Friday, March 27, 2020
Vol. 96, No.34
FOUNDED 1923
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LOCALLY OWNED AND EDITED
Go Green PAGE 4 n Virtual wedding PAGE 26
Mayor discusses Village, national response
PRICE GOUGERS BEWARE
BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was joined by Congresswoman Kathleen Rice and New York State Senator Todd Kaminsky to raise public awareness and condemn of the widespread price gouging of COVID-19 Coronavirus related supplies. The state has said that it will investigate and prosecute instances of price gouging of medical and sanitary supplies. Photo courtesy Nassau County
Schools supt. on Covid closure Transitions for Teachers, Students and Parents
BY RIKKI N. MASSAND Two years ago -- with a special meeting of the Garden City Board of Education, convened March 13, 2018 -- Dr. Kusum Sinha was officially appointed as the District’s new superintendent of schools. On Friday March 13, 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic grew exponentially in nearby parts of the New York City tri state region, instead of
Dr. Sinha and schools administration looking ahead to spring festivities and budget planning for next fall and beyond, she was suddenly preparing to temporarily close schools March 16 and 17 for deep cleaning and virus disinfecting. Next, by order of County Executive Laura Curran on March 15 schools were closed through March 27 with hopes of reopening in April.
“I know this is an unprecedented time for what our country is going through. While we are encouraged to socially distance from one another, it is my hope that we will still stay connected through phone calls, emails, social media, etc. We must continue to provide social and emotional support for one another during this challenging time, See page 28
This week, The Garden City News received correspondence from the Garden City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dennis Donnelly that the COVID-19 crisis will cause prolonged closures and drastic changes to operations for some businesses, while leaving a bare cupboard and light prospects for businesses who can mitigate the ‘hit’ of the current situation. “The Chamber has requested that the Village government (Board of Trustees) waive village property taxes as well as commercial garbage tax for the duration of the emergency,” Donnelly wrote as part of a Chamber statement early this week. He has also forwarded this request and other suggestions with a letter to the Village Board and administration. Upon receipt of the letter from Donnelly, Garden City Mayor Theresa M. Trouvé spoke with the News and explained that due to “stay-at-home” protocols the Village Board of Trustees held its March 19 meeting and budget proposal session via conference call, but the eight trustees and administration had not had any opportunity to raise this issue on temporary relief of commercial property and garbage collection taxes. To date, there have not been any Chamber businesses contacting Village administration or the Board of Trustees directly to express the same request, the mayor said. “There is heavy concern over the future of local businesses and the present morale of the local business community. What the request stated in the letter can mean for us (the Board) is to evaluate giving temporary financial assistance/relief to entities in the village; the idea being they would not pay the regular fees. The Board as a group has not been able to discuss the point raised as of now -- we are preoccupied with the illness parts of Coronavirus impact and the expanding public health crisis in the area,” she said. Mayor Trouvé commented on the idea presented by President Trump that the country can re-establish protocols and people may be able to return to work and the normal functions of See page 29
A message from the Garden City Clergy Fellowship PAGE 6 GC Meals for NYU Winthrop makes an impact PAGE 12