By:Eileen Greco
As reported in last week's Herald, the Malverne Police Department recently acquired two motorcycles through the surplus property unit of the NYPD for $250, which will be used primarily for catching traffic violators.
After police Chief Glen Jacobsen gave his usual report at the meeting, which included information about the two motorcycles, Trustee Joseph Hennessey said that he "strenuously objected" to their purchase.
Hennessey expressed concern that the board did not officially vote to acquire the bikes, and added that considering the recent tax increase, the purchase should have been reviewed to determine what the long-term financial impact could be.
Mayor Anthony Panzarella defended the purchase by the department, saying there was a very small window of opportunity to purchase the motorcycles and didn't want the village to lose the change. Trustee Bill Malone commented that he supports having the motorcycles and thinks they are effective tools for the police to have.
Hennessey also noted that revenue from traffic tickets had gone down in recent months, and asked Chief Jacobsen to comment on the decline. Jacobsen cited the retirement of one officer, and the promotion of another, and cautioned Hennessey about viewing the police department as an "income producing agency."
Resident feedback
In the public comment portion of the meeting, one resident posed several questions regarding the proposal by Lynbrook-based Engel Burman Senior Housing to build a 289-unit senior co-op development on Orlando Avenue in Lakeview and expressed concerns about how the development would impact the quality of life and traffic in Malverne and Lakeview. Mayor Panzarella said he would try to get more information and address concerns at the next village meeting. (For more on the proposed senior housing, see page 3.)
Responding to recent controversy over Woodland Nursery's application to sell propane on its property, another resident spoke in favor of the business, saying, "I'd like to point out I'm happy with Woodland Nursery." He said he supported having a propane tank nearby, making it convenient for residents to purchase propane for barbecue grills.
At the end of April, the village Zoning Board voted 4-1 against the nursery's application to sell propane on its property, citing safety concerns of nearby residents.
Dominic Natoli, the owner of Woodland, said he was disappointed by the ruling but planned to appeal the decision in state Supreme Court. Despite his plan to appeal, Natoli said it was unlikely that a decision would be handed down for several months.
Other news
The Friends of the Library awarded a $500 scholarship to Malverne resident Maureen Burns, a Valley Stream North High School student who will be entering Seton Hall in September.
The Volunteer Ambulance Corps responded to 16 emergency calls, and this month, three new volunteers began training to join the corps. Smith Barney Corporation also donated a new pediatric trauma kit to the organization.
The fire department responded to 10 emergencies this month, and reminded residents to check their barbecue grills for leaks and malfunctions before lighting this season. The department also reminded residents that fireworks are illegal.
The police department made five arrests during the month of May, and responded to 14 automobile accidents. Because the Republican National Convention will be held in New York City this August and New York will be on heightened security, Chief Glen Jacobsen spoke about the public relations campaign to make commuters on the LIRR aware and to report anything out of the ordinary.
The Department of Public Works will alter garbage collection on Monday, June 14 (Flag Day), collecting on Tuesday, and recyclables the following week. Garbage collection will remain on schedule for the July 4th holiday.
The Building Department's inspector will be available to answer questions between the hours of 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. daily in the Village Hall. After that, he will be out in the field. However, someone representing the department will always be available.
All Malverne residents are invited to a barbecue to meet the residents at 111 Hempstead Avenue on June 13 at noon. This is a fully staffed facility for 10 disabled adults in a home setting, which has been in Malverne for 20 years.
The Malverne Merchants and Professional Association is hosting their third annual Garden Tour. Anyone wishing to participate next year should call Dr. Pennie Swartz at 599-6556, so that she will be able to view your garden now to see it in full bloom. The association will also be hosting an Arts and Crafts Fair on Sunday, Sept. 12.
Check Channel 18 for upcoming Malverne Youth Board trips to Adventureland, Michael's Laser Tag, Hershey Park and Yankees and Mets baseball games.
The Celebration Committee has scheduled the Nassau Pops to perform the first week in August at Reese Park.
