Farmingdale Village Elections March 20
Mayor George “Butch” Starkie presided over his final Farmingdale Village Board meeting on Monday, March 5. Starkie announced in January that he would not be seeking re-election. Eagle Scouts from Troop #261 were among those who attended the meeting.
On Tuesday, March 20, Farmingdale will hold its village elections. There are two candidates vying for the mayor’s seat: Ralph Ekstrand and Georgiana Sena. There are four candidates seeking two open trustee seats: William Barrett, Michael Manchin, Susan Miles, and Thomas Ryan. Polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m. at Village Hall. Residents must have already registered to cast their vote in this election.
Deputy Mayor Pat Christiansen discussed the village’s Beautification Committee work that is ongoing. She praised the Hardscrabble Girl Scouts, who will take on a planting project within the village, as part of their contribution to the Girl Scout organization’s 100-year celebration. The Girl Scouts have requested permission to plant 2,000 plants around the village. The community planting days will be held in May.
Public Hearing Announcements
A public hearing was held on “Year 38” CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) applications, and to discuss the associated income guidelines. The Village of Farmingdale participates in the application process for grants available from Nassau County for village rehabilitation. Mayor Starkie said, “Just because we ask for it, doesn’t mean we are going to get it; we asked for $725,000.” The village requested a grant this year to continue its residential streetscape work, including brickwork, and commercial rehabilitation in the form of sign replacements.
One resident explained that the income guidelines for the CDBG program change every year. Deputy Clerk Barbara Kelly agreed and said that the Year 38 guidelines have not been distributed yet, but would be available as soon as possible. The hearing was closed.
A public hearing was also held for OSHUN Furniture, planning to open at 253 Main Street. Representatives for the business were in attendance to answer questions by the board and from the public. The business applicant explained that they would not be manufacturing furniture at this location; they will use the space as a showroom. A representative said their store would have services available to take custom orders and that furniture would be manufactured at another location, outside of Farmingdale. The board approved the use; the hearing was closed.
Earlier in the work session, the board discussed the removal of two trees from 117 Staples Street that are compromising the sidewalk. The board also discussed the removal of trees from the front of St. Luke’s Church, as well as one tree from the dead end of Waverly Place. The resolution was approved.
The board approved a resolution to reimburse CaraCara Mexican Grill at 354 Main Street for commercial rehabilitation work completed, with funds from the CDBG in the amount of $4,900, subject to Nassau County’s final approval. Members of the board also approved a resolution to approve a request from 305 Main Street for façade renovation, and approval of a sign permit for 341 Conklin Street; both businesses have completed their ARB (Architectural Review Board) requirements.
The tentative budget public hearing will be held on Monday, April 16, at 7 p.m. A copy of the proposed budget will be available for view on the village’s website http://farming-dalevillage.com after March 20.
A special use permit for the new store A Taste of Long Island at 209-211 Main Street will be held at the regular public board meeting on Monday, April 2, at 8 p.m.
The annual organizational meeting will be held on Monday, April 2, at 8 p.m. The Village of Farmingdale board will appoint and designate officials to all of its municipal positions at this meeting. This is also the date for the next public board of trustees meeting. Copies of the past minutes and future agendas can be found on the village website. Regular meetings are typically on the first Monday of each month at 8 p.m.
