As you may or may not be aware, our village is going to be experiencing some very exciting changes that will bring employment and prosperity to our community. The vacant Sears building has been purchased by a real estate and development company that has secured a long-term lease with Stony Brook Medical. The collaboration of medical and retail will assist in keeping the Smith Haven Mall vibrant and active.
Wegmans Food Market has purchased half of the property at the center located on Middle Country Road where Miller’s Ale House is. Those familiar with Wegmans are very excited about them coming to Lake Grove as it will be the first Long Island store for the chain. This privately held supermarket chain is very particular about where they locate their stores, and we are proud that they have chosen our village to come to the Island.
These additions to our village will encourage other retailers to come into the community, further enhancing the area by occupying what are now challenged retail spaces that would otherwise become a blight to the community.
These projects also provide a good source of revenue through permit, inspection and engineering fees.
We have also been very busy at Village Hall. Day to day operations and harsh weather conditions take a toll on our Department of Public Works equipment. Diligent office staff along with your village board have set out to utilize FEMA storm related monies and constantly pursue grant dollars to replenish some of our aging fleet. Storms, whether they are tropical or winter storms, put a lot of wear on even the best maintained equipment.
Equipment is replaced while it still retains some value for a less demanding entity. These vehicles generally go to auction and help to make the purchase of a new vehicle less of a burden on our budget. Both the big green garbage truck used for leaf bag pick-up and the very old Mobile sweeper will be sold and replaced with brand new vehicles. We are also taking ownership of our third electric vehicle to be used by our building inspectors. These vehicles are perfect for our purposes of local driving.
The village is also taking bids for a new electric sign to advertise upcoming events, meetings, and safety related notices.
Speaking of events, our annual Summerfest will be held on August 21, as it is always held on the third Sunday of the month of August. The event will start at 11:30 a.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m. It will be a full day of music, food trucks, vendors and a classic car show.
Classic cars will start arriving at 8:30 a.m. to set off the event. Come early and stay late. It’s a great summer event for the entire family.
Please feel free to contact us at Village Hall about any of the above information.
As always, thank you for your continued support!
Robert J. Scottaline (Bob), Mayor