The year 2017 was a noteworthy one for Hicksville, as several intriguing and eventful developments transpired that would impact the lives of residents throughout the community.
After a Citizens Campaign for the Environment report named the water in one of Hicksville’s wells as having the largest quantity of the toxin 1,4-dioxane on Long Island, the Hicksville Community Council held a meeting in April to address residents’ concerns. The evening’s presenter, Richard Humann, president and CEO of H2M architects + engineers, outlined the Hicksville Water District’s pilot program, which was designed to remove the contaminants using advanced oxidation.
In June, Hicksville High School’s Class of 2017 got the chance to hear words of wisdom from the Piano Man himself, Billy Joel. The Hicksville native spoke to the graduating seniors about the importance of following their dreams and remaining optimistic in all that they do. Members of the school’s choral program returned the favor by singing Joel’s hit song “The Longest Time,” much to his delight.
Hicksville’s downtown revitalization efforts finally gained traction in August, when the state awarded a $10 million grant to bolster the initiative. Though residents, community leaders and Town of Oyster Bay officials had debated the project’s feasibility for decades, the grant, personally presented by Governor Andrew Cuomo, proved a decisive step forward.
A month into the 2017-18 school year, a sea of orange and black overwhelmed the high school football field at Hicksville High School’s Homecoming celebration. The festivities kicked off with a pep rally, followed by a fair with food, drinks, face painting and a dunk tank. The Hicksville Comets football team put the finishing touches on a memorable day with a 14-7 win over Herricks.
And in November, residents in the Hicksville School District voted to pass a bond that would allow for a multitude of improvements within the schools. Notable items included roof replacements at several schools, the construction of a new aquatic center, a reconfigured high school cafeteria and an upgraded high school auditorium, among many other changes.
Cheers to 2017 and here’s to more local success stories in 2018.
