June 1—If much is anticipated from a public servant’s first hundred days in office, how much more should be expected from their first 11 months.
In reporting on the current state of the Village of Lawrence, I’m happy to note that, thanks to the efforts of a talented staff, devoted elected officials, committed volunteer board members, and involved and cooperative residents, the past 332 days have been productive, innovative, and successful.
Decades-old flooding on Harborview and Marbridge Road was ameliorated and roads were paved, repaired, and (of course) effectively plowed of snow. Utilities were updated, new street signs were posted throughout the village, new LED lighting is being installed, a law requiring lit house numbers was enacted, double poles are being removed, and trees were planted and shrubs and bushes trimmed, with overhead flower pots planned for Central Avenue, in an effort to combine beautification with safety. The Village Zoning Code was revised to facilitate new, but rational, construction; the Building Department expanded and streamlined its services, and the Board of Building Design’s procedures are being reviewed.
On its own initiative, Lawrence restored lighting, lost in Superstorm Sandy, to the hazardous Nassau Expressway/Route 878.
Financially, Lawrence remains sound as it receives additional newly developed income from the sale of surplus property, fairly compensates its dedicated, skilled personnel while remaining sensitive to fiscal reality, utilizes its own resources to reduce costs, and implements new accounting software to increase efficiency.
Our Lawrence Yacht and Country Club, boasting renovated facilities, new chairs in the ballroom, and caterers recognized for elegance and quality, continues to expand membership as new bunkers, added safety equipment, and increased programs enhance the golf course, while tennis enjoys a revitalized club house and the introduction of night tennis and pickleball; and the marina offers dry storage for winter with electric and water, and convenient lockers.
Maintaining regular, positive working relationships with the NCPD, LCFD, APD, Sanitary District, Board of Education, the county, town, and all our neighboring villages remains a priority, as do the issues regarding pest control, property maintenance, the upkeep of our physical plant and infrastructure, the eventual appropriate disposition of our own decommissioned sewer plant, as well as the relocation of the Peninsula Public Library to Zion Park.
Much, if not all, of what has been accomplished is predicated on the principle that there is no such thing as a “bad” idea. Some ideas may be impractical or beyond implementation, but no idea is “bad.” As a result, every component of the village, whether it be [an] elected representative, salaried employee, unpaid volunteer, concerned resident, or interested neighbor, [is] encouraged to participate in the governing process. They do so in a warm, welcoming atmosphere of camaraderie, confident that their village government is here to serve them and maintain their quality of life, and proud and even thrilled, as am I, to call their home the Incorporated Village of Lawrence.