Robert (Bob) Crowley and his son, Bob Jr., spoke to the Advance about his wife, Marge, before the recent board meeting.
“For over 30 years, she worked on the Architectural Review Board and was board chair for 25 years,” Robert said, adding she lived in the village for 54 years. “She always did the best she could.”
Marge Crowley died on Sept. 1. Her life included raising a family: daughter Colleen Stewart, a deputy attorney general in North Carolina, and son Bob, a retired Massapequa schoolteacher.
Mayor Maureen Veitch, who presented a proclamation honoring Marge’s service to Robert and Bob, provided an anecdote. “Marge resigned in July and wrote a note to us about how much she enjoyed serving the village. And you started the Kids Camp,” she said, looking at Robert, “and passed it on to your son.”
From there, the board meeting began. Some issues and highlights.
Car break-ins of unlocked vehicles:
Deputy mayor Steve Mackin reported a series of break-ins with unlocked vehicles. He is working with the Fifth Precinct to help deter the culprits.
Approval for Workman GTX
Lifted Lithium Vehicle:
Mayor Veitch asked superintendent of Public Works Jason Crane to discuss the Storr Tractor Company quote for the Workman GTX Lifted Lithium Vehicle of $18,024.48. The cost will be offset by a $15,000 grant under the Clean Energy Communities Program. Crane cited the vehicle’s all-electric feature and thanked Howard Read and Marc Rausch from the Environmental Committee for their research working numerous hours. “We saw a tractor for $22,000 and went back to Storr. It’s 100 percent electric and can go days without charging. It will have taillights, brake lights, and be road ready. The extra $3,000 is in DPW’s budget,” he said. Crane emphasized the small tractor’s efficient dock accessibility. “In the off-season, we’re looking at it as a tailgate spreader to put on salt in November and December,” he said. “It will be stored at the dock during season and at DPW off-season.” The purchase was approved.
Waterfront Commission Public Information meeting: Trustee Rohrmeier commented on the great turnout. The VHB engineers are digesting the surveys. Once finalized, another meeting will be held.
Solar Panels at Ho-Hum: The DEC has allowed an adjustment to the permit to install a new frame.
Village Hall: The village is in the process of finalizing plans for landscaping and new shutters. Veitch said the village was struggling with the budget, but said the project will be completed in six months.
Arbor Day: Mayor Veitch commented the village is setting aside April 25 to celebrate trees for Arbor Day, a condition as a Tree City, of which Bellport is. “You need five consecutive years to qualify as a tree city,” said Veitch of the requirements that include planting trees and raising awareness of their importance.
Wreath competition: Trustee Lorraine Kuehn said the hand-in date at village hall is Dec. 2 for the wreath competition. Also, regarding outstanding permits, the village is currently at 18 percent less.
Architectural review: Trustee Mike Young said there were 11 recommendations that would be brought up at the next work session and that it would be discussed on Dec. 9.
Public discussion:
During public discussion, Thomas Schultz and Donna Plunkett both commented on the Waterfront Commission survey. Schultz thought the wave attenuator was a good way to protect the boat basin but said what was proposed wasn’t a good location. Plunkett suggested blending the SEQRA process with the project. Mayor Veitch pointed out it was still a project in process without final decisions made as of yet.
Bellport High School student Jannat Majid asked for the village’s support for a coat and blanket drive. Mayor Veitch suggested the student contact her after the meeting.
