good evening. I would like to thank the residents for their patience and understanding regarding the Mayfair Avenue Gate being closed. It is especially important to the quality of life for our neighbors in the West End section of Floral Park. Thank you to the Floral Park Police Department, the Board and Village Administrator Gerry Bambrick for their attention to this matter. The Village continues to be in close contact with the Empire State Development Corp. and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages to improve what has been handed to us. There is a lot of noise after the events and it is only winter, we have a long way to go. I assure you that we will all be working diligently to address the concerns of the Village and its residents as it relates to Belmont Park and the UBS Arena as we move forward.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a safe Happy New Year. Let us hope for a better, safe, healthy and happy 2022.
