RSS 2.0 FeedThursday, December 8, 2011, Freeport-Baldwin Leader
Freeport trustees OK delayed zoning board appointment
Village plans holiday events, too.
In a brief agenda meeting on Monday, village trustees approved the appointment of Joysetta Pearse as a regular Zoning Board of Appeals member. Previously an alternate member, her name had been submitted for approval at a previous meeting but was tabled for further discussion.
Board members also named John K. Remsen Jr., as an alternate board member, with an April 2 term expiration.
The “blueway trail” project received the board’s approval for planning and construction. Cameron Engineering received a $72,400 contract through two grants that will be reimbursed by the state Environmental Protection Fund.
Trustees also awarded a $12,619 contract to Bancker Construction Corp of Islandia for emergency sewer repairs on New York Avenue on September 9; a contract for 500,000 gallons of aviation kerosene fuel to Sprague Operating Resources of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for the Electric Department; and a $10,000 contract with the Freeport Police Athletic League, retroactive from May 1 to April 30.
Board member Jorge Martinez reluctantly seconded the motion to approve after asking the reason for the delay.
Mayor Andrew Hardwick responded that there had been an issue with how funds were used following a dispute by parents who faced an increase in registration fees. He added that “I trust the moneys will be spent properly now.” He added that a meeting will take place soon with parents who participate in the program.
The motion passed 3-1, with Trustee William White Jr. abstaining. Board member Carmen Pineyro was absent.
Trustee Robert Kennedy raised the issue of a meeting date at the Recreation Center about the Brooklyn Waterworks Property. Mayor Hardwick said a public meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, December 8, from 7-9 p.m.
Mr. Kennedy also urged that the board receive information about a traffic study on North Main Street that was discussed at recent meetings.
Mayor Hardwick said the mother of one of the traffic fatalities in recent months had wanted to address the board, and would attend the next meeting on December 19.
Among those attending Monday’s board meeting were about 15 members of the Freeport American Legion Post, of which the mayor is a member. He noted in opening comments the observance of the 70th anniversary of the December 7 attack on Pearl Harbor and observances were planned at the library and other venues.
Other events taking place this week include the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Saturday at 6 p.m., followed by a holiday ice show at the Recreation Center at 7 p.m. A holiday celebration also is planned for December 13 at 5 p.m. at the Recreation Center.
The mayor also discussed his recent visit to Freeport High School to witness the presentation of a handicapped accessible vehicle to a woman who had been shot several years ago and was left a paraplegic. Fund raising efforts to purchase the vehicle were undertaken by student groups, the Nassau County Youth Board and a group of prisoners who contributed $3,000,
“This is the season we should be thinking of where we are as people,” said Mayor Hardwick. He exhorted residents to “Think about how blessed Freeport is, and how blessed you are. Say prayers for Freeport.”
Trustee Kennedy, a Navy veteran, added his comments about prayers and thoughts for those serving in the armed forces.
