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TAX ISSUE -
THE SAGA CONTINUES...
The Point Lookout
Civic Association continues to petition out governmental leaders
in expressing our outrage and to insist there needs to be a viable
solution regarding the financial hardship this tax reassessment
has imposed on our community.
LEGISLATIVE REMEDIES
Thanks to the efforts of many Point residents and Civic members,
the N.Y. State Legislature has sponsored a measure to address the
unconscionable assessment on our vacant parcels. Sen. Skelos and
Assemblyman Weisenberg have introduced legislation to rectify
these unfair assessments on these parcels. Please continue to make
inquiries with Sen. Skelos (766-8011) and Assemblyman Weisenberg
(431-0500) Offices on the status of this measure and when we may
expect the Governor to sign it into law.
LEGAL APPROACHES
The Civic will continue to provide our residents with what legal
avenues maybe available to consider. At our last General Meeting
in October we entertained Dan Dillon, a highly reputable attorney
who advised and asked our residents to consider utilizing his
legal expertise. His approach is to challenge in court compliance
with Section 1805 of the N.Y.S. Property Law which prohibits a tax
increase on Class I property of no more than 6% in any one year
and not to exceed 20% over a five year period. We greatly
appreciate Dan Dillon's informative presentation and individuals
interested in learning more about this approach may reach Dan at
1-212-371-0200.
The Civic has scheduled for our December 5th General Meeting,
Attorney Fred Perry who will apprise us on how we may individually
use his services to challenge their assessments through more
conventional approach.
The Civic has formulated a petition which has been sent to Judge
Dana Winslow. Judge Winslow is the administrator of the consent
decree which mandated this reassessment. Its is our intent to
inform Judge Winslow the magnitude of how this proposed
reassessment has effected Point Lookout and to ask his office as
administrator to look into this inequity.
Lastly, the efforts that our residents have made through their
letters, calls and petitions have begun to make a difference. We
have been informed that the Point has been targeted for a
RE-REVIEW due to all of the inaccuracies that many of our
residents have illustrated regarding the Cole-Layer-Trumble
preliminary assessments.
Don't let up on this effort, the fight has just begun!
STREETSCAPES - CIVIC TO MEET WITH TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD OFFICIALS
The Civic in
conjunction with the Town of Hempstead has concluded its review of
the "rendering" provided by the Town. We are now
prepared to discuss with Town officials an expected timeframe for
this project. The Civic has worked with the Village Gardener's,
Chamber of Commerce, Fire Dept. and local citizens to ensure
suggestions were forwarded to the TOH. Bill Waite, Chair of
Civic Committee has done a marvelous job in spearheading this
effort. On a related issue, the Civic was informed recently that
the TOH has plans to install decorative lighting on either side of
Lido Blvd from the end of the Loop Parkway to the beginning of
Town. This lighting program we are told is identical to what the
TOH is proposing for Streetscapes.
We are expecting to meet with TOH before
our next general meeting on December 5th.
FEDERAL BEACH STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION PROJECT
With the City of Long Beach "allegedly" on board the
CIVIC expects planning efforts will soon commence on the specific
scope of this $ 85 million dollar project. Gerry Ottavino (YO
OTT), Chair of our Beach Committee continues to direct this effort
for the Civic. Gerry has been dogged in corresponding with all
governmental officials on the status of this initiative. The cost
for this 6.8. mile project would be shared by the Army Corps (
approx.$55 million), N.Y.S.E.N.C.O.N. ( approx. $21), Nassau Co. (
$175,000), City of Long Beach ( approx. $5.6. million) and the
Town of Hempstead ( approx. $3 million) The Civic remains
committed in support of this project, yet recognizes that an
effort of this magnitude requires due diligence of all parties to
ensure it's success. The Civic will be sponsoring a series of
small informational sessions with interested parties and
governmental leaders to address the issues of concerns. Please
come to our next General meeting to hear more about th! ese
sessions.
EARTH DAY III/ HALLOWEEN PARADE
Kudos need to be extended to Gerry Ottavino and all who
participated in our dune replanting effort as part of the Civics'
Earth Day III. Over one thousand plants were planted on our Civic
Beach in our ever continuing effort to replenish one of our most
precious resources. Thanks to all, young and old who help make
this a marvelous day.
Kathy Korndoeffer, Tom Bauer and countless others continue to
provide our children with a marvelous Halloween gathering at the
Fire House. It continues to be one of the best events of the year
and the CIVIC is proud to be a partner.
HISTORIC CALENDAR/ MEMBERSHIP
Thanks to Peter Healy, Rosemary Dowling and members of our
Historical Committee our calendar should be available before the
New Year. We want to thank all Point residents who
contributed their photographs for consideration. If your photo did
not make it this year don't worry we hope to continue this effort
for years to come. This year's calendar will be distributed to all
our Civic Members ONLY. If you are not a member and want a
calendar won't you please sign up? If you still haven't renewed,
won't you consider doing so today. At last count our membership
was 400 households.
Thanks for your continued support.
Francis X. Ryan
President
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