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Friday, January 16, 2026
Vol. 3, No. 3
THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY SERVING FLORAL PARK, BELLEROSE AND STEWART MANOR
From safer streets to new stations, chamber & village plan year STORY AND PHOTOS BY RIKKI MASSAND The Floral Park Chamber of Commerce kicked off 2026 with a dinner meeting on Thursday, January 8th, at Villa D’Este, the community’s oldest Italian restaurant. Members heard updates from Village of Floral Park Deputy Mayor Dr. Lynn Pombonyo, along with news and notes from Chamber President Shane Parouse.
Improving safety, relationships
BOE reviews early framework for next year’s budget BY KASSARA MCELROY Administrators launched the 2026-27 budget process at the Floral Park-Bellerose Board of Education’s January meeting, outlining the timeline, funding sources,
and fiscal factors that will shape the proposal ahead of the public vote in May. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anthony Lubrano described the presentation as a “30,000-foot overview” of the district’s budget planning
approach and encouraged community members to ask questions during meetings or contact the business office as discussions continue in the months ahead. See page 6
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Parouse outlined community initiatives and goals set by the Floral Park Chamber, beginning with the Safer Streets Initiative first raised a year ago. The effort is being pursued in partnership with the Village of Floral Park, the Town of Hempstead, and Nassau County officials and departments. “Together with government representatives, we plan on continuing to work to find ways of making Floral Park’s busy business districts safer and more comfortable for people who are on foot or anyone using alternative transportation to motor vehicles – including considerations for people using walkers, wheelchairs and people pushing children in strollers. Things feel fine for anyone who’s in a car, but if you are not there are some issues in certain areas where it may not feel so safe. We will keep working to improve that,” he added. Parouse also shared that the Floral Park Chamber is among the groups looking to bolster partnerships with the New York Racing Association (NYRA), Belmont Park, Belmont Park Village shops and dining, UBS Arena, and the Islanders. Chamber leaders are closely watching the major redevelopment of Belmont’s Grandstand and track
facilities. He added that major utility corporations, including PSEG Long Island, have expressed interest in becoming more involved in the local community, with mutual benefits anticipated. “There are employment opportunities, learning and training options and pathways for children and adults, there are careers as well as advertising and marketing opportunities for our chamber members,” Parouse commented. “We want to keep developing those relationships in 2026 and beyond.” In her report, Deputy Mayor Pombonyo said that she and Village Board members, alongside Chamber leaders, represented Floral Park at the ceremonial “Topping Out” of the Belmont Park Grandstand, marking the placement of the final beam atop the new five-story structure. She noted that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and several Nassau County mayors attended the event. “We know there is a lot of interest in this, so our Mayor Kevin See page 6
Floral Park Deputy Mayor Dr. Lynn Pombonyo (left) delivering her official comments
Orchestra students perform at meeting PAGE 6 JLCS Day of Giving raises over $1000 PAGE 11