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HEADLINE
NEWS IN EAST HILLS
Superintendent Speaks on Budget
 Dr. Daniel Brenner, Superintendent of the Roslyn School District, was the guest speaker at the East Hills Senior Activities Committee meeting. The Superintendent, as well as Joseph Dragone, Assistant Superintendent for Business, presented a comprehensive analysis of the proposed operating budget and capital projects budget to over 60 residents of East Hills on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. The slide show and briefing was part of the weekly current events program which is held at the Park at East Hills. The presentation "was informative, clear and educational" according several of the residents who attended. The applause at the end of the meeting indicated a true appreciation for the candor expressed during the overview..
Shown, in the photo along with Superintendent Brenner (front row third from left) and Joseph Dragone, Assistant Principal for Business (second row), are, from left to right, East Hills Trustee Peter Zuckerman, Walter Reed who spearheaded the event, Irwin Plotkin who chairs the Senior Activities Committee, Manny Zuckerman, East Hills Deputy Mayor, East Hills Trustee Gary Leventhal and East Hills Trustee Clara Pomerantz.
No Lowe's Home Center Now
Thanks to Mayor and Board's
Success in Securing New Buyer
to Use Property for Office Space
East Hills, New York: According to Mayor Michael R. Koblenz, the Pall Corporation Property on Northern Boulevard, which was owned by Lowe's Corp., has been sold to Steel Equities. The property, which was once an old manufacturing facility, was purchased by Lowe's Corp. Subsequent to Lowe's taking ownership it sought to build a Lowe's Home Center at the site. That proposal "would have involved long hours and frequent deliveries by 22 wheel trucks" according to Mayor Koblenz. At that time, many East Hills residents had expressed outrage that the commercial home center would create chaos and cause massive traffic congestion on Northern Boulevard and even on Glen Cove Road. "That concern, which I shared and championed, is now thankfully put to rest" said Mayor Koblenz. "We looked for an alternative solution for over a year and a half" the Mayor added. 'We were concerned that the Lowe's project would have created greater gridlock, louder noise which could be heard by our residents in Country Estates, pollution and even severe traffic problems for everyone trying to get to and from the Sid Jacobson JCC. Now, through this change we will have a perfect fit. We will even require that Forest Drive be repaved without any tax dollars. That savings could be up to an estimated $600,000. We will also gain added taxes from the multiple improvements that Steel Equities will be making to the 300,000 square foot building. The purchase, therefore, is a resounding victory for our residents and will help preserve the finest lifestyle for our families and children" said Mayor Koblenz.
The new purchaser is Steel Equities, a commercial developer whose headquarters are at 700 Hicksville Road, Bethpage, NY 11714.
The Mayor announced that the tax revenue will also have a positive tax impact for the Village and its residents. It is anticipated that the improvements made by Steel Equities to develop the office space will equate to tens of thousands of additional dollars in annual tax revenue to the Village.
BARK PARK AT EAST HILLS POPULARITY CAPTURED
The "Bark Park" at the Park at East Hills recently became the focus of a Newsday.com feature. With only a few hours notice, an alert went out to all dog lovers to bring their pets to the park...read more
Read Article at Newsday
TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD AND VILLAGE OF EAST HILLS PARTNER FOR MAJOR PARK SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
The Town of North Hempstead and the Village of East Hills are teaming up to construct cobblestoned sidewalks along Harbor Hill Road in order to make the street safer for pedestrians, especially the children who walk along the road to get to the new East Hills pool and recreation complex on Harbor Road.
"Councilman Dwyer and I are proud to work with Mayor Michael Koblenz and his board to make the park at East Hills an even safer, more family-friendly destination," said Supervisor Jon Kaiman. "The project will include a special blend of safety protections as well as beautification efforts."
"East Hills residents are also our residents," said Town Councilman Tom Dwyer. "Working together through this intermunicipal agreement will save tens of thousands of tax payer dollars."
The Town presently has municipal agreements between the town and local villages, schools and special districts. This agreement will be similar in nature to the other inter-municipal agreements. The cost savings are realized because the Town will not make any profit on the extensive work which will be completed.
Mayor Koblenz added, "East Hills is very fortunate to have the close cooperation for both Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Councilman Tom Dwyer. I thank them for arranging for the major improvements and agreeing to pursue a major project for our community."
Shown, from left to right are Village Trustee Peter Zuckerman, Deputy Mayor Manny Zuckerman, Mayor Michael R. Koblenz, Town of North Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Town Councilman Tom Dwyer who finalized the details, Village Trustee Clara Pomerantz, Charlie Berman, Town of North Hempstead Receiver of Taxes, and Village Trustee Gary Leventhal.
Mayor Calls for Major State Reforms
East Hillls Mayor Michael R. Koblenz, with the concurrence of the Board of Trustees, today wrote to Governor Cuomo, Majority Leader Skelos, Speaker Silver and the East Hills State elected officials calling for reforms that will lead to reduced costs for pensions and health insurance and all unfounded mandates imposed on Villages. The Village endorsed recent endorsed NYCOM proposals that seek new measures to control costs imposed on villages. He noted that pension costs and bills in State Retirement System will increase by 40% in both 2011 and 2012. The Mayor called for "meaningful reforms to be implemented immediately at the State level to address the costs that are driving up the system and grant relief, rather than just thrusting these upward spiralling costs on local governments."
BRIGHT, BEAUTIFUL DAY AT SNOW MOUNTAIN AT PARK
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Mayor Koblenz officially declared Snow Mountain Open on February 11, 2010 after more than a foot of snow fell in East Hills. Immediately, parents and children began enjoying a winter wonderland of fun, excitement and thrills.
Now, the Winter Olympics may take a back seat to competition on Snow Mountain.
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Lisa Blaustein returns to Board of Zoning and Appeals
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Mayor Michael R. Koblenz added former Chair of the BZA, Lisa Blaustein to the committee as an ad hoc committee member. The Mayor said, "Lisa is one of our most knowledgeable leaders and always a pleasure to have serve our Village. I welcome her back and truly appreciate her willingness to serve our community." She was sworn in at the monthly November Board of Trustees meeting.
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Spooktacular Proclamations
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Mayor and Board thank Erica Montalbano, who along with Jacqueline Wachsman organize and planned the Halloween Spooktacular. Members of the Board of Trustees are shown (L-R) Deputy Mayor Linda Nathanson, and Trustees Peter Zuckerman, Manny Zuckerman, and Gary Leventhal.
Accepting a proclamation is David Waldman, a committee member and co-chair of the Country Estates Civic Association, along with Ms.
Montalbano's son who attended the ceremonies. Mayor Koblenz said the event was "spectacular" and gave all committee members resolutions recording the great achievement for East Hills. Other members who received proclamations included Jodi Wigginton.
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Charitable Clothing Drive: A Resounding Success Which Exceeds Greatest Expectations
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Mayor Koblenz said he was delighted and gratified with the response from East Hills to the clothing drive. Originally six boxes of clothes were the standard that was hoped to be achieved. Before the two day event concluded, over 20 boxes of clothing were contributed to Big Brothers, Big Sisters; a non sectarian, nonprofit organization. The Mayor said the event was a "perfect ten" and credited Mathew Kafka for heading up the effort and Ross Goldenberg for originating the concept and helping to coordinate the project over the two day period. Shown, from left to right, along with Mayor Michael R. Koblenz are Janna Goldenberg and Rick Goldenberg who lent their strong support, contributor and former East Hills Trustee Larry Krasnoff, Lainie Krasnoff and on the bottom row, (L-R), Camryn Byrnes, Ross Goldenberg, Mathew Kafka and Logan Hanft. Not shown is Steven Kafka, Chair of the Traffic and Safety Committee who also lent his strong support for the first Charitable Clothing Drive in the Village.
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East Hills School Goes Gold at Holidays!
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Mayor Michael Koblenz, wishing residents the warmest holidays, expressed his particular gratitude to Principal Allison Brown for holding a holiday songfest at the Village. The exceptional talent was developed by Iris Ziporkin, Vocal & Instrumental Teacher and Frank Cifali, Instrumental Music Teacher. It was another smash success which drew universal acclaim. Mayor Koblenz said "The children's talented performance started off the holiday season on the right." Shown along with the students, are, from left to right are Trustee Manny Zuckerman, Deputy Mayor Linda Nathanson, Mayor Michael R. Koblenz, Principal Allison Brown, Iris Ziporkin, Frank Cifali, and Trustee Gary Leventhal.
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Mayor Koblenz presents to Jourdan Urbach the prestigious national "Very Best in Youth Award" by Nestle.
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Mayor Koblenz presents to Jourdan Urbach the prestigious national "Very Best in Youth Award" by Nestle. Jourdan, who was a former student in the East Hills government internship program, president of the program, and winner of the Mayor's Award for outstanding student, returned home over the Thanksgiving Holiday from Yale to be presented the national award. Jourdan won the celebrated award because of his international acclaim for his musical artistry, his significant contributions to MS-focused neuroscience research, and for his widespread humanitarian and philanthropic endeavors. Jourdan Urbach founded and directs "Children Helping Children," a musical charity organization that raises funds through "Concerts for a Cure" for cutting edge neurological research, pediatric hospital divisions, and international medical organizations targeting the eradication of neurological disease. To date, Jourdan has raised an overwhelming $4.6 million to fight the dreaded disease. Mayor Koblenz said "Jourdan's efforts are truly unique and the contributions he makes to help develop cures unparalleled in magnitude. As a intern he excelled, as a student he set new standards, and as a person, we are so very proud of him. The wonderful contributions he makes serve to further the cause of science and, at the same time, the lives of so many victims who are inflicted with these horrid diseases."
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Environment Day in East Hills
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With one of the highest goals of the Village of East Hills to protect and preserve the environment, the community held its first day dedicated to this cause. The event coincided with the closing of the pool over Labor Day weekend.
It was appropriately called "GreenDay" and featured the newest hybrid cars from Rallye Motors through Nick Toomey, and informational booths by the New York State Public Service Commission, thanks to resident and executive at the PSC, Jill Wasser, and the Roslyn Water District, at the behest of residents Jack Russo, Chair, and Michael Kosinski, Commissioner. A cornucopia of fruit in a handsome basket was also contributed by Whole Foods and raffled to the residents who discussed issues and products with the vendors. Jed Pomerantz, who chaired the event was credited with yet another great success.
The day emphasized the need for residents to focus on the ways and the means to conserve energy, preserve the environment and reduce dependency on foreign oil. Mayor Koblenz added: "Today, modern technology offers us many choices to become more prudent and contribute to solving the greenhouse effect and foreign dependency on oil which are some of the most pressing issues of our time. Whether residents install solar panels, purchase Hallogen lights, or purchase more economically fine tuned cars, they help play a role in addressing a global problem.
To lend our strong support our Villaqe now uses Prius vehicles for our security force; has a major recycling program; and even complies with all the environmentally friendly, but extensive spill and run-off requirements. We are strongly supportive and involved. Through GreenDay, which we now expect to be an annual event, everyone is reminded to join in this critically important mission.
Trustee Manny Zuckerman (left) is shown with the Superintendent of the Roslyn Water District Richard J. Passariello. The Mayor thanked the Commissioners and Staff for providing an educational booth and informing the residents of the advantages of its purification process and means to protect the environment.
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Rallye Auto Group, which sells Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Acura, Lexus and Smart Cars furnished top of the line environmentally friendly and economical cars. Mayor Koblenz thanked Nick Toomey for once again strongly supporting the Village.
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Mayor Koblenz is shown with members of the NYS Public Service Commission who were an integral part of the program. The Mayor expressed his appreciation the State for helping to
make the day a success. Shown from left to right along with the Mayor are Robert Crespo, Roger Petti and Shawnika Tanner. Mayor Koblenz added that the program could not have proceeded without the invaluable help and support of resident Jill Wasser who is an executive at the Commission.
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Village of East Hills Commendation
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Mayor Michael R. Koblenz presents an Official Commendation to Jeremy Manor for a successful save while on duty. Shown from left to right, along with the Mayor are fellow lifeguards Harrison Spatz, Danielle Brendel, Joanna Eberhart, Jeremy Manor David Washor, Lauren Gray and Stefanie Klapper
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Mayor koblenz Congratulates, and presents an official commendation to Anna Seifert for recessitating a youth as fellow lifeguards look on. Shown, from left to right are Michael Rose, Natalie Miller, Stacy Riley, David Scherzer, Anna Seifert (Head Lifeguard), Zach Miller who expressed his appreciation, Brian Corneliess, and Lauren Gray.
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New Convenience for East Hills and Other Village Residents: Supercommunters to New York City
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The Long Island Transit Bus Company now offers daily trips from Christopher Morley Park to Wall Street Area at:
6:20 a.m.
6:50 a.m.
7:25 a.m.
8:05 a.m.
The Wall Street stops include one dropoff at Second Avenue and 34th Street before heading downtown to
Water and John Street, Water Street and Hanover Square, Water Street and Broad Street, State Street and Bridge Street, and the World Financial Center at South End Avenue and Albany Street.
The Long Island Transit Bus Company also makes daily trips from Christopher Morley Park to Midtown at:
6:35 a.m.
7:10 a.m.
7:50 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
The destinations include East 34th Street at Third Avenue,. East 34th Street and Madison Avenue, Sixth Avenue and East 35th Street, Sixth Avenue and East 42nd Street, East 50th Street East 57th Street and Sixth Avenue, East 57th St. and Fifth Avenue, East 57th St.and Lexington Avenue.
Buses return from Wall Street continuously from 4:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. They arrive between 6:15 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. The midtown route to Long Island returns from 4:445p.m. to 7p.m. They arrive from 6:15 p.m. to 8:10 p.m.
The cost one way is $9.00. The monthly roundtrip commuter fare is $199. Call 1-888-855-4255 for further information.
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Mayor to President-Elect Obama: Think Village!
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Mayor Michael R. Koblenz wrote to President-Elect Barack Obama on behalf of local municipalities, agreeing that a extensive recovery package is necessary to stimulate the faltering economy, but asking that he consider the infusion of funds directly into villages all across America. "By devoting funds specifically for villages" the Mayor wrote, "these municipalities will be able to rebuild their roads and effectively implement public works projects. As the closest governmental unit to residents, villages know the highest and most immediate needs of their communities and can quickly move forward on necessary and critically important projects."
Through creation of 2.5 million jobs, the Mayor said, the economy might be reignited. Through these means "a halt" might be placed on "the economy's downward spiral."
"As the closest governmental unit to residents" the Mayor concluded, "villages know the highest and most immediate needs of their communities and can quickly move forward on necessary and critically important projects."
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LIPA RESPONDS TO MAYOR'S MANDATE
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A new program by The Long Island Power Authority in East Hills which was designed to prevent the discontinuance of electrical service is showing outstanding and immediate results in the Village. The program was implemented after Mayor Koblenz required LIPA to address the outages in the community.
The finer details of the extensive program, which involves the replacement and updating of equipment, was worked out by Aaron Cohen, Chairman of the East Hills LIPA Commission, members of the LIPA Commission, Deputy Mayor Linda Nathanson and Trustee Gary Leventhal. Mayor Koblenz said he was proud of the work of the Commission, the members of his administration and LIPA for the reforms. The Mayor announced that there are now 46% less interruptions and 83% fewer customers affected over the previous six month period. The progress resulted from cutting edge technologies being installed in the Village. The result was uninterrupted service, even during periods of thunderstorms.
Mayor Koblenz went on to state: "We applaud the members of our commission for their excellent work and stellar results. We thank LIPA for making the East Hills project a high priority and for obtaining significant results. We truly appreciate the leadership they've shown, and hope that our Village continues to enjoy the improved service."
At the most recent meeting were Deputy Mayor Linda Nathanson, Bruce Joseph, Resident Aaron Cohen, Chairman of Committee, Mayor Michael Koblenz, Tracy Burgess Levy, LIPA Director of Community Relations, Stephan A. Goldstein, Neil DerAris, Claire Girardot, LIPA Director of Customer Relations. Also included were Michael Harvey, LIPA VP Operations, Joseph Odierna, Manager Reliability, Trustee Gary Leventhal. Other members of the LIPA Commission are Susan Berman and Guy Mintz.
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Mayor Koblenz announced the complete success of the first photographic exhibition ever in East Hills.
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The photographer and artist who was featured was community leader, Dr. Aaron Cohen. His colorful and talented exhibit is entitled "Pixels, Places, and Things." The exhibit will be open at Village Hall during all regular hours beginning on May 25, 2008 through June 30,2008. Other Arts and Photography exhibits have already been planned as part of continuing arts festival featuring East Hills residents at Village Hall.
"There are many highly skilled and talented people in our community" said Mayor Koblenz. "We are delighted to open with Dr. Aaron Cohen. His unique work takes pictures and transforms them using digital photography and Photoshop."
Dr. Cohen, whose profession is dentistry, has lived with his family in East Hills for many years. He is the chairman of the LIPA Commission, and has served on other village committees in the past. He is avid photographer who has developed his skills since he was a small boy in Howard Beach. Dr. Cohen will exhibit 40 of his photographs taken in the United States and Europe.
Dr. Cohen's looks at his subjects with the philosophy "that there is beauty all around us - even in the simplest things." He looks at objects and scenery; visualizes how the picture will look when he finishes making and printing it; and then tries to capture the beauty of what he sees through his camera.
The result will be for all to view as Dr. Cohen displays his artistry.
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East Hills Becomes One of Earliest Villages on North Shore to Approve FIOS Contract
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Mayor Michael Koblenz and the Board of Trustees approved a contract with Verizon on February 7, 2008 to allow FIOS cable television services to be offered in East Hills. The Village now becomes one of the earliest villages on the North Shore to permit the FIOS cable television services to be available to residents. The contract between East Hills and Verizon now goes before the NYS Public Service Commission for approval. The service is expected to be available in late March through Verizon to an overwhelming number of East Hills residents. The Mayor thanked Verizon for their cooperation and Cablevision for their valuable input. The Mayor stressed emphatically that he wants Verizon to finish the cable installation in all of East Hills as soon as possible. He added "we believe in competition and in giving our residents the right to choose. It is then their decision to on which services best suit their needs and which products they favor. We feel that competition fosters innovation and helps to contain prices in the marketplace."
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Another Smash Success for The Seniors Program in East Hills
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Led by Irwin Plotkin and his effective committee members, the Senior Committee had another highly successful event. With a sold out crowd of close to eighty residents, District Attorney Kathleen Rice spoke to the seniors in East Hills about crimes senior face and her work to punish wrongdoers. The overwhelming reaction to her presentation was that it was thought provoking, informative and interesting according. It was another proud day for the award-winning Senior Activities Committee. Mayor Koblenz immediately credited the committee with "yet another spectacular program which provides the greatest service to our community." Irwin Plotkin thanked the Mayor for his all out support, and said the "feedback indicated that Kathleen Rice's presentation was an outstanding and resounding success." The members of the community who lead the Senior Activities Committee include: Irwin Plotkin, Chairman, Irving Chernofsky, Treasurer, Millie Krefsky, (a chief architect of the program), Sidney Krefsky, Roz Goldenberg, Harold Shnitkin, and Jack Sosne.
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Mayor Proudly Accepts Request for Tour by Great Neck Park District
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When the Superintendent, Commissioners and Committee Members of the Great Neck Park District asked to visit and tour the Park at East Hills Mayor Koblenz was only too happy to accept. "I was quite glad and flattered to receive their request and immediately extended a warm welcome on what turned out be a rather cold day to tour all our facilities." Earlier this year, professional landscape engineers had also toured the property after the facility won First Place from the New York Parks and Recreational Society.
Officials of the Great Neck Park District requested a tour of the Park at East Hills with specific emphasis on creating a new facility for their canine residents and to also learn the methods of using a card system for security at a park. Park Director Steve Olsen and Facilities Manager Michael Kosinski answered technical questions as they viewed the facilities.
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Seniors Ready To Enjoy Power Luncheon
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Seniors Awarded Best Program |
East Hills Mayor Michel R. Koblenz has named the Senior Activities Committee the "Best Program of the Year." The first annual award will be presented at the December board meeting.
In presenting the award, Mayor Koblenz lauded Irwin Plotkin and Millie Krefsky as the leaders who formulated the program and who implemented over 13 major activities in 2007. The committee recorded unprecedented participation during its first year of operation. Over 300 seniors attended the opening brunch which was held at Village Hall. The program is limited to East Hills residents.
This past year the committee organized such original activities as a trip to the wine country in New Jersey to a trip to Foxwoods and to a dinner theatre on Long Island. Their creative programs also included a spectacular Halloween Dinner-Dance in the Village Theatre just weeks ago. The plans for the future feature Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice speaking to their members. In addition, ongoing programs also include bridge, Mah Jong, current events, a book club, a rap session for women and a discount program for seniors in the village at local restaurants. Both the response and reaction to the programs has been "overwhelming" according to Chairman Irwin Plotkin. "We even added an extra bus to the trip to Foxwoods" he emphasized.
The Mayor and Board approved the senior program unanimously. At the time, the board concluded it would "encourage an even added lifestyle for the venerable members of the community."
"We are grateful to the Mayor and the Board for their unwavering support and encouragement of our efforts" said Chairman Plokin. "We accept the honor with added enthusiasm, zest and earnestness for our commitment to the program in the future."
The members of the community who lead the Senior Activities Committee and who are principally responsible for the success include: Irwin Plotkin, Chairman, Irving Chernofsky, Treasurer, Millie Krefsky, (a chief architect of the program), Sidney Krefsky, Roz Goldenberg, Harold Shnitkin, and Jack Sosne.
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MIXED DOUBLES TOURNAMENT HELD
PROMOTING EAST HILLS! |
Mayor Michael R. Koblenz and members of the board met with top local real estate brokers and salespeople to promote the Village. They met with the local business people at a special breakfast and tour of the new Park. The Mayor said the sole purpose was to raise real estate values in the community. More on inside page... |
May 2007 - Highest Honors for Park at East Hills!
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The Park at East Hills was selected as Class I Outstanding Facility in New York State by the New York State Recreation & Park Society. The organization was established in 1940. In response to being notified of the prestigious award, Mayor Koblenz said he "was extremely appreciative and honored. The award reflects the hard work and commitment of my board, talented designer Dick Ward, and our fine contractor, Ed Galvin." The Mayor will be given the award at the New York State Recreation & Park Society Annual Conference held in Buffalo, New York on April 24, 2007.
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East Hills Gains Highest Credit Rating in New York State
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The many programs that are being offered are provided because of the generous support of our local sponsors. Without this sponsorship the Village would not be able to provide the high level of programs and materials that are available to the residents. Today East Hills maintains an Aa2 Moody's rating. Only 7 villages in New York State have a rating equal or higher than the new prestigious financial assessment and rating given to East Hills. There are a reported 554 villages in New York State according to the New York Conference of Mayor's statistics. Whether it is the concert series sponsored by Kitchen Kabaret, the Opening Day funded by Mim's Restaurant, the fireworks display by the new Brivo Restaurant soon to arrive, the Senior Program backed by Sole Dimension or the East Hills, the Newcomer's Day by Americana Manhasset, or the East Hills Calendar supported by Rallye Motors, the Village is deeply appreciative for their support which provides the funding for these programs.
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2006 GAP Students Astutely Predicted A Democratic Senate a Month before the Election!
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Roslyn High School students, who serve as interns in the East Hills Village Government predicted overwhelmingly that the United States Senate will turn Democratic. The Senate is now 55 to 44 in favor of Republicans. In order to gain a majority in the Senate (51 seats), Democrats need a net gain of at least six of the thirty-three seats being contested.
Six of the ten students predicted that the Senate will turn Democratic by gaining control of at least six of the 33 contested seats. Based on the students' predictions, the candidates most likely to lose include: Conrad Burns (Montana), Bob Corker (Tennessee), George Allen (Virginia), Lincoln Chafee (Rhode Island), Mike Dewine (Ohio), Rick Santorum (Pennsylvania), Claire McCaskill (Missouri), and Mark Kennedy (Minnesota).
The Government Apprenticeship Program (GAP) is run in association with the Roslyn High School. Students are given community service hours for their participation and credit for their involvement. The Fall 2006 program includes: Spencer Blaustein, Nicole Crystal, Rachel Golian, David Hollander, Adam Ilowite, Michael Makowsky, Mariel Milner, Alex Pascale, Alec Staszewski, and Michael Takvor.
When the GAP was initiated six years ago, Mayor Koblenz received the coveted "Best Local Program in New York State" by the Conference of Mayors. The Mayor and Board of Trustees embraced the concept of the program in order to give students first-hand knowledge and insight into local government.
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July 4th weekend we
opened the pool, locker rooms and grille.
September 4th we plan on the Grand Opening for the Park at East
Hills. The evening facilities will feature ceremonies and a concert
by Taylor Dayne, recording star and former lead in Aida. The evening
will be capped off by an exciting fireworks display.
On Labor Day, enjoy an
outdoor barbeque cooked by our caterer. Bring a blanket and buy your
family dinner on the Great Lawn.
It's fun for everyone! |
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Moody's boosts East Hills' Rating to
One of Highest in New York State
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Mayor Koblenz said he was
"honored and delighted" to receive news that East Hills had been given
one of the highest bond ratings in New York State for villages. "The
strong vote of confidence was a great 75th Anniversary present for our
Village" Mayor Koblenz added. East Hills was upgraded by Moody's
Investors Service from an Aa2 from an Aa3. Only 7 villages in New York
State have a rating equal or higher than the new prestigious rating
given to East Hills. There are a reported 554 villages in New York State
according to the New York Conference of Mayor's statistics.
"The upgrade to Aa2" stated Moody's reflects the village's wealthy and
sizable, albeit largely built-out, tax base, sound financial operations
with satisfactory reserves and below average levels of debt."
The good news for East Hills was further buttressed by Moody's strong
statement of confidence that they "expect the village will continue to
maintain a strong financial position."
In compiling the in-depth analysis of East Hills, Moody's examined the
fiscal structure, budgets and infrastructure of the village. It also
reported that the population in 2000 was: 6,842, the 2005 full valuation
was $1.9 billion, and the 2005 full value per capita was $285,008. the
median family Income was 253.5% of state average (202% of metro
average).
Four credit analyst and credit officers were involved in the
comprehensive analysis. Mayor Koblenz credited a "joint effort our board
of trustees for the success." In addition to Mayor Koblenz, the East
Hills Board comprises Deputy Mayor, Linda Nathanson, and Trustees Gary
Leventhal, Manny Zuckerman, and Peter Zuckerman. |
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East Hills Enacts State Mandates
Against Security Breaches
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A s
a result of New York State legislation passed late last year, all
villages were directed to enact measures to protect against security
breaches which could compromise private information furnished by
residents and then encrypted. Encryption typically includes the
conversion of information into a coded form that "cannot be interpreted
without the use of a secret method or interpretation referred to as the
Key."
In
responding to the mandate, East Hills Mayor Michael R. Koblenz and the
Board of Trustees, at its regularly scheduled meeting held on March 20th
passed the State's model law which includes steps that must be taken in
the event confidential encrypted information is ever compromised, most
likely by cyber theft or other criminal activity.
The records and data that is protected includes social security numbers,
driver's license numbers, account numbers, and credit or debit card
numbers in combination with security codes, access codes, or passwords
which would permit access to an individual's financial account. While
this information has never been encrypted by the Village, the law
protects the future collection of this information in encrypted form.
East Hills reports that it does not, and has no plans to encrypt this
kind of information into its computer base. But according to Mayor
Michael R. Koblenz, the added mandates imposed by the State are
nevertheless welcomed. "We embrace any and all safeguards which will
further protect confidential information of our residents. In the
entirely unlikely possibility that our village ever encrypts this kind
of information and it is compromised, we will have the necessary steps
readily in place. These protections will then guard against identity
theft and other criminal misuses of the information."
Specifically, the model law requires that if a breach of the security of
confidential encrypted information ever occurs that the State's Office
of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination ("CSCIC")
must be notified. After review and the implementation of possible
restoration measures required by the CSCIC, the Attorney General and the
Consumer Protection Board will have to be notified.
The municipality must notify the affected resident by either Written N otice;
Electronic Notice, provided that the resident to whom notice is required
has expressly consented to receiving notice in electronic form and a log
of each notification is kept by the municipality that notifies affected
residents in such
form;
Telephone Notification, provided that a log of each notification is kept
by the municipality that notifies affected residents; or Substitute
Notice, if the municipality demonstrates to the state Attorney General
that cost of providing notice would exceed $250,000 or that the
affected class of persons to be notified exceeds $500,000, or the
municipality does not have sufficient contact information. |
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Mayor Koblenz was just presented a certificate of appreciation from the
Fairfield Civic Association for his leadership in fighting the Long
Island Expressway Expansion Program. The Mayor gained valuable
concessions in paying the streets, funding for school busses, added
security protections and more after a successful legal battle in the
Supreme Court of New York State.
Now being planned for early May is the "Newcomer's Day" for new residents
who are moving into East Hills. Please contact Deputy Mayor, Linda
Nathanson if you would like to attend.
Plans for the Park at East Hills are now being prepared for an opening as
soon as construction is complete. The Rules Committee has been meeting to
review and determine the best approach for the first year. The rules will
be reviewed in their entirety after the first Season.
Congratulations to Judi Winters on being named to the Town of North
Hempstead's Honor Role.
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East Hills
Says "No" to More Traffic
Mayor Michael R. Koblenz and the Board of Trustees of the Village of
East Hills announced its opposition to the implementation of Long
Island North Shore Heritage Area’s (LNSHA) plans and objectives for
the North Shore of Long Island. LINSHA was created by State
legislation in 1998. It is exploring ways to further attract tourism
and economic development for parts of seven towns on Long Island
including Town of North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Brookhaven,
Huntington, Riverhead, Smithtown and Southold -- and the City of Glen
Cove in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. LINSHA’s goals, according to
stated objectives include, among others "regional economic
revitalization," and "economic development with public and private
investment."
In becoming the first Village to voice its formal opposition to
LINSHA’s plans , Mayor Koblenz stated:
"More tourism means greater traffic which we can little afford.
Presently, our roads are overburdened and overtaxed."
"Instead of attracting more people and more traffic, all efforts
should be focused, as Nassau County is attempting to do, on
accommodating the record high number of vehicles already traveling
on our roads and creating serious gridlocks."
"Bottlenecks on certain roads have already reached epidemic
proportions with daily standstills and impasses. Take, for example,
Glen Cove Road and Northern Boulevard, which always seems to be
deadlocked. Other main arteries which are filled with traffic snarls
and logjams include Roslyn Road, Community Drive and Lakeville Road."
"It is also axiomatic to say that greater traffic is accompanied by
more emissions. These toxic fumes have a serious detrimental impact
on our environment. LINSHA’s plans call for additional development.
The consequence of development on Long Island will be that out
natural resources will become further taxed and drained. Along with
the impurities from the traffic, a deleterious impact would also be
felt on the water supply and sewage systems."
"In summary, the North Shore of Nassau County is one of the most
beautiful areas in the United States. We, in East Hills, want to
keep it that way. We want to ensure that the beauty on Long Island
and
in our community is never replaced by parking lots on our streets
and endless paralysis on our roads.”
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