At our last village trustee meeting we announced that the village board will begin discussions and set meeting and hearing dates to address the blighted areas in our village. My administration is committed to maximizing the quality of life of the residents of the village. As we have promised, the process will involve the community and no decisions will be made without hearing the concerns and opinions of our residents. We will immediately be addressing the burnt out building at 130 Secatogue Ave. Hearings will be held to discuss taking action of eminent domain of this property. Eminent domain is the right of the government to seize private property for public use in exchange for payment of fair market value. This property has been an eyesore and once removed will signify the start of the revitalization of that area.

At our last trustee meeting, we also introduced Vision Long Island (www.visionlongisland.org), a not-for-profit organization that specializes in helping communities evaluate options to revitalize the blighted areas of their communities. Their solutions involve community participation and working together in groups to create a mix of uses for the areas. They basically engage the community, serving as a sounding board for the many ideas that the community brings forth. Their Smart Growth presentation demonstrated some of the projects they have completed and are currently undertaking on Long Island. The village board is evaluating retaining their services to assist us with our revitalization plans. As we begin this very important project we hope all village residents will participate in the meetings and work sessions that will be held. I am confident that by working together we can come up with a plan that will revitalize and energize our village.