New Hyde Park trustees approve audit contract, defer Marcus Christ center resolutions and set street-fair fees

The Village of New Hyde Park Board of Trustees on July 18 approved routine financial business, awarded the village audit contract and postponed decisions on the Marcus Christ Community Center, officials said.

Deputy Mayor Madhvi Nijjar moved to approve Abstract No. 24-04 and, with Trustee Arthur Savarese seconding, the board unanimously approved the abstract and a separate resolution awarding the village and Justice Court audit contract to The Nawrocki Firm. Minutes from the June 21 meeting were also unanimously approved after a motion by Trustee Eve Sheikh and a second from Trustee Savarese.

Why it matters: The audit award names the firm that will review village accounts and court financials; the board’s decision to withdraw two resolutions on the Marcus Christ Community Center means design and construction questions remain open and will return for discussion at a later meeting.

Mayor Christopher Devane told the board that two resolutions—one to advertise for competitive bids and one to authorize the village to undertake design and construction of a new Marcus Christ Community Center—were withdrawn for further discussion. The board did not vote on either resolution during the public meeting and no timetable was set for when the matter will return to the agenda.

In routine departmental reports, Building Superintendent Binu Pillay said the Zoning Board and Architectural Review Board recently approved several applications and listed permit activity: 28 permits issued in the review period including nine building permits and one demolition. Laura Daly reported for Trustee Rainer Burger on Long Island Rail Road third-track punchlist items, completed striping on 2nd and 3rd avenues and delivery of missing signage awaiting installation. Water Authority officials said work to bring Well 57A to full capacity is underway, with physical construction of treatment upgrades scheduled to begin in September 2024; the village is pursuing a New York State grant to offset costs.

The board reviewed community events and program plans: a block party on Stewart Avenue was approved for Aug. 11 (rain date Aug. 18); Cub Scout Pack 544 received approval to use Village Hall’s lower level for monthly leadership meetings; and the Culture Committee will resume events in September. Trustee Arthur Savarese noted Memorial Park hours and the village policy to close the park or dog park during heatwaves or air-quality alerts; the Village children’s summer camp will run through Aug. 8 with indoor relocation as needed.

On local events and facilities, Mayor Devane outlined parking-lot repaving beginning July 24 (residents must move vehicles during scheduled work), said the Village plans to return a farmers market to the central lot next year, and described Street Fair fee policy: no charge for village businesses, a $75 sidewalk fee for non-village chamber members, and a $200 sponsorship check the mayor presented to cover participation fees for certain nonprofit organizations.

Community and civic notices included a June police report showing six auto accidents and one commercial burglary in June; court and permit revenue totals for June were presented (including traffic court fines of $119,490 and building-related receipts of $20,426.97); and an $18,885 Justice Court Assistance Program (JCAP) award to upgrade courtroom furniture and audio/visual equipment was noted.

The public meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM; the board then convened an executive session, which concluded at 8:30 PM.