Upcoming Budget Workshop, Community Development Discussed at Village Board Meeting

Money was the main topic of the meeting this week...as in, how to spend it, which in part will be decided at an upcoming public budget hearing announced Monday.

Mayor James Altadonna authorized the Village administrator to advertise for a public hearing to work on the Village's tentative 2011-2012 budget, scheduled for April 11 at 8 p.m. in the Village Hall.

"The state has a two percent property tax cap," he said. "We're not anticipating raising taxes, but if we're only allowed two percent a year, we might just have to do it just so we don't get behind."

Altadonna also announced that a hearing will take place at the next Board meeting on March 28 to consider the use of Community Development funds in the area of residential rehabilitation.

"We petition to the County to get money every year...we usually get a stipend," he said. "We often use it on low-income housing...we fix up their roofs, and other necessary repairs for residents."

Other possible uses for the money that are being considered are for improvements to public facilities and handicap ramps throughout the Village.

The Board refunded a $500 construction bond and $341 building permit fee to Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Vail, as the work to their home at 93 Von Huenfeld Street that they had gotten this documentation to support has been cancelled.

The Board also approved the Sign Permit application of South Shore Aesthetic Dentistry, which is installing a new awning-style sign on their storefront. Their office is located at 3891 Merrick Road.

And with warmer weather returning to the area, so are complaints from Massapequa Park resident Bill Ferro regarding alleged foul odors emanating from , located on Merrick Road in Massapequa Park.

"I didn't notice it during the winter because my windows were closed," he said. "But it's warmer now - Friday it's due to hit 70 degrees - and I want to be able to open my windows, unless Smokin' Al's owner wants to pay for my three air conditioners going every day."

Altadonna assured Ferro that the Village was taking his complaints regarding Smokin' Al's seriously.

"The owner of Smokin' Al's has done everything that we have asked to improve the problem, and it has improved," he said. "We will continue to look into the situation."

The next regularly-scheduled Massapequa Park Village board meeting is on Monday, March 28, at 8 p.m.