By Jennifer Marino
The most recent shots were fired on Sunday, Jan. 12. No one was injured in the incident, but one bullet entered the home of Dorothy Little. All three incidents were discussed at a meeting of the Housing Authority Board on Jan. 15. Little tearfully explained that she could have been killed if she had been sitting in her chair. Rockville Centre police removed the bullet from her wall the following day.
The first shots were fired on Dec. 13, resulting in a wound to the leg of a man who was admitted to Mercy Hospital at 1:45 p.m. that day. The victim, who is from Hempstead, has not been cooperative with police and will not admit that he was shot, according to Sergeant Kevin O'Toole. The second incident occurred in the afternoon of New Year's Eve.
At the Housing Authority meeting, O'Toole urged any witnesses to come forward with information. Citizens can provide information to the Rockville Centre Police confidentially, if they wish, by calling (516) 766-1500.
Board and community members were expected to meet with Police Commissioner Jack McKeon on Jan. 22 to discuss the incidents.
During the Jan.15 meeting, tenants asked for more lighting on Old Mill Court. Chairman Bob Pagnotta said he would like to do such things but that there is a lack of funding. The lights were replaced about three years ago, but residents say they still aren't bright enough.
The other alternative that the board can pursue is the "One Strike and You're Out" policy. Put into effect in 1996, the policy allows the Housing Authority to evict residents on a lease for the criminal conduct, whether on or off the property, of any member of the household. In other words, an entire family could be evicted, not just the person who participated in a criminal act. The policy does allow for individual exceptions for innocent tenants who could not prevent their apartments' use for criminal activities.
Initially aimed at drug dealers, the policy cannot be invoked unless there is evidence that would hold up in court. In one previous incident the board used this power, but the situation resolved itself before anyone was evicted. In order to resolve the dangerous situation, Pagnotta said, "[We] will cooperate with the community and [we] will work and cooperate with the police."
