A MESSAGE FROM LINDENHURST MAYOR MICHAEL LAVORATA

Happy New Year!  2022 got off to a snowy start with our first winter storm on January 7^th.  A big thank you to Superintendent of Public Works Rick Sorrentino, and the entire Village Department of Public Works team, for an outstanding job clearing the snow and keeping our roadways safe for travel.

In the last days of 2021, I took a little time to reflect on the past year and all we were able to accomplish together, in spite of the challenges we faced.  You can read my reflection in my Mayor’s Message – January 2022, which can be found on our Village website – www.villageoflindenhurstny.gov

On a County level, we recently celebrated the inauguration of the newly elected Suffolk County Legislature. I would personally like to congratulate Legislator Kevin J. McCaffrey on not only his re-election, but his new status as the Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature. It is such a benefit to our Lindenhurst community to be so well represented in the County Legislature. This is also a historic event, in that it is the first time a Lindenhurst Village resident has been elected by the legislature to serve as its Presiding Officer. I am so incredibly proud of Legislator McCaffrey and his representation of our hometown. I, along with the Village Board, am grateful for his leadership and representation.

Unfortunately, we did not leave the COVID-19 Pandemic behind in 2021, and it seems like January 2022 is like déjà vu.  As I write this message, according to Newsday, the number of cases identified on average per day over the most recent week in the Village is 112.14 (5,786 in Suffolk County), compared to the previous week’s average of 90.86 (4,932 in Suffolk County).  In addition, New York State Governor Hochul has extended the mask mandate to February 1, 2022, and announced new measures to combat the virus in New York State.  The most up-to-date guidance from the State regarding testing, vaccine, and quarantine guidelines, can be found at: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

Finally, I encourage all of our Lindenhurst residents to step up and take as many precautions as we can to reduce the spread of the virus. I know we are all dealing with “Pandemic burn out”, and many resent the inconveniences of the current mandate.  However, masks and vaccines continue to be our best protection against serious illness. It has been reported that many vaccinated individuals who have tested positive for the virus have experienced less serious symptoms than infections among the unvaccinated. If you have not already done so, please consider get vaccinated and boosted.

As always, I remain proud to serve as your Mayor.

January 2022 brings the beginning of a New Year.  It is important to recognize all of the Village’s accomplishments from this past year.  Despite a global pandemic that significantly limited our ability to be out and about in the community, I am still amazed at what our Village forces accomplished.  None of the Village services we provide, or the progress we continue to make, would be possible without our dedicated Village Board – Deputy Mayor Maryann Weckerle, and Trustees Joan M. Masterson, RJ Renna, and Patrick M. Pichichero – and committed Village staff, led by Administrator Clerk Douglas Madlon and Deputy Administrator Clerk Joe Barone, our Department of Public Works employees, led by Superintendent Rick Sorrentino, and our Lindenhurst Fire Department, led by Chief Michael DeGregorio, 1^st Assistant Chief David Collins, 2^nd Assistant Chief Robert Santos, and 3^rd Assistant Chief Jonathan Cutolo.  I cannot say enough how proud I am of our entire Village team.

The following projects were accomplished during 2021:

• The ongoing revitalization of our historic Village Downtown Business District.  The Village welcomed 13 new businesses in our downtown last year during the height of the pandemic.
• The ongoing upgrades to the Lindenhurst Fire Department equipment, including purchasing a new aerial truck, a fire rescue boat, and two ambulances.
• The completion of the New York Rising federally funded Shore Road Waterfront Park Natural Systems Resiliency Improvements project, bulkhead replacements on South 4^th Street and Fall Street, and Albany Avenue drainage and roadway improvements.
• The ongoing improvements to the Rainbow Senior Center, including the installation of solar panels, the installation of a generator, and the renovation of an under-used, neglected part of the building that can now be utilized by the seniors and the community.
• The implementation of a sustainable, green, energy-efficient initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of the Village.  The Village-wide initiative encompasses 10 buildings, two parks, Village parking lots, and the marina.
• The completed renovation of our Old Village Hall Museum at Irmisch Historical Park on South Broadway, and to the Village Historical House Museum on South Wellwood.

In addition to the on-going projects the Village team continues to provide high-quality constituent services, while processing record numbers of applications, permits, and renewals from members of the Lindenhurst Community.  The Village staff is hard at work throughout the year putting in extra effort and hours to get the job done.  They are dedicated to listening to our residents and finding ways to meet the needs of our community.  They are passionate about what they do, and enjoy helping those we serve.

As your Mayor, I am committed to working with the Village Board to continue our efforts in the New Year.  Together, we are excited to keep the momentum going with many projects and community events in the works.

I am also very committed to working with residents, our business community, Chamber of Commerce, Business Improvement District, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, and many of our service clubs to bring the best the Lindenhurst Community has to offer.  Working in conjunction with our residents and community organizations is a major priority for me and the Village Board as we move into this New Year.  Lindenhurst is a wonderful community because of the contributions of everyone who lives and works here.  I am very proud to be the Mayor of Lindenhurst.

As I look ahead, it is my hope for all our residents that this exciting New Year of 2022 is ultimately filled with opportunity and joy, and that we celebrate another year together in our beautiful Village.

The Village of Lindenhurst wishes all our residents a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year. With COVID-19 Omicron variant again on the rise, residents are advised to exercise caution when gathering with friends and family, or being around people in public places such as stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The COVID-19 Omicron variant is very contagious, and can be spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small, liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing, or breathe.

I know the “Pandemic burn-out” so many of us are feeling, but let me once again suggest:

• Follow the Governor’s mandate to wear a mask.
• Wash/Sanitize your hands as often as you can.
• Consider getting vaccinated and vaccine boosters.

Let’s look forward to a more prosperous, joyous, and healthier 2022 for us all. We remain “Lindy Strong” and we will get through this!