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SPRING
UPDATE 2004
MEETING WITH THE 4TH
PRECINCT
Our Civics’ March General Meeting saw us
host members of
Nassau
’s Finest. Inspector Tim O’Leary and Officer Ed Cerullo of our
4th precinct gave some practical suggestions regarding
parking and speeding. With respects to chronic illegal parking
they suggest residents call 911 or the precinct at 516-573-6400 to
report this violation. They indicate that this approach prompts a
work order and is the best and most effective methodology to
handle consistent violators. The Inspector pledged a car would be
sent promptly to address the situation. The Civic raised the
question of adherence to 15 M.P.H. and we were informed that the 4th
has taken an aggressive policy towards speeders and they offered
to schedule their own electronic speed sign to heighten the
awareness. They believed they would station this sign facing
westbound as the spring season approaches and the ball field
begins to be used more frequently. On a related note, the Civic
continues to explore with the Town of
Hempstead
and Legislator Denise Ford to secure a second permanent electronic
sign for
Lido Blvd.
..
ZONING- What goes
up- continues…!!
The Civic continues to work with the TOH and
community residents on the need to ensure greater compliance to
the TOH’s zoning regulations. We appeal to area residents who
are considering remodeling their homes to comply with the town
code and communicate with their neighbors BEFORE the work
commences. We continue to work with area residents when issues
have been raised but this Association is only as effective as the
information it is provided. The Civic has been a resource when we
are alerted to matters in a timely fashion. We
stress when neighbors are provided with notice of a ZBA hearing,
that they review the proposed plans so the matter maybe discussed
intelligently. Most area residents willingly show their plans and
these drawings are available at
Hempstead
Town Hall
. The Civic continues to review and posts these notices from the
TOH website which lists all the ZBA hearings scheduled. These
Notices are published approximately one week before the hearing
date which often does not give sufficient time to review plans
and/or address the matter fairly. It is incumbent that if one has
a concern and has received notice to please make every effort to
review the tentative plan, attend the hearing and express your
concern before the Board. The Civic pledges to continue to be a
resource and encourages all parties to use our association to
assist when these matters arise.
BEACH MEETING
Civic
Beach
Chairman Gerry Ottavino organized a meeting with Town of
Hempstead Deputy Commissioner
of Parks, Bruce Hallbert. Purpose of this session was to review
matters pertaining to
Civic
Beach
as we prepare for the 2004 Summer Season. Personnel needs, repair
of dune fencing, clearer signage and ensuring our educational
programs for our young people remain part of the summer scheduled
were issued discussed. Assurances were given by the TOH that these
matters would be addressed to the best of their ability. The TOH
also responded affirmatively to the Civics’ request to place the
ancient swing set at the ball field playground. They expect this
replacement to take place before May 1st.
BEACH SHACK
On a related issue the Civic is indebted to
Commissioner Ron Masters for his efforts in directing the
refurbishment of our “beach shack”. Work has commenced to
incorporate an attractive cedar shake with motif on the exterior
and an internal upgrade to the building’s wiring and structural
needs. We believe this facelift will be in place before the beach
officially opens.
BENCHES FOR CIVIC
BEACH
“They are going like hotcakes”, is how
Civic Board Member, Ted Van Erk characterizes our initiative to
replace all the benches on
Civic
Beach
. This project is accomplished in partnership with the TOH and
when completed will provide new attractive benches dedicated to a
loved one along our beach walkway. Proceeds from our bench project
will be directed to create a Scholarship Fund. Each year at our
Children’s Day Event, we will present a worthy daughter or son
of a Civic member a monetary award based on what she/he has done
to improve the quality of life within our community. The Civic has
developed specific criteria and if you are interested in this
effort please come to our next General Meeting in April. If you
are interested in securing one of our benches please give myself
(889-4429) or Ted Van Erk (432-3999) a call.
TAX CHALLENGE/BEACH
PETITIONS
This Association was active this past month
spearheading two important needs for our community. Several Board
Members gave of their time on two consecutive Saturdays at the
Post Office and to provide information on how to challenge one’s
assessment and to encourage area residents to sign a petition
directed at our governmental leaders to assist with providing
nourishment for our
Civic
Beach
.
Both efforts resulted in some developments.
On the property tax issue it was reported that more challenges
were filed this year than in all previous years combined! The
County
Executive
as a result has pledged there would be no new County tax increases
for the next two years. It has also prompted legislation to
consider a more gradual phase in of any increase in the
forthcoming year.
Regarding Beach Nourishment we have received
some unsettling news that the Federal Gov’t is taking a hard
look at diminishing their financial resources to all Army Corps
shoreline projects. Our petition effort was directed to our
elected representatives, on what avenues can be considered to
prevent this loss of funding for this area.
TO THE DOGS
This past winter, the Ryan Household finally
succumbed to my 11 year old daughter Taylor’s persistent request
to get a dog. Thanks to our lovely neighbors Joan and Jim Lynch,
we were presented with Bailey-Bridget-Ryan a one year old West
Highland Terrier. Our lives will never be the same!! After
“coordinating” (did a say mandated) the 6 times daily walk
schedule, I was assigned the early morning/late night detail. In
early January, in subzero temperatures I joined the legions of
Point residents performing the same ritual. Bailey and I
discovered new friends. The variety of canines in our community is
impressive. Akitas, Golden & Black Labs, a variety of setters-
English, Irish, Welsh, Bull Dogs of the French and English variety
and the always popular Heinz 57. We do not discriminate in the
Point. Our community embraces and welcomes canines of all size,
shape, color and ethnic origin. We encompass the United Nations of
dog breeds.
What
I soon discovered was that my canine compatriots were extremely
respectful in complying with Town Code 152-7d. This ordinance
requires owners to pick up after their pooches. As a novice, they
would educate and exchange tips with me on how to properly handle,
or what bags were best or how to safely and efficiently scoop your
poop! This was all very informative and at times extremely
humorous. There was a general consensus this common sense approach
was a small effort to keep our community clean. On the other hand,
what has frustrated, irritated and agitated this canine fellowship
were the
MIDNIGHT
DROPPERS. Those select few who feel it’s beneath them or just
exhibit a blatant disregard about complying with this measure and
consistently do not pick up after…
It has been pointed out that the Town of
Hempstead
has signs throughout our community reminding dog owners to comply
with this ordinance or possibly be subjected to a $250 fine or
imprisonment. Now no one is suggesting that we incarcerate anyone
for violating 152-7d but a hefty fine for chronic violators may
get peoples attention.
The Civic has begun in conjunction with the
Town of
Hempstead
an educational campaign to heighten awareness regarding this
issue. Over the next several months, as the outdoor season kicks
into high gear we will be pressing this issue. We have enlisted
our fine Girl Scout Troop to assist with this outreach effort. Our
objective is to reaffirm the common sense approach that compliance
is good for the environment. We realize most dog owners comply and
we thank you. We ask that if you witness something to the
contrary, you say something to your neighbor and remind them of
the importance of
Compliance. As my daughter often says, “You
have to stoop to scoop- it’s good for your soul and your
town”.
Respectfully submitted,
Francis X. Ryan
President
FRyan19788@aol.com
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