By Liz McBreen
He thanked the community for passing the school budget and the library bond. "The new library will bring us into a bright new future. It is the beginning of the long-awaited revitalization coming to fruition," said Rabey, referring to the new library, as well as the possibility of the Courtesy Hotel's being shut down, and the improvements being made at Hall's Pond Park. Rabey also said there are still challenges ahead for the community, and he asked everyone to continue their commitment to West Hempstead.
The civic has been instrumental in several improvements across town during the past year. With the help of Assemblyman Tom Alfano and Sen. Dean Skelos, new fencing was installed along the LIRR tracks and a Code Enforcement Committee was formed to respond to letters and phone calls from residents reporting community problems and violations.
Events such as The Kids Fun Day, Broadway in the Park and the West Hempstead Street Fair took place with the help of the civic, and the group has also made requests for additional stop signs in certain areas, reduced school speed zones near the middle school and high school and a wider pedestrian crosswalk across Hempstead Avenue near the LIRR station.
Members of the civic also took time to make their presence known at several zone board hearings this year. Last December, the civic represented most residents when its members went to Town Hall to oppose variances being requested by Hempstead Tire, and advocated the cleanup of the business. The owners of Hempstead Tire were not granted the permit they were seeking. Weeks later, the civic was in Hempstead again to oppose a variance to build a second storage facility in West Hempstead. The permit for the structure was granted, but it will be constructed with the suggestions and input of the residents taken into consideration.
When guest speaker Murray took the floor, she announced that the town is coming closer to closing down the Courtesy Hotel under the Nuisance Law. "Right now, it is one of our highest priorities," she said, explaining that the hotel lawyer is willing to make concessions. "I know that West Hempstead is not looking for concessions. We want it closed down, and we are doing everything we can to make that happen." Murray said that it is difficult to close down a business under this law, but added, "We are pursuing it as vigorously and aggressively as we can." The supervisor said that she would like to see senior housing built if the Courtesy is eventually shut down.
Murray also talked about the new tools given to building inspectors in March to combat the problem of illegal housing. "This is a problem that cuts across all economic lines, all over Long Island," she said.
Inspectors are now able to write summonses for illegal apartments without going inside. A summons can be written based only on multiple water meters, doorbells and mailboxes. "This will not stop the problem right away, but it gives us the right tools to deal with this issue," said Murray.
The civic also presented its annual awards at the meeting. Bob Smith, a 51-year resident of West Hempstead, was named West Hempsteader of the Year for his years of support to the community. Smith was one of the residents responsible for the "Community in Concert," which raised money for the Memorial Clock standing in Hall's Pond Park, honoring those who died on Sept. 11, 2001. He is an active member of the civic, the Kiwanis Club and the West Hempstead Community Council. Smith said he was "thrilled to receive the call. I hope I can continue my commitment to the community."
High School senior Alexander Field and 2002 WHHS graduate Heather Senti were awarded Community Service Awards for "the endless hours they have dedicated to the community," said Rabey. Field has taken an active leadership role in many charitable events throughout his high school career, and Senti has been planning the Memorial Day Parade for the past two years. She is also an active member of the civic.
