SAIL Proposes Street Changes

The 24 students who are involved in the SAIL program, which meets before school on a regular basis, have discussed a number of proposals including graffiti removal and parking regulations. Recently, one of their proposals, a “Children At Play” sign on Madison Street in Elmont came to fruition. At the students’ request, the warning device was installed on March 19, 2013.

“Hempstead Town is proud to work with these intelligent and thoughtful students every year,” said Supervisor Murray. “They found some things in their community that they wanted to see changed and used their knowledge to work through the governmental process until they were successful in effecting a change.”

Kerrane Takes Open Board Seat

New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School

budget passes

Jennifer Kerrane won the contested seat on the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Board of Education in last week’s elections. Kerrane won the seat, recently vacated by board Vice President Joseph Bongiorno, with 619 votes, edging out her opponent James Reddan by 72 votes.  

“I am very happy to have been elected to the board. Thanks so much to all the community members for having confidence in me and for their continuous support,” Kerrane said.  “Once sworn in, I look forward to working close with the board to keep our district running smoothly.”  

Pipe Band Steeped In Rich Tradition

Amityville band steered by New Hyde Park resident

Known for their strong emotional impact upon listeners, the bagpipes have had a prominent place throughout history; parades across America are replete with their unique and stirring sound.

Among the oldest and most-respected practitioners of this art on Long Island is the Amityville American Legion Post #1015 Highland Pipe Band. According to player Joe Heimbauer, the 30-member, all-volunteer bagpipe and drum band is steeped in rich history and time-honored tradition.

Rebuilding Together Long Island

After, Williston Park resident Joe Botkin, Massapequa resident Sol Goldstein and several friends helped finish building a house for a family 20 years ago for Habitat for Humanity, they had a question: “What do we do now?” They were all retired, had enjoyed working together and accomplishing something for a family in need, and wanted to do more. 

 

“I was looking for something [to do] hands-on,” said Joe Botkin, a retired principal, who had worked with Goldstein in building the home.

Village In Waiting

New Hyde Park still seeking

Sandy-related FEMA reimbursements

New Hyde Park is still awaiting Superstorm Sandy FEMA reimbursements, Mayor Robert Lofaro revealed. The village operates on a budget of about $5.8 million.

Public works superintendent Tom Gannon and village clerk Cathryn Hillmann spent numerous hours on forms and expenses for storm reimbursement. Lofaro said the fund balance is tiny and that if, say $300,000 was spent, the fund needs to be replenished quickly.

Slow And Steady Wins The Race

State DOT gives go-ahead on Operation Main Street, headaches in its wake

 

The Village of New Hyde Park is finally accepting bids for Operation Main Street, according to trustee Donald Barbieri. The final piece of the project has been given the go-ahead by the state Department of Transportation, albeit after a tug-and-pull between the two entities.

 

Construction could begin in late June, early July. The board will open bids from contractors on June 6 to complete the project to upgrade the business district along Jericho Turnpike.

Audit Is Imminent

North Hempstead is cooperating with park-district audit 

 

The Town of North Hempstead will submit to a Nassau County financial and operational audit of the Clinton G. Martin Park District in New Hyde Park after the Court of Appeals dismissed the town’s appeal, according to court documents.

 

The court dismissed North Hempstead’s appeal on April 30, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos revealed. A letter was sent to the town on May 9 asking for financial documents spanning three years.

NY Ravioli Sandy Efforts Recognized

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano commended the owners of New York Ravioli & Pasta Company of New Hyde Park for donating a portion of all proceeds generated throughout May to the Nassau Hurricane Recovery Fund (NHRF). Six months after Superstorm Sandy barreled through local neighborhoods, Nassau residents are still struggling to rebuild their homes and lives.

Village Board At Full Capacity

New Hyde Park appoints trustee to fill empty seat

The Village of New Hyde Park swore Donna Squicciarino in as trustee on Tuesday, May 7. She will fill a seat vacated by Robert Lofaro, who won the mayor’s seat in March after Daniel Petruccio decided to not seek re-election.

 

Squicciarino is the second woman in New Hyde Park’s 86-year history to serve as trustee. Florence Lisanti was the first woman to serve on the board, whose term expired in 2001.

Two Face Off For Open School Board Seat

Reddan, Kerrane vying for spot on NHP-GCP board

Residents James Reddan and Jennifer Kerrane will be competing for the seat held by New Hyde Park Garden City Park school board Vice President Joseph Bongiorno, who will not be seeking re-election on Tuesday, May 21.