Board Report 06/21/24

Vision Long Island, Smart Growth Awards
On Friday, June 14th, seventeen Long Island Villages, Towns and other organizations were honored at the 23rd Annual LI Smart Growth Awards Ceremony at the Crest Hollow Country Club. Over six hundred attended with many Elected Officials, Chamber of Commerce leaders, Civic leaders, Attorneys, Developers, Architects, Engineers, Clergy, Philanthropists and many more, hosted by Vision Long Island Director Eric Alexander. 

The June 13th issue of LI Business News, in collaboration with Vision Long Island, reported that the event “is recognizing successful downtown development and housing and infrastructure projects achieved through bottom-up community planning”. 

Beginning in 2015, the Village’s community planning for Centennial Hall’s future use included widespread outreach to all in the Village and numerous community meetings to gather input about continuing Village ownership of Centennial Hall, leasing or selling it; identifying a highly reputable commercial real estate company (with our final selection, CBRE) to guide the community in brainstorming  potential uses (residential was the decision); and engage potential developers (the Friedman Group, located in Nassau County, was chosen) to purchase the property. The developer agreed to a thirty year commitment to residential development only, at the site.

So, along with the Village, Floral Park’s own One Carnation Avenue and the Friedman Group developers were honored for our smart growth Transit-Oriented Development on the site of the former Centennial Hall building. 

Both the Village of Floral Park and the Friedman Group were honored with attractive Smart Growth plaques, on display at Village Hall. On hand for the ceremony were Guy and Ryan Friedman, their Architects and Engineer, and Village Administrator Gerry Bambrick, Building Department Superintendent Renee Marcus, and Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo. Congratulations to our award winning Village of Floral Park!

Police Department
For our Police Department, I’d like to start off with the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce Street Festival on the evening of Friday, June 7th and the incredible Police Department/Department of Public Works teamwork that made this all happen.

First, the Police and DPW organize for easy access and safety. This includes the strategic placement of garbage trucks, vehicles, barriers, tables, tents, personnel and other. Throughout the event, both Departments organize the site to maximize enjoyment and safety. Both Departments also enjoy interacting with the public, adding to the spirit.

As the Street Festival starts to shut down at 10 PM-ish, the Police guide our energized festival-goers to the sidewalks, and we thank all for your cooperation. Then the magic begins as the Police, DPW and our very large vehicles move up and down Tulip Avenue, and the enormous trash bags are thrown into the trucks, debris is blown, the street sweeper arrives, and Tulip Avenue begins to look pristine and ready for Saturday morning breakfasts. It’s amazing to watch!  

A big shout-out goes to our Village team leaders: Lieutenant Doherty, Sergeant Vigorito and their FPPD Officers, all working with Commissioner McAllister, and Highway Department Supervisor Roe, Sanitation Supervisor Karam and their strong DPW crews, all working with Superintendent Ginnane.

Our FPPD and DPW – they’re THE BEST!

And an important reminder from our Police – Summer is here and schools are closing within days. Please drive slowly and carefully, and watch out for our children walking in our neighborhoods, crossing our streets, and riding their bikes. Our precious children rely on us to be safe drivers. Please protect them.

Conservation Society (FPCS)
On a spectacular, sunny Saturday afternoon, June 15th, Father Tom Fusco of the Our Lady of Victory Church celebrated a most inspiring Centennial Gardens Mass for several hundred worshippers. We express our gratitude to Father Fusco and OLV, Grand Knight Matt Troy and the Knights of Columbus, President Dennis McEnery and the FPCS Volunteers, Superintendent Kurt Meyfohrt and the Parks Department, Superintendent Kevin Ginnane and DPW, and John Power and Con-Kel Landscaping.

Visit Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary for your own special, sunshine-filled experience, open daily, noon to 5 PM.

Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses
Tulip Avenue was a sea of several thousand joyful people as all of Floral Park turned out for the Friday night before the Belmont Stakes – Floral Park Chamber of Commerce Street Festival. Thanks go to President Marie Grant, Chairperson Bill Barry, the Chamber Board and Members, and Village Clerk Joe O’Grady for a BEST NIGHT on Tulip Avenue and fun for all!

Summer is here with outdoor dining. SHOP, DINE AND CELEBRATE LOCAL in Floral Park and Stewart Manor!

Congratulations to Our Graduates!
We wish all the best to our May and June Class of 2024 graduates. You have made us proud and confident, knowing that you are creating the future and becoming our leaders.

To the Class of 2024, may your futures be filled with Success, Joy and Peace.