Mayor's Message - Summer 2008Dear Neighbors:
Summer seems to be flying by. It seems there's little time to relax. Our Recreation Area has experienced improvements with the resurfacing of the tennis courts and new park benches. We are also looking into adding more wood chips to the surface around the play apparatus. New lines have been painted on the roads throughout the Village, as well as, repairs and updates to our meters. The summer program was a huge success with a record number of children in attendance. A huge thank you to Jennifer Puglisi, her staff, and helpers for another successful year! Thank you to the Junior Women's Club of Bellerose for the flower donation and their donation to the historic society and Daniel Meier's for his fabrication of decorative street sign brackets.
MOSQUITOES
Due to the increase in the number of complaints about the presence of mosquitoes throughout the Village, we have purchased a product called 'Mosquito Barrier' as a remedy to the situation. Mosquito Barrier is strong liquid garlic made from very potent garlic cloves. Garlic has natural sulfur which repels insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and even black flies. It is all natural and lasts about a month. It is not harmful to bees, butterflies, fish, birds, pets or children. Our maintenance staff has sprayed the recreation area, catch basins and other areas in the Village. They will continue to spray on a regular basis.
TREES
If you haven't noticed the trees on Pennsylvania off Jericho Turnpike have been removed. The reason for removal was infestation with carpenter ants. We are planning to place new trees in this area. Last year we received $7,500 in tree grant money. We have applied again for this grant and hope to be as successful as we were in the past obtaining funds. Extensive pruning of our Village trees was done several months ago. This is an ongoing project. Please report any tree problems you are aware of to the Village Clerk. If you were the recipient of a new tree, please water when needed.
SPEEDING AND STOP SIGNS
The speed limit is 30 MPH and 'STOP' signs mean 'STOP'. A speed meter was placed on Hudson Road and warnings have been issued. Heed the warnings because the police force has been instructed to enforce the law. No one is exempt from these laws. Don't be the next one to be arrainged in Village Court. These laws were put into effect to protect the safety of our residents.
BUSINESS DISRICT
I held a meeting on August 14, 2008 to discuss the future of the Bellerose Business District. In attendance were Trustee's DeSouza, Hagan, Councilman Ambrosino, members of the Joint Bellerose Business District and property owners. The face of our Business District is changing and that's exciting news! The vision has started to be realized, but not completed. We discussed the current problems associated with garbage disposal on the turnpike and future plans that might solve some of these problems. The rebuilding of sidewalks, the type and style was discussed. Once a style is agreed upon, we will get a price to do the entire business district and work on implementing that plan. The Bellerose Business District directory and a newly planned Bellerose cartoon map were discussed. Business owners who might be interested in being listed in the directory or acquire a place on the map should contact the Village Clerk at 516-354-1000 for more information. We plan to hold a follow-up meeting in the near future. I urge all resident's to support our Business District. If the business district does well, the owners will be more apt to invest in its future. We must work together to obtain a successful and flourishing Commercial District.
U.S. DEPT.OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD)
We are in the process of working on our handicap accessible kitchen and dining facility in the Village Hall/Senior Center. We have acquired $65,000 in funds so far for this project. We applied for and have received the nod of approval from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation regarding the improvements to the building. Now we can move to the next step. Any day now we will be selecting an architect/engineer to draw up plans for the construction. Once the plans have been drawn and the contract awarded, the work will begin
BOND RESOLUTION VOTE
On Tuesday, June 17th there was a vote on two bond resolutions. Proposition No.1 in the amount of $267,000 for road resurfacing, catch basins and curbing was turned down. The vote was 92 yes, and 128 no. Proposition 2 in the amount of $200,000 for Fire House repairs was turned down. The vote was 98 yes, and 121 no. These two bonds were defeated. The need to do these necessary repairs has not changed. The Fire House is still deteriorating and being damaged by water infiltration daily. Curbs still need to be installed. I have managed to secure from Senator Craig Johnson $2,500 for the Fire House repairs.
CATCH BASINS AND POTHOLES
Potholes have been repaired. Two drywells and one catch basin have been added on Superior Road to help eliminate pooling issues. Here is a tip to eliminate mosquito larva from reproducing in catch basins. Pour canola oil and dish detergent down the catch basin. The larva can not reproduce in this oily mixture. Don't throw any pollutants, dog waste or garbage down catch basins. They are not trash containers.
ALL ABOUT DOGS
Please be considerate of your neighbor's property and pedestrian malls when walking your dog. We have received complaints about people not picking up after their dogs. Dispose of your dogs waste properly. All dogs must have a license and be on a leash. You can obtain a license from the Village Clerk.
HELICOPTERS
Senator Schumer in an effort to ensure compliance with the new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines has set up a 3-1-1 call center so that residents can report non-compliant aircraft. All residents who are disturbed by low flying helicopters should call 516-869-6311 and give details such as the time, date, day, and description of the aircraft.
SUMMER SAFETY
We have been experiencing a number of bicycle thefts and cars being broken into which is common this time of year. Remember to secure unattended bikes at all times. Lock your car and garage doors. Wear a helmet and obey traffic signs and signals. Keep on lights when you are not home and don't leave newspapers and circulars lying on your lawn for more than a day. I have been in contact with our representative at the Third Precinct. He informed me to remind the residents to call 911 to report any incident or suspicious activity. Remember, a complaint is not automatically registered just by phoning it in. You must fill out a police report.
VILLAGE WIDE GARAGE SALE
The Junior Women's Club of Bellerose and the Village Recreation Commission are sponsoring a 'Village-Wide Garage Sale' to be held on Saturday, October 4, 2008. A flyer with more information will follow.
BELLEROSE VILLAGE DAY
Bellerose Village Day is scheduled for September 13th. This will be a great day. During the day it's fun and games and when the sun begins to set it's dinner and dancing. Bring your family and friends. It is a day you truly don't want to miss. Attached are flyers with all the info. Hope to see you there!
Enjoy the rest of the summer. See you in September at the next board meeting.
Attached PDFsBellerose Village Day Flyer
