The Point Lookout Civic
Association has continued its efforts to provide a
clearinghouse of information for our members and our
community and to proactively work on a host of issues we
believe are important for our quality of life.
Since our last update the Civic has met with Town of
Hempstead Officials on matters pertaining to our Beach
& Public Safety; discussed progress with
Streetscapes and issues of Traffic Calming; actively
participated with the County and local officials on
preventing a "Coney Island Type" Carnival from
taking place at Nickerson Beach and organizing our first
Earth Day / Beach Clean Up for 2003. Let me recap, on
some key points with respects to these issues and
encourage you that if you want to learn more please
consider actively participating on one of our committees
and come to our next General Meeting on June 5th. All
are welcome!
BEACH / PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
On May 8th, Civic Beach Chairman Gerry Ottavino convened
a meeting with Town of Hempstead Officials to review the
TOH's policy on beach access after dark during the
summer season and to discuss what avenues of public
safety we can expect. The Point Lookout Civic
Association was represented by six Board Members who
discussed a range of issues with Commissioner of Public
Safety Mike Montefusco, Deputy Commissioner of Parks and
Recreation Bruce Hallbert and Commissioner of
Conservation and Waterways, Ron Masters. The TOH
reaffirmed their position that they have a legal,
environmental and fiduciary responsibility to provide
safe venues and to protect the public's interest at all
their Town Park Facilities including Civic Beach and the
Ball Field. The signage posted at the entrance to these
facilities "Park Closes at Dark" provides them
with the legal authority to exercise that directive if
necessary. The TOH was quick to point out that the
Public Safety Officers in the past have exercised
consideration and discretion before acting on that
posted directive. Their concerns were mainly
directed to the incidents they have encountered through
the years when complaints have been lodged involving
large groups congregating in the Dunes or the Cove area
specifically when alcohol, dune parties or fires are
involved the TOH then are compelled to respond. The
Board reaffirmed our belief that the vast majority of
our citizenry are law abiding and we asked that the
CIVIC be kept apprised this summer season of any
incidents of a serious magnitude so we may foster a
clear understanding on why an action was taken and
dispel any misperceptions as to how the issue was
ameliorated.
STREETSCAPES/TRAFFIC CALMING
At the request of the Civic we asked to meet with the
Supervisor on the current status of Streetscapes since
we hadn't received a comprehensive update in some time.
Kendall Lampkin, Exec. Assistant to Supervisor Murray
(and one of Point Lookout's own) met with the Civic
Board and reaffirmed the TOH's commitment to explore
specific avenues with respects to traffic calming and to
apprise us on the N.Y.S. Department of Transportation
Grant. The Civic had learned that N.Y.S. D.O.T. did not
award their Local Safe Streets and Traffic Calming Grant
(LSSTC) to the TOH. The Grant portion for
Streetscapes was projected to be in the neighborhood of
$1.5 million. Mr. Lampkin indicated that there would be
a next phase of funding from D.O.T. and would be made
available this fall. The TOH indicated they would be
resubmitting another proposal in the hopes that DOT
would favorably considered. The Board expressed a
willingness to offer suggestions to the TOH on traffic
calming measures which would strengthen their grant
resubmission. The Civic has obtained a copy of the LSSTC
Grant Application and will be submitting some
suggestions to the TOH to include for their Fall
submission. As an interim step, Mr. Lampkin proactively
suggested that the TOH would consider some alternatives
while we wait for the next wave of funding. On Friday,
May 16th, Board Member Bill Waite met with TOH Traffic
Engineers and Ken Lampkin met on Lido Blvd. to discuss
specifically what could be implemented NOW before the
summer season commences.
An action plan was discussed to embark on a public
awareness campaign encompassing tangible improved
signage, consideration of some "modified"
rumble strips, informational cards to be distributed at
local establishments reaffirming safe driving conduct
and heightened enforcement of parking and speed limit
mandates.
Come to our next General Meeting on June 5th to hear
more on this campaign or check the
www.mypointlookout.com web site on how you can actively
participate.
Much thanks needs to be given to Bill Waite (and to his
wife Virginia) for the countless hours he has dedicated
to advancing this traffic calming issue.
EARTH DAY 2003
Our Earth Day 2003, scheduled for Saturday April 26th
was rained (did someone say snowed) out. Our stalwart
Beach Chairman, Gerry Ottavino would not be deterred! He
marshaled the troops for Sunday. Approximately 25
dedicated volunteers consisting of Debbie Amen/ Barbara
Wengler and our lovely Girl Scout Troops, Bob Dowling's
CCD Class, the irascible but ever present Dr. Gerry
Galvin, members of Dr. Kevin and Kate Cahill family and
several Civic Board Members worked their way from Civic
Beach to the Cove. Surprisingly (thanks in part to our
harsh winter and the omnipresent Dr. Galvin) the Beach
and surrounding dune areas were remarkably clean. We
still managed to remove several Christmas trees and
picked up enough refuse to fill 3 yard dumpster. All
participants received a worthy thank you certificate
from the Civic complements of Board Member Kelly Curtin.
Thanks for all your assistance our next Earth Day Clean
is scheduled for July 19th - Please mark your calendars!
A FEW GOOD PEOPLE NEEDED
Like many worthy organizations, they go through
transitions. The Point Civic Association is no
exception. We currently have close to 430 families
represented and some of our selfless Board members have
decided it's time to move on. We are looking for current
Civic members who would be willing to serve on the Board
and Chair a committee. Commitment is usually for two
years and requires a minimum of one hour per week
devoted to a Civic activity within our community. We are
looking for individuals who have some legal acumen and
knowledge of local zoning mandates. A person with fiscal
expertise would be appreciated so we may direct our
limited fiscal resources efficiently. Lastly, we are
looking for individuals who have the energy,
intelligence and wiliness to give something back in the
form of sweat equity to the community we all love. If
you have an interest, please reach out to me or any of
our Board Members and we would be pleased to consider
how your expertise might be incorporated within our
association. Your continued cooperation and support is
appreciated.
Respectfully Submitted,
Francis X. Ryan
President
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