By Liz McBreen
President of the Civic Association Seth Bykofsky welcomed Donald X. Clavin, Receiver of Taxes for the Town of Hempstead, who was the guest speaker. Clavin spoke candidly about how the $2 billion in annual tax revenue are distributed in the town and throughout Nassau County.
Clavin also outlined the steps he is taking to educate the public about paying taxes, as well as enhancing services for taxpayers. "No one likes paying taxes, so I want to make it as painless as possible," said Clavin.
Two satellite offices have been set up since Clavin came into office. One is at Rock Hall in the Five Towns area and one is in Levittown. These satellite offices allow residents to often pay their tax bills without waiting on a line.
In addition to the satellite offices, Clavin also received a grant for a 'mobile town hall' that will be visiting senior centers, libraries and parks during this tax cycle. Residents will be able to pay their tax bills at the mobile unit as well as pick up information regarding their taxes.
He also urged the members of the Civic Association to challenge their tax assessments saying, "no one should pay more than their fair share of taxes."
Clavin also helped acquire an executive order allowing those who lost loved ones in the Sept. 11 attacks to have a tax extension. In the future this order may apply to other emergency situations.
Andrea Giordano, the Vice President of the Executive Board of the Civic Assocation was also on hand to update the plans for a new library. Giordano explained that building a library in Hall's Pond "would require approval from Nassau County and presumably Mayor Bloomberg, and because it would be built on parkland, it would be required to hold environmental programs."
Giordano stressed that the people of West Hempstead want only to build a suitable library for their community. They do not want to be obligated to hold programs in return for the plot of land.
The other pieces of land that are currently being considered are the municipal parking lot behind Venus Restaurant on Hempstead Avenue and a piece of land next to St. Thomas the Apostle Chapel.
Bykofsky stressed that it is necessary to not only work towards a new library, but to support the existing library. In order to do this, Bykofsky encouraged the residents to join the Friends of the West Hempstead Library.
He also urged residents to get involved in the Civic Association. The term of those who are currently on the board is set to expire in June, and Bykofsky asked those present to consider taking a seat on the board, as well as talking to neighbors and friends not present at the meeting about becoming involved in the Civic Association. "We need concerned citizens to step up, or the Civic Assocation may become a thing of the past," said Bykofsky.
Bykofsky went on to announce that the Long Island Rail Road has agreed to go ahead with a major renovation near the West Hempstead Rail Road station. "The fence lining the station will be completely replaced and bushes and shrubbery will be planted to make the area more aesthetically pleasing," said Bykofsky.
Heather Senti, the Chairperson of the Memorial Day Parade explained the new parade route, which will march through the heart of West Hempstead along Hempstead Avenue and Eagle Avenue.
Senti was also presented with a certificate announcing her Centurion of the Civic Association for this year. The Executive Board of the West Hempstead Civic Association bestowed this honor on Senti because of her community service and dedication to her town.
Bykofsky then discussed the possible loss of last year's Centurion, Assemblyman Alfano, as a representative of West Hempstead. If the proposed redistricting becomes a reality, Alfano's District 22 would disappear, and WH would lose him as an assemblyman.
Bykofsky urged residents to support Alfano, "Please write to Assemblyman Alfano and Albany and let them know we want to keep him in District 22, and that you appreciate the work he has done. This is about supporting good government."
An Earth Day/Arbor Day Spring Clean-Up was also announced by Legislator Vincent Muscarella. The first annual County-wide park clean up will take place on Saturday, April 20 beginning at 10 a.m. Volunteers in parks all over Nassau County, including Hall's Pond are needed for litter control, plantings and minor repairs.
Some of the residents' concerns were also discussed, including the quality of water, parking on residential streets and illegal apartments.
Town of Hempstead Attorney Joe Ra was present, answering questions regarding the issue of illegal apartments, which, in addition to being dangerous, costs the town millions of dollars every year.
Ra told the residents to call the town and report illegal housing. He assured the residents that this can be done anonymously.
Bykofsky ended the meeting by once again stressing the need for strong community involvement. "We have to stick together and be a squeaky wheel in order to make sure we are heard," said Bykofsky.
The next WH Civic Association meeting will be held on June 20 in the West Hempstead High School auditorium.
