Uniondale News
After the Uniondale Jr. R.O.T.C. posted the colors and Uniondale High Schol student Shavette Trumpet performed the National Anthem,and Grace Cathedral's Bishop Harris led the Opening Prayer, Legislator Kevan Abrahams thanked everyone for coming.
In his opening remarks, Legislator Abrahams noted, "the dream lives on. Some have achieved, some haven't. Poverty still exists. We will work to eradicate any obstacles. His dream will only be carried forward if we work together.
County Executive Tom Suozzi, "thank(ed) God for Martin Luther King. The grandest way to honor him is to speak the truth. Racism still exists today. Our job is to make changes an to make sure the people are heard, children are educated. (It's a ) slow hand struggle, piece by piece." Suozzi drew on his own experiences as the descendent of Italian immigrants, drawing parallels with today's immigrants from the Carribean, Central and South America, and Asia. He noted, "Blacks and whites don't understand each other. The people here are committed to move forward."
Hempstead Town Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby noted, "we haven't made it in the African American community. I need all of you to to become involved. Send in resumes. We need many jobs to come into our community. Pay close attention to the Legal Notices. Continue to work in what you believe in.
Legislator in the 14th District David Mejias noted, "you have no better advocate in Government than Kevan Abrahams. He also praised Councilwoman Goosby for her role in the late 80s lawsuit to bring about change in the Town of Hempstead Government. He also described how Martin Luther King inspired him to get into politics.
Julius Pearse recalled his own experiences on April 4th, 1968.
Patricia Charthern, Principal for Centennial Avenue School, remaked how, "(Martin Luther King) helped everybody. He fought for all and transformed the U.S.A." She described some of Rev. Dr. King's accopmlishments and noted, "he tried to help all Americans. She quoted Morgan Freeman,'tell them we went down standing up'." One of her students, Justin Gietschier, gave a stirring rendition of Dr. King's "I've been to the mountain top" speech, after which the sun briefly came out.
Freeport High School Students Dominique McLaughlin and Kayla Cruz recited essays on "The Dream." Uniondale High School student Kierra Hickson performed a Praise Dance called, "the prayer."
Bishop Frank White of the Zion Cathedral in Freeport remarked how "prayer changes things. (Dr. King) got his heart from God. We prayed today that God changed America. We need each other. The only time to get everyone off your back is to stand up." Bishop White and Reginald Tuggle led the closing prayer. They prayed for our children, thanked God for Nassau County, and blessed all in attendance.
Legislator Kevan Abrahams opened the forum by reminding everyone, "You still have time to file a grievance for your tax assessment-if it's postmarked by March 1st."
He hopes to get an Anti-Gang forum going in late June. Later this year, the "Shotstopper" program will be unveiled. This will locate where a shot is fired in Uniondale and Roosevelt. A question was raised from the audience, asking for more patrolmen to walk a beat along the Uniondale's main streets, Front Street, Uniondale Avenue, and Jerusalen Avenue, especially a section of Front Street between Uniondale and California Avenues. Legislator Abrahams wants more police on the streets as well.
Another question was raised regarding loitering on California Avenue near Hofstra University. The First Precinct stressed that all in attendance are encouraged "if you see activity, call police." Calls to Police can be requested to remain anonymous. Legislator Abrahams introduced First Precinct Inspector John Capece, who informed all in attendance:
The First Precinct covers 175,000 residents in Uniondale, Roosevelt, South Hempstead, Baldwin, East Meadow, North Merrick, North Bellmore, and Merrick and Bellmore North of Sunrise Highway.
There are 190 officers
20 supervisors
90 crossing guards
5 administrative staff
24 detectives
Four cars cover Uniondale, car numbers 101, 102, 103, and 107 which patrol Uniondale 24/7
The Shotstopper program was first developed in Iraq, and works on acoustic sensors, which would be able to pick up the sound of a weapon. One can tell within two feet where a shot was fired, plus the caliber of shot. The sensors would relay this via satellite to Georgia, which would relay via landline to our 911 operators, who would relay this to cars nearby to where the shot was fired. All of this would take place within 8-15 seconds. This was paid for with money confiscated from drug arrests. The First Precinct hopes to have this in place by early summer, and will initially begin as a 90 day trial period.
The Gunstoppers program has a phone number to report illegal guns, 1-877-4GUN411. All calls are anonymous, and can result in rewards up to $2,000. Last year, 67 illegal guns were removed in the First Precinct.
Two uniformed officers are assigned to Uniondale High School, plus two additional officers are plainclothesmen, mostly in the afternoons and evenings. These officers are in addition to the aforementioned cars. When students are suspended from school and return to school, they are required to meet with the Police officers. Students often come to those officers to tip them off on potential trouble. Inspector Capece noted, "96% of the kids in school are good kids." At UHS basketball games, there are 12 Police officers in attendance. Legislator Abrahams suggested, "maybe some games where trouble may start could be played at neutral sites or played without spectators." The officers are all aware of who commits the crimes, and they target them.
When asked about who would authorize possible foot patrols, Inspector Capece noted, "that would have to come from Headquarters, but (he) would bring it up to them." He also stressed, "not every kid who hangs out is a bad kid." He also praised the efforts of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association for their efforts towards loitering near Hofstra University, among their other efforts in town. Their next meeting will be Monday, March 3rd, at 7 pm at the Library.
There's also been a 15% increase in summonses for quality of life issues, such as Illegal parking along Jerusalem Avenue and Front Street. (Oak street is patrolled by the Third Precinct) Inspector Capece also handed out fliers detailing crime statistics for 2006 and 2007 (which can be downloaded from the main page).
One observation from the audience, "crime is down, but fear is up."
The POP unit was discussed. Problem Oriented Policing places a high priority on quality of life issues. Inspector Capece noted, "if you look after the little things, the big things go away." Th POP unit deals with issues such as illegally parked trucks metioned previously mentioned. Trucks can't be impounded unless they impede traffic.
The Police also has a youth division called the Explorers. Youngs adults between the ages of 14-20 do community service work such as taking down "garage sale signs" on telephone poles. They have two parking enforcement agents which focus on public lots such as those near train stations. br>
The Uniondale Library slao has cameras and they have security, and as one officer mentioned, "if there's a problem, they don't hesitate to call us."
One officer recommended Neighborhood Watch Programs, where neighbors can look out for neighbors. Many groups have block captains, who would report to coordinators, who in turn would contact the First Precinct. (you can download fliers from the main page. "If you see something, say something." The Nassau Police Academy is bringing new officers into the force at every opportunity, but when many officers reach their 20-year mark they retire.
The Uniodale Auxiliary Police is one of the best units in Nassau. They have 15 auxiliary police, and they could use more. In the near future there'll be tax exemptions for auxiliary police. One must be 18 to join.
For Quality of Life issues, call the POP unit, 573-6170.
Legislator Kevan Abrahams opened the forum by reminding everyone, "You still have time to file a grievance for your tax assessment-if it's postmarked by March 1st."
He hopes to get an Anti-Gang forum going in late June. Later this year, the "Shotstopper" program will be unveiled. This will locate where a shot is fired in Uniondale and Roosevelt. A question was raised from the audience, asking for more patrolmen to walk a beat along the Uniondale's main streets, Front Street, Uniondale Avenue, and Jerusalen Avenue, especially a section of Front Street between Uniondale and California Avenues. Legislator Abrahams wants more police on the streets as well.
Another question was raised regarding loitering on California Avenue near Hofstra University. The First Precinct stressed that all in attendance are encouraged "if you see activity, call police." Calls to Police can be requested to remain anonymous. Legislator Abrahams introduced First Precinct Inspector John Capece, who informed all in attendance:
The First Precinct covers 175,000 residents in Uniondale, Roosevelt, South Hempstead, Baldwin, East Meadow, North Merrick, North Bellmore, and Merrick and Bellmore North of Sunrise Highway.
There are 190 officers
20 supervisors
90 crossing guards
5 administrative staff
24 detectives
Four cars cover Uniondale, car numbers 101, 102, 103, and 107 which patrol Uniondale 24/7
The Shotstopper program was first developed in Iraq, and works on acoustic sensors, which would be able to pick up the sound of a weapon. One can tell within two feet where a shot was fired, plus the caliber of shot. The sensors would relay this via satellite to Georgia, which would relay via landline to our 911 operators, who would relay this to cars nearby to where the shot was fired. All of this would take place within 8-15 seconds. This was paid for with money confiscated from drug arrests. The First Precinct hopes to have this in place by early summer, and will initially begin as a 90 day trial period.
The Gunstoppers program has a phone number to report illegal guns, 1-877-4GUN411. All calls are anonymous, and can result in rewards up to $2,000. Last year, 67 illegal guns were removed in the First Precinct.
Two uniformed officers are assigned to Uniondale High School, plus two additional officers are plainclothesmen, mostly in the afternoons and evenings. These officers are in addition to the aforementioned cars. When students are suspended from school and return to school, they are required to meet with the Police officers. Students often come to those officers to tip them off on potential trouble. Inspector Capece noted, "96% of the kids in school are good kids." At UHS basketball games, there are 12 Police officers in attendance. Legislator Abrahams suggested, "maybe some games where trouble may start could be played at neutral sites or played without spectators." The officers are all aware of who commits the crimes, and they target them.
When asked about who would authorize possible foot patrols, Inspector Capece noted, "that would have to come from Headquarters, but (he) would bring it up to them." He also stressed, "not every kid who hangs out is a bad kid." He also praised the efforts of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association for their efforts towards loitering near Hofstra University, among their other efforts in town. Their next meeting will be Monday, March 3rd, at 7 pm at the Library.
There's also been a 15% increase in summonses for quality of life issues, such as Illegal parking along Jerusalem Avenue and Front Street. (Oak street is patrolled by the Third Precinct) Inspector Capece also handed out fliers detailing crime statistics for 2006 and 2007 (which can be downloaded from the main page).
One observation from the audience, "crime is down, but fear is up."
The POP unit was discussed. Problem Oriented Policing places a high priority on quality of life issues. Inspector Capece noted, "if you look after the little things, the big things go away." Th POP unit deals with issues such as illegally parked trucks metioned previously mentioned. Trucks can't be impounded unless they impede traffic.
The Police also has a youth division called the Explorers. Youngs adults between the ages of 14-20 do community service work such as taking down "garage sale signs" on telephone poles. They have two parking enforcement agents which focus on public lots such as those near train stations. br>
The Uniondale Library slao has cameras and they have security, and as one officer mentioned, "if there's a problem, they don't hesitate to call us."
One officer recommended Neighborhood Watch Programs, where neighbors can look out for neighbors. Many groups have block captains, who would report to coordinators, who in turn would contact the First Precinct. (you can download fliers from the main page. "If you see something, say something." The Nassau Police Academy is bringing new officers into the force at every opportunity, but when many officers reach their 20-year mark they retire.
The Uniodale Auxiliary Police is one of the best units in Nassau. They have 15 auxiliary police, and they could use more. In the near future there'll be tax exemptions for auxiliary police. One must be 18 to join.
For Quality of Life issues, call the POP unit, 573-6170.
Legislator Abrahams apologized for not getting his postcards out sooner (printing issues). He invited all in attendance to his upcoming, "meet your local Police night" on Thursday, February 28th, at the Sherman Van Ness Firehouse. Abrahams introduced Dolores Sedacca, from the Nassau County Department of Assessment. Sedacca praised Uniondale as, " diverse . . . very special things are happening here . . ."
Sedacca noted, "you have the right to file for this every year. Nobody knows your home better than you do. It should be postmarked by March 1st. You can file online, but the Section, Lot, and Block numbers can be tricky. This form goes to the Assessment Review Commission. They can either leave your assessment as is, or they can lower it. They can't raise it. Don't be afraid to file a grievance."
You can download the form from the home page
Sedacca notes, "the Department of Assessment cannot grant you a lower assessment than what you put on Part B, so go ahead and put a lowball figure. You don't need to call a realtor. If you do, they'll keep calling-they think you may want to sell your home. The only parts that are absolutely mandatory to fill out are Parts A, B, C, and G. Keep in mind they have a year to look at it. Not everyone gets a reduction. Make copies of everything. If you get denied, send it back rejecting it. At that point you can file in Small Claims if you filed last year. Mail in the AR-1 and AR-15 to
Assessment Review Commission"
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY, 11501
Nassau County Auxiliry Police graduation.From left to right Inspector Michael Spae Chairman of the Auxiliary Police Executive Board Officer Haydee Castillo new graduate from the Uniondale unit and Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey.
Photo courtesy of Inspector Arturo Consuerga.
Members of the Uniondale Auxiliary Police with the the New Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey in police headquarters.
Photo courtesy of Inspector Arturo Consuerga.
WAY TO GO
Crystalee Forbes, a graduate of Uniondale High School, received a gold medal and a $2,000 scholarship at the NAACP's National ACT-SO competition this summer.
Her research project, "Cell Growth, Cytoskeletal Structure, and Protein Expression in the Presence of Cloisite Na+," focused on creating a targeting device for treatments of different types of cancer and finding more efficient detection techniques. She topped the category of Medicine and Health.
"I've always been fascinated with cancer and how normal cells become cancerous," explained Forbes, 17, of Hempstead, who lost her grandmother to cancer several years ago.
"My project showed that nanoparticles have an increased affinity for cancer cells over time, which means they could be used to target cancer cells more efficiently."
To reach the national level in Detroit, Forbes first competed in a regional contest in April.
"People related to my project because most people know someone with cancer," said Forbes, who admitted she "went numb" when judges announced she had won gold. "Since it was the national level, the competition was stiff and a medal seemed unreachable."
Forbes graduated in June and attends Harvard University.
Nassau Legislator Kevan Abrahams and Nassau University Medical Center Chief Executive Arthur Gianelli go over plans for future development of the A. Holly Patterson home. There were also detailed articles in both the March 26th Newsday, and St. Martha's Newsletter. (Photo courtesy of Kathleen Lyons.
Congratulations to UHS Senior Alexandria Rhoden. She's the latest honoree in Newsday's Way to Go! Courtesy of Maryellen Pereira in the Sunday, April 1 edition of Newsday. Thanks to Ms. Periera, the story can also be found on our News page.
WAY TO GO
Uniondale High School senior Alexandria Rhoden earned the Frank Ranhofer Award from the Nassau County Coaches Association for her outstanding academic achievements, athletic accomplishments and contributions to the school district. She received a trophy and $100.
Swimming since the age of 5, Rhoden is captain of the varsity swim team and all-conference in the 50-meter freestyle.
"Our new coach, Colleen Parris, is exceptional, and the strides we made this year were phenomenal," Rhoden said.
President of the National Honor Society, Rhoden is manager of the boys' swim team, vice president of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and co-president of Knightgear, a school-designed clothing line. She is a member of the Key Club, FUSE (Freshmen Using Senior Experiences) and Teachers of Tomorrow, and plays varsity softball.
A violinist, she is concert mistress of the school's orchestras. Head acolyte and usher at Jackson Memorial AME Zion Church in Hempstead, she is involved in the church's Young Missionaries and Drama Club.
Rhoden, 17, lives in Hempstead with her parents, Constance and Raymond, and sister, Ashley.
She wants to major in psychology and elementary education. In addition to teaching, she wants to be a motivational speaker for teens.
And Andrew Quarless, who played football at Uniondale High last year, is now playing for Penn State's Nittany Lions.
WAY TO GO
Uniondale High School senior Ana Luisa Cisneros was awarded Best in Show at the New York State Agriscience Fair sponsored by the Future Farmers of America. She will compete in the FFA's National Agriscience Fair in Indianapolis later this month for scholarship prizes. Her botany project involved plant-to-plant communication.
"Two plants growing next to each other will naturally compete," Cisneros said. "I used this knowledge to find a way to trick plants into identifying another plant as itself, so that a plant would devote its resources to its own development."
Cisneros conducted her research this summer at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo.
President of her school's FFA chapter and the Spanish Honor Society, Cisneros, 17, is a member of the national, science and math honor societies, Key Club and Latinos Unidos.
She plays alto saxophone in the concert and marching bands. She volunteers with the youth group at St. Martha's Church in Uniondale.
Cisneros lives in Uniondale with her parents, Fanny and Marco. "My dream job is to work for the UN," she said.
She wants to incorporate medical and environmental science into her plant research. "I want to work around the world making a difference," she said.
Dear residents, we are finally on our way. Goehner's Farm Stand that stood at 1027 Jerusalem Avenue since 1900, was maoved in March of 2000 by the Town of Hempstead at the request of the Uniondale Historical Society to Uniondale Avenue Park.
It is the intent of the Uniondale Historical Society with the cooperation of the Uniondale Community Council, to renovate the farm stand and make it into a Children's Farm Museum. We want today's younger generation to learn about farming in the early 1900's. Uniondale was a farming hamlet and there were no supermarkets in this area. Many local adults and youngsters worked on the farm picking corn, string beans, peas, carrots, and various other vegetables. Goehner's Farm Stand with the wonderful smell of chestnuts cooking on the pot belly stove and homey atmosphere, was the place to go for farm fresh produce.
The farm stand presently is in need of substantial renovation. The Hisorical Society in the process of obtaining N. Y. State grants for this purpose. Requests for bids to do the reonvation are being proposed and hope is that the Children's Farm Museum will be in operation in the near future.
Enrest Catnese, Trustee
Uniondale Historical Society
U.N.I.T.E's Ernie and Marie Catanese had a meeting with Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams and the architect. Ground will be broken at the site at the confluence of Nassau Rd and Uniondale Avenue within the next 2-3 weeks.
The bust is being worked on right now and the four sided clock is on order as is the 18 ft high flag pole.
To see a proposed sketch of the peace park, click here.
Former Uniondaler Gene Rackovitch has written a novel about his experiences as a United States Marine during World War II and afterwards while he was stationed in Guam with C Company First Battalion Twenty-third Marines, Fourth Marine division.
To order a copy of the book, send a check for $23.45 to:
Gene Rackovitch
68555 Rt. 48
Greenport, N.Y.11944
Every month the Library hosts an Art Exhibit in the lower level. In the month of September, professional photographer Jose Gonzales leads us through the terrible cataclysms of September 11, 2001. His work will be on display in the Uniondale Public Library's gallery space from September 1 - 30, 2006 during regular library hours. A "Meet the Artist" reception will take place on Sunday, September 24 at 2:00P.M. in the lower level of the library.
"Road Improvement - The project includes the construction of new curbs, driveway aprons, installation of pedestrian access ramps at all intersections, new asphalt pavement and the restoration of disturbed grass areas.Project is scheduled to start in Spring 2006 and be completed in September 2006"(Information can also be found at the Town of Hempstead website).
There's a photo on this story in the April 21st edition of the Beacon.
Wednesday, April 12, from 9am - 1pm.
The purpose of this event is to inspire our students to become life-long readers and we would be honored if you could join us. We are especially looking for dads, uncles, grandfathers and male community members to attend and reinforce the importance of male figures in children's lives.
This event will begin with a welcoming assembly at 9:00 am in the auditorium. Class readings will take place between 9:45 am and 12:00 pm. You are invited to come and share your favorite book with our students, or if you prefer, we will provide a book for you. For more information, call 516 918 1754 or visit Northern Parkway's website.
Legislator Kevan Abrahams Community Meeting notes
He hopes to do more such meetings on Saturdays.
He noted the Legislature wasn't in operation earlier this year, and lost a lot of confidence from the constituents. The Legislature has been working hard the past six weeks. They've been working on a capital plan, which pays for the roads. The plan is for $102 million, which is actually half of previous such plans. The Legislature, Abrahams explained, is trying to save the county money.
While taxes have gone up, Nassau County taxes haven't, and haven't for the past three years. For every tax dollar in Nassau County, 20% goes to the county, and 65% goes to the schools. State Comptroller Alan Hevesi has been auditing many school districts. There are mandates to supply services to students. The school districts get their revenue from state aid and from taxes. If state aid goes down, we taxpayers make up the difference.
Legislator Abrahams discussed his recent legislation on sex offenders, noting it was two years in the making. Sex offenders shall not live within 1000 feet of a school, and within 500 feet of a park or a playground. Legislator Abrahams noted the notification process goes from the Legislature to the School District, who makes the call. The School district can also notify the Police. Abrahams noted if the school district notified everyone, they could be susceptible to harassment lawsuits. He said he would rather side with protecting children than Civil Liberties. The Sex Offender laws will run on a point system, 1,2,3, with 3 being the highest. He also displayed a chart of the county, pointing out the "yellow circles which prohibit offenders."
He also discussed how to grieve your property taxes for free. He invites taxpayers to do so in January and February.
He handed out a sketch of the proposed Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Peace Park. He wants to show it to U.N.I.T.E.'S Ernie and Marie Catanese. The proposed peace park will cost the county $120,000. He asked the townspeople to submit more beautification projects.
He briefly discussed the history of the sale and subsequent utilization of the property of the A. Holly Patterson Home. He noted when the County voted on receiving tobacco subsidization, they voted to get their share in one lump sum, which comes to $120 million instead of payments streching over 30 years adding up to $300 million (he didn't vote for it.) He noted out of the $120 million, the County would give $90 to the Nassau University Medical Center, who now owns the Holly Patterson Property. Legislator Abrahams voted against it, saying, "(I) would prefer AHP being restored to the way it was." He noted in recent meetings with Deputy County Executive Patrick Duggan, the four proposals presented to Uniondale residents over a series of four forums in 2004 have been thrown out.
Abrahams spoke to Joseph Greenfield, who still owns Uniondale ShopRite and still wants to make a go of it. The owner of the property, Phillips International, is in litigation with NorthWestern Mutual. NorthWest Mutual is attempting to take over property. Abrahams noted that Phillips also didn't pay taxes on ShopRite, but did pay taxes on adjacent WalMart. According to Abrahams, Phillips has a similar track record on other properites owned in Nassau County. He also noted the entire property is worth $9 million, and that Greenfield was hopeful to provide an update after April 22nd.
Abrahams introduced First Precinct Sgt. Douglas. Douglas noted that among the new Police Officers coming to Nassau County after their Academy Training, 30 will come to the First Precinct. He'll be mostly either around Uniondale Library or Western Beef in Roosevelt. He makes himself accessible to all residents, and that Nassau Police is attempting to "put the right people in the right places." Sgt. Douglas also noted a large influx of guns coming into the the area in the past two years. He noted it's legal to have a shotgun or a hunting rifle, and there's a three-day waiting period. He'd like to see a better program in the schools, noting "we have to (reach the students before they turn to crime.) Sgt. Douglas also noted there are cops detailed at Uniondale High School, and any non-student or non-faculty on school property during school hours can be subject to arrest.
On the subject of students driving recklessly through gates of Uniondale High School, Sgt. Douglas stressed, "get the license plate number, and if possible color, year, and make of the car, even if the plates are out of state. Nine times out of ten, we'll apprehend that person." Anyone who has concerns and doesn't feel comfortable discussing matters with the desk person or the Inspector, may contact Internal Affairs or the District Attorney's Office.
Legislator Abrahams then introduced Delores Sedacca, who praised Uniondale as, "a very vibrant, energetic, and engaged town. (Uniondale is) very active in a positive way."
She mentioned the exemptions available:
STAR Basic. For every homeowner. You may apply once.
STAR Enhanced. For Seniors with an adjusted gross income of $67,000. Must be renewed annually.
Senior Citizens Exemption. If you turn 65 by 2007, and your 2005 income was $32,400, you'll get 5% off your assessed value. As the income is lower, the assessment increases in 5% increments . If your income was $24,000, you're automatically in Enhanced status.
Limited Income Disability The income limit is $32,400, the deadline to file is December 31.
Veterans Exemption. You only have to file once and it's yours as long as you own your home. If you served in the armed forces during wartime you get 15% off your assessed value. If you served in a combat zone, you get an additional 10%. Anyone who serves in active duty and comes home, they have 90 days to pay tzxes without interest or penalty.
Firefighters. If you're a firefighter, or if you're an EMT or ambulance driver for the Fire Department, and you're a member five years or more, you get a 10% exemption. You must renew annually. If you're a member for 20 or more years, your exemption is automatic.
Home Improvement Exemption. If you're doing a major remodeling (adding rooms, not renovating a room), you get a exemption which is good for eight years. The increment is on a sliding scale.
Each exemption is applied for separately.
Our State Senators are trying to get us another $300 rebate in the fall. Sedacca urged us to "tell the Assembly and the Senate to give us rebates we deserve." Sedacca encouraged phone calls at (516) 571-0574.
Legislator Abrahams then explained that illegal mutli-family dwellings are actually under the jurisdiction of Town of Hempstead Code Enforcement. He also described the different classes of tax rates:
1) 1-3 family homes
2) Co-ops or Condos
3) Utilities
4) All other commercial (higher rate than homeowners)
We're in year four of a six-years of re-assessment.
Abrahams also described how property is determined:
Market approach. This applies to residential properties. Based on recent sales of comparable homes.
Cost. (building)
Income and expense. (all commercial property)
Legislator Abrahams can be contacted through the contacts available at either the Local representive page, or the Legislator page.March 6, 2006 Nassau County Police First Precinct forum, Uniondale Public Library
Hosted by First Precinct Commanding Officer John Capece.
Among the subjects discussed were:
Crimestoppers:
It's a way for community members to become involved without fear of retaliation. 1-800-244-TIPS. A case number will be issued, and passed on to the unit trained to handle the particular problem. If an arrest is made, a reward would be issued, which could be as high as $2,000.
There are two precincts covering Uniondale: The First Precinct, which covers all of Uniondale South of Hempstead Turnpike, and the Third Precinct, which covers all of Uniondale North of Hempstead Turnpike. The First Precinct part of Uniondale is patrolled by cars numbered 101, 102, and 107. There are several squads in the Precinct, including POP, which is Problem Oriented Policing, a Gang Squad, and a Robbery Squad.
Commander Capece noted there's a project in place to replace the current First Precinct Stationhouse, which was built when Nassau County was formed, in 1898.
911 also handles certain non-emergency calls. (Complete contact information for both precincts can be found here)
The Commander will try to attend meetings, or send representatives. He feels it's important to be represented in the commuunity. He asks residents to be his eyes and ears. He and Detective Lisa Charles described the Neighborhood Watch program. They would be happy to come to a neighborhood to help set one up. A SPIN organizer and block captains would be needed. If more than 50% of the neighbors signed up, "Neighborhood Watch" signs could be put up. They urged all in attendance to be alert to what's around them, and if something doesn't look right, like it could be a potential crime, to let them know.
Target Harden Your Home:
See who's at your door. Your front door should be solid, with a deadbolt. Know your neighbors on each side of your house. Also know your neighbor behind your house, since most break-ins happen through the back doors, especially if they're glass doors. Trim your bushes back so you can see through the windows. Get motion detector lights, and an alarm system. Try to keep the lights shining toward your house (this can spot perpetrators hiding behind shrubs) Keep a valubles index (index cards), and be able to ID them. When you go away, have a neighbor pick up your mail and your newspapers. That's better than cancelling papers for a week.
Explorers:
The police sponsor 60 kids in a junior division called the Explorers. They do various community services, such as help remove signs from telephone polls. They're also in competitions. To be an Explorer, one has to be between the ages of 14 and 20, and finish 8th grade. There's an open house for them every October.
Traffic Safety:
In 2005, there were 4,689 accidents, 15,767 summonses, 22,289 parking tickets, and 458 DWIs.
The First Precinct also focuses on establishments who serve minors. They've closed Bogarts, and have been in XS and Images. They also note alcohol sales controlled by ABC Law. They can give the seller a summons (misdemeanor) and if they catch youngsters in the establishment, they call the parents to pick them up. Occasionally, they'll even get a thank you from concerned parents. In the event businesses serve minors, they can invoke Asset Forfeiture.
At the end of the meeting, questions included traffic at the corner of Hempstead Boulevard and Uniondale Avenue, especially at morning rush hour (they'll keep an eye on that), can the traffic speed signs currently in front of Turtle Hook be moved to the Nostrand Avenue Intersection (eastbound) and Wal-Mart (westbound). Commander Capece also mentioned he'd done a program in one of the Roosevelt schools regarding how to talk to a police officer if you're pulled over.
February 27, 2006 Town forum, Uniondale Public Library
Hosted by Hempstead Town Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, also moderated by Library Trustee Sherry Boucarut.
Among the subjects discussed were:
What to do with the 66 acres where the A. Holly Patterson Home is located?
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Ray Rhoden noted, "It's important to preserve open space. If all the land is developed without leaving some open space, it negatively impacts the quality of life. Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams remarked, the current proposal for the property is "unacceptable."
Legislator Abrahams also discussed Tax Assessments and Abatements. He noted the grievance period is almost up-ends March 1st. He urged those who still wished to file to mail it in. Click here to download the form and getit postmarked at the Post office no later than Wednesday, March 1st. Legislator Roger Corbin also noted his taxes went up from $8,800 to $14,000.
On the roads, Commissioner Tom Toscano noted, "the Highway Department does repairs, trees pulling up sidewalks, and will take reports on abandoned vehicles. Feel free to call them." Commissioner Toscano also noted the street sweeping schedule is going out within a month. Councilwoman Goosby noted that Chester Street and a couple of other streets will get resurfaced.
Questions on the Nassau Hub were to be directed to Councilwoman Goosby and Legislator Abrahams. Councilwomsn Goosby noted, "it's in the hands of County Executive Thomas Suozzi, then he'll turn it over to the legislators.
Why have garbage pickups been cut back from three to two days per week?
Sanitation Commissioner Tom Reed noted, "we're actually getting four pickups per week: two regular pickups on Tuesdays and Fridays, Recyclables, also on Tuesdays, and Compost (grass clippings and leaves) on Wednesdays." He also noted, "the town is split up into independent sanitation districts, each with their own commissioners and rules. When the Incinerator started, we started getting regulated."
Commissioner Reed went on to say "last year we gave out 92 violations and summons. Even grass overgrowth has an ordinance. We put our litter baskets, but some get stolen." In the case of vacant stores, Commissioner Reed noted, "we go after the landlord. We do a title search. We give the owner 20 days to cut the grass, or we'll cut it and send him the bill. We can tell him to clean, but we can't make him do it."
Deputy Inspector John Capece, Commander of the First Nassau Precinct, noted, "arrests are up, and so is crime. They're trying to target gang members and other criminals. Sunday's home invasion on Cooper Court was not a random act. An arrest was made." The First Precinct also has an Aggressive robbery unit, which goes over patterns and makes arrests.
On representation of tax dollars, Councilwoman Goosby noted, "we've done well. We've redone Smith Street Park, Uniondale Avenue Park, and parking lots are being resurfaced."
When single family homes turn into multi-family homes:
Councilwoman urged to give her the actual address in question, and she'll forward it to the Building Department. Inspectors can check meters on houses, license plates on cars, fines can be imposed. Commander Capece added, "fines go up with each violation. Jail time, too. They'll try and contact the owner of the building twice, then they can nail a summons to the door." On illegal housing, complaints have to be forwarded to District Court. The Nassau County District Attorney's Office gets notified also.
Commander Capece also noted that the area north of Hempstead Turnpike is covered by the Third Precinct, and their number is (516) 573-6300. Last week, 38 summonses were written on commerical vehicles left on residential streets, 12 of which were tractor-trailers. Capece's concerns are attacking crime, and presereving quality of life. He believes in responding to what community wants.
Councilwoman Goosby notes she, "goes over every dollar spent in her district." Legislator Abrahams notes, "every year, there's a legislator consortium, which divides $18.5 million among the districts in Nassau. The money isn't always spent the way it should be. (he) doesn't see it on Front Street, Uniondale Avenue, or Jerusalem Avenue." He's trying to get the Town of Hempstead to revitalize the downtowns. Councilwoman Goosby noted that Uniondale is now in an Empire Zone, which also covers Elmont, Freeport, Hempstead, Roosevelt, and parts of Baldwin. Councilwoman also spoke on the issues of strip malls going up around the town. She mentioned the Board of Zoning Appeals can handle that.
On the subject of traffic in front of Turtle Hook Middle School, Commander Capece would try to get the speed limit sign back in front of the school, but he noted that sign had to be rotated among the county.
On the subject of contractors putting up signs on telephone poles, The Commander will take the Explorers out when the weather gets warmer to remove them.
Many expressed concern to the Newsday representatives in attendance about the coverage regarding Legislator Roger Corbin. Another sentiment expressed by many in attendance was the lack of positive news. The audience was encouraged to call Newsday's Long Island Desk 1-631-843-2700. Councilwoman hoped to see more positie press, too. She also touched briefly upon the subject of re-opening Hempstead General Hospital, and a representive from Nostrand Gardens Civic Association spoke about the Community Improvement Association and concerns about health care in the area.
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School Districts Increase Spending
Legislators Weigh Settlement
Plan to End Suit Held Up
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Reassessment of Property
Supreme Court Denies Appeal
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Hempstead Town Board
