Welcome to the West Hempstead Civic Association website! We hope that you will find plenty of informative and engaging content about our community. The goal of our site is to make it the primary source for information about West Hempstead. Please check back often updates to the site occur frequently. Thank you for visiting!
Town Votes for Urban Renewal Plan
Town Decides Private Sale Is Not Right For Community
A public hearing to determine the future of the Courtesy Hotel was held on January 22 and the Town Board voted 6 - 0 with one abstention to enact the Urban Renewal Plan created by the Town rather than proceed with a private sale of the property to Trammell Crow Residential. The Town's approval comes in spite of massive opposition from virtually every major organization in West Hempstead.
To learn more about the Town's proposed Urban Renewal Plan and why the WHCA, as well as every other major organization in West Hemsptead, is opposed to the plan, download this comprehensive overview of what the Town is considering or you can dowload the entire Urban Renewal Plan (in two parts).
Send a Letter to the Town of Hempstead to Close the Courtesy Hotel
The WHCA has developed a letter to send to Supervisor Murray and Councilman Ambrosino urging them to expedite Trammel Crow's application for zoning variances which will allow them to buy the property and close the Courtesy for good by the end of the year. Please fill out the form and let our elected officials know that we want action taken now.
UPCOMING EVENTS
WHCA 2nd Annual Mother's Day Rally to Close the Courtesy Hotel Date: Sunday May 11, 2008 Time: 10:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Place: Liquidators Parking Lot (across from the Courtesy Hotel), West Hempstead
We need to show Supervisor Murray and the Town Board that we will not keep silent and will continue to demand that the Courtesy Hotel must be sold and closed. Last Mother's Day, Supervisor Murray made a promise to close the Courtesy by the end of 2007. We need to remind her of her broken promise and show the Town Board that we want action not empty promises. No more stalling. The Courtesy's owner wants to sell, there is a buyer, ALLOW THE SALE TO CLOSE THE HOTEL!!
West Hemsptead Lions Club Pot Luck Dinner Date: Wednesday May 14, 2008 Time: 6:15 p.m. Place: West Hempstead High School Cafeteria, 400 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead There is no charge, but they are asking people attending bring a covered dish, preferably a casserole that can be shared, a 2 liter bottle of soda, and some paper plates and utensils. All are welcome and the Sea Scout Troop will have a visual presentation on what the boys do.
West Hempstead School District Budget Vote and Trustee Election Date: Tuesday May 20, 2008 Time: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Place: West Hempstead Middle School Gymnasium, 450 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead School Board members Vinny Trocchia (President) and Pam Lotito (Vice President) are running for re-election. Mr. Trocchia is is being opposed by Walter Ejnes. Ms. Lotito is running unopposed.
West Hempstead Memorial Day Parade Date: Monday May 26, 2008 Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: The parade will start at Hempstead Ave. and Nassau Blvd. The American Legion Post #1087, VFW Post and West Hempstead Community Support and Civic Association are sponsoring the parade. We are looking for additional marching bands. If you know of one which might want to participate in the parade, please call Rosalie Norton at 485-5132 or the WHCA voice mail at 733-0879.
Relay for Life of West Hempstead Date: Saturday June 7, 2008 Time: 5:00 p.m. Place: West Hempstead High School, 400 Nassau Blvd. Dowload theevent flyer for addtional information.
To post an event, please send an e-mail to the webmaster.
LATEST NEWS
WHCA President Sends Letter to Supervisor Murray Regarding Criminal Activity at Courtesy and Capri
Dear Supervisor Murray,As we near the second month since the adoption of the Urban Renewal Plan for West Hempstead, the following information is important for you to know. It brings to your attention the number of police calls and arrests which have been made at the Courtesy and at the Capri Motel. It clearly shows the real and present danger the Courtesy, as well as the Capri Motel, are to the residents of West Hempstead and all of the communities surrounding the area. To better grasp the extent of the problems, I am providing a report for each month since the year 2008 began. Please share the following police activity information with the Town Board members.
Police calls during the month of January 2008 at the Courtesy:
17 calls for service
8 arrests (drugs, prostitution, weapons, robbery)
18 case reports
2 field interviews
Police calls during the month of February 2008 at the Courtesy Hotel:
21 calls for service
4 arrests
4 case reports
2 field investigations
Police calls during the month of March 2008 at the Courtesy Hotel:
8 calls for service
2 arrests
6 case reports
Police calls during the month of January 2008 at the Capri:
8 calls for service
1 arrest
3 case reports
1 field interview
Police calls during the month of February 2008 at the Capri:
4 calls for service
2 arrests
2 case reports
0 field investigations
Police calls during the month of March 2008 at the Capri:
4 arrests
3 case reports
0 field investigations
Since the beginning of 2008 in just 3 months, here is the total between the two:
58 calls for service
21 arrests
36 case reports
5 field reports
How much longer do we have to wait to have the Courtesy sold and closed? The Capri is no better and can't be overlooked. Is this what West Hempstead deserves? Would you want this in your community? Rosalie Norton President West Hempstead Civic Association
WHCA Announces Acceptance of Applications for its 2008 Community Service Award
In order to be eligible for this award, applicants must be residents of West Hempstead currently enrolled as graduating seniors at any accredited high school (or Island Park residents who will graduate in June, 2008 from WHHS). Recipients of this award will receive $500 in recognition of their scholarship and service to our community, and will be mentioned in the Civic Association's May edition of its newsletter, News & Views. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 27, 2008. Download the application and follow the submission instructions included therein.
Newsday: Hempstead Town Board Moves to Block Sale of Hotel (Jan. 23)
Dozens of West Hempstead residents left yesterday's town board meeting shocked and angry at a decision they say will delay for years the closing of the drug- and crime-ridden Courtesy Hotel. See more...
Assemblyman Alfano Sends Letter to Town Supervisor Regarding the Courtesy Hotel
On December 10, 2007,West Hempstead's representative in the New York State Assembly, Tom Alfano, sent a letter to Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray urging her to listen more closely to the residents and consider their opinions more carefully regarding the Courtesy Hotel and the Town's proposed Urban Renewal Plan. You can read the entire letter by clicking on the link below.
New York Daily News - Hempstead Feeling Heat for Stalling Hotel Plan - Dec. 12, 2007 by Nicholas Hirshon
A parade of angry residents scolded the Hempstead Town Board yesterday for its glacial pace in closing a trashy, crime-ridden West Hempstead hotel. The board debated plans to redevelop the area around the Courtesy Hotel, which residents have long branded a hangout for drug addicts and prostitutes. Despite emotional pleas to shutter the Hempstead Ave. hotel during an all-day hearing, the board reserved judgment on the issue. The board is not expected to vote again until next month.
The owners of the Courtesy Hotel agreed to sell to apartment complex developer Trammell Crow Residential last year. But the town board intervened and proposed its own urban renewal plan for the area - a move that has delayed the shutdown of the hotel. The board was scheduled to vote yesterday on both Trammell Crow's proposal and the town plan. Residents at the meeting criticized Town Supervisor Kate Murray for reneging on previous vows to close the hotel before the new year. "The way I see it, the only way you can keep your promise is to stop wasting our time," snapped Scott Jablow, 51, of West Hempstead. "It's up to you to choose your legacy."
John Hogan, superintendent of the West Hempstead School District, urged the board to think about students who pass the sleazy inn on their way to and from class every day. "When you look at the Trammell Crow proposal, the efficacy and the ability of them to move very quickly and take down the hotel is certainly very important," Hogan said. Earlier in the day, Trammell Crow presented its plan to demolish the hotel "immediately" after the sale is complete.
The developer wants to put up a four-story building with 176 luxury apartments, featuring a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, landscaped courtyards and underground parking. Trammell Crow consultants predicted the project would attract well-heeled residents who would pump $5 million a year into the local economy, with little effect on traffic.
They also pushed the apartments as an easy sell for young professionals and empty nesters wanting to live near a Long Island Rail Road stop. Monthly rent would vary from $1,950 for one bedroom to $2,700 for three bedrooms.
West Hempstead Civic Association Attends 6th Annual Smart Growth Summit
The 6th Annual Smart Growth Summit, a comprehensive land-use conference bringing Long Island's leaders and experts together to address issues of Smart Growth and Livability was held at the Melville Marriott on November 16, 2007. The all day conference, attended by more than 700 business, elected and community leaders, focused on the challenges facing Long Island and how they are being addressed. The West Hempstead Civic Association (WHCA) president, Rosalie Norton, was asked to attend and participate in an invitation only civic leaders "Civic Summit." Mrs. Norton was also interviewed for and appeared on a video presentation “New Voices for Smart Growth." See more....
WHCA President Writes Letter to Three Village Times Editor
Rosalie Norton, President of the WHCA, sent a letter to Joe Rizza, Editor of the Three Village Times, which was published in the November 16 issue. Rosalie took exception to comments made by Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray regarding the development of the Courtesy Hotel. Click on the link below to view the entire letter.
New York Daily News - Town Stalls Owner's Try to Unload Seedy Hotel - November 16, 2007
A seedy West Hempstead hotel seems to have more lives than a cat - even though everyone, including its owners, wants it closed. A crucial town hearing that many hoped would nail the coffin shut on the Courtesy Hotel on Hempstead Ave. has been postponed until Dec. 11, dragging out an already protracted saga.
The town board may decide that day to delay its vote on the Courtesy's fate until January, and its decision could lead to an extended legal battle. "The Courtesy should have been closed by the end of the year," said Rosalie Norton, president of the West Hempstead Civic Association. "There's no way of understanding the reluctance to move forward." The delays are tied to a feud between the town board and the Courtesy's owners, brothers Bruce and Richard Zwelsky.
The Zwelskys want to shutter the hotel, allegedly a hangout for prostitutes, and agreed last year to sell the land to apartment complex developer Trammell Crow Residential. But the town government is seeking to prevent the sale. The Dec. 11 hearing centers on a plan that would condemn the Courtesy land and sell the property to a developer. "It's more playing games and it's more delay," said Thomas Levin, a lawyer representing the Zwelsky brothers.
If the board votes to condemn the land - instead of letting the Zwelskys sell it to Trammell Crow - Levin said he expects to wage a legal battle, which some believe could drag on for months, if not years. Levin said he couldn't predict when the hotel would close, given the town board's sluggish pace. The hearing yesterday was canceled because two of seven town board members were absent, and the board needs a super-majority - a majority plus one - to approve the plan, said town spokesman Mike Deery.
Marshall Myers, the civic association's vice president, wondered whether the board delayed the vote in the hope that fewer residents would show up to protest. "Once Thanksgiving hits, people's brains go into holiday mode," Myers said. "They don't want to hear it if it's anything besides being with family and shopping for Christmas."
West Hempstead Featured in the New York Times Real Estate Section
On Sunday, October 28, the New York Times ran an article featuring West Hempstead in its Real Estate section. Overall, the article painted a very positive picture of our community as well as pointed out some issues facing West Hempstead like the Courtesy Hotel. Read the full article.
Nassau County Police - Secuity/Police Information Network (SPIN) - Alert
The Nassau County Police are urging vehicle owners to remove GPS/Naviagtion devices from their vehicles when not in use. There has been a rash of thefts throughout Nassau County as criminals see the suction cup marks on the dashboards of vehicles. Protect your investment and take your device with you when you exit the vehicle. Download flyer.
West Hempstead Civic Association Announces Discount Fuel Oil Program for Members
The West Hempstead Civic Association (WHCA) is aware that heating oil and service on Long Island has become an expensive necessity. For this reason when Tragar Oil contacted the WHCA, we asked them to tell us about their company and their discount program.
Tragar Oil, a "green energy company", is a full service fuel oil dealer. It has been family owned for over 50 years. The discount fuel oil program is only available to members of the WHCA. In addition, each new customer of the WHCA Discount Fuel Oil Program will receive 10 free trees (6" - 12") for joining.
If you are a paid member of the WHCA and want to receive further information about the Program including fuel oil rates, call 733-0879. Leave a message with your name and telephone number and we'll have a representative Tragar Oil contact you.
Long Island Business News Article - Hempstead Dances Around Eyesore Hotel By David Winzelberg
Friday, July 20, 2007 The Courtesy Hotel has been the bane of the West Hempstead community for more than a decade. But now that the hotel, the site of numerous arrests for prostitution and drugs, is a step closer to oblivion, many residents are opposing the Town of Hempstead’s efforts to replace it. Specifically, the residents take issue with a town rezoning plan that includes not only the hotel site but part of a nearby retail parking lot. See rest of article...
Asseblyman Alfano and School Superintendents Slam Local Motels as Dangers to Community Assemblyman Tom Alfano calls motels that house level 2 and 3 sex offenders a clear danger to children, families and seniors that are just blocks from both the George Washington and John Street Schools.This revelation and community input helped him author legislation to stop what he calls the “West Hempstead and Franklin Square’s community’s Bates Motel nightmares.” In this case, the Capri and Courtesy Hotels being the targets as housing for sex offenders.Surrounded by parents and School Superintendents at a press conference carried by six television networks, Alfano called for a comprehensive strategy to address how and where sex offenders are housed in the wake of the new civil commitment law. Assemblyman Tom Alfano called the bill he is the lead sponsor of “necessary and critical” to the safety of children and families in the community. “Right now a family that needs shelter could be living less than 10 feet from a level 3 sex offender. That’s a clear and present danger that’s unacceptable.Furthermore, motels like the Capri that house sex offenders are within walking distance of the George Washington Elementary School of West Hempstead and John Street School of Franklin Square. The Capri Motel has housed sex offenders that local community members believe poses a real threat to children and families.The legislation Alfano, Barra, Walker and McKevitt are calling for restricts motels who also serve as shelters for DSS from renting to level 2 and 3 sex offenders.In addition it helps prevent the State from placing level 2 and 3 sex offenders within close proximity to children, families and seniors.
Alfano pointed to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Website that indicates that two level 3 sex offenders are living in the Capri Motel and could pose a threat to children and families.“The bottom line is that motels need to know that housing dangerous sex offenders poses a threat to the community’s safety. Families need protection and information to safeguard their families.”
According to the New York State DCJS website at http://www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us, the Capri Motel is home to a level 3 sex offender in rooms 213 and 119.The offenders are classified as Sexually Violent Offenders who were imprisoned for 1st degree sexual abuse a class D felony.
WHCA Delivers Letters and Petitions Calling for Closure and Sale of Courtesy Hotel
On Tuesday, April 17, 2007, a contingent of members of the West Hempstead Civic Association(WHCA) Executive Board and West Hempstead residents descended on Town Hall to deliver over 1400 letters and petitions, gathered in just 3 months, calling for the closing of the Courtesy Hotel and supporting the sale of the property to Trammell Crow Residential. See more...
New York State DEC Issues "Fact Sheet" on Water Contamination Findings
The New York State Department of Environmental has sent the WHCA a "fact sheet" which provide the residents of West Hempstead, NY with the initial findings and status associated with the detection of the gasoline fuel oxygenate Methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in West Hempstead Water District distribution system. You can download the entire "Fact Sheet" by clicking on the link below.
WHCA Details Major Improvements to be Made to Hall's Pond Park
When the Environmental Bond Act was approved in November of 2004, a meeting was held in the WH High School Auditorium in January 2005 to explain how to nominate and submit a project/proposal to the Environmental Bond Act Committee.
As soon as information was available on the criteria needed to nominate a project to be considered for funding from the 2004 Bond Act, the West Hempstead Civic Association(WHCA) wasted no time to recognize that the entire Hall's Pond Park area was a perfect candidate. The nominating petition took many hours and days to prepare so that it conformed to all of the stipulations and requirements to make sure it wasn't rejected.
In addition to the eight (8) paged single spaced narrative detailing the proposals and why it should qualify, the President of the WHCA, also submitted eleven (11) pages of signed petitions urging improvements to the entire area, one map of the area, four (4) photographs showing community events held at the Park, and completed four (4) pages of printed forms. The entire narrative portion of the Nominating Petition appeared in the local newspapers and was on the WHCA web site. Click the link below to access the petition.
The petitions and the accompanying data was delivered to the Environmental Bond Act committee before the April 15, 2005 deadline. Virtually every proposal in petition was recommended by the Bond Committee and then submitted to the County Legislature for their approval. It was unanimously approved by all 18 members and received the endorsement and approval of the Nassau County Executive.
A portion of the Nominating Petition addressed the need to clean up the wooded area north of the Park. This area was included by the WHCA so it can be used by the School District and other groups for educational purposes...The wording on the Petition says ".....nature trails created for use by various groups providing EDUCATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY PROGRAMS"
Money from the Bond Act will be used to clean and clear out all dead trees and weeds, and replant with native specimen trees. The WHCA recognized the potential of this derelict piece of property, and took all the necessary steps to guarantee it will never be sold by the County or other entity to any developer, individual, or private party. This area will be rehabilitated and maintained at no cost to the West Hempstead taxpayers and will provide a safe area for educational purposes.
The following is a synopsis of the improvements slated for Hall's Pond Park and the wooded area to the north, under the Environmental Bond Act of 2004.
A total of $581,000 has been allocated from the Bond Act of 2004 including funding from Nassau County for the following:
- Institution of geese control - restoration of forest and construction of trails (which will require the removal of invasive trees, bushes, vines etc. in the wooded area complete with nature trails and planting of native trees, fencing and locking gates to secure area at night) - restoration of entrance paving and walls, repair of gazebo, and installation of new benches, trash cans, plantings and irrigation system
Nassau County will fund and repair filter/discharge system and cleaning of the pond(removal of debris and trash)
An additional $278,000 has been allocated for the following improvements:
1. aeration or bubbler system for pond 2. water fountains(2) 3. new facade to bridge to match entrance 4. new lighting to enhance entrance and bridge 5. new fencing to replace existing cyclone and split rail fencing 6. planters each side of new metal benches 7. new asphalt walkways
There is an additional $278,000 for the Installation of a sediment collection basin and baffle system to prevent debris from entering the pond.
Of the 83 parks recommended by various groups or individuals for improvements, Hall's Pond Park, and the wooded area north of the Park, was one of only 18 parks deemed worthy enough by the Committee to be recommended for funding. The entire area is considered unique and an asset to the residents and the County.
Plans are now under way to hire a Project Manager to oversee bidding and purchasing, as well as coordinate and/or supervise all phases of work. Work on Hall's Pond is expected to start by the end of this year or early 2008. The WHCA will make sure that Hall's Pond Park receives all the attention necessary to have the improvements completed as quickly as possible. If you want to discuss this further, contact Rosalie Norton or call 733-0879.
The number of unique site visitors to the WHCA website since March 11, 2007.
West Hempstead Civic Association PO Box 425, West Hempstead, NY 11552 516-733-0879