Thursday, June 12, 2025
As Mayor of the Village of Lawrence, I am thrilled to share some of the transformative initiatives now underway that will significantly enhance the quality of life in our beloved village. With the strong support of the village board and the hard work of our administration, we are embarking on several exciting projects designed to make Lawrence safer, more beautiful and better connected.
For nearly three decades, our village streetlights have remained unchanged. This year, that changes. We are proud to announce the replacement of all 800 streetlights throughout Lawrence with new, modern lighting fixtures. These upgrades will provide brighter, more energy-efficient illumination, improving both visibility and safety for pedestrians and drivers alike. This is more than just a lighting upgrade — it’s an investment in our residents’ sense of security and well-being after dark.
In addition to better lighting, we are also making significant improvements to our roads. Approximately $1 million will be dedicated to the much-needed repaving of various streets across the village. These upgrades will ensure smoother, safer travel for all who live in and visit Lawrence. Road quality is one of the most visible and frequently experienced aspects of municipal life, and we are proud to be taking action on this front for our community.
Our infrastructure improvements also extend to the vital Route 878 corridor. The remaining 11 light poles on this stretch of the Nassau Expressway, which were not previously functioning, will now be replaced with new lines and fixtures. These repairs will improve visibility and safety.
Beyond infrastructure, we’re also taking strides to enhance safety through the installation of additional security cameras and license plate readers. These tools are proven to be effective in deterring and solving crime, and will serve as valuable assets for our local law enforcement partners. As we grow as a community, it is essential that we continue to prioritize the safety and peace of mind of our residents.
A key part of a welcoming and livable community is walkability. That’s why we are pleased to announce a major upgrade to Rock Hall Road, which will include the addition of a new sidewalk lined with attractive trees. This will not only provide a safe route for pedestrians, but will also add beauty and charm to the area, making it a more enjoyable place to walk, jog, bike or simply take in the scenery.
In addition to these infrastructure upgrades, we are also taking on an issue that has long frustrated residents: the greenhead fly.
These biting insects have plagued our village during the warmer months, affecting outdoor enjoyment and quality of life. We are launching a targeted Greenhead Fly Initiative aimed at significantly reducing their presence. This science-based approach will help make our parks, backyards, pools and public spaces far more pleasant during the spring and summer seasons.
Together, these projects reflect our administration’s firm commitment to delivering meaningful, tangible improvements to the Village of Lawrence. Whether it’s a safer road, a brighter streetlight, a new sidewalk or relief from insects, each initiative is rooted in one goal: improving the quality of life for our residents.
We are not undertaking these efforts alone. Our administration is actively working in close coordination with our county and state government partners to secure the resources and support necessary to get things done. It is through these collaborative relationships that we are able to maximize the value of every dollar we spend and bring large-scale projects to fruition.
Lawrence is a village with deep history, strong values and a bright future. These enhancements — both big and small — will make a lasting impact on the day-to-day lives of our residents.
We look forward to continuing this important work, together with our community, as we build a safer, more beautiful and more vibrant Lawrence for generations to come. This is just the beginning, with many more positive improvements to come.
Samuel Nahmias is mayor of the Village of Lawrence.
