Village board starts off 2013 with a bang
2013 has arrived and the New Hyde Park Village Board wasted no time getting back to business, with a major announcement to kick off the New Year.
The big news is who is leaving. Not leaving town, but stepping down.
Mayor Daniel Petruccio announced he will not be seeking a fourth term and will finish out his time as mayor at the end of March. Petruccio stressed that his health is fine, but that after 12 years, it’s time for a change.
“It’s not like I’m sitting here saying the work is done, I’m finished,” Petruccio said. “I just think it’s time for me to make some room for somebody with some fresh ideas, and it seemed to be the right time.”
Petruccio took office in 2001. He would have been the longest-tenured New Hyde Park mayor had he made a run at the post this coming March.
“I would like to say thank you for your service, it’s been for me a tremendous experience to serve with you and enjoy the benefit of your leadership,” said Trustee Lawrence Montreuil. “The mayor has always been open to everyone providing their points of view and putting their arguments across…a tremendous facilitator and leader in every sense of the word. Your presence will be missed.”
Come April, there will be a new mayor, but Petruccio put that aside for village business…for now.
Resident Bruce Hecht lives on Albert Street, and told the board that unruly kids are a continuing problem at neighboring Memorial Park. Even when the park is locked, littering and even urination is an issue there, he said.
The board agreed that police patrols need to be stepped up around the park, and that the matter would be discussed with local precincts.
The board also acknowledged the recent fatality on S. 12th Street, where a woman was killed trying to cross the railroad tracks on Monday, Dec. 31. Safety at railroad crossings and heeding the warning lights was once again the prevailing message.
In Other News
• There will be a public hearing for the tentative 2013-14 budget on Tuesday, April 2. Village Clerk Katherine Hillmann will be the budget officer.
• The annual Little League parade will be Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m.
• Repaving work on Jericho Turnpike continues, and will include the sequencing of traffic lights to hopefully prevent backups during rush hour at certain intersections.
• The chamber of commerce officer installation will be held later this month.
• The Spotlight talent show will be held at Village Hall in the William Gill Theatre starting on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. for ages 13-21, and Jan.13 at 2 p.m. for ages 12 and under.
