By JEFF LIPTON
Residents are set to attend a meeting in November at the Island Park Library, where they will volunteer to become block captains and form additional Neighborhood Watch programs, said Island Park Mayor Jim Ruzicka. "They will then be able to organize a Neighborhood Watch for their area," said Ruzicka. "Then the block captains will organize their own blocks and maybe even a two-block area."
Plans to expand the Neighborhood Watch throughout Island Park have new meaning in the wake of an attack at an Ostend Road home on Aug. 11, when a man returning home late that afternoon discovered that his 34-year-old wife had been savagely beaten, officials said. The woman was found sitting in the bathroom covered in blood, with wounds to her head and facial cuts and bruises, according to a 4th Precinct police report. She was taken to South Nassau Communities Hospital and has since been discharged. Police said they are continuing to search for the assailant or assailants in the attack.
"The victim is still recovering from her injuries," said Detective Lt. Larry Feffer of the 4th Squad. "We're following up on [all leads]."
Feffer said that investigators have not determined a motive for the attack, though they have all but ruled out robbery. The incident has shaken residents, who have expressed the need for more neighborhood protection. "We have gotten calls, and it came up at one of our recent meetings," said Ruzicka. "People are concerned, and expanding the Neighborhood Watch came up, which is great for the community. I would like to see all of our blocks covered to some degree."
The mayor specifically said he would like to see a Neighborhood Watch program launched in the north end of the village, similar to one that was established two years ago in the south end, at Radcliffe and Suffolk roads.
In a Neighborhood Watch program, residents keep an eye on their neighbors' homes, especially if any are away on vacation, and take in their mail and newspapers. They also keep in close contact with one another, reporting any suspicious vehicles or people on their block.
Ruzicka described the program as not only an effective crime deterrent, but a good way for neighbors to become better acquainted with one another, making for stronger bonds in the community. "It's more than just an anti-crime device," he said. "It's all about getting to know who their neighbors are and possibly becoming friends. They will get to know each other and watch out for each other."
Ruzicka said that if the program had been in effect last month, the Aug. 11 incident might have been prevented. "Oh, definitely, maybe a Neighborhood Watch would have helped," he said.
Some neighbors were skeptical about trying to launch such a program, citing community apathy. "I don't think it will come to fruition, not in this neighborhood," said one woman who has lived on Ostend Road for about 40 years. "Most people don't pay attention and don't care."
She recalled that about 10 years ago, she fell near her home and hurt her leg, and no one came to her assistance. "I was screaming in pain, and it took about a half hour before anyone asked me if I needed any help," she said. "A neighbor who used to live across from me drove right by me."
Ruzicka said the date for the meeting in November is yet to be determined, but police will be invited to instruct residents on how to set up the program in their community. "We have to get the meeting set up so people will be informed," he said. "We are looking to set up a seminar."
He added that an upcoming library newsletter would further inform residents about the meeting, and that in the meantime residents can call Village Hall, at (516) 431-0600, for updates.
"Maybe with the Neighborhood Watch program, they will become more aware of their neighbors," said Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford (R-Long Beach). "It's a way to take care of them and look
out for one another."
Comments about this story? JLipton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 213.
