Rise and Shine: Village Crews Tackle Early Morning Clean Up

Village personnel were up bright and early Saturday, July 23, 2022 to clean up Garden City’s downtown business district before stores and restaurants opened for weekend business.

Reduced staffing in recent years in the Recreation and Parks and Public Works Departments has made it difficult to keep up with the litter created from events such as the Friday Night Promenades, as well as street garbage accumulated at food and drink establishments.

After many resident complaints, however, Mayor Cosmo Veneziale instructed Village Administrator Ralph Suozzi to take action.

“Apparently, the combination of the Promenade evenings and after hour bar venues has created the street garbage issues requiring Village overtime clean up,” Mayor Veneziale said, warning business owners who do not comply with the Village’s Sanitation requirements that they will be issued violations. “I want stricter enforcement of all Village laws.”

Residents are reminded to use trash and recycling receptacles that are strategically placed throughout the Village to dispose of any unwanted items. Merchants must properly dispose of all garbage and not leave it curbside behind their stores. Department of Public Works Superintendent Anthony DeRosa is aware of the situation and does have the authority to issue fines, as does the Police Department.

Trustee Bruce Torino spoke with Sanitation crews trying to keep up with the litter created by those in attendance at Friday’s promenade. “Unfortunately, on many occasions gravity, instead of placing refuse in a trash container, was the primary method of disposal of cups, wrappers, napkins and paper bags. When the revelers left - their trash remained,” he said. He walked the downtown early Saturday morning to see street sweepers and a small crew of Recreation and Parks personnel cleaning up planting beds along Franklin Avenue.

“I would be remiss if I did not thank and express my appreciation to the Village’s workforce who continually strive to make this Village and our home special. Early in the morning, later at night, in fair weather or foul, they are there for us,” Trustee Torino said.

Mr. Suozzi, working with Recreation and Parks as well as Public Works personnel, will continue the overtime clean up of Seventh Street and other areas of the Village. In the next budget cycle, the need to increase the workforce will be addressed to restore the staffing needed to meet the residents’ expectations.