Inspector Kevin Canavan, Sergeant Tom Iannucci and Sergeant Stephen Grasek of the Third Precinct addressed residents at the last New Hyde Park Village meeting regarding numerous ongoing complaints. They also took additional questions from the board and attending community members.
The first problem discussed was business and truck traffic at South 5th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues. One resident asked for clarification of street signage that was replaced several years ago and shows a picture of a truck with a red circle with a line through it. Inspector Canavan explained that sign means “trucks of any kind, including personal pickup truck, mail carrier truck or residential delivery trucks.
Inspector Canavan also assured residents that the area has been under increased patrol and he has personally spoken with area residents and area businesses about the tension. “The signs need work and we’ve been talking with Pat Farrell about this, about re-signing those streets,” said Canavan. “Like I said, we’ve been down there; I’ve had cops down there on a daily basis. I’ve got a couple of sergeants involved in this. I’ve driven down there myself.”
Another resident asked about the ongoing frustration of residents on South 12th Street and other adjoining property owners near Empire Billiard Bar & Café at 1215 Jericho Turnpike.
Inspector Canavan said, “It’s not the parking so much as the people that come out of Empire Billiards, drinking, making noise, littering, just being disruptive; it’s definitely a quality of life issue.” Canavan explained that random compliance checks are being carried out by the precinct several nights each week.
“The long term solution, as I proposed to the Inspector, is perhaps making them [business owners] aware of the residents’ problem, enforcing everything, and telling their patrons where they can park,” said Sgt. Tom Iannucci.
The resident asked if there were other surveillance or compliance tactics that the village could employ to which Mayor Daniel Petruccio said, “We have to work within the law; we are doing the maximum that a village is able to do within the law. We are doing that and have been I would argue for the last several years.” To conclude this topic, Inspector Canavan simply said, “Give us a chance, we are working with the village; just give us a chance.”
Residents should be aware that all calls, emergency and non-emergency, should be directed to 9-1-1. Inspector Canavan assures that the precedence of each call will be sorted through the 9-1-1 operator.
Another local problem addressed was the sale of alcohol to underage buyers. Sergeant Iannucci reported making two arrests at a local gas station since July for the sale of alcohol to a minor. Nassau County uses “Project 21”, the use of underage or seemingly underage buyers to identify the sale of alcohol to minors. Volunteers are welcome; more information can be obtained directly at the precinct. Sergeant Stephen Grasek also included some general information on driving while intoxicated (DWI) and the Social Host Law, specifically for the benefit of six students from New Hyde Park Memorial High School, who were in attendance as part of a history assignment to observe local government.
Budget Hearings
Mayor Daniel Petruccio
Beginning on Tues, Jan. 26 and continuing on each of six consecutive Tuesdays are the village’s budget hearing sessions. Mayor Petruccio encourages residents to attend these meetings to have their suggestions and disputes heard and taken into consideration. Meetings are open to the pubic. The Mayor reminds residents to participate in the hearings if their intentions are sincere, not to wait until the budget is passed to expect repeal.
Trustee Reports
Trustee Richard Coppola, Jr.
Trustee Richard Coppola, Jr. reminds residents to keep fire hydrants located in front of or near their property clear of debris and snow. New Hyde Park Knights of Columbus is requesting use of Memorial Park for an Easter Egg Hunt on March 27.
Deputy Mayor Robert Lofaro
Deputy Mayor Robert Lofaro reports the renovation of William Gill Theater is progressing well. Upon completion, the second floor of the village hall will be home to a new 72-seat theatre with a new stage and dressing room. The exits are being amended to meet code requirements. Funding for this project was secured by Senator Craig Johnson. Some of the work is being done by the Village’s Department of Public Works to defray some of the costs.
Trustee Lawrence Montreuil
Trustee Montreuil encourages residents to report illegal apartments or questionable happenings. Anonymous tips will also be taken. The architectural review board will meet again Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. The village is hosting a tax grievance session. “Grievance Day” will be held on Feb. 16. The assessors will be available for one-on-one counseling; challenges to tax assessments will be taken into consideration.
Hall Usage Requests
Cellini Lodge received approval to change their use date of Marcus Christ Hall from Feb. 11 to Feb. 16.
The New Hyde Park Homemakers received approval to use Marcus Christ Hall on the second Mondays and each Thursday of every month.
The Greater New Hyde Park Republican Club received approval to use
Marcus Chris Hall on the third Monday of every month.
License Renewals
The following businesses were approved for annual license renewals:
New China at 1525 Jericho Turnpike..
Gino’s at 1113 Jericho Turnpike.
Auto Tek at 801 Second Ave.
Thomas Cipriano Landscaping, Inc. at P.O. Box 893 in Floral Park
B&B Landscaping Contractors, Inc. at 249 Marcus Ave.
Ramalhete & Sons Landscaping at P.O. Box 418 in Williston Park
Chilelli Landscaping at 56 Evans Ave. in Elmont
Bari Landscaping at 115-57 239th St. in Elmont
Deamorim Landscaping at 152 Raff Ave. in Mineola
Home Maintenance Lawn Care at 145 Harvard St. in Westbury
Mezzaucella Contractors Corp. at 36 Barrymore Blvd. in Franklin Square
The next public board meeting will be held at 8 p.m. on Tues, Feb. 16th in the courtroom of the Village Hall.
