Board Reports 11/21/23

Thanksgiving Wishes

I’m thankful to start my report by thanking all of you ~ our caring residents and businesses, our skilled Village employee staff, and my very hard working colleagues on the Board ~ for making Floral Park such a special place, especially at the holidays.

Appreciation also goes to the many first responders who participated in last Sunday’s Mass Casualty Incident drill, hosted by the Floral Park Fire Department, on the Hempstead branch of the LIRR tracks. Trustee Chiara will be reporting on this important event, and we thank him for his contributions throughout its planning, execution and follow-up.

Wishing all a Thanksgiving filled with joy and peace!

Police Department 

Ongoing training is important in both our Floral Park and Nassau County Police Departments (NCPD). Both Departments often benefit from shared training services. In October, two of our highly experienced Police Officers and most recently appointed Sergeants, Joseph Lauria and Joseph Cosmo, participated in intensive supervisory training at Nassau County’s four-week Basic Course in Police Supervision at the Nassau County Police Academy. This mandatory program, also called Sergeant School, offers instruction in leadership, supervision, the law, incident command, and other important areas. Our Sergeants also gained knowledge about NCPD’s frequent collaboration with and support for the Village Departments with regard to the involvement of County Detectives for major crime investigations, the Canine Unit, Aviation (helicopter) Unit, and Emergency Medical Services.

When describing the training experience, Sergeants Lauria and Cosmo noted its value. First, was the Incident Command System’s protocols to follow during major incidents, which are often highly dangerous. Others included the dangers of domestic disputes and the important role that Child Protective Services (CPS) often plays, and State Liquor Authority intervention in cases of illegal drinking. In all, the Sergeants found this training to be important and informative in honing and refining the necessary skills needed to be an effective supervisor, leader, and teacher to all the Police Officers and support staff of our Department. As our Sergeants are usually the first supervisory Police Officers at a scene, especially at night, this training is essential.

NCPD has issued warnings about a new pattern in commercial burglaries taking place in the County. Specifically, these burglaries involve perpetrators who enter the unlocked back doors of businesses and steal items of value such as pocketbooks, credit/debit cards, cash, keys and clothing. Two such burglaries with the same pattern occurred in two of our Floral Park restaurants a month ago. We must all remember to secure items of value and ensure we are not leaving them out in plain sight near unlocked doors. And, at home, we need to keep our doors locked.

It’s the holiday time of year when heavy traffic and congestion present challenges everywhere. In Floral Park, we see incidents of blocking the box or entering an intersection that is not clear due to stopped traffic, possibly waiting for a red light ahead to change. When drivers block the box and the light changes to green on the intersecting streets, that traffic cannot move, causing increased delays and congestion. Our Police Commissioner and Officers are intent upon putting a stop to this illegal driver behavior. They are vigorously ticketing offenders, and fines are high for each offense. So, have a happy holiday by driving safely and avoiding blocking the box.

Conservation Society (FPCS)

Another bright and colorful Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary season comes to end this Sunday, November 26th at 4 PM. You have four more days (Thanksgiving, it’s closed) to enter the Gardens and enjoy the spectacular golden leaves, brightened by the autumn sunshine, especially late in the day. Of course, the outer brick path remains open for pleasant walks, winter exercise and taking in the Gardens’ beauty through the seasons. Throughout our winter Board Reports, we’ll be thanking all of those who made the Gardens available to the thousands who visited in 2023.

You can welcome 2024 at the Gardens with a colorful calendar created by our talented local photographer, Christine Kozak. You’ll enjoy up-close photos of the unique trees, plants, flowers and birds that call Centennial Gardens home throughout each month of the year. You may view a sample copy and make your Calendar purchases at: christinekozak.com , click on Store and you’ll see the Calendar link. Proceeds go the Floral Park Conservation Society, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit volunteer organization, and Centennial Gardens enhancements.

Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses 

SHOP AND DINE LOCAL on Small Business Saturday, two days after Thanksgiving. Businesses on Covert Avenue, Tulip Avenue and Jericho Turnpike will have surprises, sales and specials. Enjoy window shopping and picking out gifts for the favorite people in your life. And, when you leave your cars, leave the parking meter fees behind too ~ all are suspended in our business districts for Small Business Saturday, compliments of the Villages of Floral Park and Stewart Manor.

With December comes the start of the 2023 holiday season! Join the Floral Park Junior Woman’s Club and the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce for the Annual Tree Lighting and Festival on Friday evening, December 1st. The delightful Shops open at 5 PM, with the Festival starting around 6:15 PM.

The Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Stewart Manor Tree Lighting will follow on Saturday, December 9th, starting at 4:30 PM, with the tree lighting around 5:15 PM. Take a horse and buggy ride, pose for photos with Santa, and enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes.

Don’t you just love this festive time of year in Floral Park?