Friday, August 9, 2024
Vol. 1, No. 2
THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY SERVING FLORAL PARK, BELLEROSE AND STEWART MANOR
Floral Park BOT opposes Queens bus route
LIGHTING UP THE STREET FAIR
BY RIKKI MASSAND
Dance students in pretty costumes performed during the recent Floral Park Street Fair. See page 8 for more pictures of the fair taken by photographer Christine Kozak
County seminars to teach homeowners about tax breaks
Nassau County Legislator Scott Strauss will be hosting a series of seminars at which homeowners can learn about various property tax exemptions available to homeowners. The events, which will be run by the Nassau County Department of Assessment’s HELP program will provide an opportunity for residents to engage one-onone with knowledgeable staff to
receive assistance with filling out exemption applications. Exemption applications for the 2025-26 property tax year must be received by January 2, 2025. The programs will be held at the following local libraries: Wednesday, August 14, from 1 to 3 pm at the Hillside Public Library – 155 Lakeville Rd., New Hyde Park Monday, September 16, from 1
to 3 pm at the Floral Park Public Library – 17 Caroline Pl., Floral Park Tuesday, September 17t from 1 to 3 pm at Clinton G. Martin Park – New Hyde Park Rd. & Marcus Ave., New Hyde Park. For more information about the programs, please contact Legislator Strauss’s office at 516571-6209 or email: sstrauss@ nassaucountyny.gov
The Floral Park Village Board of Trustees has raised concerns with the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) over the proposed Queens 110 Bus Route. The route, which would parallel the LIRR Main Line from Jamaica to the Floral Park LIRR Station, has sparked worries about traffic and quality of life. Months ago, the MTA presented this route as part of its Queens Bus Network Redesign Proposed Final Plan (PFP). A public hearing on July 24th saw Floral Park officials firmly oppose the plan, emphasizing that the Q110 would run on village-owned roads. Key attendees included Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald, Deputy Mayor Dr. Lynn Pombonyo, Trustee Jennifer Stewart, former Mayor Dominick Longobardi, and Nassau County Legislator Scott Strauss. Prior to the hearing, the village government passed a resolution on July 16th, officially opposing the MTA’s proposal to terminate the Q110 at the
Floral Park LIRR station. The resolution, citing existing traffic congestion and potential disruptions to emergency services, urged community members to submit their opposition to the MTA by the July 26th deadline. Officials also pointed out that the Q110 would duplicate the N.I.C.E. N24 bus route along Jericho Turnpike/Jamaica Avenue. The proposed bus terminal on Caroline Place was criticized for inadequate space, likely causing traffic backups and blocking crosswalks and handicap access at the LIRR station. Additionally, an alternate route involving South Tyson Avenue was deemed dangerous due to its proximity to John Lewis Childs Elementary School. Trustee Stewart noted initial MTA plans showing the Q110 turning onto Caroline Place to reach the LIRR Station, then returning via Tulip Avenue. She reiterated the village’s strong opposition and commitment to using all available resources to contest the plan. “The Village is veheSee page 12
Pirates suffer first loss in a decade PAGE 18 FP resident's artwork on display PAGE 6