RSS 2.0 FeedJuly 29, 2011, Freeport-Baldwin Leader
Freeport Village refinances its debt
Trustee meeting discusses debt and more.
The village board meeting of July 25 began with a consideration of issuing refunding bonds to refinance village debt. David Tanner of Liberty Capital explained the bond would cover 2002 A and B series bonds totalling $4.86 million and $8.875 million respectively. The process, Mr. Tanner explained, is much like refinancing a mortgage, and that the lower interest rates would enable the village to save $747,000.
Before approval of the bonds, resident Alan Jay congratulated the village on the savings, and Stephen Malone questioned what use the saving would be put to – a tax reduction, or work to repair the village’s most problematic roads.
Mayor Andrew Hardwick replied that between the coming tax cap and other village debt, the savings would be needed for other infrastructure difficulties, saying “We can’t think we have a lot of money.”
More than one person commented on the roads, and the mayor noted that the village has compiled a list of those in need of most immediate repair.
Waterworks revisited
During public comment Mr. Malone spoke about a meeting of the Landmarks Preservation Commission scheduled for Tuesday, July 26, at which time a hearing regarding a new proposal regarding the Brooklyn Waterworks property would be scheduled.
Richard Brown from the building department acknowledged that an application had been received, and that it had been forwarded to the Landmarks Preservation Commission according to the standard procedure.
Sue Lyons questioned the procedure, remembering having to pay fees and submit environmental reviews. Mr. Brown assured the public that before any application went to the zoning or planning boards, fees would have to be paid. “This is the start of a very lengthy process,” he asserted. The mayor added, “If any procedures are not being followed I won’t tolerate it.”
Later The Leader was informed that the Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday, September 8, subject to the availability of the boardroom at Village Hall.
Mr. Malone also reminded the mayor that the village is required to have a deputy mayor, and has not had one for some time.
Tempest over a patio
Several public comment speakers rose to complain about quality of life issues at a new business, the Patio Lounge at the Freeport Inn on South Main Street. Neighbors of the business spoke of loud music played late at night for several hundred people, making sleep impossible, and told the board of public urination, prowling and other anti-social behavior, allegedly on the part of the patrons of the lounge, and charged that the business had been unresponsive to the neighbors’ concerns.
Mayor Hardwick responded sympathetically, describing the business as “a bad fit for Freeport,” and adding that he felt he had been “somewhat misled” about the nature of the business during the premitting process.
Deputy Village Attorney J. Barrington Jackson told the board that the business had received multiple summonses for noise and other violations, which would involve fines and higher penalties if necessary. Mayor Hardwick added that a cabaret permit had been requested, but that he would not sign off on it.
The mayor told the neighbors to notify police of all issues regarding the lounge, invoking, “If you see something, say something,” but cautioned residents not to act in place of law enforcement. Vowing to be vigilant, the mayor concluded, “It’s not something we want a part of our image.”
Other business
In other matters, the board:
• Awarded bids for gate boxes and valves to Joseph G. Pollard of New Hyde Park ($46,298), and bids for fire hydrants, Water repair couplings and repair materials to T. Mina Supply, Holtsville ($77,624, $20,053.13 and $13, 948.30 respectively).
• Approved the hanging of a banner promoting National Night Out, which will be August 2 at Cow Meadow Park. Resident Anthony Miller spoke about the importance of this event, and the mayor reminded the public of all the village’s efforts to keep the young people in the community busy.
• Approved a request from Long Island Caribbean to hold a Caribbean Festival on September 3 (rain date September 10) in the Church of the Transfiguration parking lot on Pine Street, rescheduled from June 25.
• Approved a parade and public assembly permit for a 9/11 memorial to be held from 7-9 p.m. on September 11 at the traffic circle at Bayview Avenue and Ray Street.
• Approved a parade and public assembly permit for Word of Life Ministries to hold a community event on August 14 from 4-8 p.m. at municipal lot 7.
• Approved four requests for block parties.
The next village Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Monday, August 8, at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall.
