Washington Avenue, which two years ago became the home of the Mineola Village Hall and Community Center, is currently undergoing a change or three.

The construction of a temporary library, repairs to water well number seven and refurbishment of the Mineola Firehouse have made Washington between Mineola Boulevard and Willis Avenue an area undergoing major changes.

"The projects go in line with what the village board has done, and is continuing to do, to improve the aesthetic value of the village and the services of the village," said Mayor John P. Colbert.

The temporary library, in use during the estimated year-long Mineola Memorial Library renovation, is constructed out of prefabricated modular units and erected on the western side of the Mineola Community Center's parking lot.

The 60 by 60 structure, equipped with air conditioning, running water and electricity, houses a portion of the library's catalogue of lendable material. The other books are in storage.

The operating hours for the temporary library are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The temporary library is closed on Saturdays.

The municipal parking lot west of the Mineola Firehouse was unearthed to make the repairs on the water well which include the construction of a packed tower aeration system, or an air stripper.

"(The air stripper) will be used to remove several volatile organic chemicals from the water," said Fred Booher. The presence of volatile chemicals, possibly from cleaning agents, is an issue prevalent around the county, according to Booher. "Air stripping will remove (the chemicals) from the water 100 percent."

To accommodate the air stripper, a new brick building will be built in the municipal lot. "For the quality of the water it's worth it," said Superintendent of Public Works, Lou DiDomenico.

The third major project involves the building located on Washington that was once shared by the Mineola Village staff and the Mineola Fire Department companies one and two.

The new building, with an address of 171 Jericho Turnpike, will be completely dedicated to Mineola fire company use, and will have expanded garage space and an elevator.

All in all the projects are a group effort in improving the village on many levels, according to Colbert. "The residents of the village believe in our village, and it shows the way people are keeping their homes, keeping their businesses, and the values of the homes have increased immensely because of our total team effort."