Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo
Police Department
November saw the involvement of our Floral Park Police Department in 708 incidents requiring police attention. This number encompassed 199 traffic stops, 77 aided cases also involving our NYU Langone or Fire Department ambulance, 51 suspicious persons, 37 alarms of all types, 27 citizens needing assistance, 21 traffic accidents and 7 youth-related issues.
In 128 of the above incidents, violations were noted. Twenty-six summonses were issued due to failure to stop at stop signs, 10 for obstructing intersections (you’ll hear more block the box data in January), 9 for disobeying a traffic control device, 6 for unlicensed operation of a vehicle, and other infractions that violate our Vehicle and Traffic Laws.
Our FPPD Detectives perform an essential role as they conduct investigations seeking additional information and evidence when alleged crimes are committed. In November, our Detectives became engaged in cases of criminal mischief (damaging property), petit larceny (including those taking place in unlocked cars), grand larceny (involving the theft of a car, left unoccupied and running on Jericho Turnpike, and resulting in an arrest in New York City), and a serious incident involving juveniles fighting. Year-to-date, our FPPD has made 43 arrests.
In the area of parking violations, 837 summonses were issued in November: 228 for illegal 3:00 AM to 5:00 AM parking on the street, 190 for expired meters, 50 for parking over the four hour Village limit,19 for double parking (both disruptive to traffic and dangerous),18 for parking within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant, and other infractions.
Our FPPD wishes all a happy and safe holiday season, and urges us to help our Police keep our citizens, visitors and Village safe for all.
The Library
If you happen to be fortunate enough to get a new Smartphone, Tablet, Kindle or Laptop holiday gift, you’ll be happy to know that our FPPL offers personalized, one-on-one Tech Help right at our Library. Our go-to-guy for Tech Help is Joe, whom you may also know from his excellent service and impressive expertise at the circulation desk. A one hour session, starting at 5:00 PM on a Thursday, may be scheduled at
floralparktechhelp@gmail.com or 516-326-6330. An appointment is required for your free, personalized Tech Help session, another valuable FPPL service. So start the New Year by maximizing your technology skills, expertise and potential with Tech Help at our Library!
Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses
Our gratitude goes out to our two Chambers of Commerce for launching our holiday season with two joyous tree lighting ceremonies. Thank you, Floral Park Chamber of Commerce (with President Shane Parouse, Vice President Chris Vassiliou, and Host Jose Rosario), partnering with the Floral Park Junior Women’s Club (with President Mary Ann Norton and Committee Chairpersons Margaret MacDonald and Mary Conway), and the Village of Floral Park (with special thanks to Superintendent Kevin Ginnane, Supervisor Kevin Pearsall and our Department of Public Works; Commissioner Stephen McAllister, Lieutenant William Doherty and our FPPD; Chief Gil Luger, our FPFD Active Company and Santa Claus; and Village Clerk Joseph O’Grady). The tree lighting and holiday boutique shops were festive highlights.
The Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce (with President Rene Jorglewich, Vice President Lisa Boutis, Treasurer Anne Musso and Secretary Nancy Millus) partnered with the Village of Stewart Manor for a sparkling tree lighting accompanied by carolers, singers, music, horse and buggy rides, hot chocolate and cookies for all. What a lovely way to celebrate the season!
As the New Year begins, the Chambers will be holding their 2026 membership drives. Our businesses are all encouraged to join, and interested individuals are welcome, too. There are reduced membership fees for nonprofit organizations, individuals looking to join, and small businesses.
For the details and membership links, visit: floralparkchamber.org, covertavenuechamber.org
Save the date for the Floral Park Chamber’s first meeting of 2026 on Thursday, January 8th, 6:00 PM at Villa d’Este – The Restaurant on Jericho Turnpike.
And, to top off your holiday season, spend it by SHOPPING, DINING and CELEBRATING LOCAL, right here in Floral Park and Stewart Manor!
Holiday Wishes
To All ~ May the seasons of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and all our traditional winter festivals bring joy and peace to the world. And May God Bless our Village.
Trustee Frank Chiara
Department of Public Works
The Highway Department filled potholes throughout the Village while also completing leaf collection. The Parks Department completed a winter cleanup at Centennial Gardens; as a reminder, the gardens are now closed for the season. In addition, all Village parks, building grounds, and Village dead ends were cleaned and prepared for winter.
The Maintenance Department cleaned all Village buildings and identified potential repair needs at the Reliance Firehouse and Village Hall. The Sanitation Department collected 65 tons of household waste, 12 tons of paper, 7.5 tons of plastic, and 10 tons of bulk rubbish.
During the recent snowstorm, DPW crews worked through the early morning hours on Sunday and throughout the day salting and plowing Village roads. The Village received approximately seven inches of snowfall. All Village roads, parking lots, and train stations were cleared and salted by 8:00 PM Sunday evening. Please use caution while walking and driving, as salt is not very effective in subfreezing temperatures. During snowstorms, please allow DPW crews time to clear roadways, and do not shovel or blow snow into roadways.
As a reminder, all commercial property and private home owners have 12 hours after snowfall ends to clear all sidewalks of snow and ice. Next week, the week of December 22, and the following week, December 29, sanitation will be on a holiday schedule. There will be no bulk pickup during either week. Please check the Village website for your sanitation collection schedule. The DPW would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
4VS
We have some great news to share regarding Four Village Studios. 4VS producers were presented with four “Nor’easters” at the 2025 Alliance for Community Media Northeast Regional Video Festival.
The first award was for FPFD: Red Alert. Host and producer Larry King received first place for Community Impact for the episode “Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior.”
The second award was for Wes Houston Presents. The host and producer earned second place in Music & Performance for the episode “Wes & Friends: Another Round… for George.”
The third award went to Inspiring Stories. Host and producer Bill Corbett Jr. received second place in the Profile Talk Show category for the episode “Krista Giannak: Blogger, Public Speaker, Blind Skier, etc.”
The final award also honored Inspiring Stories. Bill Corbett Jr. earned third place in the Diversity & Empowerment category for the episode “Tumbleweeds Foundation.”
The Annual Regional Video Festival accepts program entries from community television producers throughout New England and New York State. This marks the 25th year that 4VS has submitted entries to the festival, where hundreds of programs compete for top honors. Since its first entry in the regional competition, 4VS has collected 79 awards across numerous categories.
All four of this year’s award-winning programs will be rebroadcast on Monday, January 5, and Thursday, January 8, beginning at 8:00 PM, and on Sunday, January 11, starting at 10:00 AM. Congratulations to Jim, his crew, and all the producers who received these well-deserved awards.
Trustee Jennifer Stewart
Fire Department
The Fire Department responded to 34 calls for service in November, which included carbon monoxide incidents, motor vehicle accidents, and automatic alarm activations. Our dedicated volunteers also responded to 2 mutual aid calls to neighboring communities. Rescue Company responded to 7 calls, and NYU Langone responded to 77 calls for service, for a total of 120 calls. We are grateful to all our volunteers who respond during distressing times.
Pre-planning meetings are being scheduled for 99 Covert Avenue, 212 Jericho Turnpike – the former Firestone Building, Bella Jeweler at 196 Jericho Turnpike, and Floral Terrace at 250 Jericho Turnpike. Pre-planning is an important part of the Fire Department’s work, as it gives members the opportunity to study buildings and develop response plans should they ever need to respond to these commercial locations.
Please be reminded not to overload outlets or extension cords as you decorate for the Christmas season. Additionally, if you did not change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors when the clocks were changed, please do so now. As you replace batteries in children’s toys, take the time to change detector batteries as well.
Finally, if service to your community is one of your New Year’s resolutions, consider joining the Floral Park Fire Department. You can begin that journey by calling the Fire Department at 516-326-6388.
Cultural Arts Committee
We are preparing to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a Village picnic and fireworks show on June 20, 2026. Please mark your calendars and join us in celebrating our great nation. As the cold weather has set in, we are also scheduling concerts for our Summer Concert Series in Memorial Park. Perhaps Santa will bring new chairs to help you enjoy the shows.
MTA
The Mayor and I, along with several department heads, met with representatives from the MTA/LIRR last week to review their plans for the reconstruction of the LIRR stations in Floral Park and Bellerose. The MTA expects to release the Request for Proposals this month and award the contract in early 2026, with an estimated construction period of approximately three years.
This construction will, at times, impact both traffic and commuter parking under the LIRR. The Village has been assured that the entire commuter lot will not be closed at any time, however, there will be significant periods when sections of the lot will be unavailable for parking. We will communicate updates as we receive them through reports at Board meetings, on our website, and via social media. While this construction will be an inconvenience at times, the end result of updated and safe railroad stations will benefit our community for years to come.
My family and I would like to wish all residents a very Merry Christmas, and happiness and health in the New Year!
Trustee Michael Longobardi
Building Department
Here are some updates on the various construction projects in our Village:
- The walkway adjacent to the Post Office on Tulip Avenue will be closed until further notice. There was considerable damage to the fence, which will be repaired as soon as possible.
- The first public hearing for the Stella mixed-use development project was held on December 2. The purpose of this required hearing was solely to request approval for the underground parking and will not result in approval of the overall project. While elements of the full project were presented, zoning items—such as building height and the number of parking spaces—will be reviewed and decided separately by the Board of Zoning Appeals at a future date. Public comments regarding the underground parking will be accepted until January 5, 2026, at BZA@FPVillage.org. Future hearing dates will be announced and posted on the Village website as they become available.
- Construction work for the proposed restaurant at 99 Covert Avenue is ongoing and is expected to be completed in spring 2026.
- Covert Avenue Fire Department property construction is well underway and is estimated to be completed in summer 2026.
- The Storage Post, located at 50 Carnation Avenue, has submitted a zoning application to expand its storage buildings. This application was approved with conditions by the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Board of Trustees, and the Architectural Review Board. The project will next be reviewed by the Building Department for permitting. Construction start dates will be announced once they are determined.
- Construction of two new homes in the 32 Orchid subdivision and one new home at 116 Miller Avenue is expected to begin shortly after the new year.
- Renovation work at 212 Jericho Turnpike, formerly Firestone, is ongoing. The owner plans to operate an auto repair shop in the rear portion of the first floor, with retail or business use in the remainder of the building.
- The King Arms Building at 60 Plainfield Avenue continues to undergo fire restoration. A pre-occupancy date is not currently available.
- Village Market is working on interior and façade improvements, which are expected to continue through the end of the year.
Recreation and Pool
Our holiday-season pool membership sale continues through Christmas. Purchase a 2026 pool membership at 2025 pricing. These memberships make great stocking stuffers and gifts for family and friends who live in the Village. Memberships are available at the Pool Building. Payment is accepted by cash or check only; credit cards are not accepted at this time.
Registration for winter programs will begin on January 7. Registration for senior and adult programs only will take place from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Registration for all programs will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Registration will continue daily thereafter from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A current tax bill or lease is required for registration. Applications are available at the Recreation/Pool Building or on the Village website at www.floralparkny.gov.
Please be reminded that the athletic fields are now closed until spring. The remainder of the park remains open as usual, subject to weather conditions such as snow and ice. These conditions may delay park openings or require early closures.
Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC)
The next TVASNAC meeting will not be held until Monday, January 26, 2026, at Town Hall, One Washington Street, Hempstead. If you wish to make a noise complaint regarding air traffic, you can call 1-800-225-1071. You may also visit the Village website, where links to TVASNAC noise complaint resources can be found on the homepage under the TVASNAC contact information section.
On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to wish all our fellow residents and business owners a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Happy Healthy New Year.
Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald
Due to a new state law, our website domain has been changed to www.floralparkny.gov. If you visit our website, you will be automatically redirected to this new domain.
Following up on Trustee Chiara’s report regarding our first snowstorm. I’d like to reiterate that it’s important, especially in the early part of the winter, that DPW plows our streets curb to curb. We understand it can be a hassle when the snow first falls and people bring their cars onto the street so that they can clean their own property, but please remember to leave your cars where they do not interrupt plowing operations. If we experience heavy snowfall, streets will be narrowed if plows are unable to clear snow curb to curb. One other reminder: please do not clear snow from your property and push it into the street. If you use landscapers for this service, please remind them of this requirement as well.
I’d like to congratulate Jim Green of 4 Village Studio for once again doing a tremendous job and winning four awards, bringing his total to over 100 awards over the past 25 years, an impressive achievement. If anyone is interested in the goings-on at Belmont Park, I recently recorded a Mayor’s Report on 4VS (available on their website), where I interviewed the head of operations, Mr. Glen Kozak. We discussed both current developments and future plans at Belmont Park. Jim Green did a wonderful job producing the program, which will air on 4VS on January 26, 2026.
Lastly, I’d like to wish everyone Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year. May we continue to be blessed in this great Village as we have been for the past 117 years.
