A Message from the Lake Grove Mayor

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we look to put this winter behind us, I would like to acknowledge an extraordinary group of people. The men and woman that kept us safe this winter deserve recognition.  This was an extremely difficult winter for these employees, who left their homes and families to safeguard our roadways. They don’t often get the respect that they deserve.

We often receive calls that they “pushed snow in my apron” or “they damaged my mailbox”. Snow coming off of plows gets pushed to the side of the road because that’s what it’s designed to do. It is frustrating at times that this occurs after we, as homeowners, have cleared our areas, but it’s just the way it is. You just can’t take it all away.

With that being said, it is very frustrating for our workers that, after they make a pass to clean roads, people illegally push or blow their driveways back onto the road, or clean their cars off in the freshly cleared areas.  This creates a dangerous area, or if we return to clear it, it pushes the snow back onto someone’s apron. New York State law prohibits such actions, and as such, these violations are subject to fines.

Our DPW workers take pride in what they do, often working many consecutive hours and not returning home for a couple of days at a time when necessary. That means that they depend on family members or neighbors to dig their homes out.

Plowing is a very stressful and even dangerous job at times. Yes, they’re paid to do it, but that doesn’t make the task less stressful. I’ve gone out with them in the past, and I’m glad to have walked a mile in their shoes, so that I may give them the accolades that they deserve for a job well done this winter. They have made me, the entire Village board, and staff proud to call them colleagues.

While I’m talking about our tax dollars at work, it should be mentioned that we replaced four of our fleet trucks last spring with new trucks, sanders, and plows; a decision that now seems to be a very good one. Ten- and eleven-year-old equipment would not have fared well with the amount of snow and ice we had this winter.

We now look forward to the completion and opening of Gerald L. Lotto Memorial Park. The park, located next to Village Hall, will be all-inclusive, providing equipment for all children, including those with special needs. Thank you to our village staff for making this a reality through dedicated hard work and securing multiple grants.

I hope to see you all at one of our upcoming events.  Despite the winter weather, Summerfest will be here before you know it.

Thank you for your continued support.

Robert J. Scottaline, Mayor