Emergency Notifications
In the Incorporated Village’s efforts to provide the most reliable communications with residents and businesses within the village, we have implemented Swiftreach Networks, Inc., (Swift 911) as our emergency notification service provider. Swift 911 is a computerized telephone calling system that is used to notify the Village’s residents and businesses of an emergency situation such as a severe storm evacuation or a dangerous situation. When the system is activated at Village Hall, each resident and business within the Village of Garden City receives a telephone message with the emergency alert.
If residents have an unlisted telephone number or have telephone service through Cablevision, Vantage Cable and MagicJack, they may not be listed within this system. These residents are encouraged to register online (www.gardencityny.net) or to send a brief note to the attention of the Village Clerk, 351 Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY 11530, providing your name, address and telephone number.
In Preparation for Hurricane Season
I was recently reviewing a publication by the American Red Cross on the subject of hurricane activity. It was interesting to note that many Long Islanders don’t believe our area is in danger of being hit by a major hurricane. Although there have been other hurricanes as recent as 1991 that have struck Long Island, two stand out as pivotal storms that affected many Long Island communities. The devastation from the 1938 hurricane — dubbed the “Long Island Express” was enormous. The storm reshaped the shoreline of Long Island and created great economic and human loss. In 1985 Hurricane Gloria hit one September day and nearly leveled portions of central and eastern Long Island. The Island’s east end is on the list of the top 10 most vulnerable mainland United States areas prone to hurricanes.
While the Incorporated Village of Garden City subscribes to an emergency weather service and carefully monitors regional storm activity, in preparation for implementing its storm emergency plan, there is a lot that residents can and should do to make preparations for the upcoming hurricane season. In this and succeeding columns, I will share information so that you can be prepared in the event that a major storm hits Long Island. The following are just a few important ways we can all prepare for a hurricane:
Stock up – What you have on hand before a hurricane hits can make a big difference as to how well your family handles it. Create your own disaster preparedness kits — one for home and one to take with you as a “Go Bag” in case you need to evacuate — with enough supplies for everyone in your household.
Include in your disaster preparedness kit:
Water – at least one gallon per person per day
Food – Non- perishable items you’d want to eat – such as canned food (and a manual can opener), energy bars, peanut butter and other nutritious foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
First Aid Kit – Pack a “how to” guide as well.
Medications – Essential prescription and non-prescription items and medical information.
Crank radio and flashlight, or battery-powered radio and flashlight (with extra batteries), and a 12-hour glow stick.
Clothing – A change of clothes, rain wear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone.
Personal items – Remember specific items such as eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution, personal care and hygiene items, extra (charged) cell phone batteries and comfort items such as toys or books.
Money – Have cash. ATM’s and credit cards won’t work if the power is out.
Important family documents in a waterproof, portable container — Copies of: Drivers’ licenses, wills, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, proof of residence (deed or lease), recent tax returns, credit card and bank account numbers, social security cards, passport numbers, home inventory list.
Special items for infants, elderly, pets or loved ones with special needs.
Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)
Increased Fees
Please be aware that at the last board of trustees meeting, the following fees have been increased:
Description and Fees
Architectural Design Review Board Application for Commercial Signs $250
Site Plan Approval Planning Commission/BOT
$500 projects under $20,00
$1,000 projects over $20,000
Block Party $75 effective January 1, 2011
Refuse Permit (Village Yard) $15
For Sale Sign Permit $200 (Residential Zone, 60 days)
Auctioneer $750 (per day)
Garage Sale $30 (for three days)
Taxi Cab Driver License $30 effective January 1, 2011
Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept.16 at 8 p.m. The continuation of the Public Hearing regarding the St. Paul’s School Demolition for Open Space Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be held on Thursday, Sept, 30, at 8 p.m. Persons wishing to speak on the DEIS will be asked to register and limit remarks to three minutes.
Village’s Website
I encourage residents to periodically utilize the village’s website for information regarding the village’s operations, as well as items of seasonal and special interest. The address is www.gardencityny.net. For your convenience, listed on the village’s home page under the heading of the Building Department is a link to information regarding new buildings, renovations, alterations, to residences and commercial properties.
