Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo
Police Department
This week, our FPPD Officers and Detectives, working with Nassau County Detectives and the Crime Squad, are vigorously investigating a recent North End burglary on Holland Avenue. The two Departments frequently collaborate on criminal activity and evidence, in this case, including home videos, those from neighbors, and fingerprints. This investigation will be ongoing.
Our FPPD recommends that, if you see someone or something suspicious and you are concerned, please call 911 or 516-326-6400 right away. Every minute counts in helping our FPPD prevent and solve crimes.
Community service is another priority for FPPD. Saturday, October 26th is NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY from 10 AM to 2 PM in front of Police Headquarters, next to Village Hall. You are urged to use this opportunity to properly dispose of any medications that have expired or are no longer needed. Simply bring them to our FPPD, in or out of the original containers, and drop them off in the Police Take Back Day boxes. The Floral Park Lions Club will be joining us to distribute complimentary health and wellness items.
Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses
The Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce welcomed Autumn with a very exciting Street Fair on a perfect first Saturday in October. Crowds of all ages, in the thousands, enjoyed visiting the Covert Avenue businesses, tents filled with interesting items to enjoy, a pumpkin patch, fun foods, inviting raffles, entertaining music, and children’s amusements. Thanks to the Covert Avenue Chamber and president Rene Jorglewich, vice president Lisa Boutis, secretary Nancy Millus and treasurer Anne Musso; the Villages of Floral Park and Stewart Manor; the Police and Department of Public Works; and all who contributed to a safe, BEST DAY in our Villages.
The Covert Avenue Chamber next meets on Tuesday, October 22nd, 7 PM at Jameson’s of Floral Park on Tulip Avenue. All businesses are invited to register at: covertavenuechamber.org
Again, this year, the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Floral Park Memorial High School Virtual Enterprises class. “Virtual Enterprises International (VE) is a high school program that teaches students about business through hands-on coursework and experience. VE students create and manage a virtual company, and conduct business with other virtual companies nationally and internationally. The program enables students to learn about careers, develop interpersonal and organizational skills, and use technology.” Floral Park Chamber members, including president Marie Grant and vice president Shane Parouse, act as Business Mentors; visit the high school class; guide the students in selecting their company’s officers and making other important decisions; and share valuable expertise.
And, if you’ve enjoyed the colorful hanging baskets of flowers on Tulip Avenue, please thank the Floral Park Chamber and the Village of Floral Park for partnering to share the cost of beautifying our Tulip Avenue with flowers. Tulip Avenue, how appropriate!
The next interesting meeting of the Floral Park Chamber will take place at Stella’s Ristorante on Jericho Turnpike, Thursday, November 7th at 6 PM. Businesses may register at: floralparkchamber.org
Conservation Society (FPCS)
Now, it’s just 11 days until the FAIRIE FOREST FESTIVAL magically appears at the Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary on Saturday, October 26th, 1 PM to 4 PM. Fun for children and adults alike, you’ll be amazed at the tiny Fairies in their tiny Fairy Farming, Fishing, Baking, Music, Artist, Leprechaun, and Halloween Villages and more! Check out the Floral Park Centennial Gardens and Village of Floral Park Facebook pages for details about the Festival and the loveliest of Fairie photos. FPCS needs Volunteers to help out, so please contact FAIRIE FOREST FESTIVAL Creator Ann Moynagh at: fpcentennial@gmail.com
And, can you believe it? Our final FPCS WEED-OUT of the 2024 season is Saturday, November 2nd at 9 AM, rain or shine. Come and join FPCS, your neighbors and friends to keep our Gardens looking green, beautiful and bright through a magnificent fall.
Halloween Happenings!
To all Police and Halloween fans, you’re invited to our HALLOWEEN ROLL CALL this Sunday, October 20th, from 1 PM to 3 PM. Kid Police Officers, ages two to twelve, are invited to report in their best police costumes for light refreshments, safety tips and fun. Again, check out the Department’s Facebook page for the exciting details of both of next week’s FPPD events, and be sure to thank our Officers for their service.
And, before you head to the Fairie Forest Festival on Saturday, October 26th, be sure to stop at the Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce annual TREAT TRAIL from 11 AM to 1 PM. Follow the blue pumpkins on the Covert Avenue store windows, and get your allergy free treats. Then, when you complete your TREAT TRAIL, it’s on to Centennial Gardens for some fun with the Fairies!
Don’t You Just Love Autumn in Floral Park?
Trustee Frank Chiara
Library
The month of October is halfway through and there are lots of planned activities and events taking place at the Floral Park Library:
- On Monday, October 21st, at 6:30 PM, Jessica Alfonsi, amateur genealogist will lead a program introducing attendees to genealogy basics and will highlight the databases and research material at the library. If you are interested in your linage, come to the program to learn how to do so.
- On Thursday, October 24th, the Floral Park Library Urban Explorers are going off on another adventure. They will be taking a tour of Roosevelt Island. The tour will include a visit to the Lighthouse Park, the Four Freedom State Park, and amazing views of Manhattan’s East Side. The trip will begin at Floral Park via the Long Island Railroad Station at 9 AM with the anticipated return of 4:30 PM.
- On Tuesday, October 29th at 7 PM the library will be having a program on the basics of a popular AI platform “ChatGPT”. Karen Quinones-Smith, an AI consultant, will be providing hands on instruction of the basics to the platform. She will show participants how to log on and “chat” to get information and answers interactively. Participants are encouraged to bring their tablets or laptops to the class.
Our Village of Floral Park Library is participating in the NYS Public Libraries Initiative, the Great Giveback. The library is having a WARM DRIVE to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. Anyone can donate new children’s hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, socks, blankets, pj’s, and stuffed animals to cuddle. There is a bin located in the lobby of the Library for donations.
Details on these and other scheduled events can be found on the Library’s website at www.floralparklibrary.org .
Fire Department
Our Volunteer Fire Dept held a 50th Anniversary celebration for two of their Reliance Engine Company’s Firefighters: Firefighter Leigh Tyrrel and Firefighter Louis DiSunno.
Both of these distinguished firefighters joined the department in 1974. They both served and continue to serve our community in various roles within the department. Their dedication has served as an example to others, both young and old.
We congratulate them both on this amazing 50-year achievement and we thank them, along with the Village of Floral Park for all the years of volunteer service to our community, for all the service that they provide to our community, and assisting their fellow residents in their time of need. Thank You to their families, who supported them while they volunteered for the Fire Department. Congratulations Leigh and Lou!
On Saturday, October 12th, 2024 the Fire Department held a dedication ceremony for its new training center. The training center was named after an individual that has made an enormous impact and serves as an inspiration to so many of the Floral Park Fire Department members, Lieutenant William “Billy” Hecker. Billy served as a Lieutenant in the Alert Company.
Billy started his volunteer serviced in 1990. He served on several committees within the company and took a special interest in training others within the department. He was committed to teaching new members the proper techniques and use of the power tools. The last committee he served on was the fit testing committee. Durning the days of Covid-19 pandemic Billy still met members to be fit tested to ensure that the members would be safe during fire situations. In April of 2021, Billy succumbed to Covid-19. He will always be remembered for his dedication and unselfish attitude toward his fellow firefighters.
The training center could not have been named after a better Firefighter, a perfect example of a dedicated volunteer who not only served his community, but always looked out for his fellow firefighters. This training center, in Billys memory, will be used by the members of the Floral Park Fire Department and other Departments in the area to provide realist base training enabling its members to hone their firefighting skills. Thank You to all of our volunteer members!!
The Alert Fire Company is having their annual Comedy Night at The Firehouse, on Saturday November 9th, 2024. Tickets are $60.00 per person, which includes beer, wine, soda and snacks. Contact Kevin Shanahan at 516 987-5732 for tickets. There is a lineup of four hilarious comedians and it will be a very entertaining night. Come out to have a fun night, supporting the Alert Fire Company.
There were a number of calls for service for the month of September:
- Floral Park Fire Companies responded to 32 Calls
- NYU Langone Ambulance responded to 63 Calls
- Floral Park Ambulance responded to 10 Calls
- And there was 1 Mutual Aid Call (to assist our neighboring communities)
Trustee Jennifer Stewart
4VS
4 Village Studio Director James Green reported that all painting, as well as wall and ceiling repairs have been completed. All previously removed equipment had been reinstalled and tested. The control room and set have been super-cleaned from floor to ceiling and the new air-conditioning system is up and working. There is a training session scheduled for next Saturday, October 19th at 11 AM for designated staff. This will greatly benefit new, or recently new, crew members. All such staff members are strongly encouraged to sign up for the seminar which should last about two hours.
Some programming highlights for this week are The Author Corner, Inspiring Stories, and The Antique Road Test.
DPW
Our Highway Department Crews performed road repairs on West Hitchcock, Depan, Granger and Charles Streets. All roads have been swept. The DPW yards have been cleaned out for the Fire Department Training Facility Dedication taking place at Mayflower Yard.
In the Parks Department, bushes have been replaced on Floral Parkway Islands, and all parking lots have been cleaned. Fall cleanups are underway in the Village.
The Sanitation Department removed 64 tons household waste, 7 tons of paper, 4.5 tons of plastic, and 12 tons bulk rubbish.
A friendly reminder to all residents to check their Sanitation Schedule as there are several Holidays in the next two months for changes to regular pick-ups, and please remember that there is no bulk pick up on weeks where there is a holiday.
MTA
There has been some ongoing work at the intersection of Atlantic and Carnation Avenues. The MTA has been removing the large canvas bags filled with concrete. The Village notifies residents as soon as we are notified by the MTA that work is or will be occurring. Unfortunately, we don’t always get notified timely. As always, contact the MTA with questions and concerns at MTA.info
Cultural Arts Committee
With the first cold snap of the year on our doorstep, it is a perfect time to start thinking about next summer. Planning for our Summer Concert Series has begun. We are in the discussion stage of a possible ‘Under 25’ concert night for resident individuals and bands under the age of 25 who might be interesting in performing for our community. Stay tuned for details. If you are interested, send me an email at jstewart@fpvillage.org.
As this is our last meeting until Wednesday November 6th, I encourage all of you to exercise the privilege of voting on November 5th.
Trustee Michael Longobardi
Building Department
This Thursday, October 17th, 7 PM at the pool building, the North End Civic Association will host a meeting to discuss a proposal for a large-scale mixed use development project located at 144-162 Jericho Turnpike. The developer will present their concept for the development and will be available for questions. All are welcome to attend. This project is still in the concept stage and will progress and develop over time. The construction for the proposed restaurant at 99 Covert Avenue is continuing and is expected to take several months. This Friday, construction will begin at the Covert Avenue fire property. The first phase will be shoring and foundation work, which will take about a month. Overall construction is expected to take up to a year. There will be a Tulip Avenue Road Closure next week near the construction of the new apartment building at One Carnation Avenue. This closure it due to the PSEG power line work in that area. Notices will go out regarding the specific dates and times.
As a reminder, all ductless air conditioning systems require a permit prior to start to ensure compliance with the zoning and building codes. Please check the Building Department website for a full list of requirements and permit applications. AC units and associated service lines are not permitted to be mounted on the front wall of a home. Please call the Building Department to ask questions or obtain assistance for permitting.
Recreation and Pool
We are entering the final phase for Little League Fall Ball and Titans Football. Youth Council Fall Football is set to start this week. Registration is ongoing for Screaming Eagles Hockey. Early Election voting will start at the pool building on Saturday October 26th. And plan ahead, beginning Monday, November 11th, our winter park hours will be 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC)
The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024 at Town of Hempstead Town Hall, One Washington Street in Hempstead. If you want to make a noise complaint regarding air traffic, you can call 1-800-225-1071. You can also go to our Village website which has the links under the TVASNAC noise complaint contact information page on our home page.
Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald
Back at the December 6, 2022 Board Meeting I mentioned that during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Floral Park PBA commenced an arbitration proceeding against the Village seeking double time pay during COVID pursuant to the “holiday” pay provision of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”) between the Village and the PBA. It was the Village’s position that the CBA’s “Holiday” pay provisions were inapplicable, were never triggered in this instance, and that the PBA’s claims were without merit. The New York State Supreme Court, Nassau County, agreed with the Village and enjoined the PBA’s arbitration from proceeding back in 2022. However, the New York State Appellate Division later ruled that the merits or lack of merit of the PBA’s claim should be determined by an arbitrator and not the courts.
Over the past 6 months the Village and PBA went before an arbitrator to state their claims. I am happy to announce that last week the Arbitrator decision was received. The ruling was in the Village’s favor stating that there was no “holiday” declared and that the members of the PBA are not entitled to any additional compensation for the extended period they were claiming. This is an important decision as it removes what was a significant potential financial liability which we disclosed in various documents over the past few years.
I would like to thank our Village Attorney John Ryan, Marylou Conrow from Coughlin & Gerhart and Village Administrator Gerry Bambrick for their time and efforts they put in to ensure the Village presented our case in the best manner possible.
We have been alerted by NYRA and the Floral Park Police Department that teens are trespassing on Belmont property and causing destruction both personal and physical. I would like to remind our residents, especially our younger ones, that even though one may think it’s a rite of passage to go over into Belmont Park property, both Floral Park and NYRA will prosecute to the full extent of the law for any criminal activity that may occur. I know NYRA is taking this very seriously due to some recent incidents that have occurred. On a more positive note, its my understanding that the Value Retail at Belmont Park Village (Mall) has had a soft opening today. There is a lot more work to be done but enough has been completed that they were have a soft opening.
Trustee Chiara and I had the privilege of working with NYRA and the Community Advisory Committee. Last Wednesday we had a tour of the ongoing construction that is occurring at Belmont Park. It is a massive facility and only when you are on the property do you realize how big it actually is. They are moving along at a good pace and are either on or ahead of schedule. We are looking forward to continued cooperation with them. The new facility should be completed by the end of 2026.
Lastly, late this afternoon I received a request from our fellow neighboring Village of New Hyde Park. They have adopted the towns of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure of North Carolina and are having an emergency relief drive tomorrow and Thursday at New Hyde Park Village Hall, to provide assistance to those towns. They are looking for various nonperishable items, cases of water, flashlights, and other items listed on their website. If you would like to donate, please check their website for a full list.
