Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter held a news conference on Sept. 21 to review security for the upcoming 2016 Presidential Debate, which will take place Sept. 26 at Hofstra University. Recent terror attacks in New York and New Jersey have police officials on heightened alert. To that end, there will be many road closures and prohibited items for the debate.
“Large-scale events such as this Presidential Debate require significant police resources,” Mangano said. "I thank our partners in law enforcement and call on the public to help serve as our eyes and ears. If you see something out of the ordinary –– a suspicious individual, backpack or bag –– dial 911. Additionally, if you read something on social media that raises concern, Text-Tip via the Nassau County CrimeStoppers mobile app.”
Below is a list of “prohibited items” for anyone entering secure zones around Hofstra University. Note that pedestrians entering these secure zones are subject to search.
1. Aerosols
2. Ammunition
3. Animals other than service/guide dogs
4. Backpacks
5. Bags and signs exceeding size restrictions
6. Balloons
7. Bicycles
8. Coolers
9. Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
10. Explosives
11. Firearms
12. Glass, thermal or metal containers
13. Laser pointers
14. Mace/Pepper spray
15. Packages
16. Selfie sticks
17. Structures
18. Supports for signs and placards
19. Toy guns
20. Weapons of any kind
21. Any other item determined to be a potential hazard
22. In addition, the Nassau County Police Department reserves the right to prohibit any other items that are determined to be a potential public safety hazard.
Traffic surrounding Hofstra University will be severely impacted. There will be some road closures.
Sept 26
• 5 a.m.–midnight: Charles Lindbergh and Earl Ovington boulevards will be closed.
• Noon—midnight: Hempstead Turnpike will be closed to all traffic between Oak Street and Merrick Avenue by Eisenhower Park.
• Oak Street will be closed from Hempstead Turnpike north to Westbury Boulevard.
• Eastbound and westbound traffic in this area should use alternate routes such as Front Street, Old Country Road or Stewart Avenue.
• Lawrence Street in Uniondale will be one way northbound only from Hempstead Turnpike to Westbury Boulevard.
• Courtenay Road in Hempstead will be one way southbound from Hempstead Turnpike to Front Street.
• No on-street parking will be permitted on both Lawrence Street and Courtenay Road on Monday September 26.
• There will be no access to Hempstead Turnpike from Front Street. Residents and other local traffic only will be permitted.
• The following streets will be one way southbound for one block South of Hempstead Turnpike:
o Manor Parkway
o Marvin Avenue
o Walton Avenue
o Gilroy Avenue
o Cunningham Avenue
The Nassau County Police Department is advising that drivers take alternate routes and should avoid travel in the area of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Hofstra University on the day of the debate.