Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo
Police Department
During the month of June, our officers were engaged in 868 incidents. Of this number, 245 were traffic stops, 35 were traffic accidents, 85 were aided cases also involving our ambulance service and rescue company, 15 disputes/disturbances, 14 domestic incidents, 49 suspicious person reports and 26 citizens needing assistance. Numerous other calls for police help included, but were not limited to, fire and other alarms, youth-related concerns and eight important welfare checks when our police checked on the safety of our residents.
Throughout the month of June, our police issued 203 traffic summonses. Some of the most frequent violations included failure to stop at stop signs (60); disobeying traffic control devices/passing red signals (11); improper u-turns (five); obstructing the intersection; failure to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in the crosswalk; uninspected, unregistered and/or uninsured motor vehicles; unlicensed operators; inadequate headlights and taillights; and other moving/equipment violations.
In the all-important area of parking enforcement, 1004 summonses were issued in June. These included expired parking meter summonses (266), overnight street parking between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. violations (252), parking over the four-hour limit (50) and parking under the LIRR trestle without a permit (38). Please obey the Village’s parking laws.
Our Detectives investigated June crimes involving one stolen, unlocked motor vehicle; two stolen bikes; stolen merchandise; unauthorized transactions, charges and withdrawals; graffiti; and other crimes requiring investigations. There were two arrests in June, making a total of 24, year to date.
In June, the Motor Carrier Detail conducted truck inspections along Plainfield Avenue. Fourteen inspections were completed, and 39 Vehicle and Traffic Law violations were issued. Six trucks were placed out of service and one was towed from the inspection site. Trucks were placed out of service for brake violations and load securement violations. Two drivers were placed out of service for licensing violations and failure to carry the required United States Department of Transportation Medical Examiner’s Certificate, verifying that the driver is medically qualified to drive the respective commercial vehicle.
The Library
It’s summertime, and our Floral Park Library is as busy as ever. The “Color Our World” Summer Reading Clubs have many participants, with the Adult Reading Club topping the list with 91 participants. After the first week, a lucky adult reader won a gift certificate to Verbena Avenue’s Here and Now Yoga, Wellness & Arts Collective, donated by the generous business owner and Chamber of Commerce member.
There are library events for all. Check out the library website events calendar for the dates and details. Highlights include the Thursday July 24 Empire Safety Council Defensive Driving six-hour point and insurance reduction program, with registration in person and in advance; Family Yoga on the Library Lawn for families with kids of all ages (infants welcome) on the same day. The library offers almost daily activities for kids and teens featuring arts and crafts (including tie dying, skateboard art and teen crocheting), music and movement, magic, LEGO engineering, computer games, food fun, planting vegetables, family preschool hour and more, all on the events calendar at floralparklibrary.org Check it out!
Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses
Thanks go to our local newspapers and media for the excellent coverage they have provided to our Floral Park and Stewart Manor businesses, and especially with June’s very successful Floral Park Belmont Stakes Chamber of Commerce Street Fair.
Now, the front page headline of the July 11th issue of the Floral Park Villager newspaper announces “Floral Park’s growing business family.” Featured are the Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce president, Rene Jorglewich and her business, Body Works Day Spa; Jamie Ramon and our recent Covert Avenue addition, the very popular United Taekwondo; Alison and Kristin Valdner, recently welcomed with their pARTy art from Bellerose Village; and Tina Matera of our beloved Tulip Sweet Shoppe, now relocating to a more spacious shop on Covert Avenue.
Find out all about our two awesome Chambers of Commerce at: covertavenuechamber.org and floralparkchamber.org
Then SHOP AND DINE LOCAL for summertime fun!
Congratulations and Best Wishes!
With a combined total of seventy-five years of dedicated service to the Village of Floral Park, we now salute three of our summer retirees. Congratulations to Superintendent Kurt Meyfohrt of the Recreation Department and Centennial Gardens; Kevin Bove of the Building Department; and Jim Pohl of the Department of Public Works, especially for his service at our Floral Park Library. We wish Kurt, Kevin, Jim and their families great joy.
Trustee Frank Chiara
Department of Public Works
On Monday evening, our village and the surrounding areas received a significant amount of rainfall in a very short time. Over the past few years, we have made progress in upgrading drainage systems in several flood-prone locations throughout the Village. These upgrades certainly helped alleviate flooding in those areas last night.
Public Works had prepared by cleaning storm drains in advance, and although our system took on large amounts of water, there was no significant property damage or major flooding during the storm. It was encouraging to see that the upgrades are achieving their intended results.
The Highway Department has been busy with several infrastructure improvements. Asphalt repairs were completed in the Carlton parking lot, on Landau Avenue, and on Ash Street between Raff and Landau. The department also installed new, larger fire zone signage on Verbena Avenue near the Floral Station Deli to discourage parking in that area, which must remain clear to ensure the safe passage of emergency vehicles. A new storm basin was installed on Pansy Avenue to replace an older, collapsed unit. Additionally, many meter posts have been repaired throughout the village. Storm basins were cleared and prepped in advance of anticipated heavy rains, and all village roads have been swept.
The Parks Department has ensured that all village parks and building grounds are well-maintained, with grass cut and trimmed in these areas. Hanging baskets, planter boxes,and flowers are watered regularly and are in excellent condition. Sprinkler repairs were performed in Centennial Gardens, and bushes along Atlantic Avenue near the LIRR tracks have been trimmed.
The Maintenance Department has cleaned all Village buildings. To help protect the area, an anti-graffiti paint coating was applied to the Magnolia Tunnel walls. Additionally, a new washing machine was installed at the Fire Department headquarters to clean their equipment.
The Sanitation Department has collected 67 tons of household waste, 16 tons of bulk rubbish, 7 tons of paper and 5 tons of commingled plastics.
Conservation Society
At Centennial Gardens, a new walkway has been installed at the entrance of the gardens. This addition enhances the beauty of the upper area and creates a warm, welcoming entrance for all who come to visit.
Thank you to Gerry Bambrick, Renee Marcus, Kevin Ginanne, Kevin Pearsall, Darlene Lanza, Kurt Meyfohrt and Larry Deciantis for their efforts in bringing this project together. The result is truly lovely!
Another monthly “weed-out” took place on Saturday, July 5th, when volunteers came out with gloves, shovels, and rakes in hand to help clean up one of the garden areas. These dedicated volunteers consistently do an outstanding job making the gardens they care for look incredible. Thank you all for your time and hard work.
The next weed-out will take place on Sat., Aug. 2nd, at 9 a.m. All are welcome to join!
4VS
Here are some of the upcoming programs on 4VS for the week of July 14th. You can tune in on Optimum Channel 18 and Fios Channel 28.
- 7:30 p.m. – The Antique Road Show with Walter Gosden
- 8:00 p.m. – Uncorked with Rex Whicker, presenting Disney World Wines
- 8:30 p.m. – Wes Houston Presents J. Peter Hansen, singer, songwriter, and guitarist
- 9:00 p.m. – FPFD Red Alert with Larry King, AEMT, presenting Tunnel to Towers Foundation
- 9:30 p.m. – Inspiring Stories with Bill Corbett Jr., presenting the Allied Foundation
Trustee Jennifer Stewart
Fire Department
During the heat of this summer, your friends and neighbors in the FPFD are hard at work on several fronts. Although most of us are not yet prepared to think about back-to-school season, the FPFD has already scheduled its first round of fire drills with our elementary schools. As always, training is ongoing, and several members are taking additional classes at the fire school.
Additionally, the fire department has a pre-planning committee that investigates all new buildings in the Village and creates a plan should they ever need to enter these buildings in an emergency. Our Fire Department is always working. One grateful resident took the time to send the department a thank-you letter. Her CO₂ detector went off, she called 911 and the FD responded. They found that her CO₂ detector was faulty. Members took the time to reassure the resident—these fine men and women are truly a gift to our community.
Last night at Fire Council, I was honored to witness the swearing-in of one new member and one returning member. Thank you both for your dedication to our Village.
The Floral Park Fire Department responded to 47 calls. The Rescue Company responded to 11, and NYU Langone responded to 93 calls—for a total of 104 calls from residents for medical assistance. There were six mutual aid fire calls and one mutual aid ambulance call.
If you are interested in joining our fire department, please call Village Hall at 516-326-6300 or email me at jstewart@fpvillage.org. Being involved with the fire department is not all training and saving people—there’s some fun to be had as well! This year, the fire department is hosting a Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sat., Sept. 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. The parade will begin at the department’s headquarters, head down Carnation to Plainfield, continue east on Tulip, and end back at the headquarters. The parade will feature our own department, along with several others, a pipe band, Irish step dancers, and more. Keep an eye out for more details, and be sure to save the date!
Cultural Arts Committee
Andy Cooney was a hit once more this past Friday in Memorial Park. We are excited to present our Locals Only Band Showcase next Fri., July 25, at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Park. We’ll be featuring ten local acts performing everything from show tunes to original songs to the pop hits you know and love. Come out and support our youth in the arts!
MTA
The MTA has informed us that they will be finishing their signal hut project sometime in August, which will require overnight work as the hut needs to be brought in on their crane car along the tracks. As soon as we receive a confirmed date, we will share the information via email, on our website, and on our social media pages.
Going forward, you can expect to see LIRR staff on-site Monday through Friday, from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There should be no roadway impacts other than 3–4 parked vehicles along Atlantic Avenue. This activity is part of the preparation to receive the new signal hut in late August, and staff are expected to be on-site until the delivery is completed.
Finally, I am pleased to announce that the Village of Floral Park will celebrate the Semiquincentennial Birthday of the United States of America on June 20, 2026, with a late afternoon parade and an evening fireworks display at the Recreation Center. Please mark your calendars and plan to join the Village of Floral Park as we celebrate the 250th Birthday of the greatest nation in the world.
Trustee Michael Longobardi
Building Department
I would like to take a moment to congratulate and thank Kevin Bove on his retirement. Kevin began his career with the Building Department on June 26, 2000. He started as a code enforcement inspector and, through his reliability, dedication, and professionalism, was quickly promoted to building inspector on Oct. 22, 2001. Those qualities continued to shine every day over the next 25 years as he assisted residential and commercial property owners with their renovations and home improvements. He ensured that projects followed state and local building codes, as well as the parameters set by the Architectural Review Board. His dedication, exceptional service, and commitment leave a lasting, positive impact on the community and the residents he served. Thank you to Kevin for his 25 years of service and dedication to our residents! We congratulate him on his retirement and wish him much happiness as he begins the next chapter of his life.
Here are some building updates throughout our Village:
- 99 Covert Ave. – Proposed restaurant: Construction is ongoing and expected to be completed by the end of summer.
- Covert Avenue – Fire property: Steel installation is currently underway. The full building is expected to be completed within a year.
- 266 Jericho Turnpike – Fire property: Reconstruction is complete, and tenants currently occupy the building.
- 1 Carnation Avenue (Centennial Hall): Construction is substantially complete. A few exterior landscaped areas will be finished soon. The building is currently occupied. Information on available apartments can be found on the developer’s website: 1carnation.com
- 50 Carnation Ave.: A zoning application was submitted to expand the storage buildings. This case was heard at the April 10th Zoning Board meeting and the June 17th Board of Trustees special use hearing. The next step is a presentation to the Architectural Review Board (date to be announced).
- 144–162 Jericho Turnpike – formerly Stella’s: There are no upcoming meetings scheduled for the proposed large-scale mixed-use development. No applications have been received to date.
- 32 Orchid St.: Demolition is complete. Construction of the new homes is expected to begin this month.
- Beech/Miller subdivision: The new house landscape plan will be presented again at the Architectural Review Board meeting on July 23rd at the Pool/Recreation Building.
- 212 Jericho Turnpike, formerly Firestone, has received permits for a full renovation, which is currently ongoing.
As a reminder, all front walkways, stoops, and/or driveways require permits to ensure compliance with Village code. Please review the requirements on the Village website or call the Building Department for assistance.
Recreation and Pool
Summer fun continues at the recreation center. Hot days have led many residents to cool off at the pool and enjoy time with neighbors and friends. Upcoming theme nights include “Top Your Own Sundae” on July 25th and Aug. 8 and “Rollback Night” on Wednesday, July 16, sponsored by DJ Refreshments, starting at 6 p.m., while supplies last. Our first Grandparents Day was this past Sunday, and our next one is Sun., Aug. 3. All grandparents are admitted free when accompanied by a member.
Session Two swim lessons begin Mon., July 21st. Friday Family Nights are ongoing until Aug. 15; the pool remains open on those Fridays until 9:45 p.m. The park is no exception, with activities all day—from the half-day program to preschool programs, morning sports programs, girls’ and boys’ camps, tennie-ball and cornhole, and much more. Adult programs include basketball, volleyball, tennis, and pickleball. Little League summer ball is also in full swing. We have a very active recreation center with so much to choose from; there is still time to come down and join the fun.
One safety note: The recreation center has a very strict safety rule regarding bicycles and scooters in the park. You are not allowed to ride bicycles or scooters (motorized or non-motorized) through the park. Anyone with a bike or scooter must dismount at any entry gate and walk it through the park. This is a safety measure to protect everyone, and there is a zero-tolerance policy. Please respect safety guidelines and help educate our younger residents on why this is so important to follow.
Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC)
There has been much discussion lately about the excessive and frequent airplane traffic noise, which has disrupted our backyard BBQs and parties. Noise complaints have doubled over the last five years, reaching more than 327,000 between April 2024 and April 2025.
I have previously mentioned various petitions and attempts to work with the FAA and the Port Authority. That open period has come to an end with little to no resolution. In June, the Town of Hempstead filed a lawsuit against the Port Authority to enforce a previous request to update the maps outlining the noise impact in the area. This important step will hopefully lead to a more accurate picture of the excessive plane traffic and noise over our community—and eventually, the rerouting of airplane traffic.
The next meeting is Monday, July 28, 2025, at Town Hall, One Washington Street, in Hempstead. If you would like to make a noise complaint regarding air traffic, you can call 1-800-225-1071. You can also visit the village website, where links are available under the TVASNAC noise complaint contact information page on the homepage.
Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald
Speaking of drainage, the project for the new recharge basin at Belmont Park is still ongoing. We hope to have more detailed updates in the coming weeks and months, and the project continues to move forward.
A couple of weeks ago, Trustee Chiara, Deputy Mayor Pombonyo, Administrator Bambrick, and several of our neighboring community leaders had the opportunity to tour the construction site at Belmont Park. There’s a lot happening there—not only a new building, but also four new tracks. The project remains on schedule to open in September 2026.
We’re looking forward to having racing at Belmont 10 out of the 12 months of the year, which will hopefully bring a welcome economic boost to the area.
Please note: our next board meeting will be on Wednesday, Aug. 13th, not on a Tuesday night as it usually is.
