Thursday, October 1, 2026
In the tenure of my administration, there has been a persistent commitment to challenge every department in the village to undergo a comprehensive re-evaluation and transformation in the utilization of tax dollars. This ambitious restructuring initiative has necessitated rigorous accountability, calling for a reduction in expenditures and a simultaneous increase in non-tax revenues at all levels of government.
This multifaceted process has culminated in the establishment of a financially secure, efficient and responsive budget. It ensures the delivery of the highest level of services, encompassing vital areas such as police, sanitation, the Department of Public Works, electric and water, to all of the residents of Freeport.
A pivotal achievement has been the recruitment and retention of a record number of new police officers, elevating our force to an impressive 108 members — the highest count in decades. This substantial increase, coupled with the implementation of our innovative license plate recognition program, has yielded a remarkable 53 percent reduction in crime across the village. Importantly, Freeport stands as a pioneering village in mandating the use of body cameras for all patrol officers.
From a fiscal standpoint, Freeport has achieved commendable milestones, with reserves surging from $1.2 million to an impressive $28 million. Simultaneously, we have successfully reduced debt from $160 million to a manageable $68 million. Despite challenges posed by economic forces and the global pandemic, the village’s economic development persists, fortifying the tax base, which is notably evident in the flourishing Sunrise Highway corridor. The commitment to infrastructure is also evident in the resurfacing of 118 roads, a tangible manifestation of our dedication to ensuring the safety and convenience of our residents.
Quality of life is the top priority in the village. We instituted a quality-of-life team, which is working to make sure that everyday residential concerns are addressed. From debris on a property to enforcing the street cleaning standards, sunken boats, false fire alarms and high grass and weeds, the quality-of-life team is there to resolve residents’ concerns. Its efforts have strengthened neighborhood pride and reinforced our commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming community. By responding quickly to complaints and working collaboratively across departments, the team helps improve the quality of life that our residents deserve every day.
Further, Freeport recently passed legislation that has allowed the village to bring nuisance homes under control. Homes that are falling down, unoccupied and need repairs are brought before the mayor and board to obtain answers and require that these properties are restored to code, thus eliminating blight on our neighborhoods. These efforts not only improve the appearance of our residential areas, but also protect property values and encourage responsible homeownership throughout the community.
And that’s not all. The village has recently taken ownership of Guy Lombardo Marina from the Town of Hempstead, allowing village and town residents the ability to dock their boats at a village-run marina at a competitive rate and still be close to home. This acquisition reflects our commitment to preserving Freeport’s rich nautical heritage while creating new recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. We look forward to making continued improvements that will enhance the marina and further establish Freeport as a premier waterfront destination on Long Island.
This is your village, and my administration is making sure that we continue to be responsive to you while planning for the future and building on the progress we’ve made together. By remaining fiscally responsible, investing in public safety and infrastructure and focusing on the needs of our residents, we are ensuring that Freeport remains a vibrant, safe and prosperous community for generations to come.
Robert T. Kennedy is the mayor of Freeport.
