Udall’s Pond Restoration: Two Years Away

The peaceful Udall’s Pond, with its wading birds and snapping turtles, has become a bit too peaceful, almost sluggish, due to the stormwater runoff that brings with it silt and contaminants that have caused the water level to become more and more shallow. Concerns about its viability as a wildlife habitat along with practical concerns about increased risks for flooding in major storm events have added a sense of urgency to addressing the situation. It is fast becoming a mudflat instead of a tidal pond.

The restoration of the Pond and the Saddle Rock Grist Mill are high priorities for Nassau County Legislator Judi Bosworth who has worked in conjunction with Saddle Rock Mayor Leonard Samansky to get approvals and funding for the projects. It is slow going.

Barstow Road/North Station Plaza Traffic Calming Project Approved

After considering comments made at a public information meeting held on April 15 and a subsequent written comment period, the board of trustees of the Village of Great Neck Plaza recently approved the final plan for a traffic calming project for Barstow Road/North Station Plaza, and Linden Place. This is the fourth Local Safe Streets and Traffic Calming (LSSTC) grant obtained by the Plaza from the New York State Department of Transportation.

Unlike the modern roundabout constructed in 2003 (the village’s first completed LSSTC grant project) on Barstow Road on the south end of the street, this project on the north side of Barstow Road near Grace Avenue calls for “normalizing” the geometry of the intersection with median islands, sidewalk bulb-outs, pedestrians refuge areas, and generally more visible pedestrian crossings. A complementary roundabout was initially considered, but the roadway geometrics did not allow for a modern roundabout configuration.

Looking Forward to the New School Year

 

There is an illusion of inactivity in schools during the summer months, and that false appearance is clearly attributable to the absence of students. Students are noticeable by their non-attendance and, as a result, our schools are sad and lonely places for these two months. We all look forward to greeting students when the Great Neck Public Schools begin the new year on Sept. 9. Rest assured that, despite any appearances, much work goes on to prepare for students’ return. Summer is, in fact, a very busy time in most school districts.

That has been the case in the Great Neck School District this summer. Even without the regular program being operational, there have been pockets of activity that I have had numerous opportunities to observe. A vibrant summer program at Saddle Rock for our younger students permitted them to engage in social, academic, enrichment, and athletic activities for several weeks. Other special learning opportunities have also taken place across the District.

New GNPS Phone Numbers, New Phone System

As published in the July 30 issue of the Great Neck Record (Page One story, “New, Modern Phone System for School District” by Marc Epstein, GNPS district technology director), all of the Great Neck Public Schools facilities and personnel now are part of a new telephone system and all have new telephone numbers. In an effort to assist the Great Neck community, the Record is once again publishing these new telephone numbers.

New Assessor Offers Recommendations To Improve Department of Assessment

Homeowners Now Able to Schedule
One-on-One Meetings With Field Assessors

The assessed value of a property does not in itself determine the amount of taxes on a property in Nassau County. Assessments only determine an individual property’s share of the taxes imposed by municipalities, school districts or special taxing districts.

That was only one of the messages that Nassau County Assessor Ted Jankowski, appointed by County Executive Suozzi in January of this year, wished to convey at a recent visit to Anton Community Newspapers.

Marrin to Leave Park District Post

Park DistrictBegins Superintendent Search

Great Neck Park District Superintendent Neil Marrin will leave his post next year. Making the announcement at a recent park board meeting, Mr. Marrin said that he will remain as superintendent until Aug. 31, 2010 and will then pursue some personal dreams. Park District Board of Commissioners Chair Robert Lincoln told the Great Neck Record that the park board will advertise for a new superintendent, with their goal to have the new superintendent in place when Mr. Marrin leaves.

Looking Ahead to a New School Year

Even if the forecast is for warm, sunny fall days, the summer is really over the day school begins. And in Great Neck, this year, that day is Wednesday, Sept. 9. “Every religion has its own calendar and its own way to celebrate the arrival of a New Year,” says Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education President Barbara Berkowitz. “And for those of us involved in the field of education, September marks the beginning of a new year filled with its own anticipation, pomp and circumstance and celebration.”

The GNVOA Looks to the Future

As the summer of 2009 winds down public officials and community leaders are looking to the immediate future and beginning to discuss “what’s next.” The Great Neck Village Officials Association, a major force in Great Neck and in Nassau County, had a full, busy year, discussing prominent issues and bringing them to the forefront, as well as actively advocating for the benefit of all residents. “If next year is anything like the past two years the GNVOA will continue to strive to improve the ability of our local governments to work for the mutual benefit of constituents and we will be inspired to take new approaches to both old and new challenges,” said GNVOA President J. Leonard Samansky, mayor of Saddle Rock.

Library Renovation/Expansion Fleshed Out

Plans, Cost Estimates Revealed

Just as people return from vacations, school begins and community activities swing back into full gear, the Great Neck Library Board of Trustees have readied the options and cost estimates for a Main library renovation or expansion and will be discussing the choices at a special public meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. in the community room at Main.

2 Potters Lane Parking Lot: Is It Needed?

Zoning Board Hears Case

The focus on the issue of the proposed parking lot in a residential zone on 2 Potters Lane shifted from the illegal clear-cutting of 51 trees to a basic issue of whether or not the parking lot is really essential, especially given the concerns about the safety and well-being of the synagogue members and the surrounding community. The Village of Great Neck’s Board of Zoning Appeals did not make a ruling on the case Thursday night and will continue the hearing on Thursday, Sept. 10 after Labor Day.