Assuring that the quality of life that we enjoy in Farmingdale is the highest it can be is a commitment that the village board and I take very seriously. Increased code enforcement staff has allowed the village to more efficiently address quality of life and safety issues in the village. For instance, in the area where Conklin Street narrows from two lanes to one, and vehicles stop to pick up passengers, increased staff has allowed us to catch a larger number of offenders. This decreases the congestion in that area. Over the past few months we have:

* More than doubled our code enforcement officers

* Added weekend hours of enforcement

* Re-instituted foot patrols (last seen on our streets decades ago!)

* Moved the starting hours of AM enforcement up an hour earlier

* Added two additional vehicles to the code enforcement department (re-assigning the former Mayor's vehicle and purchasing on bid, from the South Farmingdale Fire Department (they no longer needed a rapid response car).

Working alongside police officers from Nassau County's 8th Precinct, our code enforcers help ensure compliance with the village code. The code enforcement officers can issue notices of violations for parking offenses, violations of "no stopping" laws and violations of the village code dealing with property maintenance. Violators of theses regulations and anyone receiving tickets for moving traffic violations and other infractions issued by Nassau County Police Officers within the Incorporated Village have to appear before the village court.

Having our code enforcement officers working hand in hand with our local police helps assure that our streets are not only safe but maintained to the high standards that we have set. Their increased presence ensures that our good neighbor regulations are adhered to and any unsafe conditions are addressed and corrected. I hope that when you see one of our uniformed code enforcers you don't see them as just someone who is going to ticket your car. I hope you see them as what they are, trained code enforcement officers who have the ability to assist you or get the proper aid that you might need. They provide additional eyes and ears that can spot potential dangers and problems and can prevent potential hazardous situations or alert the proper law enforcement agency. When you see them walking through town like the old "beat cops" please say hello and of course let them know of any problems or concerns. The best way to assure that our village stays safe and secure is to always be alert, aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity.