NYCOM Conference Very Informative
This past weekend Deputy Mayor Terry Thomann, Trustees Barbara Alagna, and Kevin Rynne, Village Clerk Julie Kain and myself attended the Annual NYCOM Legislative Conference in Albany.
While we were only there two days, a great deal of information was obtained. We met with our local legislators, which allowed us an opportunity to discuss concerns and needs of the village with them. A number of seminars were held during the conference which provided valuable information pertinent to issues confronting our village. we all felt the trip was extremely beneficial to helping with village affairs.
A few weeks ago a letter was submitted to this paper by resident and neighbor Barbara Afonso regarding street parking after snowstorms. She suggested that residents participate in voluntary alternate side of the street parking. Her rationale for this would be to help eliminate the dangerous situation where cars parked on both sides of the street narrowed due to snow plowing. While the village has no plans to initiate alternate side of the street parking as is commonplace in New York City, Barbara’s suggestion makes a great deal of sense. I’m hopeful that our snowfalls have ended for the year but if not and streets become narrowed by plowed snow take Barbara’s suggestion and voluntarily avoid parking cars on both sides of the street.
Another letter recently submitted to this paper, written by former Village Justice Allan Reardon indicates that he is forming a committee to explore acquiring Cross Street School. While Judge Reardon is within his rights to establish any committee he so chooses, the community should be aware that this is not a village sponsored committee. While this idea has been mentioned in the past, Mineola Schools administration continues to indicate that the school is not for sale. However, in a letter sent to the Mineola School Board, in January, by yours truly, it was requested that the village be notified if the Mineola School Board considers a sale of the facility in the future. Attempting to take possession of the property through eminent domain/condemnation can be a lengthy and expensive legal endeavor. On the surface the concept appears enticing; however, the costs associated with this proposal appear prohibitive especially in light of the economics issues facing the state and more importantly our village.
While Judge Reardon has mentioned his desire for the village to purchase the Cross Street School, he has not contacted myself, or to my knowledge, village trustees requesting a meeting to discuss this proposition. As I have made it a point to be available to all, day and evenings, including weekends, I find Allan’s approach disheartening. It is my opinion that a discussion would be better served beginning with village government. Obviously the Judge feels differently.
Winter is beginning to fade away. The sun is shining today and the crocuses have begun to break through the ground. Warmer weather can’t be too far behind.
