By Mary Malloy and Mike Russo
With only a few days' notice, homeowners, village trustees, 4th Precinct police and auxiliary police and school officials showed up to voice their concerns about --- and some possible solutions to --- what seems to be a growing trend in the village and surrounding areas: the destruction of property and the threat of harm to families and homes by local youths.
"Our challenge as a community is to show the few bad kids that their behavior will not be tolerated." said Santino. "I think we got some things accomplished [at the meeting]. The residents vocalizing their fears made an impact on the nature of the problem."
One resident who did not want to be identified in the Herald reported that a pellet gun had been fired at his house recently. Another said he believes there is drug dealing and illegal residency at a Baisley Avenue address. Another frightened resident reported youths lining up outside her house, threatening to "torch it" with lighters and newspapers.
"The arson incident recently in the Bay Park picnic area brought this to a head," said Santino. "All this going on not just in Bay Park, but in other areas of East Rockaway, in what is and should a quiet residential community." On Aug. 1, the picnic pavilion in the park, including the tables and overhang, was set on fire. The structure was deemed not salvageable and demolished a week later.
According to Sgt. Thomas Dunn of the 4th Precinct, the investigation of the arson is ongoing. "We have leads that we are following," Dunn said. He urged residents to be on the lookout for suspicious activity in their neighborhoods, and to notify police if they see anything unusual.
Dunn added that the posted signs at the entrances of Bay Park need to be clearer. "Currently the park signs say that it closes at dusk," he said. "There could be some confusion as to just when that is." Responding to comments that the police do not enforce the rules, Dunn said that any minor caught committing a criminal act would be brought to the police station, and his or her parents would be called.
According to Jose L. Lopez, commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, measures have already been taken in response to the recent vandalism in the park. "The Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums has taken several steps to prevent a reoccurrence," Lopez said. "The playground area is now locked at night, as is the west side of the park, including gates at First Avenue and the golf course. We are in the process of installing signs at the dead-end street entrances and other areas of the park, citing ordinanced park curfew and the consequence of fine and/or imprisonment if curfew is violated."
Lopez said that the parks department is working closely with the Nassau County Police Department to increase nightly patrols of Bay Park. "But we are continuing to ask for community involvement and vigilance," he added.
Diane LauKaitis, captain of the East Rockaway Auxiliary Police, said that her department is keeping a watch on things. "We are the eyes and the ears of the Nassau County Police Department," LauKaitis said. "We check and coordinate with the 4th Precinct."
She said that there is a zero-tolerance policy in the district with regard to anyone making trouble or violating local laws or ordinances. "I report directly to the precinct, and they can react immediately," said LauKaitis. "They can be there in minutes." She explained that there is always a call for volunteers to join the auxiliary department, and that neighborhoods can set up community watch programs. "We will get together more information on how to do this," LauKaitis said.
According to East Rockaway Superintendent of Schools Dr. Arnold Dodge, the school system intends to make students more aware of the possible consequences of their actions. "We are more than willing to partner in this initiative," he said. "We plan to have a police officer come in to speak to them during school hours, and to also talk with the parents. Our rule is awareness. We want to use this as a teachable moment --- to teach the kids to take pride in their community, and to have them see that just a few bad apples can make this happen to a community."
Deputy Mayor Richard Meagher agreed that improved security and increased enforcement at public facilities is key. "I would add and repair fences and gates, add lighting and prune trees and undergrowth, add signage, including 'No Trespassing,'" he said, adding that targeted patrols by law enforcement would help, as would recreating and widening the concept of a neighborhood watch.
"We need to maximize use of auxiliary police, possibly equipped with surveillance television cameras," Meagher said, suggesting using this as an opportunity to create new programs geared toward teens. "Find out from kids what would get them off the streets through surveys or needs analyses. Involve them. Also, parents must step up to help supervise or chaperone potential new programs." There were, however, disagreements among those attending the meeting about setting curfews for the youth of East Rockaway.
Santino voiced his disappointment that more local officials who were invited did not attended, or send representatives on their behalf. "The purpose of the meeting was to get as many local officials together to find a solution," he said. "There is no one magic answer." Santino said that there are two different problems --- one that impacts the residents that live near Bay Park. "We want to see permanent security there in the overnight hours, especially in the summer months, and during school, at least on the weekend nights," he said. The other problem is teens congregating in large numbers in front of homes. "The residents want more than just shooing the kids away, so they scatter," Santino said.
"They need to see that there are consequences to their actions," said one resident. Santino explained that this could take the form of violators' being taken into custody, brought home to their parents, or being issued court appearance tickets.
"What I heard at the meeting was disturbing," Santino said. "These recent events appear to be more than just mischievous summer fun."
Comments about this story? MMalloy@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
