Unprecedented in Floral Park's history, the village board called a meeting with Magnolia Avenue residents to enable them to see and hear first hand what's on tap for a much-needed re-construction project on the block some of them have called home for 50 years.

According to Mayor Phil Guarnieri, the project is of Olympian proportions. "We have never had, previous to a road construction, a public meeting," he said. "But we felt it was important because the project is significant ... It's really the most major construction we've had since we've done Carnation Avenue."

Magnolia Avenue, which has now become a major thoroughfare in the village, hasn't seen a major upgrade in years, possibly close to five decades. Mayor Guarnieri said the street is not only important to the residents who live on it but to several trustees as well. Deputy Mayor Kevin Greene grew up on Magnolia Avenue; his parents still live there today. Trustee Tom Tweedy also lived on Magnolia Avenue for eight years and Mayor Guarnieri said he's lived off of Magnolia Avenue for 11 years.

Before the first shovel breaks ground, Mayor Guarnieri thought it prudent to meet with residents so they know exactly what is going to happen. The estimated $500,000 project intends to add a new drainage system, either through three dry wells or underground piping; re-construct the entire road; breakout and restore all driveway aprons; breakout and restore all curbs and gutters, much like what happened on Carnation Avenue; and, where applicable, breakout and restore new sidewalks, although the project is not aiming to restore every sidewalk.

Besides the inconvenience the re-construction will cause to Magnolia Avenue residents, perhaps the most negative aspect of the project is the proposed loss of 21 healthy trees. According to Deputy Mayor Greene, the village plans on replacing the trees, which will most likely be planted in October 2006. The following Magnolia Avenue addresses are slated to lose trees: 71, 79, 85, 93, 100, 105, 111, 117, 121, 125, 135, 140, 143, 149, 153, 173 and 176, some of which have more than one tree in front of their home.

Trustees are reviewing three options: take the trees down; leave the trees up with no curbs, which Deputy Mayor Greene didn't recommend because he believes the curbs finish the block; or move the curbs out one or two feet.

Unaware of the last time the road was actually upgraded, some residents welcome the change, even if it means losing almost two dozen healthy trees. Pat Johnston believes Magnolia Avenue is one of the ugliest blocks in Floral Park. "Regardless, even if we had no trees," she said.

Another resident, however, believes cutting down the two healthy trees in front of his home would devalue his property despite the major construction improvements. Neighbor Rich Pfeiffer, president of the South Side Civic Association, agrees. "Magnolia Avenue is going to look like crap, putting it as nicely as I can."

Deputy Mayor Greene told concerned residents, "As a trustee and the liaison to Public Works, I think this project is in the best interest of this village. An overlay is just a Band Aid fix," he said.

Further, Trustee Jim Rhatigan, who represents Floral Park's south side, tried to help residents see the bright side, alluding to the incident on Orchid Street, between Tulip and Cisney Avenues, when Mother Nature tore down a large number of trees. "This did change drastically the character of the street," he admitted, "but now when I go down Orchid Street I don't get that same devastating feel. After a couple of years, there was re-growth." Some residents argued this was Mother Nature's doing while the Magnolia Avenue situation would be man-made.

Deputy Mayor Greene, along with Mayor Guarnieri, assured residents that the village would do everything in its power to save as many of the 21 trees as possible. "We have a major concern here as you do," Deputy Mayor Greene said. "You're going to lose a look and gain a look at the same time."

Mayor Guarnieri added, "We don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish ... It is regrettable that these trees have to be taken down and we are looking for options."

Bids were due back Dec. 1, at which time Village Engineer Ed Palmer and Public Works Superintendent Ken Tymecki were going to review them.

The construction is slated to begin March 1, 2006, weather permitting, and last 90 days from the official start date. Further, in order to ensure the project remains on schedule, a $1,000 penalty will be instituted for every day exceeding the intended 90 days. It is important to note that residents will receive written notification two days prior to the commencement of any work.