By Karenlyn Barone
Jeff Greenfield, vice-president of government affairs for the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce took on the role of moderator for the three village trustee candidates, incumbent Morrey Forman, Richard
Clifford and David Penso. The men were informed of general topics for discussion before the forum, but were not given the specific questions that would be asked that morning.
The forum opened with a three-minute introduction, where the candidates discussed their backgrounds and their desire to run. Penso said that "people are not anti-business or anti-development, but that they want to be involved in the process from early on." Clifford said he sees the village based on a four-prong system, uniting government, business, residents and the school community. Forman reiterated his commitment to the businesses in the village, which he recognizes as "anchored" in Lynbrook and who have a true stake in the direction the village takes.
Greenfield then had the candidates answer questions relating to different aspects of business and issues of commerce in the Lynbrook community.
The first question asked if the candidates were in favor of an extension of the Business Improvement District, to which Forman and Clifford agreed they were. Penso said, "In 1997, it seemed like a great idea. Alot of promises were made, and alot of promises were broken." Penso said while he thinks the community needs an extension of the BID, he said it should focus on being "inclusive, rather than exclusive."
When asked what the candidates saw as the next step in business renewal for Lynbrook, Clifford said the focus should be on re-developing underdeveloped and under-utilized areas. Penso said that Lynbrook needs a "global vision" and suggested the services of a planner might best serve the community. He also touched on his concern regarding the "60 to 70 businesses with 'for rent' signs on them now."
Forman said he prefers the term "revitalization, rather than renewal." He said Lynbrook will continue to pursue avenues of revitalization in what he calls their "boutique community."
When asked their vision regarding a motel versus condos in the village, Forman said "Condos bring residents, empty-nesters and snow birds," while a hotel would bring business people and "better taxes, with no demand on village services." Even so, Forman has not decided which would better serve Lynbrook. "I have not heard all the details," he said.
Clifford said that both projects have "merit." He said that "people wanting to invest in Lynbrook, is a good thing. That is money coming into our community."
Penso called for "reasonable development," and said that condos, or co-ops were "better than a Marriott."
Greenfield asked the candidates to touch on the issue of parking in the village. Penso said, in his opinion, Lynbrook's parking problem was artificially created. "We gave up 250 spaces," he said referring to parking under the Long Island Rail Road station. Penso did not come out in support of tiered parking.
Forman expressed his interest in investigating top-of-the line safe, tiered parking, that could be integrated into the community. "But, I give you the commitment that we will not go ahead with it unless it is clean and safe." Clifford said that deck parking might be "a necessary item" for Lynbrook. "Our shoppers need a place to park, and we do want shoppers here," he said.
When Greenfield asked if the village should consider adopting the Nassau County tax rolls, all three candidates were in favor of waiting until the county had fine-tuned the system, before making any changes in the village.
Forman, Clifford and Penso gave closing statements, during which Clifford talked about his extensive training in community relations and his participation as a member of the Lynbrook Architectural Review Board. "I'm a professional who has been trained to deal with community issues," he said. "Let me give it to Lynbrook for free."
Penso closed by saying he has a "better sense of what is going on in the community, because of my school board experience. I'm going to be your biggest advocate." Forman said, "business is a benefit to what government does, and that partnership is very strong." Forman said that he will continue to have an "open mind and open ears to what the people want for the village."
Greenfield thanked the candidates for their participation and closed by saying, "Tip O'Neill said 'all politics are local.' Well, it doesn't get more local than this."
