March 25, 2020
Dear Village Residents:
Over the past week, our everyday reality has changed dramatically. I have seen a lot in my lifetime, so it is not every day that I say we are in uncharted waters, but we are. You are all aware that the state, county, and town have all declared a State of Emergency in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We must all do our part immediately to reduce the spread of this virus. I would like to take a moment to first thank the doctors, nurses, emergency personnel and many others who are putting their lives and the lives of their families at risk by responding to this crisis.
All residents should be self-isolating themselves and their families by limiting interactions with others and keeping at least 6 feet between you and others. If you feel ill you should stay home and contact your doctor. Note that you can have the virus without exhibiting symptoms and thereby pass the virus on to others, further emphasizing the need for self-isolation. Even if you feel fine, you can put others at risk.
I beg you to follow the rules to help protect others: your neighbor who is a doctor or nurse and still has to go to work; the elderly family member or friend; the person with a compromised immune system who, by ignoring these measures, you will continue to put at risk.
Please heed the advice of our medical experts and implement the public safety measures ordered by the State which include:
- 100% of the workforce must stay home, excluding essential services.
- Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are temporarily banned.
- Protect New Yorkers age 70+ and
those with compromised immune systems:
- Remain indoors
- Can go outside for solitary exercise
- Pre-screen all visitors by taking their temperature
- Wear a mask in the company of others
- Stay at least 6 feet from others
- Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary
- All barbershops, hair salons, tattoo or piercing salons, nail salons, hair removal services and related personal care services will be closed to the public.
- Casinos, gyms, theaters, retail shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys are closed until further notice. Bars and restaurants are closed, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closure.
- Testing is free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider.
- Contact Nassau County Health Department for COVID-19 concerns at (516) 227-9570.
STATUS OF VILLAGE OPERATIONS
In response to this public health crisis we have modified Village operations (until further notice) to continue providing necessary services as follows:
- Village Hall is closed to visitors except for emergencies and will operate by appointment only. This is to protect our staff and the public from exposure. Contact Village Hall at 516-627-5000 or email Info@VillageFlowerHill.org with any inquiries.
- Documents can be dropped through the mail slot anytime. If they do not fit, leave them outside during normal office hours and call Village Hall to confirm pick up and receipt.
- The playground equipment and sports courts at the Park are closed (we removed the basketball rims to ensure no one uses the basketball court). However, the walking paths and other areas remain open, but visitors must avoid congregating in large groups. If large groups start to gather we may revisit the availability of the Park.
- All Board of Trustees meetings will be held via telephonic/web conference until further notice. Residents can find details for participation and minutes at our website or call Village Hall. We are diligently working on the 2020-2021 Budget.
- Village Court and Zoning Board meetings have been canceled until further notice and the Architectural Review Committee will be handling meetings via teleconference. Contact Village Hall with any questions.
- Village Elections have been postponed by the State to April 28 and we will share more information about the voting procedure once we have more details.
- We are in regular contact with our partners which include the Port Washington Manhasset Office of Emergency Management (PWOEM), the Nassau County Police Department, our New York State Senator, and the Town of North Hempstead.
- The Village Emergency Management Team are meeting and communicating on a regular basis to assess the situation and determine next steps.
Please keep kids from hanging out in large groups and close together. We took immediate action to remove the rims from the basketball court because there were large groups of kids playing on the court. Please remind your children when they are out alone to not gather in large groups and stay 6 feet away from one another to protect those around them and stop the spread.
ESTABLISHING FLOWER HILL VOLUNTEER CORPS
Trustee Lewandowski and Deputy Mayor Herrington have also set up the “Flower Hill Volunteer Corps” to help out our neighbors in need. The goal of the program is to identify those who may not be able to get their own food, supplies, or need other assistance, done in a way that prevents in-person interaction. If you are interested in assisting please contact us at 516-627-5000 or email Volunteer@VIllageFlowerHill.Org. We are looking for:
- The home address or contact info for those that may be in need.
- A block captain for every block in the Village to coordinate activities.
- Volunteers to check in by phone or with a note with those in need.
In closing I ask that we all practice a little extra humanity, patience and kindness. We live in the best village in New York and we will get through this together. Take a moment each day to give a wave and a smile on your walk or as you sit on your front lawn to your neighbors. Thank the grocery store worker, delivery person, emergency personnel, and most importantly our medical professionals who are sacrificing so much.
If you have any other inquiries for the Village, you may call the Village Office at 516-627-5000 and leave a message or email me directly at Mayor@VillageFlowerHIll.org.
Sincerely,
Bob McNamara
Mayor
Please make sure you are signed up to receive emergency updates from the Village Code Red System!
Sign up by:
1) Texting “Flower Hill” to 99411
2) Visiting the Village’s website for a link on the Home Page
3) Calling Village Hall at 516-627-5000
Community Resources
Flower Hill
- Village Office: 516-627-5000
- Email: Info@VillageFlowerHIll.org
- Volunteer Corp.: Volunteer@VillageFlowerHill.Org
New York State
- Website: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
- New York State Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065
Nassau County
- Website: www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html
- COVID -19 (Coronavirus) Hotline – (516) 227-9570
- COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Website https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/4946/Coronavirus-COVID-19
- Mental Health Care & Support Services – 516-227-TALK (8255)
- To report price gouging, pricegouging@nassaucountyny.gov or call (516) 571-2600
- Department of Health: 516-227-9697 or 516-742-6154.
- Sixth Precinct: Non-Emergency Phone Number: 516-573-8800
Fire Departments-Dial 911 for Emergencies
- Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department: Non-Emergency Line-516-466-4416
- Port Washington Fire Department: Non-Emergency Line-516-883-2200
- Roslyn Fire Department: Non-Emergency Line-516-621-3899
Town of North Hempstead
- EmergencyAlerts https://www.northhempsteadny.gov/content/16255/20715/20719/default.aspx
- Electronic Newsletter https://my.sendinblue.com/users/subscribe/js_id/23q86/id/1
Water District Info
- Manhasset Water District: 516-466-4416
- Port Washington Water District: 516-767-0171
- Roslyn Water District: 516-621-7770