Sea Cliff Mayor Elena Villafane alongside Village Trustees James Versocki and Mark Sobel presented their vision for the next two years in the village government at “Meet the Candidates” hosted by the Sea Cliff Civic Association Thursday, March 6, at Sea Cliff Village Hall.
All three are running unopposed in the March 18 Village elections. Villafane is seeking a third term after being elected in 2021 and earning re-election in 2023, Sobel assumed his role as trustee in 2023, and Versocki is running for his third term; he was elected to the board for the first time in 2021.
Each candidate began with a five-minute opening statement, Villafane went first. The mayor argued that her leadership had accomplished a lot in the village over the past two years.
“What I’m really asking for is your trust,” Villafane said. “That I will continue to work hard in navigating the future for all the residents of Sea Cliff as I ask for your vote.”
Villafane highlighted the finalization of the Sea Cliff long range plan, emphasizing the numerous state and local grants that the village was awarded for several separate local village projects.
The village's long-range plan, which was passed by the board in 2023, was the result of years of efforts to engage with the community. The plan focuses on a variety of potential challenges and problems currently facing the village, such as overdevelopment, as well as more long-term ones like climate change.
She spoke about how the grants went towards the revision of the zoning Code, an assessment of municipal roadways under the Safe Streets for All and funding to engage interns in support of the continuing effort to achieve bronze status as a Climate Smart Community.
Villafane also added that the recent Shoreline Stabilization Study was completed and came in under budget. She praised her administration's investment in infrastructure, noting the village completed a little under 3.40 miles of comprehensive road restoration between 2023-2024.
She mentioned the redesign of Shore Road in Glen Cove through Prospect Avenue in Sea Cliff in collaboration with Nassau County Legislator, Delia DeRiggi-Whitton. Villafane said the goal of the project is to mitigate road hazards, implement traffic calming devices and update streetscapes.
Villafane argued that her administration has committed to the young and old residents of Sea Cliff. She praised the efforts of Senior Citizen Program Development Specialist, Tracy Arnold Warzer, and said that she has implemented new, exciting activities for Sea Cliff older adults.
Villafane added that these activities have increased engagement and connections among participants. She praised the Youth Activities Board, whose mission is to support and empower Sea Cliff youths by providing a safe space and opportunities to engage them in the life of their community while encouraging healthy decision-making.
The board and Warzer have collaborated to implement cross generational programs which match young citizens with senior citizens with remarkable outcomes, Villafane said. In addition to continued work on projects on the interior and exterior of village hall, Villafane also said that the village expects to be able to accept tax payments electronically for the upcoming tax year.
She also said that with the assistance of Sobel, the arts continue to thrive in Sea Cliff. She praised the many activities that were held in the business District. Looking to the future, Villafane spoke about several major capital projects including a new fire truck in service, renovation of the outside of Village Hall, improvements to Roslyn Park and planning for a new HVAC system at Village Hall and shoreline stabilization along 18 trails.
She also emphasized the importance of public engagement in the process of reviewing and revising the village zoning code. She concluded with some of the outside pressures that the village must manage, including the fate of the North Shore Country Club, the Propel and Jupiter projects as well as Gov. Kathy Hochul’s housing plan.
She added that climate change will continue to impact the cliffside as well as the impact of an uncertain economic future on the budget. “A lot has been accomplished over the last two years. There is a lot going on right now and we have great plans for the future,” she said. “I hope that you will trust me to lead you forward.”
Following Villafane, Sobel praised Villafane’s leadership, and both echoed the same points that she made. Sobel praised the importance of community-based politics and said that he loves his community and serving it.
“There’s nothing better than democracy,” Sobel said. “Seeing people who we represent and people who feel as we do about this community.” He described his two years as a trustee as insightful and prideful.
After Sobel’s remarks, Versocki finished the opening statements. He praised Sobel and Villafane as well as expressed his gratitude for the community members and village staff. He echoed Sobel’s sentiments on the importance of local politics and gave some background information about himself.
Following the opening statements the crowd of around 20 people in village hall asked questions regarding issues impacting Sea Cliff. Question topics included changes to the village pool law, zoning code reforms and concerns about the Propel and Jupiter projects.
Following the questions from the audience, all three candidates had the opportunity to share a three-minute conclusion statement.
