Farmingdale Village To Replace Elevated Water Tower: Mayor

FARMINGDALE, NY — The elevated water tower in Farmingdale will be replaced, Village Mayor Ralph Ekstrand announced in a Tuesday news release.

The 500,000-gallon elevated water tower on Eastern Parkway was in need of upgrades, according to Ekstrand. The village decided to replace it after going over its options. Merrick Utilities was awarded the project, and contracts were signed on April 7.

"Replacing the elevated Water Tower is an important milestone for Farmingdale Village and the Board and I are happy this project is moving ahead," Ekstrand wrote in a statement.

Electrical work is underway for the new tank system, and shovels are slated to be in the ground in a few weeks. The new elevated water tower is expected to be complete in early 2022, Ekstrand said.

The existing elevated tank is currently the village's only one. The new tank will be built adjacent to the current one, which will serve the community until the new tank is built and testing is completed.

"The 500,000-gallon structure is a critical water supply asset that provides water to meet peak summer and fire flow demand; crucial to maintaining safe water pressure levels," Ekstrand said.

Village Trustee Walter Priestley recently gave a presentation on what the village is working on. Below are some cliff notes, provided by the mayor:

• The village's parking lots have been re-done.
• Beautification work is successfully being done within the village.
• Board of Trustees approval for the Farmingdale Village Business Improvement District BID.
• A thank you to Farmingdale Fire Department/Emergency Services and everyone else who helped in responding and dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
• Farmingdale Village water is tested daily and meets all safety requirements.

"The State of the Village is strong, not only have we weathered this tough time financially, but camaraderie has been high and new businesses are still moving in," Ekstrand said.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced it is helping to ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the coronavirus outbreak with its Funeral Assistance Program, Ekstrand shared.

"Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020," according to FEMA's program.

Ekstrand said he hopes everyone is healthy, and that village officials are glad COVID-19 cases have been declining in the state and on Long Island.

"While we anticipate better times are ahead, please continue to practice social distancing, wear masks/face coverings when in public, and wash your hands often," he said. "Please consider getting the COVID-19 vaccination if you have not yet been vaccinated.

"We look forward to enjoying outdoor activities and events safely coming back when possible. But nonetheless, get out and enjoy the spring weather — at parks, bicycle paths, stroll the Village or your local neighborhood, outdoor dining, barbecuing, and more! Just a reminder to support the local merchants, shop and dine local."