By: Andrew Coen
The new year brings with it many hopes and resolutions for 2004. The same holds true for elected officials representing the Five Towns, who have set many goals for the area over the next 12 months.
Nassau County Legislator Jeff Toback (D-Oceanside), who was re-elected to a third term in the 7th Legislative District, which encompasses the entire Five Towns, said he wants to concentrate on quality-of-life issues in 2004. We want to continue to work on some of the issues like traffic and pedestrian safety, said Toback. The intersection of Broadway and West Broadway [in Hewlett] is a work in progress, and hopefully that can create a safer situation for people.
Toback also wants to try to improve recreational areas like North Woodmere Park. We-re trying to get more people involved in volunteering in the parks, he said.
Toback also said he wants to continue to provide funding to the Five Towns Community Center in Inwood. The Five Towns Community Center is a key area that I have concentrated on, and I will continue to make sure their missions are accomplished, he said.
The legislator added that he is open to working on any issue that concerns his constituents in 2004. Whatever other issues the residents deem important, he said, I hope they will bring them to my attention.
Newly elected Legislator Denise Ford (R-Long Beach), who upset Democratic incumbent Michael Zapson for the 4th District seat that takes in Atlantic Beach, has no specific goals for the western portion of the barrier island but said she is open to input and suggestions. I-d like to go meet with people and get a comprehensive idea of what people are looking for, said Ford.
She said that hurricane preparedness and the island-s emergency evacuation route, parking and illegal rental apartments in East Atlantic Beach are some of the concerns that residents have raised to her.
Hempstead Town Councilman James Darcy (R-Valley Stream), who recently won re-election to the 3rd District, which encompasses all of the Five Towns except Hewlett, wants to see his district continue to get the attention it deserves. My primary goal is to make sure the area continues to receive its fair share of services, said Darcy.
He also said he is looking forward to the completion of the Woodmere Dock reconstruction.
Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony Santino (R-Hewlett), whose 4th District represents Hewlett, agreed that the renovation of the Woodmere Dock in the Hewlett Neck area is a major priority. We want to continue this refurbishment of the Woodmere Dock, he said. It is a jewel that the town has in the Five Towns, and we want to keep it as a first-rate facility.
Santino also wants to ensure that Hewlett residents do not have to pay higher property taxes. Our first and foremost priority is to keep property taxes under control, he said.
There are also some road projects in the Hewlett area that Santino would like to see completed in 2004, in particular the re-paving and curb work being done around East Broadway and some side streets. It will certainly enhance the neighborhood and give it a nicer appearance, make the area safer for traffic and pedestrians and increase property values, he said.
Five Towns residents who want to contact one of the elected officials regarding any matter may call (516) 571-6207 for Toback-s office, 571-6204 for Ford-s office and 489-5000, ext. 3200, for councilmen Darcy and Santino.
