Farmingdale Village Phase Four, Infrastructure Updates: Ekstrand

FARMINGDALE, NY — Farmingdale Village joined the rest of Long Island in phase four of the state's coronavirus reopening on July 8. Mayor Ralph Ekstrand gave a string of updates in a news release, including reopenings, landscaping, road repaving, new business announcements and more.

"Thanks to everyone for their cooperation with health and safety protocols, also for continuing to shop/dine local and support the local merchants," Ekstrand said. "We are 'in this together, Daler Strong'!!"

Ekstrand cited a message posted on the New York Forward website, paraphrasing:

"Coronavirus is still active in New York, we have to be smart, wear a mask and maintain social distancing."

He also urged people to continue washing their hands.

Farmingdale Village Hall reopened to the public with hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Social distancing and face coverings are required. Village Hall also has new Plexiglas, cleaning, disinfecting and other necessary safety compliance measures in place. The public can also call Village Hall at 516-249-0093. Farmingdale Village Public meetings continue to be held virtually and links are posted on the Village website or YouTube channel.

Courts are still closed according to a state executive order. The public can speak with a court clerk during the pandemic by phone for court related questions at 516-293-2292. Court sessions are not expected to resume in July, Ekstrand said.

The mayor asked residents to consider donating to those in need during the COVID-19 outbreak, whether it’s helping a neighbor, shopping for seniors, family members or donating within the local community. Farmingdale Village is collecting non-perishable food donations for those in need in the community. Donations can be dropped off and placed in the food pantry box located inside the entrance to Village Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The St. Killian food pantry also collects food and other items for the needy, and they post updates/hours on their website.

There are several infrastructure updates for the Village.

Landscaping upgrades are underway on the Village Green and will continue through July. Additionally, landscaping upgrades are planned for Five Corners Park at the intersection of Main Street and Melville Road. Trustee Cheryl Parisi received a special "thank you" from Ekstrand for her ongoing efforts to bolster the look of the village.

Parking lot 4 behind Dark Horse, the Firehouse and Village Hall is completed with the exception of poles, which the Village expects to be installed by the end of July. It includes a new fueling station behind the fire house with a new pump and increased fuel capacity for Village vehicles to make sure they aren’t caught short in an emergency. It's about both beautification and safety, Ekstrand said. Lot 4 originally had 270 parking stalls and now, with the new additions by cross-access and lot layout, there are 348. This does not include the fire department section, which has 22 stalls after gaining one.

The Long Island Railroad and National Grid continue to work in the Village on upgrades; also expected to be completed by the end of July. National Grid is scheduled to complete their new gas main and service connections by the end of the month. Plans are being made to repave Main Street in the central business district in the near future along with new lighting and sidewalk rehabilitation. The Village will use grant money from Nassau County for the Main Street work.

Regarding the repaving efforts on Route 109, also known as Fulton Street, the Village received notification of the contract vendor from the state, according to Ekstrand. Route 24 and Route 109 are truck routes, which is intended to keep trucks off residential streets, the mayor said. The National Grid has been working on Route 109, and the Village will follow up with a timeline update for the repaving work.

A couple of new businesses are preparing to move into the Village, the mayor said.

A new Art Studio is set to open on Main Street in September: The Vintage Canvas. It, along with Davidson's Well Strung Guitars and Back In Time Vintage Home Decor, will make up what Ekstrand refers to as "Vintage Row." The Vintage Canvas is holding virtual classes prior to its opening.

A gluten free Brewery is coming to Main Street, opening near Grecian Grill and High Tide Taco Bar, where the old furniture and bakery shops were.

The Farmingdale Public Library is offering curbside pickup, as well as virtual classes, activities and services.

Several merchants — Charlotte’s Speakeasy, Dark Horse Tavern and Frankie’s East Side Pizza —are planning a comedy night downtown on July 21. Check their websites and social media for more details.

The Village continues to communicate and work with Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as well as their staff and public health advisors, Ekstrand said.

"Rest assured, the Village continues to advise the public of information concerning the Corona Virus pandemic (via the Village website: www.farmingdalevillage.com, via telephone, via constant contact), and the Village shall immediately implement any additional orders and effectuate any additional public health actions intended to preserve the well-being of our residents and the public at large," Ekstrand said.