From the Desk of Senator Jack M. Martins

Signed, Sealed and DELIVERED

There was a lot going on, but I didn’t forget. Even though the last year was widely recognized as one of the most successful for the New York Legislature in decades, for most of us, progress is still measured on the streets where we live, right in our own neighborhoods.

You may recall reading that there were a number of community grants awarded by the state in 2009 and 2010 under my predecessor that were inexplicably withdrawn before I took office. Needless to say, this created hardship for many of our communities. Having been a local mayor, I am particularly conscious of how unfair the whole thing was, so I promised to try and win back as much as possible. It was no easy task considering we weren’t left much of a paper trail, but one thing I’ve learned in government, and I guess in life, is that tenacity usually pays off. It’s how we got this funding restored. So without further ado, here’s a summary of some of the grants for local projects we were able to get funded this past year:

Village of Lake Success - $50,000 for a road resurfacing

Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps. - $100,000 for new ambulance and communication

Port Washington Schools - $350,000 to resurface track at Schreiber High School

Alert Hook and Ladder Hose Company - $100,000 for dispatch system and vehicle laptops with GPS

Carle Place Hook and Ladder - $100,000 for a new ambulance, $50,000 for new exhaust system for truck room

Garden City Park Fire District - $100,000 for radio and related equipment upgrades

North Shore Child and Family Guidance Association - $250,000 for renovations and new electrical and computer systems

Village of Plandome Fire Dept. - $100,000 for new fire engine

Port Washington Library - $100,000 towards new roof

Rescue Hook and Ladder No. 1 - $100,000 for thermal imaging cameras, self-contained breathing apparatus rescue and turnout gear

Village of Plandome Heights - $200,000 for water drainage improvements

Great Neck Park District - $100,000 for Children’s Play Garden, $100,000 for Veteran’s Memorial, both on Village Green

Sewanhaka High School - $100,000 for security improvements, 250,000 for renovations to gym, exterior doors, and GPS clock

Westbury Memorial Public Library – $100,000 for new roof

Herricks Schools – $100,000 for Cable and Video Connect district wide

Hicksville Schools - $200,000 for new smart boards and installation

Village of Saddle Rock - $100,000 for seawall replacement

East Williston Schools - $100,000 for parking lot renovations

Floral Park Bellerose Schools - $100,000 for new auditorium roof and classroom floors

Hicksville Fire District - $100,000 for new ALS ambulance

Manhasset Schools - $100,000 for electrical upgrades

Village of Kensington - $100,000 for reconstruction of Bridle Path Rd.

Village of Williston Park - $100,000 for road improvements

Village of Stewart Manor - $100,000 for firehouse renovations and equipment purchase

Roslyn Schools - $100,000 for renovations to high school cafeteria

Roslyn Bulldogs Booster Association - $100,000 for renovation at athletic facilities

Hillside Public Library of New Hyde Park - $100,000 for parking lot renovations

Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County - $100,000 for multi-media exhibit

East Williston Public Library - $100,000 for renovations

New Hyde Park/Garden City Park Schools - $100,000 for new parking lot

Shelter Rock Public Library - $100,000 for entrance and landscaping renovations

Port Washington Fire Dept. - $100,000 for purchase of rescue rope system

Village of East Williston Fire Department - $100,000 for renovations and new computer network

Town of North Hempstead - $500,000 for restoration of the Schumacher House

Great Neck School District - $100,000 for new parking lot for buses and other district vehicles

These were monies that were promised, planned for, and sometimes spent with the expectation that the state would be true to its word. That’s why I’m pleased to have delivered it, helping make these communities whole again. And we’re not done yet. For those communities that are still waiting on what they were promised, I assure you that I’m still fighting for you.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Should there be anything I can do for you or your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out.