Report zombie houses, Support CF

Zombie houses are blight and an expense for our communities. Whether the house was damaged and left after hurricane Sandy, left due to foreclosure, or tied up in an estate or other litigation, they bring the possibility of squatters, environmental hazards, rats and other vermin, fire, and they are an eyesore.

Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach) said he would take action against them. He contacted County Executive Ed Mangano, and to Kaminsky’s surprise the wheels turned very quickly. The county is setting up a database of abandoned homes, and they are asking the public to help.

Speaking to the Island Park Business and Residential Chamber of Commerce at its Apr. 9 meeting Kaminsky explained “Municipalities tell me they can fine the owner and take other actions, but often don’t know who the owner is.” To that end the county assessors office will look into every reported house, and try to find the responsible party. The owners will be posted on a county web site. Each municipality will have a password to the site, and will be able to match the house with the owner. You can report an abandoned house here: http://bit.ly/1CAPvmw.

Island Park student John “J. J.” Byrnes addressed his fundraising effort for the upcoming Great Strides walk for Cystic Fibrosis. Byrne suffers from the genetic disease.

On January 15, 2013 Byrne, then 12 years old, accompanied local residents to Washington D.C. to ask for aid after Hurricane Sandy. He implored those on Capitol Hill to “stop the political shenanigans.” His CF walk group took the name Team Shenanigans, and in years past they have raised over $15,000. He is hoping to raise $7500 this year.

“I am reaching out once again to everyone to help me raise funds for a cure, finding a cure is the most important thing to me and I will continue to work towards that goal,” said Byrne.

This year’s walk is set for June 20. For more information or to donate go to http://bit.ly/1OjRxQo.

The Chamber also announced the summer street fair will take place Jul. 31-Aug. 2. For information on becoming a vendor contact http://www.nassaucountycraftshows.com/875987.html or call (516) 442-6000.