by Jerry Burke
Fifth Precinct Police and the Auxiliary Police, who have a booth across the pond along Hempstead Avenue, were tipped off to the vandalism by a concerned resident along Nassau Blvd. Two teens were arrested at the scene. Police have not yet identified them, but Seth Bykofsky, Chair of the West Hempstead Civic Association's Zoning Committee, says he has been told that neither of the teens were West Hempstead residents.
Last year, a separate pair of teenagers were arrested for defiling the gazebo with graffiti.
The gazebo, which has become a focal point for activity in the park since last year's dedication, will be repaired by the Civic Association. "The cost of repair will hit us deeply," said Bykofsky. "Still, the cost of giving in to those who would destroy community is much greater."
Estimates for the repair costs are being investigated now, but Bykofsky believes the gazebo and what it represents is under attack. "This is both disturbing and disheartening," said Bykofsky. "So many people in our town have worked so hard to raise the standard, to better the quality of life, and, in a matter of minutes, a couple of malcontents, with a few swift kicks, attempt to raze one of the very symbols of our community's resurgence. When and where will it end?"
The Civic Association is accepting voluntary donations to help defray the cost of repairing the gazebo. Donations, in any amount, may be sent to WHCA, P.O. Box 425, West Hempstead, NY 11552-0425; Attn: Gazebo Fund.
