Mayor Michael Lavorata, along with Deputy Mayor Maryann Weckerle, Trustee Joan M. Masterson, and numerous Suffolk County and Town of Babylon officials, recently honored Lindenhurst Fire Department’s Lieutenant John Tighe, Jr. and Firefighter Mark Miller for their brave, selfless, and extraordinary actions that earned them the 2021 Firefighters of the Year Award from the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York.

Both men answered the call of duty when, on October 19, 2020, a vehicle traveling eastbound on Montauk Highway was struck by another vehicle, sending it into a canal, with an elderly woman trapped inside.  With the car submerged under 8-10 feet of water, Lieutenant Tighe & Firefighter Miller led the successful effort to rescue the woman, having to make several attempts to break the car windows and clear obstructions to get her out.

Mayor Michael Lavorata said, “Thank God that we in Lindenhurst have a Volunteer Fire Department with men and women, who at a moment’s notice are quick to respond to uncertain situations, to mitigate danger, and combat the threat of destruction, in order to protect individuals, families, and property!”

Pictured here (left to right) are 2^nd Assistant Chief Robert Santos, 1^st Assistant Chief David Collins, Chief Michael DeGregorio, Firefighter Mark Miller, Lieutenant John Tighe, Jr., and Mayor Michael Lavorata.

The annual Village Summer Recreation Camp recently concluded at Village Park.  The Village extends a big thank you to Summer Youth Director Michael Canobbio and the staff of counselors who made this year’s Summer Youth Recreation Program a huge success.  Despite the challenges of COVID-19, hundreds of children safely enjoyed a summer of fun, recreation, and fellowship at Village Park.

Mayor Michael Lavorata said, “Thank you to the Village staff for making this a summer to remember for the children of our Lindenhurst Community.”

Pictured here with the camp counselors are Mayor Michael Lavorata and Trustee Joan M. Masterson.

In March 2021, New York State legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 or older. The State is giving municipalities until December 31, 2021 to opt out of allowing marijuana retail sales and/or public use in their municipality. Therefore, there are two parts the Village of Lindenhurst must consider to draft a local law for our municipality:  (1) Do we allow or opt out of allowing marijuana dispensaries to open within the Village, and (2) Do we allow or opt out of allowing marijuana use in public spaces (i.e., restaurants, bars, parks)? If the Village does decide to opt out at the end of 2021, it can opt in the following year. However, if the Village opts in at the end of 2021, we can no longer optout at any time.

As the Village Board works toward a decision on these matters regarding recreational marijuana within our borders, we feel it is important to hear from our residents, as there are strong, valid arguments on both sides of the debate.

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After weeks of construction, Lindenhurst residents and local elected officials welcomed the Lindenhurst McDonald’s back to the neighborhood with a Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting.  The franchise, located at 334 East Montauk Highway, underwent a total renovation, including the addition of a second drive-thru lane.

Mayor Michael Lavorata is pictured here, along with Trustee Joan M. Masterson, presenting McDonald’s Owner and Operators, Liedtke Management, with a proclamation officially congratulating them on their re-opening, and acknowledging McDonald’s as a member of the Lindenhurst business community.

Mayor Lavorata said, “It was a great morning at the Lindenhurst McDonald’s.  This re-opening will create more jobs, and a great atmosphere here in the Village of Lindenhurst.”

The Village of Lindenhurst is excited to announce that the construction of a 362kW Solar PV Carport at the LIRR Commuter Parking Lot has been completed.  This state-of-the-art, renewable energy solar carport project is part of the Village’s Energy Solutions Project in partnership with Johnson Controls, a leader in energy-efficient technology.  The partnership is creating opportunities for the Village to produce clean, renewable energy at various Village-owned facilities, and the production of solar energy at the Commuter Lot is a key part of this sustainability commitment.  Once PSEG completes the hook up to the grid, the solar panels on the carport are expected to generate enough electricity to power about 50 homes and will reduce the Village’s carbon footprint.

Trustee Patrick Pichichero said, “This is an ideal location because the sun is unobstructed here, and it will also offer our commuters the added benefit of vehicle protection in inclement weather.  I believe it is incumbent upon us in Village Government to utilize solar technology, transitioning us away from fossil fuels, and creating a positive impact on the environment.  We are proud to be taking these steps to achieve local environmental goals, at no cost to our taxpayers.”

Pictured here is a view of the Solar Carport from the LIRR platform.

The Village of Lindenhurst’s on-going, commercial revitalization effort has recently included the resurfacing of the Municipal Parking Lot located on South 1^st Street by Reed Taylor Beauty, 121 South 1^st Street.  Where pot holes and chunks of crumbling asphalt once were, a freshly-repaved parking lot, with 36 freshly-marked stalls, including two handicap stalls, now exists.  The Village utilized Suffolk County Downtown Revitalization Grant funds to pay for the improvements.

Trustee RJ Renna said, “We have a lot going on right now, and this is an exciting enhancement which provides safe, convenient parking for residents and visitors shopping in our Downtown.”

In an effort to upgrade and improve the Lindenhurst Fire Department equipment, the Village has purchased a 100’ Heavy Duty Aerial Tower Ladder Truck. The former ladder truck was over 21 years old.

Mayor Michael Lavorata said, “The new truck was designed by a committee of Lindenhurst Fire Department officials who conducted many improvements to make the aerial tower truck safer and more efficient.”

Trustee Patrick Pichichero, who is the Village Board liaison to the LFD Fire Council said, “The LFD also received a $254,000.00 Federal grant to help fund the purchase of the ladder truck.”

Trustee RJ Renna said, “Our goal has been to upgrade our equipment, whenever possible, to provide the best means of protection for the people of Lindenhurst.”

Pictured here (left to right): Trustee RJ Renna, Mayor Michael Lavorata, Trustee Joan M. Masterson, Trustee Patrick Pichichero, LFD Members Robert Santos, Henry Batz. William Kienle and Ryan Kienle

Congratulations to Mary Romeo on her appointment to the Lindenhurst Planning Board.  Ms. Romeo will fill the unexpired term of Andrew Gargiulo who has retired from the Board after many years of dedicated service to the Lindenhurst Community.

Mayor Lavorata said, “It was an honor to appoint Mary Romeo, and I thank her for her willingness to serve.  The future of our Lindenhurst Community depends on people like Mary getting involved and serving on the Planning Board.”  Deputy Mayor Maryann Weckerle added, “Your central duty as a Planning Board member is a tough one; to determine how to balance the public good with private rights, interests, and industrial, business, and multi-residence development.  Good luck to you on your appointment.”

Pictured here (left to right):  Newly-sworn-in Planning Board Member, Mary Romeo and Mayor Michael Lavorata.

Trustee Joan M. Masterson and Mayor Michael Lavorata joined other town and county officials along with community leaders to congratulate Jarred Jay Navarro from Boy Scout Troop 1421 on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Jarred completed the required 21 merit badges and a major service project in order to earn this honor. Trustee Joan M. Masterson said, “It is an honor for me to present a proclamation to Jared Navarro. He is a hardworking and determined young man who has shown commitment and perseverance in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.”