Mayor's Weekly Column

From the Desk of Mayor Hall

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” Those are the words of Albert Einstein. It’s a good motto, I think, for approaching the challenges and opportunities of the new year.

As I reflect on the year past and look to the year ahead, I’m both thankful and hopeful. I’m thankful for the love of my family and friends, and for the privilege of serving at Village Hall. I’m thankful to work with community leaders and volunteers whose passion for improving life in the Village is consistently inspirational. The commitment to service I’ve seen from folks young and old – and I’ve seen it everywhere from the staff at Village Hall to the people aiding the less fortunate through the Village’s numerous nonprofit organizations – is a testament to the strength of our community.

As I mentioned, I’m hopeful as well. My hope for tomorrow is rooted the progress we have made on many fronts. New York State recognized our vision for a vibrant new downtown with a $5 million grant last month. That funding will enable us to begin replacement of dated sewer pipes, and begin to move forward on a redevelopment plan that will bring business, jobs and affordable housing to the Village. The new housing, shops, cultural venues, open spaces and parking options are designed to achieve an economic and aesthetic revitalization that will improve living standards for all residents.

The Department of Public Works this past year continued to make good on its ongoing efforts to keep our roads safe and drivable. Repair work to Lincoln Boulevard, Lafayette Avenue, Linden Avenue and Virginia Avenue is complete. On Florence Avenue, improvements included reconstruction of curbs, gutters and catch basins. These efforts will continue into the new year, as will those the Hempstead Beautification Committee, whose members are helping to make the Village a cleaner, more attractive place to live -- one project at a time.

We’re also making the Village a greener place to live. Among our successful efforts in this regard is the $479,800 grant the Village secured from the U.S. Department of Energy, which enabled us to install LED lighting and solar panels at Kennedy Park. The Park now runs primarily on renewable power, which benefits both the environment and the Village bottom line. We will continue to make cost-efficient, energy-saving enhancements throughout the Village.

Working together, I know we can do even better this year.

As you think about your own personal goals and resolutions for 2012, I encourage you to consider volunteer service in our community. The national Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is right around the corner on January 16. We honor the legacy of Dr. King by making a commitment to bridge the barriers that exist between people and to build lasting solutions to social problems. By lending a helping hand, you have a chance to make a big difference in lives of Hempstead Villagers. There are many different ways you can help. The community directory, which is available at the Hempstead Public Library and accessible at www.hempsteadlibrary.info, lists the Village community service and cultural organizations that are actively seeking volunteers to help them meet the needs of the underserved and underprivileged. There is always a need for folks to help feed the hungry, to mentor our youth, and to care for our community’s most vulnerable residents. This year, your contribution will move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”

I wish you a healthy and happy 2012. To stay on top of what’s happening in the Village, please join our electronic mailing list by sending your name and email address to Mayor@villageofhempsteadny.gov.

Sincerely,

Wayne

Wayne J. Hall Sr.
Mayor of the Incorporated Village of Hempstead

 

 

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