Mayor touts the village’s achievements

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Freeport Mayor Robert T. Kennedy and Trustee Jorge Martinez focused on fiscal responsibility and reduced crime in their address to the Freeport Chamber of Commerce.

During a breakfast meeting held at the Freeport Recreation Center on April 4, Kennedy presented many updates on the Village, including the reduction of its debt, an increase in the number of police officers and its improving economy.

He highlighted the village’s financial stability by pointing out that despite the increasing services and improvements made in every department, there has not bee a property tax increase in 10 years. 

That is a unique achievement for the village, because it is evident that its elected officials have been prudent in managing the resources available to them, a feat few surrounding village has been able to replicate. 

The meeting also highlighted the village’s remarkable 56 percent reduction in crime, which Kennedy attributed to the Police Department’s hiring of additional officers and the implementation of updated license plate reader technology. 

The village increased has expanded the ranks of police officers from 72 to 102 over the past few years, and installed 60 license plate readers around its boundaries, which automatically notify police if a vehicle with a suspended or revoked registration or a warrant enters the village. 

The technology also provides details on the make of the vehicle, its location ­— even the lane it’s in. Residents report feeling safer, and the village has been addressing quality-of-life concerns by maintaining vacant homes and broken fences cutting high grass and clearing debris.

In an update on Freeport’s plans for the future, Kennedy said he wants to implement measures to protect the town from natural disasters with storm surge barriers, redesigned storm sewer lines, and eject pumps.

To achieve these goals, Kennedy said, he has consulted with environmental experts like Malcolm Bowman, of Stony Brook University, and is set to meet with the head of the Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, D.C., to explore the potential installation of storm surge barrier gates. 

The gates are structures that could be closed during a storm to block floodwaters, as well as to prevent flooding caused by high tides or storm surges, a frequent problem for Freeport and other South Shore communities.

Martinez commended the Kennedy administration for keeping taxes unchanged for 10 years while efficiently delivering services to Freeport’s residents and businesses. 

He highlighted the village as a thriving place for businesses to grow and expand, citing the Chamber of Commerce’s growth as evidence. Freeport’s location and transportation infrastructure also make it an attractive option for businesses. 

Moreover, its diversity, including its housing options, contributes to its strength and resilience.

“Freeport is a very diverse community, and whether you’re by yourself or not, we have the resources to support you,” Martinez said. “Additionally, if you’re looking to move, grow or expand your business, Freeport is a great place because of the resources and opportunities available.”

Overall, the village has seen improvements in the quality of life by reducing crime and holding the line on taxes. The mayor emphasized that these three priorities — quality of life, safety and financial security — remain Freeport’s focus.

“The quality-of-life team has been doing a great job,” Kennedy said. “I want to emphasize that the most important priorities for our village are the quality of life for our residents, their safety, and financial security. These three priorities are at the top of our list.”