Argument almost comes to blows

Tensions rose at the East End Civic Association meeting on Jan. 5 as President Patrick Nicolosi and Floral Park resident Kenneth Reilly argued over the county’s proposal to install video lottery terminals at Belmont Park.

Nicolosi, a strong supporter of the plan, took exception to a poster Reilly brought to the meeting, which read, “No Casino in Nassau PERIOD.” Reilly stood in the back of the room with fellow Floral Park residents, holding the sign. After a few minutes, Nicolosi asked him to put it down, citing Elmont Public Library rules about politically motivated literature. Nicolosi is also vice president of the library’s board of trustees.

Reilly refused to lower the sign, moving Nicolosi to threaten to alert security. Reilly told Nicolosi that he would not comply with his request, and, as a result, a security guard removed Reilly from the meeting. As he was leaving, Reilly called Nicolosi a “coward,” which spurred an argument between the two men.

“What do you want to do?” Nicolosi asked. “You want to fight me? You made your opinion; you made your protest!”

The security officer directed Nicolosi away from Reilly, and the situation was defused. A few minutes later, Reilly appeared outside the meeting room window holding the sign. Nicolosi closed the blinds.