Looking Ahead: The Challenges Facing Lindenhurst in 2013

Lindenhurst residents rang in 2013 on Tuesday and as with every New Year, local government leaders, school officials and residents begin working on challenges that face a local community.

With 2012 in the rear-view mirror, Lindenhurst Patch is looking ahead at some of the big issues that our community will face in the months ahead.

• Continued recovery from Hurricane Sandy: It’s been more than two months since areas of Lindenhurst were inundated with floodwaters from the historic super storm. As more and more residents return to normalcy in their lives, what impact the storm had on the real estate market, local businesses and how folks feel about living along Lindy’s waterways will come into greater focus.

• School budget and board of education vote: The annual formation of the school district’s spending plan always captures the attention local residents. This year, the focus is again expected to be on maintaining programs while school officials work to stay within the state mandated tax levy cap. Also, which local residents will step forth and run for the BOE? Stay tuned.

• Will the teachers contract stalemate be solved? In August, Patch reported that TAL and board of education were at an impasse, leading to mediation. With the most recent teachers contract having expired June 30, 2011, what agreement the two parties come to — and when they do so — will have an impact on the school district’s budget going forward.

• Local business growth: This is an on-going challenge for any community, but macro-economic conditions coupled with Sandy’s impact could present more challenges for Lindenhurst. How local government officials and business leaders face these challenges could be a big story in the 12 months ahead.

What do you feel are the big challenges facing Lindenhurst in 2013? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.