'Farmingdale Village Will Be Ready To Open': Mayor Ekstrand

FARMINGDALE, NY — Farmingdale Village is awaiting the green light to begin re-opening its economy, Mayor Ralph Ekstrand said in a letter.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's New York on PAUSE program is shifting into a phased reopening by region, and Nassau County is currently meeting five of the seven goals to move into phase one. Nassau is on its way to meeting the last two goals, County Executive Laura Curran said, and Farmingdale is raring to go.

"As Main Streets throughout Long Island get ready and plan to reopen according to the phased-in protocols, Farmingdale Village will be ready to open," Ekstrand wrote. "The Board of Trustees and myself are working with the downtown merchants on a reopening plan within the requirements set forth by Governor Cuomo."

The Village is planning extra outdoor dining capacity for Fridays and Saturdays for the summer to add more space to eat outside, while the six-feet social distancing requirements at eateries will be met, Ekstrand said. Decreased-capacity guidelines from New York State are anticipated, Ekstrand said.

The Farmers Market, run by Schneider's Farm, is scheduled to return to the Farmingdale Village Green on Sundays, starting June 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Social distancing guidelines will be in effect.

Servpro of Farmingdale and Massapequa volunteered to clean and disinfect Farmingdale Village Hall, providing a safe work environment and public space for when the Village reopens, according to Ekstrand. Servpro also volunteered to clean the Village Fire House.

"Thank you Servpro of Farmingdale Massapequa for your generosity during this unprecedented crisis - your services are truly appreciated!!," Ekstrand wrote.

Parking Lot 4 is having reconstruction work done and is the last downtown lot to be revitalized as part of the Village's parking lot upgrade project. The lot is behind the Fire Department, 317 Main Street and Dark Horse Tavern. The supply of most of its light poles will not be installed until mid-to-late June because of the coronavirus, however. Lot 4 will get a top coat of paving on Friday and then striping on Saturday or Monday. The resurfacing and upgrades will bolster safety, and there will be new LED lighting, self-watering planters and signage, Ekstrand said.

"We are moving in the right direction and looking forward to re-opening Farmingdale Village!!," he said.