The year of 2017 brought many highs and lows through New Hyde Park and its surrounding communities.
For years, the Third Track has been a topic of concern and uncertainty, especially for residents of New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Garden City, Mineola and Hicksville. The issue presented itself at the top of the 2017 calendar year and many times throughout. In January, a public comment session was held for the state to hear from affected constituents. The state released its impact statement touting the benefits of the project and the MTA’s two major components including adding parking garages and eliminating seven grade crossings through the corridor.
The deadline for public comments on the state’s Third Track Draft Environmental Impact Statement ended less than one month later on Feb. 15. Prior to the deadline, Village of New Hyde Park Mayor Robert Lofaro urged residents to take advantage of the public comment period.
In April, two members of the New Hyde Park Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack 544 were featured for their volunteered time at Family and Children’s Association (FCA), a Mineola-based nonprofit organization that is dedicated to protecting and strengthening Long Island’s most vulnerable children, teenagers, families, seniors and communities. Anthony and Vincent Leva dedicated their time and Scouting skills on their day off from school to help FCA help Long Island’s seniors.
In May, as the weather grew warmer and more residents began to crave the first days of summer and time at the pool, the Town of North Hempstead approved a bid for the renovation of the Clinton G. Martin pool. The town board voted unanimously to award a contract to Gramercy Group of Wantagh for the renovation of the pool. The total park district tax will rise to about $140 a year for the median home, instead of the $100 a year that had been estimated before the bids were opened.
And not to be missed, the Village of New Hyde Park’s 22nd annual street fair drew nearly 20,000 people and more than 200 vendors to the turnpike in mid-September, despite lingering rain showers preceding the event. As always, it’s a great time for residents, business owners and visitors from far and wide.
Cheers to 2017 and here’s to more local success stories in 2018.
