Friday, December 20, 2024
Vol. 1, No. 15
THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY SERVING FLORAL PARK, BELLEROSE AND STEWART MANOR
What taxpayers can expect in schools bond issue
Merry Christmas!
BY KASSARA MCELROY Floral Park-Bellerose taxpayers will soon vote on a school bond proposal to upgrade heating and air conditioning systems, with a slight property tax increase at stake. The Board of Education meeting on December 19th also addressed regionalization plans, the search for a new superintendent, and school security staffing.
The Bond Proposal
Another second place accolade, in the Music & Performance category, was given to host/producer Wes Houston for his program “Wes Houston Presents…”. In the episode, singer-songwriter-guitarist James O’Malley performs a solo set of his original compositions. For nearly a quarter of a century, Wes has showcased hundreds of local and regional musicians at Four Village Studio.
The public vote, scheduled for January 28, 2025, will determine whether the district moves forward with a $28.5 million HVAC project. The upgrades include replacing aging steam systems with energy-efficient hydronic heating systems, which offer better air quality, lower maintenance, and improved energy savings. District officials say the upgrades are essential after spending $1.3 million on unsustainable repairs. “This is a long-term investment that will enhance comfort, safety, and learning environments for our students,” said officials. To fund the project, $8.8 million will come from capital reserves and unassigned funds, and the bond amount will total $19.6 million. For the average homeowner, this translates to an increase of $66 annually, or roughly $5.50 per month, starting in 2028. Projected energy savings from the upgrades include $40,089 annually for FP-B School and $14,371 annually for JLC School. The project will roll out in four phases beginning in the summer of 2026, with major work planned during summer breaks to minimize disruptions to classrooms. Pending New York State legislation adds urgency to the upgrades. If Senate Bill S3397A is signed into law, schools will need to take action when classroom temperatures exceed 82 degrees or evacuate when they hit 88 degrees, effective September 1, 2025. Despite the project’s significance, one resident pointed to a lack of awareness among some taxpayers, saying, “If I didn’t have a child in the schools, I’d never know.”
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Local officials (and a certain jolly old elf) attended the Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce tree lighting on December 14th.
Four Village Studio wins awards
Four Village Studio gathered three “Nor'easters” at the 2024 “Alliance for Community Media, Northeast Regional Conference and Trade Show.” 4VS representatives were present to accept the acknowledgements at the ACMNE awards ceremony held this year in Mystic, Connecticut. Eligible programs were mandated to have been produced and first-time cablecast during 2023, and are judged for recognition in a wide
variety of categories at this highly competitive annual event. “The Antique Road Test”, from host/producer Walter Gosden, picked up a second place award for an episode entitled “Cars In Song: Motor Car Sheet Music.”.The program, entered in the Historical Documentary category, explores the representation of automobiles in popular music from the early 20th century. Walter’s program has been a studio staple since 2011.
FPHS celebrates 25th anniversary PAGES 14-15 Chorus performs at school meeting PAGE 6