Freeport trustees sell land parcel

Freeport trustees approved the sale of a parcel of land consisting of four lots at South Main and East Merrick Road to local developer I.M.C. Realty Corp for $860,000. The village owned and maintained the vacant property for several years, but derived no income.

Mayor Robert Kennedy said at Monday’s brief agenda meeting of the board that the property now goes back on the tax rolls.

Trustees also accepted a $110,000 grant for the purchase and installation of valves for the Public Works Department and authorized an application for a $7 million grant from the state Office of Emergency Management for the elevation of residential homes.

Mayor Kennedy said 152 applicants have applied for aid but has no information yet if the funds will be approved and “no idea of what the percentage would be” for disbursement of the money.

Board members set two public hearings for October 21, to amend the village ordinance on the licensing of businesses and to consider a request to recommend to the Landmarks Preservation Commission to designate 92 West Lena Avenue as a landmark.

Trustees also approved a request from Recreation Center Director Victoria Dinielli for proposals to license space for a sports pro shot, and to authorize an agreement with the school district for the use of the center relating to an acting and drama class.

In other actions, the mayor swore in two members of the Freeport Police Department receiving promotions. John Jacobsen, who joined the police department in 1990, was promoted to sergeant. He is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and served with the military police in Iraq from 2008-2010.

Sgt. Michael Smith was promoted to lieutenant.

Trustees accepted the Freeport Community Development Agency’s rejection of bids received for the Freeport Plaza property. Plans call for including the village street north of the property and the triangle lot to the east as part of a larger parcel to be offered for sale.