Board Recap: Natural Gas Option, Merrick Road Bridge Painting

Representatives from JJT Energy, an Energy Service Company that buys natural gas at open market prices then distributes it through utility companies like National Grid, offered its services to the village and residents at Thursday's village board briefing session, noting its services could save residents and businesses up to 12 percent on natural gas costs.

Joseph Graham, a representative from JJT Energy, said there is no cost associated with switching to JJT Energy and it's optional. He noted that if businesses or residents choose to switch over, a portion of the proceeds thereafter "goes back to village coffers" and can be used to help fund things like the RVC Community Fund. According to its website, a switch to JJT Energy "eliminates 100 percent of your NYS sales tax on the delivery portion of your bill."

JJT Energy is also the vendor for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, Graham said.

The board did not make any decision on this proposal.

Village officials also explained that the Merrick Road bridge will be painted from mid-April to July. The Long Island Rail Road is funding the renovation, officials said, but the village is anticipating some traffic problems that could arise from the upgrade.

The outlet from Sunrise Highway heading westbound onto Merrick Road (near the Hampton Inn) will be closed for three weeks while the bridge is painted. Officials said they believe that patrons of the Hampton Inn may have a problem heading eastbound out of the hotel. Officials said they are working with the hotel and LIRR to brainstorm ideas to limit traffic problems.

In other news, Rockville Centre Police Commissioner Charles Gennario said the department has prepared for nearly a year for the village's upcoming St. Patrick's Day Parade, a day he said is the busiest and most costly to the department. "The goal is to have a family affair during the day and a safe night," he said.

To help ensure that, Gennario asked bar owners to close at 1 a.m., rather than stay open until 4 a.m. He said early bar closures helped last year, and hopes it will again this year.