At the Nov. 2 public meeting of the Mineola Village Board of Trustees, after-dark crime in the community and the upcoming winter snow season were among the many topics of discussion in their busy monthly agenda.
Mayor Scott P. Strauss recounted a recent meeting held at Mineola High School between the Nassau County Police’s Third Precinct and area leaders to discuss crime and the concerns of local residents; the meeting, he noted, was quite productive for all involved.“They gave us a briefing on their resources and how they are using them to come back to many different issues that we have to deal with on a regular basis,” he said. “They also gave us a rundown on their problem oriented policing program…this program has two officers assigned to it here in the Third Precinct. They handle all of our quality of life issues and concerns and it was extremely informative.”
Trustee George R. Durham was the village’s representative at the meeting, and noted that the major news imparted to him by authorities was regarding the typical uptick in the amount of suburban home burglaries that coincide with the end of Daylight Savings Time.
“The police recommend that if you have a home alarm system, the best time of the year to make sure that it’s set is between Oct. 31 and Jan. 1…that’s the most important time because it gets darker earlier and at a time when many people are still at work,” he said. “Often, professional burglars will come to Long Island from Manhattan to hit homes in Nassau County. Please make sure you have your home alarm on and be super-vigilant. Be sure to watch your neighbors’ homes, as burglars are hitting as many homes as possible at this time of the year.”
Like it or not, snow season will soon be upon the area. Mayor Strauss went over the village’s snow removal procedures for Mineola roadways, and asked that residents comply with local parking laws to ensure that any cleanup required goes along smoothly and quickly.
“Whenever two or more inches of snow is forecast, you need to move your cars off the street until the roads are cleared,” he said. “I have to warn you that we will be out issuing summonses to those who don’t move their vehicles. Again, it’s not about generating revenue, it’s about compliance and trying to get our roads clear. Our plow crews have raised the bar when it comes to clearing the streets…other communities don’t do it as well as our guys do, so please let them do their jobs and please help them by moving your vehicles off the roads until they’re cleared.”
Strauss suggested going to the Village of Mineola’s official website and signing up weather emergency notifications. Residents can receive notifications via email, text message, or phone.
Strauss also announced the retirement of long-time Highway Supervisor Giacomo Ciccone, who had been an employee of the village since 1992. Strauss referred to Ciccone as a dedicated, hardworking, and diligent man who always met people with a smile and a handshake.
“He will be sorely missed by us all,” he said. “We wish him nothing but the best life has to offer.”
Strauss also noted that the Village Board will be recognizing and honoring Mineola residents who were veterans of World War II at their Dec. 7 meeting. He requested any veterans in the community who wish to attend to contact his office before the meeting date.
