Halls Pond Park Spring 2009 Photo Courtesy of Mark DeFilippis
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!
From June 22 through August 7, five (5) census-takers (all from Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington, NY) will be conducting a door to door census of St. Thomas the Apostle parish visiting neighborhoods to identify households where Catholics live, and to make contact with Catholics who may not be registered in the parish. The visits will take place Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. and from 5:30 PM to 8 PM Tuesday and Thursday.
The census takers are:Kevin Thompson, John Ryan, Frank Zero, Michael Duffy and Brandon O’Brien, all will carry identity cards. For further information, please contact Parish Growth Director Cindy Sobiesiak at (516) 489-8585
WH COMMUNITY SUPPORT ASSOCIATION
FREE MUSIC IN THE PARK
July 16, 2009 – 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Featuring the band “the Switch”
July 26 – 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
The “NorthShore Pops Concert Band”
August 9, 2009 – 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Featuring the band “The New York Connection”
All performances will be at Hall’s PondPark
Nassau Blvd. & Hempstead Ave.
West Hempstead
Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating
Please – no alcohol and we ask that you please leave pets at home
For further information and in case of inclement weather call (516) 733-0879
WEST HEMPSTEAD FIRE DEPARTMENT
Victory Chemical Engine & Hose Company No. 1
90th Anniversary Parade & Drill – June 19th & June 20th
The West Hempstead Fire Department will be celebrating their 9th Anniversary this year. The Anniversary festivities will begin with the Town of Hempstead & 7th Battalion Drill that will be held at the BrianD.FaheyMemorialTrainingCenter located at Weir Street in Hempstead, on Friday, June 19th, 2009 at 6:00 PM.
On Saturday, June 20th, 2009 at 6:00 PM, the Town of Hempstead & 7th Battalion Parade will begin at the Town Parking Field located next to the West Hempstead Public Library on Hempstead Avenue and proceed to Hempstead Turnpike where it will end at the West Hempstead Fire Department Headquarters with a block party. There will be refreshments, music and activities for children to enjoy.
The entire community is welcome to celebrate the 90th Anniversary with our volunteer firemen and their families.All of the fire departments in the 7th Battalion will be participating in this parade
Report Potholes! Town of Hempstead 516-489-5000 (most residential streets)
Nassau County 516-571-8260 or 516-572-0735 (Nassau Blvd./Woodfield Rd./Hempstead Ave.)
Assemblyman Tom Alfano announced today that the New York State Department of Health (DOH) is now accepting applications for the free New York Prescription Saver Card. The program will provide lower-income New Yorkers with savings that vary depending on the quantity, type and brand of the drug purchased. In general, New Yorkers can expect average savings of 30 to 40 percent off the price of generic, and at least 25 percent off the full retail price of brand name prescriptions. Discounts on nearly all prescription drugs will begin on April 1 at more than 2,500 participating pharmacies throughout the State.
"This program is about giving people accesibility to prescription drugs and providing it affordably," said Assemblyman Alfano adding, "I was very pleased to support this program and vote for its enactment. Too many people have had their prescriptions taken out of their reach due to outrageous costs. This program goes a long way in fixing that. I am so pleased that over 30 pharmacies from Elmont and Floral Park to Franklin Square and West Hempstead are participating in the program."
Beginning April 1, the State will offer lower-income New Yorkers aged 50 to 64, or those who have been determined disabled by the Social Security Ad ministration, significant savings on prescription medications. More than 2,500 participating pharmacies across the State, including several major chains will accept the Prescription Saver Card. In addition, many drug manufacturers provide added discounts on their drugs. As more pharmaceutical manufacturers participate, prescription savings can continue to grow.
Estimated savings on common generic and brand names drugs include:
Metaformin (Treats Diabetes): 76 percent
Furosemide (Treats Hypertension): 43 percent
Actonel (Treats Osteoporosis): 40 percent
Lipitor (Treats cholesterol): 31 percent
Nexium (Treats heartburn): 19 percent
Plavix (Treats Stroke): 20 percent
To be eligible for the free New York Prescription Saver Card, you must be between the ages 50 to 64, or determined disabled by the Social Security Administration. Annual income must be at or below $35,000 for single persons and at or below $50,000 for married individuals. Those individuals who are enrolled in Medicaid or the State’s Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program are not eligible for the Prescription Saver Card.
Applications for the New York Prescription Saver card are being accepted online at http://nyprescriptionsaver.fhsc.com, or by phone on the toll free number 1-800-788-6917 . TTY users may call 1-800-290-9138 . Applications will be also be available at pharmacies and community organizations. Approved participants will receive their card in the mail usually within two weeks of filing their application.
A listing of the discounted drug prices, participating manufacturers and pharmacies, and a pharmacy locator can be found at the Prescription Saver Web site athttp://nyprescriptionsaver.fhsc.com.
WEST HEMPSTEAD CIVIC ATTEND
MTA HEARING VOICE OPPOSITION TO
REDUCING SERVICE ON WH BRANCH OF LIRRR
Scores of West Hempstead residents attended the MTA’s Public Hearing on January 21, 2009 at the Garden City Hotel.Many of them registered to speak and voice their opposition to the proposal made by the MTA to eliminate weekend service on the West Hempstead Branch of the LIRR.
West Hempstead Community Support and West Hempstead Civic Association president Rosalie Norton addressed the MTA and LIRR Boards on behalf of thousandsof community residents and business owners.
A summary of the statement made by Mrs. Norton, which became part of the record, is printed below.
Thank you for the opportunity to be able to come before you tonight.As president of the West Hempstead Civic and the West Hempstead Community Support Associations, I am here on behalf of thousands of resident to ask that you do not eliminate weekend service on the West Hempstead Branch of the LIRR.
Eliminating weekend service will negatively impact our residents and severely effect businesses situated near the train stations.In these difficult economic times, eliminating weekend services will create hardships for both workers and customers.Entirely eliminating all trains on the weekend is unrealistic and ignores the needs of the public.
You should be exploring ways to increase ridership, improve service, and make every effort to keep fares reasonable.Every time there is a deficit, the same type of recommendations are made…increase fares and eliminate service.Perhaps a different approach or ideas should be considered.
You applaud “Transit Oriented Development”.The best example of a TOD will soon be built at the first station on the West Hempstead Branch of the LIRR.Our community has worked for many years to have the property adjacent to this station redeveloped.Now a highly regarded builder, Trammell Crow Residential is in contract to purchase the property and plan to build, on the site, an apartment complex which will be called the “Alexan at West Hempstead Station.”Eliminating weekend service at this time sends the wrong signal to the builder, to the community and to the Town of Hempstead.Continuing weekend service is crucial to the success of this development.
The MTA has to show that it is serious in its desire to encourage TOD’s.If you want to increase ridership and reverse declining revenues, a different approach should be considered.The one you are proposing pulls the proverbial rug out from under the concept of “Transit Oriented Developments.”
I urge you to recognize that weekend service on the WH Branch is necessary and vital to the riding public and to a TOD.
The MTA should do all it can to encourage increased ridership, to maintain services, and to keep fares reasonable.Resorting to past practices of providing less services and asking for more money seems to result in a perpetual loop of failure and deficits.You have to ask how residership can be increased.Transit Oriented Developments is one method and must be encouraged, where possible, and every effort made to make them succeed.
Recently an official commented that housing for young people was sorely needed on Long Island.That official further noted that the location of the Trammell Crow apartment project couldn’t be better and that sometimes in government you get unique opportunities where you see that something can really work.I hope that you will also recognize the value of what is being proposed adjacent to the first station on the West Hempstead Branch and make a decision to do all you can to work towards helping this project succeed.
In conclusion, I again ask that you make a commitment to provide weekend service on the H Branch of the LIRR. It is the right thing to do for the communities, the riders and the MTA.
Respectfully,
Rosalie Norton
President
ALFANO: GOVERNOR PATERSON’S 137 TAX AND FEE INCREASES WILL COST THE AVERAGE NEW YORK FAMILY $3,875.48, COULD LEAD TO THE LOSS OF 1-IN-10 JOBSSays the 137 tax and fee increases in Governor Paterson’s budget are like “declaring war” on New York’s middle class families
Characterizing it as a “gut punch” to Long Island’s middle class already hurting from a terrible economy, home foreclosures and loss of real wages, Assemblyman Tom Alfano today warned that the 137 tax and fee increases within Governor Paterson’s 2009-10 Executive Budget will cost the average New York family an extra $3,875.48 annually.
Alfano, Skelos, Walker and McKevitt Announce Child Health Plus Expansion!
Assemblyman Tom Alfano, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Assemblymembers Tom McKevitt and Rob Walker today reminded New York families that effective Monday, September 1, 2008, all of New York’s uninsured children will be eligible for moderate or no-cost health care coverage, thanks to a recent expansion of Child Health Plus – New York State’s health insurance program for children.
Click the appropriate links above to view each bill.
West Hempstead Representatives Skelos and Alfano Demand Courtesy Hotel to be Closed
New York State Senate Majority Leader Skelos and Assembly Tom Alfano, who represent West Hempstead in Albany, sent a letter to Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray demanding that the sale of the Courtesy Hotel to Trammell Crow Residential be allowed to proceed. You can download a copy of the full letter to Ms. Murray by clicking on the link below. We thank our elected officials in Albany for their support on this issue and hope that their influence can make a difference in finally bringing this long standing issue to resolution.
WHCA President Presented the 2008 Smart Growth Awards for Community Leadership
The West Hempstead Civic Association, led by President Rosalie Norton, received Vision Long Island's Award for Smart Growth for educating and galvanizing the community in supporting Smart Growth principles. The Award was presented at a luncheon held on June 12, 2008 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. Walter Ejnes, a member of the Civic Executive Board attended the luncheon along with Rosalie Norton. Mr. Ejnes serves as Education Chairman on the Civic Board and has helped in preparing informational material regarding the blighted Courtesy Hotel area.
WHCA President Sends Letter to Supervisor Murray Regarding Criminal Activity at Courtesy and Capri
July 2008 letter to sent to Supervisor Murray from Civic president: Dear Supervisor Murray, This is another letter detailing the police activities at the Courtesy Hotel. Hopefully, if everyone is working to get rid of the Courtesy Hotel, this should be my last letter. All of us know the problems associated with the Hotel, but sadly none of us ever expected that the sale of the Courtesy to Trammell Crow would meet with such resistance from the Town. Crime has not taken a vacation and the figures for July are appalling. As mentioned in prior letters and it bears repeating, when will this end? Below are the figures for the number of times, during 2008, that the police had to respond to calls to the Courtesy Hotel and the results of those calls: Jan. 08: 17 calls 8 arrests 18 case reports 2 field investigations Feb. 08 21 " 4 " 4 " " 2 " " Mar. 08 8 " 2 " 6 " " 0 Apr. 08 18 " 3 " 5 " " 6 disturbances May 08 20 " 3 " 6 " " 3 field investigations June 08 13 " 2 " 4 " " 5 disturbances July 08 22 calls 6 arrests 5 case reports 08'Total: 119 calls 28 arrests 44 case reports 7 field invest. 11 disturbances On January 2, 2006 the Town completed its Blight Study for the 72 room Courtesy Hotel. In 2006, the police responded to 200 calls to the Courtesy resulting in 62 arrests. In 2007, there were over 200 calls which resulted in 77 arrests and 108 case reports. As of July 31, 2008, there has been 119 calls, 28 arrests and 44 case reports. The total number of calls, arrests and case reports in the 943 days since Jan. 2006 to July 2008 is staggering: 519 calls 167 arrests over 200 case reports Arrests have been made for drugs, prostitution, rape, statutory rape, kidnapping, weapons possession, assault, etc. Once again, I must ask on behalf of our residents, when will the decision be made which will result in the private sale of the Courtesy and the permanent removal of this business from West Hempstead? How much longer must we wait to benefit from the private sale and redevelopment of this property? Rosalie Norton
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.
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.
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.
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. Click here to read more of Dangers to Community
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