From the Desk of Williston Park Mayor: Paul Ehrbar
“Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen.”
Mark Twain
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all a Happy Healthy New Year.
“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”
While it is winter, which usually dictates snow, we have been spoiled over the past few winters with little snow. However, winter is far from over. Our Highway Department was out plowing last week due to the recent snowstorm. Hopefully there will be no more storms but the possibility exists. As a friendly reminder, if snow is in the forecast, remove vehicles from Village streets. Avoid the potential of a Snow Emergency ticket. Each storm brings its own criteria, with each dictating actions needed to be taken in order to keep the Village safe. From my vantage point, our road crews do a great job under challenging conditions. On the surface it would appear that snow removal is fairly simple. Put a plow on a truck, send the truck down the street, and move the snow to the curb. Everybody is happy and we all move on. In our dreams! In reality, trucks need to make several passes on each street depending on the depth of fallen snow. The deeper the snow, the wetter the snow, the number of cars parked on the streets, and snow being put back in the streets by those shoveling and snow blowing, complicates the process. The need for excessive plowing to make streets passable for emergency vehicles creates additional shoveling by residents, some of whom, as a result, become agitated. Each storm requires at least two or three passes with the plows. It is suggested that residents wait until plowing operations are complete before cleaning out driveways. Cleaning cars in the street may also contribute to additional plowing. Clean cars in your driveway when possible. Once plowing is finished try to utilize driveways as streets become narrow due to plowed snow. Parking cars on the street, especially opposite another car creates a dangerous situation and may prevent emergency vehicles from accessing these narrow corridors. Reach out to neighbors who may need help in clearing snow due to age, physical condition or other issues that hinder their ability to shovel. Please appreciate the work our crews perform while doing their job, as directed, to make our streets as safe as possible for all.
The 2025-2026 budget process has begun. The Village Clerk and I have started the preliminary steps to put together the new budget. On February 10th, the Board will meet with the various Village Departments and consider their requests. After that happens the Board will review Village needs for next budget year and make needed adjustments. This is a lengthy difficult process as the Board is determined to ensure Villages services remain intact while limiting the financial impact to residents. It is hoped that myself and the Board will be able to accomplish this goal with the expectation of not exceeding the NYS Tax Cap of a maximum 2% tax increase. As we move forward, residents will be kept informed.
The Federal Environmental Protection Agency has established new water standards for PFAS residue in drinking water. Williston Park water is currently in compliance with all Federal and State guidelines and will continue to meet or exceed both of these standards. However, the EPA has recently lowered the standard for PFAS to 4 parts per trillion, effective December, 2029. The Village has undertaken the major task of reviewing the needs required to comply with the new regulations, including the projected cost and revenue needed. A firm was hired to conduct a water rate study, and it has been determined that a 33% increase to water rates effective March 1, 2025 is warranted. Myself and the Village Board are frustrated over the required increases, however, there is no choice but to move forward in order to be in compliance. A Water Rate Hearing is scheduled for 7:00pm on February 24, 2025, which is open to the public. If you have any questions or concerns before the meeting, please submit them to Kristi Romano, Village Clerk by email kromano@villageofwillistonpark.org. This will give the Village an opportunity to have questions answered either prior to or at the meeting. A copy of the Water Rate Study is available for review at the Village Hall during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm, and is also available on the Village website www.villageofwillistonpark.org.
There is no update on the plans for 700 Willis Ave. (formerly TD Bank). Plans have not been submitted to the Building Department.
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
On February 17th the Williston Park Fire Department will be once again hosting a Blood Fund Drive at the fire house, 454 Willis Ave. from 1:30pm until 7:30pm. For those able to do so, please make an effort to participate in this living saving event.
~ Paul Ehrbar, Mayor of Williston Park
