Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Locustwood Gotham Civic Association is a community organization dedicated to improving quality of life in Elmont. Leading community-driven local initiatives, the LGCA helps address traffic safety, clean up the streets and beautify the neighborhood. The community group was founded in 1989 when the previously separate Locustwood and Gotham civic associations merged together. The LGCA now represents over 1,500 homes in Elmont.
Bob Barker, president of LGCA, encourages Elmont residents to join their zoom meetings every third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in finding out more about the civic association can call him at (516) 384-1179, email him at RBM3411@yahoo.com, or visit their website at LocustwoodGothamCivic.com. Here are three things Barker says residents should know about the LGCA:
1. The civic association encourages members to voice concerns
According to Barker, the LGCA has the Elmont community’s best interest at heart. The board works with residents and officials to address concerns and resolve issues in the neighborhood. Members who attend the civic association’s monthly meetings are encouraged to bring their thoughts, ideas and questions with them. There are often guest speakers at meetings who brief members on upcoming events, local programs, updates to the town and other helpful information. The civic association has already led several successful campaigns as a result of community feedback, such as the recent implementation of “no parking” signs on residential streets near UBS Arena, Covid-19 vaccination services at Elmont Memorial High School, and a community cleanup along Hempstead Turnpike.
2. The board often collaborates with the local police precinct
One of the ways the LGCA is able to get things done in the Elmont community is through its partnership with the Nassau County Police Department Fifth Precinct. Barker says the precinct has been instrumental in addressing parking violations and enforcing maintenance codes in the area. At each LGCA meeting, an officer from the Fifth Precinct gives crime updates to members and gives tips on preventing theft of personal property and staying safe in the neighborhood. The precinct is responsive to member concerns, Barker says, and will give updates on issues brought up during meetings as they work to address them. Joining the civic association gives members a chance to directly interact with local officers and bring problems they’d like resolved to their attention.
3. Participating in LGCA helps support new neighbors in Elmont
According to Barker, one of the best ways for new residents to learn about the Elmont community and the culture of the neighborhood is by attending LGCA meetings. For those struggling to assimilate into Nassau County suburban life, Barker says, getting to know the town directly through the perspective of Elmont residents can help tremendously. Members can learn what is or isn’t okay to do in the community, what quality of life concerns the local residents want addressed, and how they can join the effort to make Elmont a better place to live. Barker says it’s important that the meetings are a space for collaboration, education and understanding among the community. He encouraged anyone interested in their effort to reach out and join their next meeting on May 21.
