Welcome to the Village of Great Neck EstatesIn an effort to improve access to information and resources, the Village of Great Neck Estates is proud to present its new website. The Village of Great Neck Estates is situated on the peninsula of Great Neck in the Town of North Hempstead. The Village dates back to 1911 where it was incorporated as one of nine villages in Great Neck.
A Message From The MayorNovember 2009
It seems that the years are going by a bit faster. We were planning budgets and operations for 2009 only “yesterday” and are now busy concentrating on 2010. The planning, although difficult, is much easier than the execution. Issues are constantly confronting and, challenging us. Last year we were able to address the deteriorating condition of the seawall. This fall, we are faced with a problem at the pool deck and the underlying structure. When it seems that we are ahead of the curve another problem pops up.
2009 has been a year marked with financial challenges. We have been informed of a large increase in our State Retirement payments. As with all of our personal investments, the State has had negative returns on their invested capital and expects all of us to make up their deficiencies. I for one can wait for the Federal Government to figure theirs out. Higher taxes, in every administration, seem to be the norm. We will continue to work diligently in addressing our budget and keep a tight rein on any unnecessary spending. With that in mind, I remain convinced that our Village is unique. The esthetics of our Village is most important in helping to maintain home values. Our parks, public islands, streets and public buildings must be maintained to the highest standards. To that end, our Public Works department has done an outstanding job under the able direction of Ernest Garvey, our Superintendent of Public Works.
The summer season seems to bring out the best in the Village. Under Gail Lambretta, our Park Director, the issues seem to melt away. Able people make everything look effortless. Nothing could be further from the truth. Gail works most of the year at making our summers wonderful. The issues seem to diminish under her watchful eyes. We all owe her our appreciation. If only she could hold back the weekend rains.
We have experienced many storms this year and a large number of trees have been lost or damaged. Please have your arborist or, tree specialist, survey your property promptly. A falling tree or large limb could cause serious injury or damage. With all of our power and telephone lines above ground, it behooves us to remainvigilant to these potential hazards.
Now that school is back in session and, it is getting darker earlier, it is most important to focus on safe driving. We all see our stop signs and know of the hands free cell phone laws. I am amazed at the number of people who disregard both. Even when traveling with children, some in car seats. Please remember that these are our streets. There are children riding bikes, people walking dogs, running, and going to worship, etc., we have a responsibility to keep our automobiles under control. Our Police Department has obtained a grant for cell phone enforcement and they are quite active in writing summonses. Please refrain from driving while talking on your phone and please make a full stop when indicated. Let someone else create the bad statistics that we read about.
Lastly I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of my fellow Board members and all of the members of the various Village Boards and committees. You are the backbone of our community. All volunteers, you are the catalysts that make our Village a warm and wonderful place to live and raise our children. I could not have achieved the smallest percentage of my goals were it not for your generous commitment of time and intellect. Your Village is in constant need of talented, committed residents, who are interested in Village involvement. If you think that you have some time, and desire, please send me a note, via Village Hall, I welcome the opportunity to hear from you.
Wishing you a warm, healthy winter,
Sincerely,
David A. Fox
Mayor
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 | 11/22/09 6:07 am · 47.0° F · Fair |
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