Farmingdale Mayor Gives Updates On Coronavirus, Isaias, Parking

FARMINGDALE, NY — Farmingdale Village Mayor Ralph Ekstrand discussed multiple issues, including the coronavirus pandemic, Tropical Storm Isaias, parking and more, in a news release.

Questions continue to come in regarding the Village's perspective and handling of COVID-19, Ekstrand said. He issued a series of points:

• "Initially upon learning of the rising danger of this Virus (in mid-March) we canceled the St. Patrick’s Day parade; which of course was a very tough decision! Notably while places such as Huntington had their parade, they were later noted as additional hot spots for COVID-19.
• As updated information came, arrived; on an almost daily basis we reacted to all updates immediately and tried to keep the public and merchants informed.
• Updates were issued via Robocalls and Constant Contact emails on all safety and containment recommendations.
• Masks were given out to Senior complexes in the Village and on the Village Green to residents. And the Mayor and Trustees also delivered masks to Seniors unable to get to the Village Green.
• We developed a mapping plan with local merchants for outside dining on the streets and loading zones.
• In early May there was a lot of talk about closing the streets for more Outdoor Dining. When we discussed it at our merchant meetings, the restaurant owners had mixed feelings and we were concerned about overcrowding and getting the necessary public safety resources such as police and security during a pandemic. Luckily, they were able to open up the inside at 50 percent earlier than was originally anticipated and we also were able to create additional outside seating at loading docks and on sidewalks as a safe alternative. At this time, we do not have any plans or see the necessity to close the streets for outdoor dining.
• Signs regarding safety protocols were designed and put out on A-frame signs throughout the village encouraging social distancing, mask wearing and hand sanitizing.
• The Board of Trustees and myself met continually to ensure that New York State rules for openings were being complied with and ALL safety measures are being taken. Also, we were in constant communication with [Nassau] County Executive Laura Curran and Town [of Oyster Bay] Supervisor Joseph Saladino."

"Thank you everyone for following the guidelines in our Village!," Ekstrand wrote. "The restaurants and businesses have been very cooperative with enforcing the regulations in their establishments. We know it’s been a challenge; but from what the data shows, everything we are doing seems to be helping!"

Farmingdale as a whole was hit hard by Tropical Storm Isaias on Aug. 4. Overall, hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders lost power due to the storm.

"Locally we are extremely proud of how the Farmingdale Village Staff handled the storm!," Ekstrand said. "While of course many trees were down, our DPW Department was out there immediately cleaning and restoring as they have done in the past. Once again, we salute them! Thankfully most people have their power, phones, and internet back. As usual the Village remains in close contact with PSEG to assist in any way we can."

The Village was recently given an update on the Route 109 renewal efforts by Marc Herbst, executive director of the Long Island Contractor's Association. The contract was awarded to J. Anthony Enterprises of Hauppauge.

"We are glad to see that the State is still moving forward with this project and expect it to be done before the cold weather sets in," Ekstrand said. "And as you can see, the Village roads continue to be repaved."

Lot 4, which is behind Harleys American Grille and the firehouse, is now complete and open. The number of parking spots was increased by 78 for a new total of 348. The fire department section gained an extra stall and now has 22. There are now more handicapped spots by St. Kilian, and the lighting, landscaping and drainage received upgrades, according to Ekstrand. Signs are on the way.

The Village Green is being landscaped, as the brush near Village Hall was getting overgrown. The work is being done with no taxpayer money, Ekstrand said — the landscaping is being paid for by funds collected by developers for improving Village parks.

The gas line replacement project on Main Street being done by the National Grid should be done shortly, Ekstrand stated. The plan is to eventually repave Main Street completely and improve the street lighting. However, due to the coronavirus and the need for outdoor dining, the Village will postpone it.

"As things start adjusting to a new normal and as we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, Farmingdale Village is DALER STRONG as usual!," Ekstrand wrote. "We are doing our best to create a balance between safety and improved quality of life and commerce in our Village. We thank everyone for their patience and cooperation - as health and safety are of paramount importance."