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Voice Notes
More Than Keeping It Clean
James Vilardi being honored by Achiezer for his service on behalf of the Jewish community With Rabbi Zalman Wolowik
Sanitary District #1 has been providing sanitation and recycling service to the residents of the Five Towns since its inception in 1929. Over the years, our community has grown and evolved in many different ways, and our district has evolved to meet the needs of our growing and diverse Five Towns community. In the coming years, we intend to be immersed in the community, represent our residents, and be responsive to an ever-evolving and dynamic community that we are truly proud to serve.
On October 22, 2012, Superstorm Sandy landed squarely in our Five Towns community, causing destruction and home damage which was almost unimaginable. For months after the storm, the dedicated employees of Sanitary District 1 (SD 1) worked to remove 10 million pounds of debris from our streets and restore some semblance of normalcy to our community. Commissioners and staff walked our community for weeks comforting residents whose lives were literally shattered by this unprecedented event. The entire staff of SD 1 worked selflessly serving residents in their hour of need, and I will always be proud of them for their service.
A few days after Sandy, I received a call from Rabbi Hershel Billet requesting help with shaimos pick up for religious books and other religious articles damaged in the storm. Of course, we worked with Rabbi Billet and other religious leaders to accommodate the needs of shuls and yeshivas adhering to this sacred Jewish tradition.
During my tenure as Commissioner, we have tried to deliver the highest qual-
ity and cost-effective sanitation service. Working with other board members like Gwen Campbell and Avi Fertig, we have instituted innovative programs which both increase service and reduce costs for the taxpayers. For example, by operating SD 1 as a “business,” we actually earn income from other municipalities for garbage and recycling services, enabling us to hold the line on taxes. In addition, SD 1 pays the lowest disposal rate for household waste than any municipality on Long Island. Steady financial stewardship is a key element to our success. Years ago, Mayor Andrew J. Parise of Cedarhurst helped to create the Passover Pick Up Program, which originated as simply a few garbage trucks parked at designated locations. Today, this program has blossomed into all day and on demand pick up for the Passover holiday. The importance of this service for
the Orthodox Jewish community was impressed upon us, and we responded. Partnering with Jewish leaders, we created a program which plays a significant role in the Passover holiday, which is extremely rewarding. In addition, SD 1 provides special pick-up service to shiva homes, in order to assist grieving families in some small way.
Continuing “Back Door Services,” teaching our schoolchildren the importance of recycling, expanding services, and keeping taxes low are just a few of our priorities in the coming year.
Dedication to the community is the cornerstone of Sanitary District 1. Understanding the needs of the entire community, including the Orthodox Jewish community, enables us to constantly improve the quality of service. We believe that our partnership with Orthodox Jewish religious leaders, community leaders and residents throughout the Five Towns will continue to grow ever stronger, and the services we provide will be reflected in that partnership.
We look forward to serving the Five Towns community for many years to come with ever improving programs.
As always, I look forward to hearing any thoughts or concerns from residents. My personal cell phone is 516-672-0847.
Sanitary District 1 James J Vilardi, Chairman Commissioners: Gwynn Campbell Frank Argento Irving Kaminetsky Avi Fertig George Pappas, Superintendent
