The villages of Malverne and East Rockaway can expect to see some improvements in their neighborhoods in the months ahead. Here's what's planned for 2001:
Malverne
Malverne's roads were completely redone about 13 years ago, which resulted in a tax increase of about 25 percent for residents. Village officials hope to avoid this problem through a new maintenance plan that fuses construction and computer technology.
We are creating a plan for now and the future, said Village Trustee James Callahan. Bowne Engineering of Mineola surveyed the village's 26 miles of roads three months ago. Survey stats were entered two weeks ago into a software program that, given the dollar amount allocated, determines the most cost-effective repair and maintenance targets.
They examined friction, slipping, ponding and other defects. Then they estimated what it would take to bring those roads back to 100 percent, said Callahan. A list of specific roads to be improved will be ready within the month.
Callahan further described Malverne's roads as 85 percent in good shape. Right now, it will take about $750,000 to bring these roads back to 100 percent. Currently, the village has slightly less than that amount to work with, but receives additional state funding every two years for road improvements.
Officials plan to conduct about $300,000 worth of repairs after June 1, the start of the fiscal year.
By resurfacing one to two miles of roads each year, every road will be replaced every 13 to 14 years, estimated Callahan.
Railroad parking lots will also be repaved. Specifically targeted will be lots where cars park for more than three hours.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will pay for approximately 75 percent, and the State Department of Transportation will cover the remaining 25 percent, said Callahan. Another $450,000 grant recently secured by the village will also help cover the cost. Authorization was granted Feb. 7 for the village engineer to prepare project bids.
The village's two Department of Public Works buildings will receive a facelift. The Hempstead Avenue facility will be subdivided. One-third will house the Malverne Ambulance Corp. New roofing will then be added to that section. Design plans are under way for a first-level addition to another portion of the building, which will house offices.
It's basically making our building more efficient, said Paul Jessup, DPW representative. The DPW's sanitation garage will be replaced with a new metal building that will house only trucks and equipment.
Village officials are seeking reimbursement for computers and machinery utilized by Malverne's Building Department. Also sought is reimbursement of certification course fees needed by Malverne's part-time building inspector in order to expand his hours. Officials hope to obtain these monies from about one million dollars' worth of federal building grants recently secured by New York State.
Applications for the funding must submitted by April 10, said Trustee Patti Ann McDonald, who is also seeking additional funds for the village's youth programs.
We hope to secure at least $12,000 from the state, and over $3,000 from the county for our youth, she said.
Recent improvements at Westwood Park included a new playground area, the covering of a drainage ditch by the DPW, and the cleaning of an adjacent sump area. Finishing touches this year will include new lighting and grass. Additional toddler swings may be added at a later date.
The Malverne Merchants Association will showcase ten home gardens in late spring. At this time, five more gardens are needed. The $20 guided tour will feature some of the most beautiful home gardens in Malverne and refreshments at a designated village eatery. Proceeds from the event will be used for the purchase of hanging flower baskets to beautify the village.
The Malverne Merchants Association plan to purchase about two dozen decorative trash cans for the village. Malverne's flag postings along Hempstead Avenue will be expanded from Cross Island Fruits to the Southern State Parkway.
Malverne's Web site may also get a facelift, pending board approval for a contract with gov.com. For a one-time cost of $1,500 for software, the village will run its own site, and make most alterations free of charge.
We had a company that ran it, said Callahan. But the village had to pay each time a change was needed. The site has been untouched for about six months. Gov.com's host cost is $50 a year, and complex items such as banners can be customized at a nominal fee.
This will allow the village to be its own Web master, said Mayor Anthony Panzarella. Once approved, local web surfers can expect to find site changes after June 1.
Village officials are also looking into acquiring federal surplus property, particularly generators, to supply back-up power for the Village Hall and the DPW in the case of power outages caused by storms.
New generators cost about $14,000, as compared to about $500 a piece plus shipment cost for gently used ones, said Callahan. But first, the village must apply for the government surplus equipment as a municipality.
Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a special dinner event Friday, April 20 at Chateau Briand in Carle Place. A special mass will be held Sunday, April 22, followed by a celebration. Activities have yet to be finalized.
East Rockaway
The village's commuter parking lot sare scheduled for rehabilitation, including the municipal lot on Ocean Avenue recently acquired from the Town of Hempstead, and the commuter lot off of Rockland and Atlantic Avenues. In addition to repavement, new lighting, sidewalks, curbs will be installed, and drainage improvements made. The Ocean Avenue lot, located on the south side of the LIRR, will also have new bulkheading installed.
New bulkheading will also be installed at Talfor Boat Basin this summer. With the assistance of Senator Dean Skelos, village officials secured about $360,000 for this project from New York State last year. Plans also call for a new floating dock and parking field expansion.
Marina users have been informed that they will have to relocate for this season, said Dennis McCabe, Buildings Superintendent. They want this facility improved, so there's been good response.
Operation Downtown, partly funded through Nassau County's Office of Community Development, has provided about $40,000 worth of federal funding for the installation of new sidewalks, improved lighting and benches from Rhame Avenue eastward to the waterfront. Another $60,000 was designated for commercial rehabilitation, which includes building facades for the village's storefront area.
The county has been surveying the downtown area and will be making a presentation to the board shortly, said Mayor Formont at Village Hall. Work should begin this summer.
The Department of Public Works building at John Street will also be rebuilt. Basically, the existing outdated facility will be heavily renovated, said McCabe.
Bids were received again last Friday for the expansion of the village's senior center at 6 James Street. An estimated 1,300-square-foot, first-story addition is planned for the building. Previous bids were rejected due to cost.
Construction of a new conference and recreation room will begin around March 1 at the East Rockaway Public Library. This is the third and final stage for library renovations, which began in 1996. The new, modernized space, scheduled to reopen in early summer, will also provide office space for the recreation department.
In addition, the village's courtroom will receive new seating, curtains, and a new front panel for the dais.
Work began last summer to elevate the ball field at the John Street Recreation Complex, install new sprinklers and drainage systems, and renovate both field buildings and rest rooms.
We should be finishing the little league field in mid-April, said McCabe.
1)East Rockaway's 100th Anniversary Committee is planning the final events of its year-long celebration. Concluding festivities will include a dinner-dance scheduled for Saturday, April 21 at the American Legion Colonial Room. A completed time capsule commemorating the events that took place will also be presented at the dinner, and community individuals, organizations and clubs who contributed to this year's events will be honored.
2) The 2001 Huckleberry Frolic will be held on Saturday, June 9. This year's event will be hosted by the East Rockaway Knights of Columbus. A parade will kick off festivities, followed by food, games, demonstrations, and a baby contest sponsored by the Cultural Arts Council. Proceeds from activities and booths will be donated to the Grist Mill Museum. The rain date is Saturday, June 16.
3) St. Raymond's School will hold this year's 5K race on Saturday, April 21 at 8:30 a.m. The Fourth Precinct and the village's auxiliary police, public works and fire departments will assist the school in coordinating the event and directing traffic.
