Village utilizes cameras to find uninsured, unregistered vehicles

Village utilizes cameras to find uninsured, unregistered vehicles

Mayor Alan Beach said he hopes to find more ways to revitalize Lynbrook, and ease the tax burden on residents through grants, fines and fees.

Quality of life is a big issue for us”

Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach

Mayor Alan Beach said he hopes to find more ways to revitalize Lynbrook, and ease the tax burden on residents through grants, fines and fees.

“It’s time to modernize,” Mayor Beach said.

One initiative the Village is undertaking is the use of traffic light cameras to detect uninsured and unregistered vehicles. This new system has led to the impounding of approximately 172 vehicles so far this year, with owners facing a $300 fee.

Mayor Beach noted that the revenue from municipal violations and associated fees help offset the budget, and last year, the Village received $95,000 from 20,000 fines.

“I know we all complain about taxes, but in Lynbrook it really isn’t too crazy,” he said.

He said Village-acquired grants remain a priority for project funding.

Beach mentioned a $406,000 grant, and an additional $75,000 grant from Brian Kern, which are being used to support various initiatives. He noted that the biggest portion of the tax base goes toward police services.

At the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce’s Lunch & Learn event on Feb. 12, Mayor Beach shared other updates on the Village’s ongoing and future projects.

For example, leases on properties along Atlantic Avenue are helping revitalize the area, with plans for a new walkway to encourage foot traffic.

“We’re very conscious of how we’re getting people involved in the Village,” Beach said, highlighting the positive growth of 24 new businesses in Lynbrook last year.

Addressing the 30 Chamber members in attendance, the Mayor spoke about efforts to tackle “eyesores” in the community, such as the trestle under a storefront on Atlantic Avenue— but emphasized previous renovations, including the Long Island Rail Road station.

He said a recent policy could improve the Village's appearance and quality of life: businesses that receive three law-breaking complaints can have their licenses revoked.

“Quality of life is a big issue for us,” Beach remarked, stressing the need for the Village to maintain its appeal.

Looking to the future, the Mayor emphasized the need to attract younger people to the Village and move away from outdated systems.

“We’ve got to look toward the future, and get out of the dark ages,” he said.