Mayor’s Message – Fall 2019

Welcome to Autumn!  The leaves are falling all around us and the air is a bit crisp but it is a wonderful time of year.  Pretty soon, the Holidays will be upon us and our Village will be bustling with our annual end of year events for all to enjoy.

But first, I must thank you all for your kindness, compassion and prayers throughout the last 18 plus months.  Our first lady, Helen was a fighter and battled a brain tumor gallantly and fiercely.  In the end, it was all too much for her and she went to heaven on September 5 and has been my Guardian Angel ever since.  She has been my inspiration to continue to make Lindenhurst the Village we have always wanted: family friendly and bursting with new things to experience.

During these last 12 or so months, we have probably seen more progress in our Downtown Revitalization then in any prior time period.  We have opened several new restaurants and the trend doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.  As I have mentioned dozens of times, the focus of the Administration has been to move towards a more family friendly Village with overall appeal for both residents and visitors alike.

We have recently welcomed Villa Pizza and Restaurant as well as Bakuto to our array of various cuisines. Pretty soon, Sand City Brewery, Hermanas and Hunter and Thief will be opening thus providing even more destinations for both locals and visitors to congregate for good times! 

Clearly, the excitement is brewing so much so that recently, Newsday featured our Village as a growing “culinary hub” which is something that many people probably would have never expected to hear.  Pretty neat.

As we move towards the Holiday Season, I wish to remind everyone about the events to be held on December 8th.  They include the Annual Christmas Wreath Contest, the Annual Historical Society Holiday Meeting, Santa in the Gazebo Park (sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce) and lastly, our Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.  We expect to see everyone at these events so mark your calendars!

Also, let’s go Bulldogs!  Our Lindenhurst High School Varsity Football Team is chasing it’s 3rd straight County Crown so let’s root hard for the boys.

As the weather changes our Deputy Mayor Maryann Weckerle wishes to remind residents that driving during the winter months can be extremely dangerous, especially when it snows. However, driving with extra caution and adhering to the rules of the road can help to ensure safe passage for all motorists. Motorists can enhance safety, visibility, and mobility throughout the season by making sure that our vehicles are winter–ready.  Before driving, be sure to clear all windows, lights and external mirrors of snow and ice, be observant of roadway conditions and proceed at appropriate speeds.

In the event of a snow emergency, be alert to weather advisories. If you do not need to travel, stay put until the roads are cleared of snow and ice.  If you must drive: 1) Plan alternate ways and allow extra time to travel to main routes and to your place of destination; 2) Slow down, brake slowly and allow plenty of room between you and the vehicle ahead of you; 3) During times of reduced visibility, watch for pedestrians, bicycles and disabled vehicles; 4) Maintain your vehicle properly. Check your car battery and replenish antifreeze and windshield washer fluids.  Always keep a flashlight, snowbrush, ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets and an extra set of clothes in your vehicle and finally, 5) Keep a cell phone and charger handy.

As soon as you are aware that bad weather is on the way, make every effort to keep your car off the street. This protects your car from being plowed in or being hit by passing vehicles and the snowplow has space to safely plow the snow.  In general, when shoveling out the mouth of your driveway, throw the snow to the right of your driveway. Throwing or plowing snow into the road can create a patch of snow and ice and cause a hazardous condition.  It is unlawful to shovel or dump snow into spaces reserved for handicap parking.

“Let us all try to make this winter enjoyable and free from motor vehicle accidents by taking that extra step to ensure the safety of yourself and your fellow motorists,” notes Deputy Mayor Weckerle.     

It is important to our administration that we continue to hear the ideas, suggestions and concerns of residents. If you have something you would like to share with the Village Board, please contact Village Hall.

Along with the Board of Trustees, our Administrative staff and all the employees of the Village, we look forward to continuing to serve the Village to the best of our abilities for the betterment of Lindenhurst!

Warmest Regards,

Mayor Mike