at the waterfront. They were part of the waterfront development. More is supposed to go there, but with COVID, it kind of all stopped and it’s starting up again.” Affordable housing remains a priority. Georgica Green Ventures, on of the rental buildings is a 55unit workforce housing development, operates by application pending income qualifications.“It’s called Georgica Green Ventures, and it had been by a lottery that you got into , now it is by application pending income approval. That’s down by the waterfront,” Mayor Panzenbeck explains.The city plans to pioneer workforce condominiums, enabling home ownership for middle-income buyers. Beneath these visible developments lies a critical infrastructure challenge. Glen Cove’s ancient water system requires $50 million in upgrades with $11.5 million in grants already secured.“One of the issues with infrastructure is our water.All our water mains, our water wells,” says Mayor Panzenbeck.“We finally, about two years ago, opened a new water well. We’ve had major water issues just because the water wells are all so old.” The city tackles this systematically, shutting down individual wells for repairs while maintaining service.“It’s very difficult when you’re a mayor because people like to see things,” she reflects. “There are so many projects that nobody sees that really need to be done.” SAFETY, SERVICES, AND RECOGNITION Glen Cove’s transformation encompasses fundamental quality-of-life metrics that distinguish it from neighboring communities.The city maintains its own police force, contributing to its ranking as the fourth safest city in New York State, with crime rates that place it in the 98th percentile nationally for safety. “We have our very own police force. We are the fourth safest city in the state of New York. People love that,” Mayor Panzenbeck emphasizes. The city’s comprehensive emergency services include the Fire Department which is fully volunteer, EMS services which comprise both paid and volunteer personnel, and harbor patrol units. Glen Cove Hospital, part of the Northwell Health system, provides local medical care and actively recognizes first responders. “Last night they had awards for our policemen and our EMS that saved a gentleman’s life. So, they all got great big awards,” she recounts. “And then the hospital, I believe, gave three of our EMS a $1,000 scholarship.” Financial stability underpins these services. When Mayor Panzenbeck took office, Glen Cove faced a $3.3 million deficit. By 2023, that deficit was reduced to $362,000, while in 2024, the city achieved its highest Moody’s credit rating in twenty years, and in 2025 the city has reached a budget surplus.“We’ve worked Photo Credit: Roni Jenkins 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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