The New Hyde Park Village boardroom seemed empty at the last meeting on July 15, as both Mayor Daniel P. Petruccio and Deputy Mayor Lofaro were absent from the meeting. However, Trustees Richard Coppola Jr., Lawrence Montreuil, and Donald Barbieri were present and ran the meeting.

Trustee Coppola began the meeting by tabling the approval of the minutes for the board meeting on May 20 and June 17 as there was an insufficient number of attending board members at these meetings represented Tuesday night.

The meeting continued with the communication of four proposed block party dates, July 26 - Stewart Ave. between Covert Ave. & Premier Blvd., August 2 - North 2nd St. between Brooklyn Ave. & Lowell Ave., September 6 - North 7th St. between Lowell Ave. & Bryant Ave., and September 6th - 6th Ave. between Primer Blvd & dead end, which were approved by the board. The renewal of ACA Waste Services serving the community was also reviewed and approved.

The board then announced the request from Senator Johnson to host a Sun Safety program at Memorial Park & Nuzzi Field from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a date agreeable with the board. This project will be discussed at a later meeting once dates have been selected, however the board voiced the importance of such a program to help teach the community the harmful effects of the sun's rays.

When the floor was opened up to questions or concerns from the public, a group of residents wanted to tell the board why they were in attendance. The residents requested further information concerning the proposed plans of Jericho Turnpike Renovation from the DOT for the extension of the turning lane on New Hyde Park Road. Both residents in attendance would be affected by the change, as it seemed to imply infringing onto their property, including removing a retaining wall that one of the residents built.

The board members collectively replied that the plans were only in their preliminary stages and were being discussed and changed. Trustee Barbieri told the concerned residents that every member on the board, at a recent meeting concerning the new construction, stated they wanted the plans modified. A meeting is to be scheduled in the early fall, open to all residents, to discuss the plans with New York State before any construction begins.

Trustee Barbieri pointed out that there are many beneficial things to come from the proposed renovations as well. One such change he mentioned was installing the "countdowns" at each main intersection, to let pedestrians know how much time they have to get across the street.

Trustee Coppola announced that the New Hyde Park summer program has begun and has been extremely successful thus far. As well, he encouraged residents to attend the Chamber/Lions golf outing to raise money for charities such as PAL and the Ronald McDonald House. He continued by congratulating the local girls softball team who won their championship game, and continued on to the Long Island championship this past weekend. Trustee Coppola concluded his announcements by thanking the fire department for the lights they provided at the concert last month.

Later on, Trustee Coppola made a few announcements from Mayor Petruccio, including reading the letter from Senator Johnson concerning the requested Sun Safety Program.

Trustee Barbieri began by inviting residents to both the concerts in Memorial Park, which he said have been "incredible" thus far, as well as the "Christmas in July" celebration that will be held on Friday, July 25. Festivities will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the movie Elf will be played beginning at 8:30 p.m. At the movie, gently used athletic equipment will be collected as well to donate to charity.

Barbieri continued by recounting the unveiling of the Teddy Roosevelt statue at the county government building. The ceremony included actors reading speeches that Roosevelt himself wrote and gave.

He concluded by discussing the Jericho Turnpike construction project, which is aimed at making the road more pedestrian friendly. The board is discussing plans with the DOT to combine their projects with those already proposed by the town in order to save money on joint bids. Trustee Montreuil commented that the DOT is very sensitive to the town's needs, putting the board in charge of construction of all projects.

Trustee Montreuil listed the newest projects from the building department, including 64 permits, and inspection of all rental facilities for safety and overcrowding. He discussed as well the two cases put before the zoning board, one of which, a request to continue the two family status of a home, was deferred.

The board then passed the following resolutions:

• Resolution authorizing payment of abstract

• Resolution authorizing the village clerk to advertise for bids for Main St. parking project

• Resolution authorizing the increase of budgetary accounts for new computer system in village hall

• Resolution authorizing the mayor to execute the $250,000 capital improvement grant through Senator Johnson's office

• Resolution authorizing the village clerk-treasurer to issue plumbing license refund for incorrectly charged license

• Resolution authorizing the refund of out of district children's summer recreation program fee

• Resolution for promotion increase in summer camp staff pay

• Resolution to suspend resident's park license

The board recently attended a Village of North Hempstead meeting to discuss the proposal of a regional transfer station for trash. Mayor Petruccio, along with many others in the town, outwardly opposed the law, refuting the claim that it would lower costs for everyone.

The board also discussed Keyspan National Grid's projects going on in the area. Their goal is to run new gas lines and replace over 5,000 meters. All affected homeowners will be contacted by mail about the renovations. The meeting ended with some community discussion concerning this issue.

Information concerning concerts and movies can be accessed at www.vnhp

The next meeting of the New Hyde Park Village will be held on August 19 at 8 p.m. at New Hyde Park Village Hall, corner of New Hyde Park Road and Jericho Turnpike.