Spring has always been considered a time of rebirth and renewal. But this year, it has an even deeper, more poignant meaning than ever before. Of course, nature is waking up from winter and there is a welcoming warmth in the air after a colder winter than usual. This year, however, the meaning of spring is quite a bit different for us all. The broader availability of the COVID-19 vaccine coupled with lessening positive cases gives us hope that we are finally turning the corner on this challenging time period.
We are pleased to share some of the current projects planned to further enhance our lovely Village by the Bay:
- $1 Million for infrastructure bonding will enable us to replace and repair roads in Manorhaven.
- Waiving permit fees for sidewalk, curb, and driveway apron work done by June 30.
- Manorhaven has been designated as a Tree City USA for the second year in a row. A tree-planting ceremony will be held on April 30.
- Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton facilitated $335,000 for ADA-compliant trails and surveillance cameras in the Nature Preserve
- Construction on Manorhaven Boulevard is scheduled to begin this fall. Once completed, our Main Street will be beautiful.
- The Growing Love Community Garden keeps growing bigger and better with many additions and improvements made and more planned for 2021.
- Remember to register for the Village’s CODE RED emergency alerts if you haven’t already done so on manorhaven.org.
We at Village Hall are very much looking forward to social gatherings, live meetings, and other events where we can come together as a Village and as friends. In the
meantime, Let’s not let our guard down against this awful virus. Please continue to social distance and wear masks even if you’ve had COVID and/or the vaccine.
Sincerely,
Jim Avena, Mayor
DEVELOPMENTS ON 59 ORCHARD BEACH BLVD.
In the interest of full transparency, I am keeping you informed of a recent development with the BZA.
The public hearing before the BZA about 59 Orchard Beach Boulevard previously scheduled for August 17th has been adjourned to September 1st at 7:00 pm.
The Village’s engineer, Cameron Engineering & Associates, L.L.P., prepared a report on this application which has been posted on the Village’s website link. The applicant has been given the opportunity to respond to this report, and in order to give the Village sufficient time to have our engineer review their response and advise the BZA, the hearing was adjourned.
The details for attending and participating in this public hearing through Zoom will be posted on the Village website. I encourage all people interested in the hearing to attend.
Jim Avena
With spring in full bloom, we are all looking forward to the beautiful days ahead and getting back to our normal routines. I am proud of the many residents who have been adhering to the difficult social distancing mandates that have been imposed upon us. So many have taken time to extend a helping hand to neighbors in need, donate to local food banks, and help out local businesses by placing orders for take-out and delivery. A special thanks goes out to Sister Kathy and Our Lady of Fatima Church for helping our residents in need, to local businesses who have modified business practices to help serve residents, to Police, Fire Personnel, EMT & Medical Professionals, and to our dedicated staff members who continue to serve our community each day throughout the pandemic. We appreciate all that everyone has done to help our Village stay strong.
Looking back at this past year, we can be very proud of so much that has been accomplished in Manorhaven; a few highlights include:
- The opening of Morgan’s Dock Park on June 22, 2019;
- An upgraded fiscal rating by three notches to AA+ by Standard & Poor’s;
- A finalized work agenda with resident input to begin a $3 million Manorhaven Boulevard Streetscape Project this year;
- Our Nature Preserve, which continues to improve through its Native Plant Garden, Dog Park, Growing Love Community Garden, a proposed Children’s Garden, and plans to improve the existing recreational walking trails;
- Receiving the Tree City USA designation through the efforts of Deputy Mayor Priscilla von Roeschlaub and Patricia Valente;
- A street paving project to start repairing our worst streets began with filling thousands of potholes, repaving portions of Cambridge, Manhasset and Nesaquake Avenues, and additional road repairs planned for this summer on the remaining portions of Cambridge and other roadways;
- Long overdue restoration of our sewer lines began this winter, completing Phase I , linings and critical repairs along Manorhaven Blvd., Graywood and Inwood Roads, with plans to begin a pump station restoration over the next three years;
- Village Hall also completed important indoor renovations by replacing 50-year-old bathrooms, painting, and new flooring in the main meeting room, with completed renovations to the Manorhaven Blvd. Police Booth inside and out;
- A new user friendly, ADA compliant website is in the works and should be completed by late summer;
- The installation of new bulletin boards throughout the Village;
- Code Enforcement continues to address and enforce overcrowding and property maintenance concerns;
- Our new CODE RED emergency notification system has made it easier for residents to update their own information and choose how they wish to be contacted;
- Margarita’s Café and a new Bike Shop opened this past year, and the Village has learned of plans for a new Mediterranean Restaurant on Orchard Beach Blvd. and a pizzeria in the former Mi Ranchito building.
Village Elections are now postponed until September 15.
EVERY VOTE is important. I look forward to moving ahead on all of our important projects by continuing to serve our wonderful community. I hope to see us all out and about very soon.
Sincerely,
Jim Avena, Mayor
As the last leaves fall from the trees, we are taking a look back at all that has been accomplished in the Village over the past several months and look ahead to plans for 2020. Here is a brief summary of what’s been happening in the Village and what’s inside this issue of the newsletter:
- Manorhaven’s fiscal rating with Standard & Poor’s moved up three notches from A+ to AA+;
- A decade long project to restore Morgan’s Dock and create a park was completed in June with a grand opening . We encourage residents to enjoy the new park until it closes for the season on December 1, re-opening April 15;
- The $3 million Manorhaven Boulevard project is finally underway as the County plans to break ground by next as the County plans to break ground by next summer;
- We’re pleased to report that our pump station was recently examined by an engineering firm and was reported to be in good condition. Phase I of the Sewer Restoration Project has begun and work schedules will be posted on our website at manorhaven.org or on our Village of Manorhaven Facebook page;
- The Manorhaven Nature Preserve keeps getting better and better. This year saw more plantings, projects and other great improvements. We are also working on receiving a Tree City USA designation for the entire village and a local girl scout is creating an obstacle course in the dog park;
- The Nassau County Police Booth near Graywood Road got a much needed coat of paint and interior improvements this summer and Village Hall will soon replace its 50-year-old bathrooms. The Village also repaved a few of the worst street sections on Nesaquake Ave., Cambridge Ave. and Manhasset Ave.; additional repairs are planned for next summer;
- Our new CODE RED emergency notification system makes it easier for residents to update information and choose how they wish to be contacted;
- The Village Board recently passed several new laws on cell nodes and wireless equipment, winter float storage on Sheet’s Creek, and peddling/soliciting regulations;
- We’re anticipating the grand opening of Margarita’s Café , the Village’s newest restaurant in late November;
- Everyone is encouraged to join us at Village Hall on Thursday, December 5 at 5:30 p.m., when we’ll hold our annual Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony .
On behalf of the Board and Staff of the Village, best wishes for a wonderful holiday season. We look forward to sharing more great news about improvements we’re making to our beautiful Village by the shore.
Sincerely,
Jim Avena, Mayor
Flowers and warmer weather are always welcome after a long winter, with so many improvements and projects happening or being planned in the Village. Here are just a few:
- After several years of moving forward with various phases of construction, we are pleased to announce that Morgan’s Dock Park is nearly done . A tentative grand opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 22 at noon;
- We were very proud to learn that Standard & Poor’s upgraded Manorhaven’s fiscal rating by three notches to AA+;
- In response to requests for a public meeting on “overcrowding” and other issues, we have scheduled a session for May 16 at 7p.m.;
- A public meeting is also scheduled for June 19 with Nassau County engineers who will share plans on the $3 million Manorhaven Boulevard project and gather input from residents;
- In advance of the repaving of Manorhaven Boulevard, Trustee Popeleski is working with engineers and contractors to plan the repair of sewer linings ;
- Our Nature Preserve is fast becoming a wonderful destination for nature , planting and dog lovers . Growing Love Community Gardens has become a source of gardening enjoyment for local residents. This year, we will continue the trend of beautification with additional plantings and other improvements;
- Our DPW crew is doing an outstanding job with our sewer system, roads and grounds. Plus, we’ve installed new bulletin boards for posting notices. Code Enforcement continues to do a great job following up on leads regarding overcrowding and has been diligent regarding property maintenance issues throughout the Village;
- Annual tax bills will be mailed at the end of May . Please contact Village Hall if you haven’t received yours by June 7;
- On June 1, Manorhaven will begin service with a new garbage company, Dejana Industries . Garbage schedules will remain the same. In addition, our annual bulk pickup day is scheduled for Saturday, May 18. See inside for details;
Just a reminder that Village Elections will be held at Village Hall from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18 . Don’t forget to vote and enjoy the warm weather!
Sincerely,
Jim Avena, Mayor
As 2018 draws to a close, I look forward to all the upcoming projects we’ve planned, and proudly look back on all the Village has accomplished this year.
- After a trial run last winter, the Board felt confident to pass a new local law abolishing alternate side of the street parking from December 1 through March 31 except during SNOW EMERGENCIES. Be sure you are registered with https://villageofmanorhaven.bbcportal.com/ to receive a text, email or phone call notification;
- After learning that cell phone providers could install potentially hazardous cell nodes without notice, Manorhaven passed a cell node moratorium to give us time to determine our legal rights on this important matter;
- The Village Dog Park now includes a water fountain and electricity, as well as better fencing;
- We are finally near completion on Morgan’s Dock and look forward to a late June 2019 grand opening;
- The Nassau County Police have been working hand in hand with the Village to track down perpetrators involved in recent incidents in and around Manorhaven. Several arrests were made in response to recent crimes;
- Sewer camera assessments will resume after the holidays. Research has shown that there are no septic-safe wipes . Wipes of all types contribute to back-ups in our sewer lines;
- Fines for traffic, parking, and certain codes have increased through revised local laws. Be vigilant about checking parking signs and following new codes mentioned in this issue and on our website;
- Please mark your calendar for our Annual Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 6 at 5:30 p.m. in front of Village Hall. A “cookies and cocoa” reception will follow.A happy and safe upcoming holiday to everyone!Sincerely,
Jim Avena, Mayor
A Message to Manorhaven Residents from Mayor Jim Avena
Dear Residents,
Although most things tend to slow down during the summer months, quite the opposite is true here at Village Hall. Summer is underway, but our staff and boards are in full swing working hard to make this an even better community for our residents.
- We were happy to see that the Annual Street Festival was such a big success despite the threat of weather. It is well worth our efforts when we see the happy faces of children having a great time;
- During the August work session, we will be working on the new snow emergency parking program and the local law associated with it. These changes will cancel alternate side of the street parking during winter months except during snow emergencies;
- Another topic for discussion will be a new local law addressing cell node boxes which so many Villages have seen popping up on telephone poles. Putting restrictions on usage and installation is something we feel is of critical importance to our Village;
- The $3,000,000 Manorhaven Boulevard project had to take a small step backwards to re-study the traffic patterns on Manorhaven Blvd. Apparently the cameras were mistakenly seen as “speed traps” and were vandalized, destroying all of the studies within them that were needed to move forward with the project;
- The grounds and gardens at Village Hall, the entrance of Manhasset Isle, and throughout Manorhaven add to the beauty of our seaside community. We would appreciate everyone’s help by making sure trash and debris make it into the receptacles along Manorhaven Blvd. and Manhasset Ave.;
- Many may have noticed repairs to the fence and roadway at the Dog Park. Flowing water was installed in June and a dog water fountain will be installed during the next few weeks. We would appreciate it if all dog waste and trash is picked up and put in proper receptacles before leaving the Preserve;
- We are currently applying for grant funding to assist the Village with sewer restoration costs. Roadwork will coincide with sewer repairs. We will keep everyone updated on important developments;
- Morgan’s Dock will be resuming construction work with Phase III-B sometime in September. We are anxious to get the park and dock area ready for usage by late spring of next year;Thank you to our residents; we appreciate you and will continue to strive to serve Manorhaven in the best way we can.Have a wonderful summer!Sincerely,
Jim Avena, Mayor
- We are very pleased to inform you that, because of the excellent results of our snow emergency parking pilot program, the Board has decided that alternate side of the street parking during winter months will be cancelled except during snow emergencies;
- The Board of Trustees and I are continuing work on gaining more public access to our waterfront and recently decided after an analysis that Marine zoned property would remain unchanged;
- The $3,000,000 Manorhaven Boulevard project is finally moving forward. County Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton will be speaking at the May 10 Work Session, which begins at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend;
- We have begun renovations to the dog park, which will include a sprinkler system, electricity and lighting and enhancements to the Long Island Native Plant Garden. The grand opening of the Growing Love Community Garden will take place on May 6;
- We are proud to report that the Village continues to become cleaner and more attractive thanks to our DPW, Code Enforcement and residents;
- We are continuing to assess sewers and other infrastructure issues and plan to address damaged roadways in conjunction with sewer repairs;
- Code Enforcement is continuing to closely monitor overcrowding;
- Congratulations to resident Vivian Moy who was recently inducted into the Town of North Hempstead May Newburger Women’s Roll of Honor;
- Morgan’s Dock is in its final phases of construction;
- We are planning to hold a ceremony on June 27 to honor the Village’s past mayors .Just a reminder that Village Elections will be held at Village Hall from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19. Don’t forget to vote! Every vote counts! Enjoy the warm weather!Sincerely,
Jim Avena, Mayor
Dear Residents,
- Aside from the day-to-day operations of running a village, we are focused on keeping Manorhaven a safe and pleasant place to live. Here are just a few things we’ve been working on:
- Residents were very pleased with last year’s snow removal performance and were relieved that winter alternate side parking was reduced by a full month. To further ease winter parking, the Board recently approved a winter parking PILOT program, eliminating alternate side parking from December 15 – January 15 and enforcing parking rules shown on signs during that timeframe when a snow emergency is called. See inside for more details;
- Our Village recently passed a law to help eliminate illegal over occupancy, which will help keep everyone safe, ensure Village resources are not unfairly overused, and help the parking shortage;
- The Board also extended the moratorium on waterfront construction for another six months. Our work to improve the Village’s waterfront will continue with an upcoming comprehensive waterfront analysis;
- Code Enforcement continues to work diligently to keep our Village clean and safe, resolving both everyday issues and other problems;
- In October, the Board raised the age for tobacco sales to 21 and prohibited e-cigarette and vape product sales within the Village;
- A vehicle and pedestrian traffic study on Manorhaven Blvd. was recently completed by Nassau County, ending their first phase of work for the $3 million renovation to Manorhaven Blvd.;
- A bid for one of the final phases of construction for Morgan’s Dock was accepted and is now underway. Once all phases are completed, it will be a fun destination for pedestrians, fishermen and boaters;
- We are staying on top of sewers and roads too. Last month, a Village-wide road condition analysis was completed and video/camera work on sewer lines is still underway;
- The Village can be excited about two new additions to the Preserve: the native plant gardens, put in place by Pat Valente, the Cornell Cooperative Extension and area volunteers, and the new Growing Love Community Gardens, an initiative by Erika Stehl.
On behalf of the Village Board, staff and myself, ‘Best Wishes’
for a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah and a very Happy New
Year. We look forward to another productive year in 2018!
Sincerely,
Mayor Jim Avena
P.S. – IT IS CRITICAL that a household member contact
northshorealert.org to leave information for either a phone
call, text message or email for the Snow Emergency Parking
Pilot program Dec. 15 – Jan. 15. Residents are responsible for
keeping themselves informed.to leave information for either a phone
call, text message or email for the Snow Emergency Parking
Pilot program Dec. 15 – Jan. 15. Residents are responsible for
keeping themselves informed.
Dear Manorhaven Neighbor,
- At the special referendum on October 3rd, residents voted to keep the term of Village Mayor at the present two years, instead of extending it to four years. Almost 500 residents turned out to express their views on this issue and I am proud of our Village for that level of participation.
- As you know, this past August, the Board of Trustees unanimously decided to move this matter forward, based on sound “good government” reasoning. Once the vote was scheduled, those in favor of the change made their opinions known to our neighbors and those opposed to the change made their views clear, as well. There was a full, fair and honest discussion of the issue, along with an open and transparent voting process.
- When it came to the public vote, a majority of residents disagreed with the change and, therefore, it will not be implemented. Your Mayor and Trustees accept this decision as the “will of the people” and we will not be bringing it back to you for future consideration.
- We know that different people often have different ideas about how to make Manorhaven the best Village it can be. However, once a decision is made, the key is to accept it and keep moving forward for the good of our Village. That is how democracy truly works!In this particular case, the democratic process worked well and our Village is the better for it.Sincerely,
Mayor Jim Avena
Why vote on 10/3 for a four year Mayoral term?
1. The entire Board is in favor of this change because a four year term allows a Mayor to commit to critical long term projects such as sewer and road repairs. Every time a new Mayor comes in, everything stops in its tracks.
2. A longer term attracts quality staff (2 years negatively impacts staff job security and deters the best applicants for the job.)
3. Voters still have Trustees as a system of checks and balances if they don’t like how things are being run. Decision making is done through the Board based on a quorum. You as a voter speak through your elected officials. Trustees will still have the same time two year terms.
4. The office of the Mayor is the executive branch of government for the Village. The executive branch usually has longer terms which are necessary for continuity in planning and budgeting.
5. A longer Mayoral term allows for better relationships with local police, the fire dept., town and county leaders. It takes time to develop and nurture these relationships to make our community the best it can be. Community leaders help our Village, so these connections are critical.
So..before you vote… please take these reasons into consideration on 10/3. Thank you.
– Jim Avena.
Below is a copy of our recent road condition analysis. We hope to start this project sometime next year.
The warm weather is finally here and everything in our village
is in full bloom. I’m pleased to report on several items that
have moved forward over the past months:
- Although it seems like a long time ago, we were very pleased with the results of our first winter and new snow removal emergency plan. We will update the plan next fall based on lessons learned and welcome any suggestions you may have for improvements;
- Last fall, we initiated a program to improve the neatness
of our village by strictly enforcing existing garbage, curb
and sidewalk regulations. We found that this has resulted in a much more pleasant, attractive village;
- Members of the Waterfront Advisory Committee heard comments from many residents during a recent public meeting held in March. Comments and ideas will be presented to the Board of Trustees in the near future. Know that the Board will not allow the Waterfront Building Moratorium to lapse until we are completely satisfied with future plans for the waterfront;
- As you know, parking in our village can be difficult, especially during the winter months. We will continue discussions with the Fire Department and will revisit this topic again. Please be sure to fill out and return the questionnaire on page 7 on this important topic;
- Through a New York State grant, the Village Hall administrative offices were completely renovated this past winter. The new space has a bright, clean look and the changes have greatly improved working conditions and efficiency;
- Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the Manorhaven Street Festival (see page 5 for details)Just a reminder that Village Elections will be held at Village Hall from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20. Don’t forget to vote! Every vote counts!Have a wonderful summer!
Sincerely,
Jim Avena, Mayor
- Our new sewer maintenance company, Orchid Sewer and Water Contracting, has been doing a thorough job of keeping the Village’s sewer system flowing and clear of backups. Recently, they discovered an unconnected pipe near the sewer main at Manorhaven Boulevard and Graywood Road, and we hope that by performing repairs they will be able to prevent serious clogs and backups that have occurred in this area;
- The Board recently adopted a local law reducing the duration of alternate side of the street parking by a full month during the winter. Winter parking rules now begin on December 15 and end on March 15, as significant snow accumulation is unlikely in the weeks immediately before and after this period;
- The second phase of renovation at the Historic Morgan’s Dock project has been completed. Once the third and final phase is complete, we can all enjoy a new floating dock at Bowman’s Point;
- The Village has installed a new generator at Village Hall, removed an abandoned oil tank on the premises, and installed a new sprinkler system at the entrance to Manhasset Isle;
- Homeowners and the Village have been cooperating to bring properties into compliance with the village code. In particular, many curbs, sidewalks and aprons throughout the Village have been repaired. I have received many positive comments about how the Village looks neater and cleaner. Note that permit and other Village fees have been waived for these repairs through December 31;
- Due to residents’ input, the Village has increased both inspections of rental properties and the monitoring of illegal residences to ensure that property owners adhere to code regulations;
- Since October, the Village has been strictly enforcing garbage regulations in an effort to continue to keep Manorhaven cleaner. We recently added an additional code enforcement of ficial during the early morning hours and on weekends to ensure compliance.
For details on regulations and fines, click on “Services” and then “Garbage” on the website;
- Just a reminder that GovPilot is an easy way to request FOILs/FOIAs, report a concern, or to view your property information online. See our website’s home page and scroll down to the GovPilot section to access one or more sections.While I am proud of how much we have accomplished, there is much more to do i n Manorhaven . We look forward to making more positive changes to serv e our residents and the community. My best wishes to you and yours for a happy, healthy holiday season.Jim Avena, Mayor
- Hired a full time Building Superintendent/Chief of Code Enforcement;
- Hired a part time code officer to ensure codes are followed on weekends;
- Initiated comprehensive snow removal plan;
- Started planning with County for $3 million improvements on Manorhaven Boulevard;
- Established a Waterfront Advisory Committee;
- Filled reported potholes , removed loose tree branches and cleanups, especially at dead ends;
- Updated emergency procedures, available on manorhaven.org.I am proud to serve as your mayor and will continue to work very hard to help improve the quality of life in our beautiful village.Jim Avena, Mayor
“The Village of Manorhaven welcomes input from all Village residents as it considers how best to regulate development of waterfront properties. Our goal is to balance the interests of the community with the rights of property owners. To help accomplish this goal, I have appointed an advisory committee to review the Village’s comprehensive master plan, local waterfront revitalization plan, and zoning code, and to make recommendations for consideration by the Board of Trustees. Only the Board of Trustees has the authority to adopt Village laws regulating waterfront development. Before the Board of Trustees takes any action, it will publish a notice in the Port Washington News and will conduct a public hearing. At the hearing, all interested Village residents will have an opportunity to express their views directly to the Board of Trustees.”