Floral Park Board of Trustees reports Jan. 4

The Island Now

Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses – Trustee Lynn Pombonyo
First, Happy New Year to All!

We are happy to announce the 2022 Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce officers. They are President Rene Jorglewich of Bodyworks Spa and Yoga, Vice President Cathy Grasman of Jo-Mar Grooming and Boarding, Secretary Nancy Millus of The Mary Elise Millus Foundation and an active community volunteer, Treasurer Anne Musso of Sewanhaka Travel, and Resource and Social Media Coordinator Magdalena Chen of Carvel. This awesome group of business owners brings impressive experience to the Covert Avenue Chamber leadership with Anne Musso being one of the founding members; Cathy Grasman, Rene Jorglewich and Magdalena Chen all Chamber past presidents; and Nancy Millus bringing her media and advertising experience from our Gateway newspaper. We look forward to the collective planning energy and excitement they will bring to the businesses of Floral Park and Stewart Manor. Stay tuned!

Department of Public Works – Trustee Lynn Pombonyo
If you’ve seen our snowplows out and about although there’s no snow yet, we know it’s coming. It’s time for snowplow driver training for our newer DPW staff members so all will be ready for that first storm, maybe Friday? In the meantime, pothole repairs in time for the winter weather are also underway.

Conservation Society – Trustee Lynn Pombonyo
Are you missing Centennial Gardens and the beauty of nature there? I am. You can experience it vicariously through the winter months with our Centennial Gardens 2022 Calendar featuring spectacular photos of nature in the Gardens throughout each month of the year. Only a few copies left, so get yours online at Christine Kozak Photography. Click on the Menu’s Centennial Gardens 2022 Calendar link, check out the sample, and enjoy your very own Gardens “tours” throughout the New Year.

Recreation Department – Trustee Lynn Pombonyo
With the holidays behind us, it’s time for some winter, then spring, recreation. Check out the Floral Park Recreation Session 2 – Winter/Spring programs and their enticing descriptions; put on your sneakers (where necessary); and get ready for fitness and fun. The Recreation class schedule is on the Village Recreation website and was emailed to residents with the Village Items. And keep those new class ideas coming throughout the winter months. Just email fprecreation@fpvillage.org.

We wish all a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year!

Third Track Project – Trustee Archie Cheng
As you all have probably heard, after the threat of a contempt citation, the Village of Garden City has finally issued the requisite permits for the work at the Denton Avenue bridge to begin. Hopefully, this project will still be completed on time.

Fire Department – Trustee Archie Cheng
On Dec. 26th, the Fire Department did an outstanding job in stopping a fire in the West End. Thankfully, there were no injuries and no structural damage. Due to the holidays, I will report on the calls for December at our next Board Meeting. Thank you.

Police Department – Trustee Frank Chiara
Ending the year on a positive note, on Thursday Dec. 30th, our Police Department responded to a lifesaving call of an unresponsive male onboard an approaching LIRR train. Officers Lauria, Murphy and Tangredi immediately boarded the train and started the life saving measure of CPR. They were very quickly joined by our Floral Park Fire Dept., Chiefs Dodson, Bennett, Luger, Ex Chief Longobardi, Rescue members Marylou King and Daniel Burke took over the CPR with the assistance of Nassau County medic personnel, Gresser, Kakish and Kornfeld. The aided individual was transported by our Floral Park Rescue and by the time the ambulance arrived at the hospital the aided individual had regained a pulse, saving his life. Our newly promoted Sgt. Matt Viscusi, on his first serious call as a supervisor, commented on how well all the departments worked together to save this individual’s life. Sgt. Viscusi stated that “this was incredible to witness and very satisfying to be part of. All should be commended for their actions.”

What a great way to end 2021 for our first responders, saving this individual’s life. Thank You to all who were involved with this life saving event. Great Job!!!

Once again, THANK YOU! to our Police Department and our Volunteer Fire Department for all that you do for our community. We all appreciate your service to our community!!!

Building Department – Trustee Frank Chiara
With the start of a new year, the building department would like to recommend to everyone, before starting any projects on your homes or businesses please check with the building department to determine if any requirements or permits are needed. This will avoid any potential delays with your projects. The Department can and will provide information on Village codes that may also have an impact on your project.

As a reminder the installation of ductless air conditioning/heating units, which have become very popular, do require a permit. When obtaining the permit for these units the building department will describe where these units can be installed and the best methods of doing so.

Thanks, and have a Happy, Healthy, Peaceful New Year!

Trustee Jennifer Stewart
Happy New Year to all our residents! I’d like to thank all of the residents that extended warm holiday wishes to me and my family during this holiday season. Be assured, I and your entire board will continue to work hard to preserve the quality of life we enjoy here in Floral Park throughout 2022 and beyond!

Library – Trustee Jennifer Stewart
December was a fun filled month at the Floral Park Library (FPL). We are so grateful to children’s librarian Kathy Guidal for her countdown to Christmas read alouds on the new FPL Children’s Library YouTube channel. The library Urban Explorers had a wonderful time in NYC visiting the Met and Central Park, a good time was had by all, pictures of this fun day are on the FPL website; at floralparklibrary.org. A big shout out and thank you to Sewanhaka High School teacher, Diane Ventura! Her students participated in our Teen Holiday Card Drive, to cheer up kids in the hospital during this holiday season. Their beautiful cards and warm sentiments were so appreciated!

Visit the library’s website for registration information about registering for January events such as Chair Yoga, Monday Movie Matinee, the 1/10 movie is Evan Hansen, winter craft for grades 3-5 on Tuesday 1/11, 1/11 also features a Superhero Training Academy for Pre-K through second graders. After superheroes complete their tasks, they will receive an official superhero certificate. Dressing as your favorite superhero is encouraged.

The Village Board thanks the library staff for their continued dedication to enriching the lives of our residents.

Mayor’s Report – Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald
Good evening and Happy New Year. Again, I would like to echo the Board’s thank you to the fine work of the Floral Park Police Department and the Floral Park Fire Department & Rescue, especially in response to the emergencies during the holidays. I would like to ask the residents to not disturb the scene during a “live fire” response. While it may look chaotic, our experienced volunteer Firefighters are fully trained and following protocols and should not be disturbed at the scene. Rather, I request that residents contact Village Hall, the Floral Park Police Department or 911 so that the information and response can be prioritized accordingly. Thank you.

Belmont Park – UBS Arena Update – Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald
I would like to give an update on the Belmont Park – UBS Arena situation. The Village of Floral Park continues to be in close contact with the Empire State Development Corp., arena security, Senator Anna Kaplan and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages to manage the logistics of the impact that the recently opened UBS Arena is having upon the Village of Floral Park overall. There continues to be 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 arena as we move forward.

The Village Board and Administration is currently working with Senator Kaplan and Assemblywoman Solages for the Village of Floral Park to be included on proposed sponsored legislation to provide the necessary New York State authorization for the Village of Floral Park to be able to designate a residential parking permit district for certain streets to address on-street parking by arena patrons. Tonight, we are opening the public session to hear from the residents regarding suggestions and concerns on this important issue. It is anticipated that Bills will probably be in the various Senate and Assembly Committees in the next week or so. We may potentially schedule a Board session in the next few days to vote on a Home Rule Resolution requesting the State to grant to the Village authorization for a residential parking district.

As always, the Village Board is committed to working with our local officials and our residents on protecting the quality of life here in the Village of Floral Park. Thank you.

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