GREENPORT—“When is our Police Department working?” resident Irwin Diamond asked at the monthly Town Board meeting August 4.
Mr. Diamond said that the town police have two cruisers, which he said are always parked at the Town Hall.
No, Supervisor Edward Nabozny said, the department has three working vehicles, and they are on patrol from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. “We have a part-time police department,” he added.
Mr. Diamond seemed to suggest that Greenport needs no police department at all, saying, “You have state troopers around.”
“Where?” responded Councilman Keith Mortefolio. “They [troopers and deputies] have to cover the whole county.”
Earlier in the evening, Police Chief Kevin Marchetto delivered a monthly report for July that showed officers handling 188 calls for service, up 41 from the previous month, and responding to 20 traffic accidents, making 20 arrests, issuing 63 traffic and 36 parking tickets, and checking 6 sex offenders of whom two are subject to arrest for not reporting current addresses.
The board heard an update on plans for Greenport Community Day September 25 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Town Park on Joslen Boulevard. Music will be provided by Paul Slusar and The Peaceful Country Band, plus a special appearance by a John Lennon sing-alike.
Fried dough, pepperoni, sausage and peppers, hamburgers and hot dogs and beverages will be available for sale. Admission and attractions are free for all.
Carnival rides and games will be set up. Bill Williams from The Cat 98.5 will be on hand with his Prize Wheel. Tots the Clown is scheduled to make an appearance as well. Children can try arts and crafts projects.
Emergency services and community groups will offer demonstrations, and vendors booths will be set up. Organizers have waived the customary $25 vendor space fee.
Also coming up at the park are the last three free Friday Concerts in the Park: August 13, The Pony Tails; August 20, Brothers from Other Mothers; August 27, Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers. All concerts begin at 7 p.m.; food and beverages are available.
Also at the August meeting, the board:
•Learned that owners of the former Anthony’s II restaurant on Route 23B now plan to convert the structure to four apartments, not the 21 or 22 originally planned for the site
•Set a special meeting Wednesday, September 1 at 6 p.m. to provide information on the upcoming property revaluation.