Message from Mayor Bob Weitzner

Greetings Port North Residents and Businesses,

I wish to inform you of a number of issues being raised relating to the coronavirus pandemic and the stay at home directive issued by Governor Cuomo:

  1. Social Distancing Reminder – The Governor has mandated that we stay at home and not leave unless absolutely necessary. Please use common sense while we are dealing with this emergency. Remember to stay at least six feet away from other people, including during outdoor recreation. Do not congregate in large crowds. Practice social distancing when in grocery stores or pharmacies. Social distancing is the only way we can make a difference to stop the spread of the coronavirus to help flatten out the curve and keep our Village safe.
  2. Safety in Our Streets – With so many of us trying to enjoy the outdoors during this time, our streets are crowded with bikers, runners, dog walkers, etc. Please drive slowly and be cautious and considerate of each other.
  3. Construction and Building Permits – The Village has stopped issuing new building permits until further notice. The Building Department, as well as Village Hall, are closed to the public. Furthermore, under the Governor’s directive, no contractors should be working unless it is for safety reasons. Residents, please do your part in adhering to this policy and keep contractors off-site unless it is absolutely necessary.
  4. Landscapers and the Use of Leaf Blowers – While the Governor has included landscape maintenance as an essential function, the Village wishes to ask residents to reach out to their landscapers and, at the very least, discourage the use of leaf blowers until at least May 1st. This will allow for decreased noise pollution and also relieve some concerns during this emergency.
  5. Keep Our Streets Clean and Safe – We have seen more than our share of discarded masks and surgical gloves littering our streets. Please do your best to keep your property clean and safe. Dispose of all refuse, including protective masks, gloves, and dog waste bags, in proper receptacles.
  6. Village Election and Annual Meeting Update – The Governor has declared that all postponed Village elections will be rescheduled until at least June 1, 2020. Current Trustee positions will be held over until a new election takes place. Port North’s Annual Budget public hearing and Annual Meeting is still scheduled for April 22nd and will be held via a conference call which will be made open to the public. All other public hearings have been adjourned until May 27, 2020. Visit the Village’s website for more information. www.portwashingtonnorth.org.
  7. Are your neighbors OK? – While we encourage social distancing,we are also encouraging residents to check in on any neighbors who they believe may be vulnerable or are not receiving notifications and updates. If you are going shopping, ask a neighbor if they need anything that you can pick up for them.
  8. Small Business Owner Relief – We received some valuable information from Town Supervisor Bosworth regarding relief for small businesses in North Hempstead. I hope this can be of some assistance to any residents in need. Please see the attached Small Business Relief Resources.
  9. TONH/Solid Waste Management Authority Sunday Drop Off – The Town of North Hempstead will be closing the Sunday Residential Drop Off at the North Hempstead Transfer Station through April 26.

On a positive note, our Village remains strong and resilient during these difficult times. I have had the privilege of speaking to so many of you covering a wide range of topics. Please feel free to continue to reach out and express any opinions or thoughts you may have on how we can continue to work together to keep our Village safe.

Best to you all,
Mayor Bob
mayor@portwashingtonnorth.org

Government Links

Local Info & Helpful PDFs

New York State is moving forward with its planning policy for the COVID-19 vaccine, and Northwell Health is leading the distribution of the vaccine in Nassau County. We at the Town of North Hempstead want to share the information we have received in the hopes that it provides some clarity concerning the vaccine and when you and your loved ones will be able to receive it.

Effective January 11, New York State has moved into Phase 1B of the vaccine distribution. Along with members of the health care sector who were included in Phase 1A, Phase 1B includes teachers and education workers, first responders, public safety workers, public transit workers, and people 75 and older.

To check eligibility, register to receive the vaccine, or to simply find out more information, please visit the New York State website at www.ny.gov/vaccine or the Nassau County website at nassaucountyny.gov/vaccine. Due to high demand, the State’s registration system may not be displaying available appointments at this time.  Appointments are constantly added on a rolling basis, and we recommend checking the State’s website regularly.

Please also be aware that the New York State Vaccination Hotline is now available for residents to make appointments. The New York State Vaccination Hotline can be reached at 1-833-697-4829.

The early emergence of COVID-19 vaccines has brought on much needed optimism for the future. While availability has been limited, more residents will become eligible to receive the vaccine as distribution centers continue to open and New York’s supply increases. With that said, we are proud to partner with County Executive Curran to make vaccinations available at our Yes We Can Community Center facility in Westbury.

While the Town is not involved in the prioritization or distribution of the vaccine, we have created a page on our website that will include links and helpful information from the State and the County for anyone seeking additional details at northhempsteadny.gov/vaccine, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available.

Progress is being made, and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, we must remain cautious as the virus is still a very serious threat. Continue practicing social distancing, regularly washing your hands, and wearing your mask. Together, we will get through this.

As always, please be smart and stay safe.

Regards,

Judi

March 22, 2020

Re: IMPORTANT PORT WASHINGTON NORTH COVID-19 EMERGENCY UPDATE

Dear Village of Port Washington North Families & Community Members: I would like to take this opportunity to provide our community with an update regarding the Village’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of our residents, employees, and first responders are and will always be our top priority. As such, I have been in continuous contact with the Port Washington Police District, Port Washington Fire Department, our New York State delegation, Nassau County, Town of North Hempstead, Mayors from the surrounding area, and of course, our Village of Port Washington North Trustees and Emergency Management Commissioner. We are all working together to ensure that our Village remains healthy, strong, and secure.

Current Status

It is of the utmost importance that we all heed the advice of medical professionals and avoid crowds and gatherings of any size. Please seek to quarantine yourself within your home, whenever possible. If you feel ill, remain in your home until you have contacted your doctor or hospital. If you or anyone you know has additional questions or concerns, please visitcdc.gov or call New York State Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 where callers can speak to an actual medical expert. You can also with questions or concerns regarding travel and symptoms.

Social Distancing Is Key to Limiting the Spread of COVID-19

The Board of Trustees and I cannot express how proud and gratified we are regarding how our Village has stepped up to address this health emergency. I cannot recall the last time I’ve seen so many adults and children playing in their driveways and biking along our streets. Please exercise caution when driving through our streets given the increase in pedestrian activities around the Village. With that said, I am urging every resident to engage in social distancing, with no exceptions. When we talk about social distancing, that means everyone, everywhere. There have been instances of people here in our community, adults, children, and everyone in between – who have been going out and playing sports or sitting and eating at tables in parks in close proximity to one another. THIS IS DANGEROUS FOR EVERYONE. We need to be socially responsible. It’s not only important for us individually; it’s important for the health of the entire community. If we allow our children to play together in a park, for instance, and just one of them is carrying this virus, each one of those children could end up bringing the virus home to their parents and grandparents. We can’t take chances like this. At this point, outdoor exercise must be a solitary recreational activity as we must keep space between ourselves and others. The CDC clearly states that staying at least six feet away from other people greatly lessens our chances of catching and spreading COVID-19. Parents, please relay this message to your children. To do our part, the Village has restricted access to all tables at the Bay Walk Park. While you can walk throughout the park and take rests on benches, we are discouraging anyone from being in close proximity with one another.

Village Hall and Board Meeting Notice:

The Village Hall is currently closed to the public. If you need to come to Village Hall for permits, services, or assistance, please call ahead or attempt to speak with department staff over the phone instead of a visit (516-883-5900). Many Villagefunctions can be found and completed on our website, as opposed to in person. While we understand that residents may be temporarily inconvenienced by these changes, our top priority is ensuring that each member of this community remains safe and healthy during this time. We will be conducting the March 25th monthly board meeting by video conference. The meeting agenda will solely consist of approving abstracts and monthly budget reports and the hiring of temporary office staff to provide minimal essential services to the village. All other agenda items for the March 25th meeting will be carried over to the April 22nd meeting. The likelihood of that meeting taking place will be determined in the coming weeks and will be done by video conference as well. Until further notice, no other meetings will be taking place, including Village Court. Visit our website for additional information: www.portwashingtonnorth.org

P.W. Water District Water Main Project Underway

Residents may have noticed some road construction going on in our Village. The P.W. Water District has started a long-awaited, project to replace some of our failing water mains along sections of Soundview Drive, Steamboat Drive, and driftwood Drive. There is also the mobilization of equipment along Waterview Drive and Fishermans Drive. The result will be fewer water main breaks and less disruption of water service. This project, announced in our Winter Newsletter, is planned to run through July. The homeowners that are directly affected by road construction were personally notified by the contractor, Bankers Construction. The Village is still in constant contact with the road crews and engineers to ensure the least amount of disruption to our residents. If you have any issues, please reach out to the contractor’s representative, TracyBurgess Levy at 516-524-4422 and she will do everything possible to assist you.

Senior Resident Outreach for Food Shopping

The Town of North Hempstead’s senior Project Independence food shopping transportation program will be expanding its hours. The added hours are in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will assist those who are most vulnerable to the virus. Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth has stated that North Hempstead and their Department of Services for the Aging and the Project Independence team understands how incredibly difficult these times can be, especially for our seniors, and are proud to offer these extended hours to help our residents go food shopping and take advantage of when grocery stores are less crowded. The new extended hours will be from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Project Independence members will be picked up individually. Residents are advised to make earlier appointments and take advantage of stores’ early special hours for seniors. Residents can call 311 or 516-869-6311, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to make an appointment. Please be advised the extended hours are subject to change. Continue to check the Town’s website or www.northhempsteadny.gov/coronavirus for the latest updates.

Town of North Hempstead Parks Closures

All playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, and the Town dog run are closed.

  • Bathrooms will remain open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (except for Manhasset Valley, Ridders Pond, and Meril-on Ballfield which will remain closed).
  • As of Monday, March 23, the Port Washington Town Dock parking lot will be closed to vehicles by 8 pm.
  • Town parks will remain open for passive use only. Gatherings are restricted.

P.W. Business Improvement District and Chamber of Commerce Local Business Recommendations:

The Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District and the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce are working together to help businesses during this difficult time. While they have much less control of the virus, they have suggested ideas for coping during our temporary “social distancing” period:

  • SHOP LOCAL! – Shop local to the greatest extent possible! Merchants have been dealt a significant blow and need everyone’s help in making it through
  • Access On-line Orders Through Local Merchant- If possible, where inventory is not available in the local store, make an attempt to order through the local store and have them bring the item in through their larger network versus going to a “big box” store.
  • “Pay it Forward” purchases you will make in the future now by buying gift certificates, providing the merchant cash immediately to offset their large decline in immediate revenue.
  • Curbside and Home Delivery- Ask your local retailer, restaurant, or other business for either
  • Use Local Taxis- Use one of the local taxis for delivery if the merchant is unable to deliver directly.

2020 Census: We want to remind you of the importance of responding to the 2020 census. Before the end of the month, every household on Long Island should receive a letter inviting us to fill out a form. We need to make every effort to count as many people as possible in the Village of Port Washington North, the Town of North Hempstead, and across Long Island, to ensure we receive the proper federal funding for our community. So please respond either online, by mail, or over the phone when you receive the mailer.

Expired Drivers Licenses Relief: Governor Cuomo signed an executive order to give relief to individuals whose driver’s license or vehicle registration expired after March 1 to minimize worry about renewing them during the crisis. If your license or registration expired after March 1, 2020, you will not be penalized for not renewing until this order is lifted, and it will be in place for the duration of this crisis.

Take Everyday Precautions:

  • Clean your hands often for at least 20 seconds.
  • Clean surfaces often with approved disinfectants.
  • Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
  • Avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places.
  • Put distance between yourself and other people to reduce your risk of being exposed to the virus.

Protect Our First Responders: We are asking for your cooperation in following these simple precautions during the COVID-19 outbreak:

  • If you are quarantined (mandatory or self-imposed) in your home due to possible or confirmed COVID-19 exposure, we ask that you fully inform the 911 operator of your situation.
  • Furthermore, we ask that you place a sign/note on your front door to alert our First Responders to take infection-prevention precautions before entering your home or business.

Important Phone Numbers: Our Town Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte was kind enough to provide us with a list of important links and phone numbers for reach out and staying informed:

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/NEW YORK STATE: New York State – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Hotline 888-364-3065

New York State – Department of Health: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home?mc_cid=f144cc5233&mc_eid=0a475063af

NASSAU COUNTY: Nassau County – COVID -19 (Coronavirus) Hotline – (516) 227-9570

Nassau County – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Website: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/4946/Coronavirus-COVID-19Nassau County – Mental Health Care & Support Services – 516-227-TALK (8255)

Nassau County – To report price gouging, please contact the Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs at pricegouging@nassaucountyny.gov or call (516) 571-2600

TONH: TONH – Sign up for TONH Emergency Alerts: https://www.northhempsteadny.gov/content/16255/20715/20719/default.aspxT

ONH – Sign up for TONH Electronic Newsletter: https://my.sendinblue.com/users/subscribe/js_id/23q86/id/1

TONH – Sign up for Councilwoman Dalimonte’s District 6 Newsletter:https://www.northhempsteadny.gov/content/16253/16764/31020/default.aspx#ccform

TONH – Website – https://www.northhempsteadny.gov/

VILLAGE OF PORT WASHINGTON NORTH: Port North Website – www.portwashingtonnorth.org Mayor Bob’s email – mayor@portwashingtonnorth.org

North Shore Alert signup to receive Port North newsletters and announcements: www.northshorealert.org.

Closing Thoughts: The Village will continue to receive and relay regular updates as new information becomes available from the vast multi-agency communications network. The most up-to-date information may be found on the Village website. My best to you all. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to email me directly at mayor@portwashingtonnorth.org.The Village Board and I are here for you during this difficult time in our lives. Stay healthy and safe, Mayor Bo

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