Dear Residents,

Well so far, we have had a very mild winter!  Except for a few cold and blustery few days, it has been fairly comfortable.

Naturally, we cannot expect this weather to last throughout the whole winter.   We do expect snow at some point.

That is why Deputy Mayor Kevin McCaffrey and I want to remind residents that driving during the winter months can be extremely dangerous, especially when it snows. However, driving with extra caution and adhering to the rules of the road can help to ensure safe passage for all motorists!

Motorists can enhance safety, visibility, and mobility throughout the season by making sure that our vehicles are winter–ready.  Before driving, be sure to clear all windows, lights and external mirrors of snow and ice, be observant of roadway conditions and proceed at appropriate speeds.

In the event of a snow emergency, be alert to weather advisories. If you do not need to travel, stay put until the roads are cleared of snow and ice.  If you must drive: 1) Plan alternate ways and allow extra time to travel to main routes and to your place of destination; 2) Slow down, brake slowly and allow plenty of room between you and the vehicle ahead of you; 3) During times of reduced visibility, watch for pedestrians, bicycles and disabled vehicles; 4) Maintain your vehicle properly. Check your car battery and replenish antifreeze and windshield washer fluids.  Always keep a flashlight, snowbrush, ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets and an extra set of clothes in your vehicle and finally, 5) Keep a cell phone and charger handy.

As soon as you are aware that bad weather is on the way, make every effort to keep your car off the street. This protects your car from being plowed in or being hit by passing vehicles and the snowplow has space to safely plow the snow.  Generally speaking when shoveling out the mouth of your driveway, throw the snow to the right of your driveway. Throwing or plowing snow into the road can create a patch of snow and ice and cause a hazardous condition.  It is unlawful to shovel or dump snow into spaces reserved for handicap parking.

“Make this winter enjoyable and free from motor vehicle accidents by taking that extra step to ensure the safety of yourself and your fellow motorists,” notes Deputy Mayor Kevin McCaffrey.         

Thanks to the Lindenhurst Fire Department, the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Improvement District (BID), the Mayor’s Beautification Society and the Village Administration for a wonderful Holiday Celebration on December 4, 2011.  The LFD Parade was perhaps, the best one ever done and the Village Park, while undergoing new construction, still managed to be adorned some Christmas lighting but the work done throughout the downtown with new garland and lights, really added to the celebration of the season!

Wellwood Avenue was truly a Holiday Paradise for most of the day!  Our friends, the Osswalds, were given the honor of lighting the tree!

The BID has continued working with the merchants and landlords to fill the vacant stores.  Congratulations to the two new successful restaurants: La Villa Gaia Restaurant at 101 N. Wellwood Avenue as well as our own Sushi Restaurant, Kabuki at 183 S. Wellwood Avenue which have brought great excitement and additional dining choices to the Village of Lindenhurst.  These restaurants illustrate just how seriously both the Administration and the BID are with continuing the improvement and development of the Business District!

We await the Grand Opening of Renate’s Wedding Boutique at 141 South Wellwood Avenue just below the Studio Theatre.  What a great addition this classy salon will make to the already improving downtown business district!

Our administration continues to encourage residents to share their ideas, suggestions and concerns with us.  Our partnership with the various civic, service and community organizations have strengthened because we all have the same goal of keeping Lindenhurst as a great place to live, work and enjoy!

Along with the Board of Trustees, our Administrative staff and all the employees of the Village, we look forward to continue to serve the Village to the best of our abilities for the betterment of Lindenhurst!

Warmest Regards,

Mayor Tom Brennan