Uniondale Community Council, Inc.

806 Jerusalem Avenue
Uniondale, NY 11553
(516) 538-9487

Additional info about UCC and its Youth Project

Working Together for a United Community

Monthly Meetings
Third Monday of the month except January, February, and April. See the Events page for all this year's meeting dates.  Meetings take place at the Uniondale Public Library's meeting room beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Scholarship Awards | Letter writing campaign

March 17, 2008

After the meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, Co-Presidents Elaine Smith and Mary Ellen Kreye asked for a moment of silence for Walter Paul, who passed away two weeks ago.

MetLife Financial Services representative David Seeley gave a talk. He observed that finances are based on "common sense. The basics of financial lives haven't changed much since the 1950's. When you deal with money, acknowledge your head and your heart. When you make decisions, they're the best decisions for you. Becareful when you buy online. Use a separate card, particularly one with a low balance. We can get lulled into buying something. Remember when a telemarketer calls, they're out to make a sale. Only you care about you. Have a rainy day fund. Having debt complicates your life. Create and protect your emergency fund. Pay your bills on time. (potential and current creditors) are always checking whether you pay on time. If you can, buy with a credit card. This way if there's a problem with a purchase, you can dispute it through the credit card company. For smaller purchases, pay with a debit card or cash. Investing isn't difficult. When you pay your money, know the risk as well as the rewards. It's okay to be intuitive. If there's a reservation, don't do it then, no matter what the salesman says. There are other things in the world. Money's a tool. Get advice (which is free at the beginning) if you're not sure. Check your debit cards." He then dicussed reverse mortgages, noting "they can depend on health and upkeep of your home."

Lorraine Danser reported on the UCC Youth division. She asked, "since school will be out this Thursday, Friday, and Monday, keep an eye out for the kids. The basketball programs are going well. Jeannine Maynard and a Uniondale high School student met with the Peacemakers, who were impressed with the youngster. Registration for their Teen Summer Program and their Elementary Summer Camp will take place at 6:30 pm on April 11th at the Rev. John J. Byrne Neighborhood Center. The cost is $700 per child. The Center has already done more than 50 tax returns. It's a free service, and many seniors and young parents have participated. CBAPP will be having a program, 'Talking about life with kids' on Monday, March 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the Center. You'll need to sign up ahead of time. STRONG and other groups will be showing a file which discusses the story of the gang MS-13 on Wednesday, March 26, from 8:15 am - 12 noon at Hofstra University's David Mack Center."

Officers Knox and Huffman from the First Precinct of the Nassau County Police gave crime statistics since the February meeting

13 DWIs

2 assaults of kids

0 robberies

a couple of criminal mischiefs

8 cocaine arrests

at least 4 pot arrests, of which one led to getting an illegal gun off the streets

5 identity thefts

Officers Knox and Huffman urged all to check their credit reports. Commissioner Mulvey is very passionate about getting guns off the street. Calls can be anonymous to the Gunstoppers program, and may lead to a cash reward. If you see something, don't get involved, but call 911 with a description.

Fire Commissioner Merv Campbell reminded all to, "change the batteries in smoke and carbon monixide detectors. Your life is more important than a battery is. If you think something is wrong, call us to check it out. You're not being a bother. If you're not feeling well, go out of the house for a few minutes, then go back in. If others are also not feeling well, get everyone out of the house and call us. We're still looking for members 18 and up. We have new commissioners, and we've made changes, such as no more alcohol in the firehouses. When members become involved in traffic violations, the Motor Vehicle Department contacts the Fire department immediately. Many Fire Districts are under investigation. As long as it's for the best interests of the community. Both the Uniondale and East Meadow Fire Districts petitoned to have traffic lights change when flashing lights from Fire Vehicles and Chief cars pass under them. The State gave their approval, but the County didn't. Uniondale is part of Mutual Aid, where a call comes in to Fire Communications. If Uniondale can't get the call, it goes to East Meadow or Hempstead. We can't roll out an ambulance unless an EMT is aboard. Garden City and Long Beach have paid members.

Marty and Margaret Melkonian discussed the upcoming 5th anniversary of the War in Iraq. "So far, 4,000 American soldiers have died, 30,000 have died, another 30,000 have been injured or ill. One million Iraquis have died. The Melkonians' first program at the Library was in 1985. They're hoping to reduce the cycle of violence, both here and abroad. They passed out fliers for a Peace Vigil on Wednesday, March 19th. at the corner of Old Country and Glen Cove Roads across from Roosevelt Field. President George W. Bush has asked for another $102 billion to fund the war efforts until 2009. Their DVD, "War made easy" is available in the Library. At the start of the war, oil prices were $25 a barrel. they're now over $100 per barrel. Oil pushes up prices in everything we consume. We have to import 2/3 of the oil we consume. It's now costing $12 billion per month to continue this war. one third of all who served in Iraq will require medical care. Thirty-nine percent of Persian Gulf War veterans still require ongoing medical care."

Fire Commissioner Samantha Dias spoke briefly on the Uniondale Foundation for Educational Excellence. They're hosting an evening with Dr. Cornell West, an accomplished professor at Princeton University on Friday, March 28th, at the Uniondale Marriott. She mentioned ticket prices have been reduced to $50 for general admission.

Bill Bonesso, a Counselor at Law, spoke on behalf of his client Harry Singh, who is looking to renovate the Sunoco on Hempstead Turnpike between Cunningham and Gilroy Avenues. Singh is looking to renovate a convenience store, replace the canopy, pumps, and parking. He may be looking to open 24/7. The proposed store will have two employees on duty at all times, have cameras inside and out, will have a 37 inch flat screen TV when you walk in, and discourage loitering longer than five minutes. Bonesso is looking to schedule meetings with nearby residents, Uniondale Neighbors In Total Effort, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and Planning Commission, and then go to Hempstead Town Board. Bonesso took questions from those in attendance. He noted "the Town has to provide free air (for tires) to those who ask for it."

August 20, 2007

After the meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, Co-President Elaine Smith commented on Saturday's Steak Cook-out. "A good time was had by all. We ate, we socialized, and we got a lot done. If you missed it this year, you should come next year."

She introduced Heidi Smith, Assistant Principal of California Avenue School, who spoke about a new partnership between Adelphi University and Uniondale High School. A Course in African American Women's studies would be available to Seniors and hopefully Juniors. They would get 3 college credits, and the students would pay $100 for the college course. The School District would pay the rest, and they welcome private donations. Contact Assistant Principal Smith at California Avenue if you're interested.

Jeannine Maynard of the Neighborhood Center's Youth Division reported, their summer programs ended this past Friday (August 17.) they're currently re-organizing the offices, getting them ready for fall. She gave a brief rundown on some of the trips the youth had taken.

Elaine announced the UCC will have a garage sale Saturday, September 22, 10 am - 4 pm at 800-806 Jerusalem Avenue. All are welcome to set up a table and sell their wares.

Members of new group called Citizens for a better Uniondale/Hempstead updated everyone on the sale of Busceti's nursery to a man who wants to put a 24-hour Laundromat on Jerusalem Avenue between Paff Avenue and the Hempstead border. As it is, the two existing mega-Laundromats on Jerusalem Avenue (near the 7-11 and Smith Street) already have 439 washers/dryers, in Uniondale it's estimated there are at least 700 between the various Laundromats. Citizens for a better Uniondale/Hempstead led a group of 26 people to Hempstead Town Hall on July 18th to protest the proposed Laundromat. The Town Zoning Board tabled the proposal until their September 6th meeting at Hempstead Town Hall. They passed around a petition and received plenty of suggestions, including getting an attorney as well as potential substitutes for use of the property such as; eyeglass facility, food establishment, bakeshop, Commerce Bank, something service oriented . . . they also urged all in attendance (and the Library Conference Room was packed) to write Legislator Kevan Abrahams and Cuonty Executive Thomnas Suozzi. They also urged all to try to attend the September 6th meeting.

Nassau County Police Officers Billello and Hufferman have mentioned most of the crimes are robberies. They've also informed all in attendance that gang units and plainclothes officers are out there. They gave quite a few tips on how to help crime-proof our homes. they also urged all in attendance, "you're our eyes and ears. If you see something, call 911. You don't need to get involved, and you can call anonymously." A woman asked if anything can be done about graffiti on various businesses on the Uniondale-Hempstead border. Officer Billello explained "we can tell the merchant or homeowner he or she has to clean it up." He also mentioned that the Explorers, the N.C.P.D.'s Junior division, go out a couple of times a year under the supervision of a Police officer to clean up graffiti and remove signs from telephone poles. A gentleman asked if confiscated vehicles can be set up on a corner with a camera to catch people going through stop signs. The officers mentioned that could be possible, let them know which corner. Officer Hufferman stressed the need for all in attendance to be preared this hurricane season.

Angela Perry from the County alternative work force gave a brief talk urging parents to talk to kids about alcohol abuse.

Fire Commissioner Merv Campbell also stressed hurricane preparation. If one does come and the South Shore needs to evacuate, two sites being set up are at Hofstra University and Nassau Community College. The Fire Department also has a Junior division with 30 teenagers

At this point the meeting was adjourned to see the movie, "War Made Easy."

March 20, 2006

Ernie and Marie Catanese from U.N.I.T.E. showed the latest Yellow Book map and pointed out that for the first time in some six or seven years, the Yellow Book map which shows Uniondale extends to Old Country Road (the other maps went to Stewart Avenue). They asked if the Uniondale School District subsidizes BOCES. They'll find out. BOCES now joins with school districts. The Cataneses discussed the Industrial Development Agency, pointing out if a business comes here and can't pay their taxes, Uniondale homeowners are charged with making up the difference. The Town of Hempstead mentions it in their latest letter. Supervisor Kate Murray heads the Town's IDA. The Cateneses also announced there'll be a hearing April 5th at 2 pm at the Town Hall plaza regarding the speed limit. They (along with UCC Co-President Mary Ellen Kreye and Nostrand Gardens Civic Association Co-President Linwood Neverson) went to Town Hall recently regarding a proposed home on Paff Avenue. The Town said, "if you don't like overcrowded housing, report to Code Enforcement, with pictures if possible. Reports can be kept confidential. Two trailer type homes were reported to Code Enforcement. Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams sent the proposal for the Martin Luther King Peace Park to architects, who sent back their recommendations. The update on the Wang proposal to develop Mitchel Field: the Post Office turned down the proposal initially because it was listed as Uniondale, said it had to be resubmitted as Westbury. The Cateneses noted that the UCC was against substandard lots, the minimum acceptable was 55 feet.

Nassau County First Precinct Officers Murray and Huffman reported arrests were made in recent robberies at Wal-Mart and a serial robbery. They're still investigating the recent shooting on Greengrove Avenue. No arrests, but they're actively pursuing leads, and hopefully there'll be progress in the next week or two. There are additional patrols and cars in the First Precinct. Two officers are assigned to Uniondale High School. There were a couple of minor incidents there. The officers urged anyone who sees tractor trailers who violate parking laws to call 911. They've been ticketing the tractor trailers on Jerusalem Avenue. Officers Murray and Huffman suggested UCC write the businesses where the trucks originate. There's an escalating scale for violations: $100 for first offense, $200 for second offense, and $300 for third offense. They noted the tractor trailer parked in front of the former Hempstead General Hospital was under the jurisdiction of the Hempstead Village Police. They'll look into the area behind the Express gas station at the corner of Jerusalem and Uniondale Avenues. The First Precinct were also called to a demonstration at that intersection by animal rights activists. When the Cateneses asked the officers about getting flashing lights in front of Turtle Hook Middle School, the officers suggested to tell the politicians. The officers noted they're very approachable.

Tama Johnson and Henrietta Gardner from Citibank gave an informative and interactive seminar on financial services, credit scores and reporting. They were very well received by the audience.

UFD Fire Commissioner Merv Campbell noted "we had a pretty safe winter." They have seven new members coming in, and they have 35 in the Junior Firefighters. He noted three of his Chiefs began as juniors. In case of carbon monoxide, leave the house. Any doubts on carbon monoxide? Call them. He noted if you call 911 for an ambulance, you pay (if you call UFD for an ambulance, it's free.) One resident in attendance noted he received a $500 bill in the mail. If UFD doesn't respond within five minutes, the call is transferred to a nearby town. The EMT makes the decision whether to send ambulance to Mercy Medical Center or Nassau University Medical Center. Every fire truck and firehouse has a portbale defibulator, as do all police cars and the Uniondale Citibank.

Febuary 27, 2006 (courtesy of UCC Hometown Newsletter)

Police officer Neuman announced baby car seat safety checks by NCPD, 2nd Precinct (Woodbury) appt. only (573-6270), check for proper installation and review recalls. Town increased fines on commercial vehicles parked on street after 11 pm to $100 for first offense, $200 for second offense within 18 months, $300 within 18 months, after that the truck can be seized. NCPD has a gang reduction unit with 3 Problem Oriented Policing officers from each precinct. There's zero tolerance for any gang activity. NCPD is also focusing on education with 5th and 6th graders in the middle schools. The Cooper Court home invasion was not gang-related, college students from Hofstra. For those wishing to set up a Neighborhood Watch, 573-7360, Detective Lisa Charles. First Precinct Commander Deputy Inspector John Capece invites all to Community Forum March 6th. On the Explorers, there are 58 kids in the troop. They plan to attend a national competition in Arizona if they can raise the $10,000 needed.

Commissioner Merv Campbell from the Uniondale Fire Department gave their phone number, 742-3300, mentioned their website, www.uniondalefd.org, has seasonal reminders and community events. He also reminded all to change batteries in carbon monoxide and fire alarms. If more than one person in the house doesn't feel well, take them outside. When this makes them feel better, check for carbon monoxide. Sometimes carbon monoxide can result if both gas and oil fired units use the same chimney. Two people in Uniondale were transported to the hospital from carbon monoxide poisoning, The boiler wasn't functioning properly and the liners were burning and leaking. He urged all to have their boilers checked and cleaned by professionals. Smoke detectors should be placed next to the bedrooms. Carbon monoxide detectors go next to the boiler. Scneted candles on jars should be placed on a dish wider than the candle-jars can crack. Put candles out when leaving the room. When using space heaters, place them away from flammable objects. Monitor kerosene heaters at all times. Donation mailing will be coming soon. Be careful to make your check out to Uniondale Fire Department, not to be confused with solicitors from state or national groups. UFD is looking for new members, call 250-9750. They also have a Junior Firefighters program for 13-17 year olds. A scholarship fund in honor of longtime member and former Fire Commissioner Frank Hayde is being formed.

The two candidates for the special election in the 17th Assembly District, Zahid Syed and Thomas McKevitt, presented their backgrounds and their viewpoints on the issues. We appreciated their comments and the opportunity to meet them. Vote was on February 28th.

UCC Youth Project Executive Director Lorraine Danser reported that 19 Uniondale youth attended the overnight "lock in" at Freeport Pride, ten agencies involved this year. Basketball has a large number of active youth. Through a special grant from New York State, the community-based Adolescent Prevention Program will present to the youth at basketball, their focus on abstinance and respect.

U.N.I.T.E.'s Marie and Ernie Catanese reported that the HUB Major Impact Study will be discussed March 1st at 7 pm. They spoke about the many years needed to get action on issues-it took five years to get the fence over Meadowbrook Parkway, with help from Senator Kemp Hannon. February is the anniversary of the deaths of two children hit and killed in 2001. The Cateneses are still trying to get flashing lights at Turtle Hook Middle School before more children are injured or killed. They referred to a letter from the school district in 2001. Our attention was directed to Tax Abatement offered by the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) which has generated numerous correspondence from U.N.I.T.E. opposed to tax abatements. Also letters opposing Havey Levinson's proposal to share the revenue of the Uniondale School District from Roosevelt Field with other school districts, and to Comptroller Alan Hevesi re Holly Patterson.

January 23, 2006 (courtesy of UCC Hometown Newsletter)

Police Officers Bilello and Knox presented the Problem Oriented Policing report: Business burglaries doubled in a year. Residential burglaries down 17%, Robberies are up 42%, stolen cars up 25%, larcenies up 17%, criminal mischief down 7%, rapes down 15%. Discussion of recent gang problems. Deputy Inspector John Capice is now Commander of First Precinct. Commissioner Lawrence instituted a countywide Gang Intelligience Unit, recently got 6 crips off the street. Seeeking approval to impound tractor-trailers. This would charge towing fee plus fines plus storage and make on street commercial parking less attractive. Cold weather means more stolen cars, many with keys in the car. Concern expressed about crossing guard at California Avenue School was was hit by a car.

Delores Sedacca gave a point-by-point and page-by-page explanation on how to fill out and submit applications to the Assessment Reveiw Committee, which will be ruling on assessments for the 2007-2008 school year. These must be filled out before March 1, 2006. Make copies of everything and send in a receipt card with your application. Cite any unuusual or detrimental circumstance which cause your house to be worth less than the estimated assessment you've recieved. No one will come to your house. And they cannot raise your taxes in this procedure. Ms. Sedacca's number is 571-0574.

Past UCC President Eaton Pitter, representing the Uniondale Fire Department, urged all to have their boilers checked and chimneys cleaned by professionals. Smoke detectors should be placed next to the bedrooms. Carbon monoxide detectors go next to the boiler. Monitor scented candles; they should not in unoccupied rooms. Please clear areas around fire hydrants in snowfalls, so they can be easily reached by firefighters in an emergency. When using space heaters, be sure to place them away from flammable objects. UFD is looking for new members. Please call 250-9750. He also noted the Junior Firefighters program for 13-17 year olds. Be careful with kerosene heaters. Monitor at all times.

UCC Youth Project Executive Director Lorraine Danser reported the new program at Turtle Hook Middle School will possibly start March 1st, a "twin" to TASKS at Lawrence Road Middle School. This is funded by a federal program called Safe Schools, Healthy Students. Partners in the grant include UCC, Strong Youth, NOrth Shore Child Guidance, with the school district acting as the lead agency. The new room at 806 Jerusalem Avenue is almost done. It is painted, includes a handicapped ramp. There may be funding coming for a new Youth Studio music program, to help youngsters become involved in positive activities.

U.N.I.T.E.'s Marie and Ernest Catanese reported the Front Street Plaza strip mall was turned down again. Since additional parking is needed along Front Street, U.N.I.T.E. has proposed the property be turned into a Town of Hempstead Parking field. The fence is up over Meadowbrook Parkway. Check Town of Hempstead website for more info and upcoming Uniondale zoning cases at www.townofhempstead.org. Continuing correspondence to ShopRite. also to Governor Pataki questioning whether Nassau Health Corp. is legally able to sell the A. Holly Patterson property to a for-profit entity. Letter of support for for a proposed business use on Front Street (garage to store trucks and equipment). Nassau Legislature discussed a local law to implement a living wage policy for Nassau County. They met with Legislator Abrahams, the Planning Commissioner, and an architect about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Peace Park.

This page was last updated on 03/21/08.

Send updates to Mike Dragonetti