East Hills Mayor Michael Koblenz steps down after 32 years, Brian Meyerson named successor

Nassau East Hills Mayor Michael Koblenz steps down after 32 years, Brian Meyerson named successor By Larissa Fuentes … Comments Posted on November 10, 2026 Mayor of East Hills Michael Koblenz retired and swore in Deputy Mayor Brian Meyerson to replace him as mayor. Larissa Fuentes After more than three decades leading the village, East Hills Mayor Michael Koblenz stepped down, marking the end of his 32-year tenure as mayor and nearly four decades of service to the community. During the Nov. 6 board of trustees meeting, Koblenz formally submitted his resignation, effective Nov. 6, and the board appointed Deputy Mayor Brian Meyerson to serve as mayor for the remainder of Koblenz’s unexpired term. Koblenz, who also previously served as a trustee, deputy mayor and member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, reflected on his time in village government and several projects that helped shape the community. “It is with a very heavy heart” that the board accepted Koblenz’s resignation, Meyerson said, thanking his predecessor for his leadership and mentorship. Koblenz described his time in village government as a major part of his life, recalling his efforts to acquire and transform the former federal property that now houses the village’s municipal complex and park. He said the property was originally valued at approximately $25 million, but through negotiations with federal officials, the village was able to purchase it for $3 million. Koblenz said the village also sold its former Village Hall property for $3 million, helping offset the acquisition cost. The Air National Guard remained on part of the property during the transition, allowing the village to avoid debt service and other expenses while preparing the site for redevelopment. The municipal complex was subsequently constructed through a $17 million bond, which Koblenz said came in under budget and ahead of schedule. He also recalled efforts to protect the property from potential alternative uses, including a proposed minimum-security prison and a postal transfer station. Koblenz said he had hoped to establish an indoor sports facility with a pool, but estimated the project would cost approximately $25 million. He said he did not want to increase the tax burden on residents to fund the project, noting that the village had gone 16 years without a tax increase during his tenure. Other accomplishments he highlighted included the village’s annual road improvement program, securing state grants and preparing the municipal complex to serve as an emergency shelter during Superstorm Sandy. During the storm, Koblenz said the village secured a generator-powered truck and arranged for the municipal building to provide residents with showers, meals, a place to sleep and a way to charge their phones. Meyerson thanked Koblenz for spending countless hours teaching him the responsibilities of leading the village, particularly during the past 2 1/2 years when Meyerson served as deputy mayor. He said he looked forward to continuing the work of making East Hills a community where longtime residents want to remain and new residents want to move. “I will never be able to fill your shoes, Michael, and I’m not even going to try,” Meyerson said. “I will do all I can to continue a tremendous legacy.” Following his appointment, Meyerson made several appointments to fill vacancies created by the leadership change. He appointed Scott Fishkind to serve as trustee for the remainder of Meyerson’s unexpired term, which runs through April 5. Meyerson said Fishkind has served as a volunteer firefighter for more than 20 years, worked as a 911 first responder and founded the village’s Office of Emergency Management. He also cited Fishkind’s experience as a fourth-generation owner of a family business. Fishkind said he and his family have deep roots in the community, noting that his wife and four children were born and raised in East Hills. He said his priority would be to preserve what the community has built over the past several decades while continuing to move the village forward. Meyerson also appointed Emanuel Zuckerman as deputy mayor through April 5. Zuckerman previously served in the position for approximately 12 years and was involved in overseeing village security personnel, security cameras and the recently completed playground. Courtney Rosenblatt was also appointed village clerk, retroactive to Oct. 13. Meyerson praised her work since joining the village, saying the improvements she has made in a short period have been significant. The board also appointed Rosenblatt as the village’s data access officer, allowing her to administer employee health insurance and benefits and handle required filings with the state comptroller’s office. Additionally, Noah Greenberg was appointed community service liaison for the village’s high school volunteer program, replacing Jake, who recently began college. The program connects high school students with opportunities to volunteer at village events and assist with community activities. The board approved several additional items, including an agreement with JPMorgan Chase for a municipal procurement card, pending review by village counsel. Rosenblatt explained that the card would allow the village to receive rebates on eligible purchases, with larger purchases potentially generating greater returns for the municipality. Preparations also continued for the village’s annual Winter Fest, scheduled for Dec. 6 from 3:15 to 6 p.m., with a rain date of Dec. 13. The event will feature a holiday lighting, a Christmas tree lighting, seasonal characters, hot chocolate and artificial snowfall. The board approved agreements with several vendors, including a caterer, craft artist, hot chocolate provider and a company providing inflatable attractions. On public safety, trustees authorized the installation of safety lights and a security camera at Arlene Park and the intersection of Great Oaks Road and Glen Cove Road. Meyerson said residents in the area had submitted a petition requesting the improvements. He also cited two burglaries in the area, explaining that the location provides an easy route onto Glen Cove Road and the Long Island Expressway. An existing camera on Kennedy Drive does not capture the area closely enough, he said. During his first mayor’s report, Meyerson also highlighted the village’s sale of five surplus Department of Public Works trucks for approximately $30,000. He said the vehicles had been sitting unused and were identified by new DPW Supervisor John Cornfield, with the proceeds going back into village coffers. Meyerson also reported that the village recently renewed its insurance coverage. Although the village pays approximately $300,000 in annual premiums, he said the overall cost remained relatively unchanged from previous years despite adjustments to coverage. Meyerson closed by thanking Koblenz for his years of service and expressing confidence in the village’s leadership team moving forward. About the Author All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines . Schneps Media does not endorse the views shared by readers in our comment sections.