By Francis X. Murray
We have much to be grateful for here in the Village of Rockville Centre. Every season brings new accomplishments and new challenges, but what remains constant is the pride we share in our beautiful community.
As your mayor, I am continually inspired by the progress happening around us and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve.
Rockville Centre has always stood out as a special place, with its welcoming neighborhoods, active parks and a downtown that remains the heart of our village. This beauty is not accidental. It is the result of generations of care and a shared commitment to preserving what makes the village unique while continuing to improve it for the future. Over the past year, our employees and contractors have worked tirelessly to upgrade the infrastructure that supports our daily lives. From repaved roads to revitalized parks and ball fields, to ongoing improvements in our water and electric systems, their efforts ensure that the Village remains strong, safe and resilient.
We are also fortunate to have departments that continue to keep Rockville Centre one of the safest communities in the United States. Our Police Department’s professionalism, vigilance and community-centered approach help maintain a standard of safety that residents can depend on. Equally remarkable is our Fire Department, whose volunteers dedicate countless hours to protecting our residents and businesses. Their willingness to serve, day or night, in every season, is one of the pillars of our community.
These improvements and services require resources, and we remain committed to securing them responsibly. The village continues to be aggressive in seeking grants at the county, state and federal levels to fund upgrades at little or no cost to our residents. From infrastructure enhancements to public-safety investments, these grants help us modernize without placing additional burdens on taxpayers. This work will remain one of our top priorities as we move forward.
Transparency and open communication remain central to my approach as mayor. I have always prided myself on being accessible to residents, and I encourage everyone to play an active role in staying informed. Our website, social media platforms, Swift 911 notifications, and especially our free mobile app, MY RVC, offer a variety of ways to stay connected with village news, events and resources.
MY RVC continues to evolve as a convenient tool for paying utility, tax and parking fees, finding important contact information, receiving time-sensitive alerts, and accessing our newly established community calendar.
With the holiday shopping season underway, I also want to remind everyone of the importance of supporting our local businesses. Our downtown is one of our greatest assets, offering a diverse mix of shops and eateries that cater to every holiday shopping list. To help support our businesses, parking will once again be free on Saturdays throughout December. Shopping local strengthens our economy, fosters community pride and helps ensure that our business district remains vibrant all year round.
The holiday season is also a special time in Rockville Centre, with many events and celebrations taking place throughout the village. I encourage all residents to come out, take part in the festivities, and celebrate with your neighbors. These gatherings bring our community together and reflect the spirit and warmth that make this such a wonderful place to live.
I extend my sincere appreciation to Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley and Trustees Emilio Grillo, Katie Conlon and Gregory P. Shaughnessy for their dedication and partnership. I am equally grateful for our village administrator, Nancy Howard, our department heads, and of all our hardworking village employees. Their commitment and service are the driving force behind much of the progress we are celebrating today. They help shape and grow Rockville Centre, ensuring that it remains one of the most desirable communities to live, work, play and raise a family on Long Island.
As we look to the months ahead, I’m filled with optimism and a renewed sense of duty. We will continue working together to preserve our village’s character, enhance its services and build a stronger future for our children and for generations to come.
I wish all of our residents a joyful holiday season and, most important, a happy, healthy and safe New Year. May the coming year bring good health, continued success and peace to us all.
Francis Murray is the mayor of Rockville Centre.
