Massapequa Park July 4th Fireworks Back On

After initially being canceled the annual Massapequa Park Fourth of July Fireworks is back on.

The event had been a budget casualty, but mayor James Altadonna said the village is getting some help.

"We received a call from Town of Oyster Bay supervisor John Venditto," he said. "Through the generosity of the supervisor and the Town, they offered to pick up the tab for the fireworks. So, the fireworks are back on, and I hope everyone comes out, because it's truly a very special night."

The fireworks show is currently scheduled to take place on Walker Street, with a tentative date of July 1.

The village board also voted allow a charity bike race to run through village streets.

A representative of Bike to the Beach, a 100-mile bicycle ride that helps to raise money to benefit Autism Speaks, had contacted the board about allowing their route to intersect through village streets on Saturday, June 10. The fundraising ride starts in Manhattan and finishes in Westhampton Beach.

"It's a charity event, and some bikers want to come through to raise money," said Mayor James Altadonna. "We're going to allow that to happen."

The board also authorized Village administrator Peggy Caltabiano arrange for the clean-up of several private properties that had violated Village code in regards to upkeep. These homes are located at 255 Harbor Lane, 295 Illinois Avenue, and 296 Walker Street.

Several neighbors of these homes had gathered at the board meeting, complaining of large piles of garbage, abandoned cars parked on lawns, and dirty swimming pools that attract swarms of mosquitoes, among other offences.

"In our code, we have to give them a letter," Altadonna said. "If they don't respond back in ten days, we're going to go in and clean it up. We bill [the property owner] for [the cleanup]...we actually put a lien on their property."

Also, the board authorized Caltabiano to sign a NYSDCP Roth contributions participation agreement to allow Village workers to participate.

"It's not as bad as it sounds, actually," Caltabiano said. "The employees are allowed to participate in New York State deferred compensation, and this is just something additional they're offering as far as a deduction. It costs the Village no money, other than an entry that the treasurer will make."

In addition, several permits submitted by local businesses were approved by the boards, including a new awning for the located at 1038 Park Blvd., a renewal of a cabaret license for the Good Life restaurant located at 1039 Park Blvd., and tables and chairs outside the located at 1030 Park Blvd.

The next regularly-scheduled meeting of the Massapequa Park Village board is on Monday, June 13, at 8 p.m.