RSS 2.0 FeedSeptember 3, 2010, Merrick Life
North Merrick civics: Neighbors are helping out
Neighbors helping neighbors in North Merrick.
At the August meeting of the North Merrick Civic Association (NMCA), members were congratulated by Officer Maureen Beccaris and Sgt. Michael O’Mara for their efforts in helping police capture a group of four Queens teens on charges of burglarizing cars in North Merrick.
As told by John Lufrano, director of the neighborhood watch program, residents were calling police advising them of every move the men were making. The diligent residents provided enough information to enable the police to capture and arrest all four suspects.
Mr. Lufrano hoped that the swift arrests sent a message that crime will not be tolerated in the area. “Look out for each other,” encouraged Officer Beccaris. Dan Yngstrom, a representative from Legislator Dave Denenberg’s office and a member of the NMCA board, told the audience that in the current economy, “people are desperate.” It’s important to be vigilant by locking doors and windows, including car doors, and tell neighbors to do the same, he advised.
In other police news, Sgt. O’Mara said that his unit had been watching a Citgo gas station on Jerusalem and Park Avenues for sales of cigarettes and cigars to minors after receiving complaints from neighbors. In some cases, the cigar tobacco was used to mask the smell of marijuana.
The undercover unit put special patrols into place in June. By the beginning of August, arrests were made and the Problem-oriented Policing (POP) unit was brought in to conduct further operations and arrests. In case of emergencies, residents were urged by the police to call 911. Concerns about ongoing problems can be directed to the POP unit at 573-6170, said Officer Beccaris.
Road problems
NMCA President Claudia Borecky applauded the efforts of the civic association to have stop signs installed at Camp and Chapin Avenues. Ms. Borecky called upon all residents to let the association know about any problem streets. Audience members brought attention to a few hot spots: stop sign abuse at Henry Road and Rhodes Avenue; stop sign abuse when exiting Southern State Parkway unto Merrick Avenue; and hedges blocking drivers’ views on Meadowbrook Road. Ms. Borecky noted the hedge problem and agreed to have the Town of Hempstead look into the matter.
Cell towers and antennae
At a recent meeting of the NMCA, a representative of T-Mobile proposed replacing the flagpole in front of the library with a new pole that would house cell antennae for the telecommunications company. The civic association conducted an online survey, and Ms. Borecky said the responses indicated approximately 70% against the proposal.
Ms. Borecky said that it would be preferred to have the cell tower installed on the Meadowbrook Parkway, but the T- Mobile representative said that applications had been submitted to the state with no response over the last four years. State Assemblyman Tom McKevitt told the gathering said that the state entered into a contract with Crown Castle Communications some time ago. The communications company is charged with investigating cell antennae sites.
Recently, said Ms. Borecky, Crown Castle purchased a company that installs cell towers, and believed that to be a conflict of interest. Assemblyman McKevitt said he would look into the matter. The Town of Hempstead has hired an attorney to formulate code on cell tower/antennae placement. Ms. Borecky said that a number of civic associations, along with county Legislator Dave Denenberg, attended a Town Board meeting to voice their opinions on the perceived problems. Many were pleased to learn that consideration is being given to locating towers and antennae 1,500 feet from residences; cell companies must provide proof of the necessity of the equipment; cell phone providers must prove there is no better place available in an area and they must notify homeowners within 1,500 feet of the proposed site. Legislator Denenberg said that when he pressed the town for a moratorium the answer received was that they “were effectively going to do a moratorium.”
The Town Board is expected to have a completed code by September 7 and then vote on the code at its September 21 meeting. Mr. Denenberg is hoping that the town will provide a public hearing before September 21 to give all residents the opportunity to provide input. The legislator said he would like to see a provision that would not allow companies such as Next G to grandfather into the new code.
Southeast Nassau Water Authority
In January, the Town of Hempstead announced that it would appoint new members to the existing-though-dormant Southeast Nassau Water Authority, in order to conduct a feasibility study of taking over the Aqua New York, the water company that services the Merricks, the Bellmores, Wantagh, Seaford and parts of Massapequa. “We are paying too much,” said Mr. Denenberg, as he called for the appointment of new water authority members.
In the nine months since the Town of Hempstead announced the resurrection of the authority, it has accepted resumes, including that of Ms. Borecky, and conducted interviews, but the authority has still not officially begun. Mr. Denenberg submitted sample letters that residents could use to write to Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto. Anyone interested can access the sample letters at Mr. Denenberg’s website.
Other business
Ms. Borecky said there will soon be a name change for NMCA as it absorbs residents from central Merrick. The proposal to build an island to store liquid natural gas off the coast of Long Beach has been defeated, said Ms. Borecky, an opponent of the project.
Tom Riordan of the American Legion Post 1282 said that numerous school groups participated in procuring gifts for veterans at nursing homes, while the American Legion paid the postage for shipping. After a recent experience regarding a deceased veteran, Mr. Riordan strongly urged all veterans to register their discharge papers with the county clerk. Without the appropriate proof of service, burial at the national cemetery could be denied. The civic association is gearing up for the annual Halloween Spooktacular, where local children are able to enjoy the holiday in a safe and happy environment. Volunteers are being sought for the event, said Ms. Borecky.
In addition, a membership drive is underway to attract greater participation in the association. Family dues are only $20 per year, said Ms. Borecky. The money collected is used toward some of the special activities of the association, such as the Spooktacular.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, at the North Merrick Library at 7 p.m.