WH Library Book & AV *SALE*

The Friends of the West Hempstead Public Library "Book and AV Sale" is scheduled at the Library, for Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12 from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday, Dec. 13 from 12 Noon to 5 pm......Sunday is $1.00 Bag and Bake Sale Day. If you would like to volunteer, please call Dorothy at 481-6591 ext. 25.

Children Holiday Party 12/6/2009

The WHCSA Annual Holiday Party for children will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6 in the West Hempstead Middle School Cafeteria from 2 PM to 5 PM. Immediately following the party at 5:30 PM the Holiday Lighting Ceremony will take place at Hall's Pond Park. Music, carnival games, costumed characters, cookie and ornament decorating, plus many other activities are planned, with Santa arriving at 4;30 PM

Beautification Committe & Executive Board Meeting 12/2/2009

West Hempstead residents who have volunteered to be on the Beautification Committee please attend a brief meeting which the West Hempstead Community Support Association has scheduled at the WH Public Library, second floor conference room, on Wed., Dec. 2 at 7:00 PM. If you can't attend the meeting, call 733-0879 and leave a message with a contact number or email me if a daytime meeting is preferable.

Immediately following the Beautification volunteer meeting, the Executive Board of the WHCSA will meet. Community residents are welcome to come to discuss items of interest during the first half hour of the meeting.

St. Thomas the Apostle School Hosts it's 27th Annual Craft Fair

St. Thomas the Apostle School
24 Westminster Road
West Hempstead, New York 11552

Calendar Listing for
October/November 2009

Who: St. Thomas the Apostle School Hosts Its

What: 27th Annual Craft Fair

When: on Saturday, November 21st, 2009
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Located at 24 Westminster Road,
West Hempstead, N.Y.

Why: There will be fun for everyone - crafts, vendors, food, country kitchen, raffle baskets and pictures with Santa!

Contact: For information, visit the St. Thomas the Apostle Parents Club page at www.stthomasschool.net
or contact our Vendor Chair, Cindy Thomas, at 516.868.3705.

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KNIGHT AT THE RACES

The American Legion Cathedral Post 1087 and St. Thomas the Apostle Knights of Columbus Council 11588 will present: KNIGHT AT THE RACES on Sat., November 14 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM hot roast beef dinner with post time starting at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $15/each, $25/couple. For tickets and more information, please contact Rich Sweeney at 489-5716 or Mike Guerriero at 486-7819

Lady of America 6th Anniversary

Lady of America located at 400 Hempstead Tpke., West Hempstead, is celebrating their 6th Anniversary. Everyone is invited to join them on Sat., 11/14 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm and on Sun., 11/15 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Lots of festivities are planned as well as food, samplings, and raffles.

Message for our Assemblyman Tom Alfano

Assemblyman Tom Alfano has the following message on his Face Book page to all High School Seniors and College Students, my 2009-2010 College scholarship booklet is now available! If you would like a copy, send Assemblyman Alfano a FB message with your name and address and he will mail it out to you! Thousands of dollars in scholarship money is available! Most teenagers have a FB page so please let them know about this.

West Hempstead School District 2009 Homecoming Parade

Oct. 31 starting at 1:00 PM

West Hempstead School District 2009 Homecoming Parade

at Chestnut Street School.

Community Meeting Oct. 22 - 7:30 PM

Attention All Members & West Hempstead Residents

WH Community Support Association - Community Meeting

Oct. 22nd - 7:30 PM

West Hempstead Middle School Cafeteria

The Executive Board of the WH Community Support Association meets monthly at 7:30 PM. The first half hour is for community members to bring to the Board any concerns they might have. The meetings take place on Wednesdays in the WH Public Library conference room on the 2nd floor. The meeting dates for 2009 are: October 7, November 4, December 2. The 2010 schedule of Executive Board meetings will be determined at a later date.

Our newsletter, News and Views, is being prepared for a mailing. We mail to approximately 8500 addresses in the 11552 zip code. If you are a business owner or know of a business who would want to advertise in the newsletter, the deadline for submissions is Oct. 1. You can download an application, with instructions for placing an ad and the costs, from our web site: www.westhempsteadcivic.org

If you haven't as yet joined the West Hempstead Community Support Association, an application can be downloaded from our web site, which is listed above.

October is Fire Prevention month. Our local fire departments Lakeview and West Hempstead start their fund raising drives at this time. Please support their efforts. They provide an essential service to our community and sending them a donation is one way in which we can thank them for their time and effort.

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At this time of the year, a Happy, Joyous and Peaceful New Year to all of our Jewish friends and members. May the New Year bring happiness and prosperity to all.

Rosalie Norton

Please share this email will every parent and student you know.

The topic of the upcoming WHCSA meeting is extremely timely in light of the recent events which have occurred in Nassau County and in the Town of Hempstead. Fortunately we, in West Hempstead, have not been a victim of serious drug use among our young. But, knowledge is the best defense we have to protect our children and keep our community safe.

The West Hempstead Community Support Association is having a Community Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 22 starting at 7;30 PM in the West Hempstead Middle School Cafeteria. The program will be on "Protecting our children and Community".

We have invited members of the Fifth Precinct POP Unit to present a program, with exhibits, to better educate parents and students of the escalating use and availability of the illegal drugs in Nassau County. Most parents are unfamiliar with various drug paraphernalia and some of the items are beginning to show up in some convenience stores and elsewhere. Education of both parents and students is the best defense to protect both the family and the community.

This meeting is to encourage everyone to take a proactive position on dealing with an escalating problem. Being informed is one of the best ways to stop a potential problem before it begins.

We encourage students and parents to attend this community meeting. For further information, please contact me at 485-5132.

Rosalie Norton

Fall Street Fair ~ October 4, 2009 ~

Fall Street Fair

~ October 4, 2009 ~

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Nassau Blvd. and Hempstead Ave. sponsored by the West Hempstead Community Support Association and the West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce.

Contact 733-0879 for further information.

Executive Board Meetings for 2009

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETINGS FOR 2009
ALL OF THE MEETING FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2009 WILL BE HELD IN THE WEST HEMPSTEAD PUBLIC LIBRARY - 2ND FL. CONF. ROOM @ 7:30 pm

Wednesday - October 7
Wednesday - November 4
Wednesday - December 2
Meetings for 2010 will be scheduled later this year.

Petro Discount Program for WHCSA Members!!!!

Petro has the new rate for us. It is a ceiling of $2.559/gallon and for new customers $109+tax service contract and a credit of $100 towards fuel purchase.
For current customers the cost for Service Contract is $109+ tax with no credit.
The credit is a perk for new customers joining our group. so pass the word on to those you know. They can call Bob Brown directly at 686-1656
You must be a member of the WH Community Support Association to participate.
Rose

WH Community Support Discount Fuel Oil Program Sept. 30/Oct. 1 2009

WH Community Support Discount Fuel Oil Program

The West Hempstead Community Support Association's Discount Home Heating Fuel Oil Program will again be in operation for the upcoming year. The price will be determined on Sept. 30/Oct. 1. If you want to participate and/or receive additional information, please email me at sweetrosieami@aol.com or www.president@westhempsteadcivic.org <http://www.president@westhempsteadcivic.org> ; or
call 733-0879. You must be a paid member of the West Hempstead Community Support Association for 2009-2010 to be eligible to participate in the Discount Program.

Day at the Museum: Go to one or more FREE

Next Saturday, Sept. 26 more than 100 museums in New York are taking part, including 11 on Long Island, of a free day of cultural activities as part of Smithsonian magazine's Fifth Annual Museum Day. On this day, admission to the listed museums will be free.

To download and print your admission card, go to www.microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/admission.html For a full list of museums use the same web address with venue.html rather than admission.html. In additions to the 11 museums on Long Island there are scores of museums in New York City. You do need an admission card to get in to any of the museums which are participating. If you don't have access to a printer, our West Hempstead Public Library should be able to help you.

Topic: Lighhouse Project Meeting Scheduled Sept 22nd

The Executive Board of the West Hempstead Community Support Association is supporting the Lighthouse LI development. We believe it is essential and urge you to attend this Zoning Hearing or to write to express your opinion.

LIGHTHOUSE ZONING HEARING September 22 starting at 9:00 AM

A zoning hearing has been scheduled for the Lighthouse project and everyone is encouraged to attend. The hearing has been scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 22nd at the Adams Playhouse, on the campus of Hofstra University. The meeting will run in two sessions. The day session will run from 9am – 5pm with a one-hour break from 1pm - 2pm. The night session is scheduled to run from 6pm – 9pm.

At the last meeting, those in attendance had the opportunity to voice their thoughts on the environmental impact of the project. This upcoming meeting will focus on the zoning of the entire project, consisting of 150 acres. The questions which should be addressed are: Is it important to have a multi-use development plan at the Coliseum site? Are there benefits to smart growth? Does Long Island need this?

This is your chance to share your opinion with Supervisor Kate Murray and the Town Board. You may also submit your comments to the Town in writing by clicking here, by emailing lighthousecomment@tohmail.org or sending a letter to Lighthouse Comment, One Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550.

The Executive Board of the West Hempstead Community Support Association and the former Civic Association have gone on record as supporting the development being proposed by Charles Wang and Scott Rechler. The concept represents the best use of the property with a multi-use development plan creating a destination center for our Town and County. It exemplifies smart growth with density in the right location, thereby preserving our suburban neighborhoods. It creates permanent jobs, a large infusion of tax revenue which benefits all property owners, and helps provide housing for all ages. The Lighthouse LI will be privately funded which is another plus for the residents of the Town of Hempstead and the County.

For more information, please visit www.lighthouseli.com or the official blog of the Lighthouse Development Group, The Light Post at lighthouseliblog.blogspot.com.

Murray Calls For September 22nd Lighthouse Hearing

Murray Calls For September 22nd Lighthouse Hearing
~September 1, 2009~

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray has announced that she will call upon the Hempstead Town Board to schedule a much-anticipated public zoning hearing on the proposed Lighthouse Project on September 22nd. The hearing will focus around the Lighthouse Group's plan to refurbish the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and redevelop the 150 acres surrounding the aging arena.

"This hearing will afford civic leaders, business people, local residents, government officials, labor representatives, regulatory agencies and all interested parties an opportunity to weigh in on the Lighthouse Project," stated Murray. "The views, opinions and input of the public is invaluable as the town board collects evidence and considers this redevelopment plan."

The proposed hearing is anticipated to be held at Hofstra University's John Cranford Adams Playhouse on the South Campus. Attendees will be directed to hearing parking via signage along Hempstead Turnpike. The hearing will be conducted during the following hours on September 22nd: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Supervisor has noted on several occasions that progressive development proposals are important to the town's growth and prosperity. Job creation, economic stimulation and tax revenues are all benefits associated with forward-looking development. While Murray is committed to those imperatives, the Supervisor has stated that the town must thoroughly review the proposal, its environmental impacts and the appropriateness of the development for the site at Hempstead Town's hub. Murray observed that projects of the size and scope of the Lighthouse have the potential to reshape the face of the suburbs for generations to come.

Murray pointed out that Hempstead Town has moved its review of the Lighthouse proposal at an expedited rate. In fact, the 2009 project review itinerary alone is impressive and unparalleled at the pace with which town reviews have been conducted:

February 2009 - Town Board adopts environmental scope,outlining environmental issues to be addressed by developer.
July 2009 - Town Board accepts Supervisor's recommendation to accept developer's draft of environmental reports (DGEIS) as ready for public review.
August 2009 - Town Board holds public environmental hearing on Lighthouse Project.
August 2009 - Public comment period on developer's environmentalreport ends, town reviews public comments.
September 8, 2009 - Town Supervisor to recommend a publiczoning hearing on Lighthouse proposal to town board.
September 22, 2009 - Town Board to hold Lighthouse zoninghearing (pending board's approval of hearing date).

"Hempstead Town is being diligent and working aggressively on its reviews of the Lighthouse Project," said Murray. "At the same time, we must be scrupulous and vigilant in our review and analyses of the proposal because the decisions we make today will affect our children and our grandchildren."

For those who can't attend the zoning hearing but wish to voice their opinions on the project, public comments are being accepted by e-mail and U.S. mail through September 22, 2009. Comments can be submitted as follows:

By mail: Town of HempsteadLighthouse Project Public CommentOne Washington StreetHempstead, NY 11550

By e-mail: Lighthousecomment@tohmail.org

"The Lighthouse Project is the most significant development proposal for our town in many, many years," concluded Murray. I encourage all who are interested to weigh in on this important proposal."

Kiwanis Pasta Night ~ September 15th 2009 ~

Kiwanis Pasta Night
~ September 15th 2009 ~

KIWANIS HOLDING ITS 14TH ANNUAL PASTA NIGHT ON SEPTEMBER 15TH @ 7:00 PM AT THE POMPEI RESTAURANT ON HEMPSTEAD AVENUE.
THE COST IS $25.00 FOR ADULTS AND $15. FOR CHILDREN. ALL THE PASTA ONE CAN EAT WITH SODAS AND COFFEE/TEA WITH DOOR PRIZES AND RAFFLES.
COME!!!... GREET YOUR NEIGHBORS AND HAVE A FUN TINE HELPING KIWANIS RAISE FUNDS FOR THE MANY CHARITIES IT SUPPORTS.

PS: CAREFUL DRIVING HOME ROSE/TOM PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

GUN BUY BACK SEPTEMBER 12TH 2009

GUN BUY BACK SEPTEMBER 12TH 2009

SUOZZI, MULVEY & RICE URGE RESIDENTS TO ANONYMOUSLY TURN IN THEIR
UNLICENSED GUNS FOR $200 CASH

Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey and District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced that they will be hosting the county's third and fourth Gun Buy Back Programs at two locations on Saturday, September 12th from 9a.m. to 1p.m.:

Iglesia Pentecostal De Hempstead, 600-603 Greenwich Street, Hempstead
First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury, 212 Garden Street, Westbury

And one location on Saturday, September 19th from 9a.m. to 1p.m.:
Christian Light Missionary Baptist Church, 620 Rev. J.J. Evans Blvd., Long Beach

The Gun Buy Back Program is strictly anonymous and individuals will be paid $200 cash per turned in operable handgun. Not accepted are: licensed guns, BB Guns, air pistols, long guns and replicas. Guns transported by car must be transported in the trunk of the car and must
be unloaded and put in a plastic/paper bag or in a shoe box.

DA Rice stated "This is a proactive, community-based effort to ensure that illegal guns fall into the hands of cops before they fall into the hands of our children."

"This Gun Buy Back program is part of our proactive approach to combating the rise in gun violence," said Commissioner Mulvey. In addition to our Gun Buy Back Program, I have created an implemented our Gun Stoppers program and hotline (1-877-4GUN411) and implemented a new state of the art gunshot location system known as Shot Spotter which has proven very successful.

Forfeiture funds from the Nassau County Police Department and the District Attorney's Office are utilized to fund the Gun Buy Back Program. In addition, the PBA, DAI and SOA Police Unions are also contributing funding to this event. "We are very appreciative of the police unions financial assistance in helping make these events a success," said Commissioner Mulvey.

Let's all fly our Flags with pride ~September 11th, 2009~

Let's all fly our Flags with pride

On Friday, September 11th, 2009, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this eighth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it
shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

September 11, 2009 Memorial Service ~September 11th, 2009~

September 11, 2009 Memorial Service
In response to many community members who expressed a desire to mark the tragic events of September 11th locally, the West Hempstead Kiwanis will hold a short candlelight ceremony every September 11th at Hall's Pond Park in remembrance of all the lost and particularly our 12 neighbors.
This year, it will begin at the Gazebo at 7:30 pm and end at the Memorial Garden. We expect that it will last about 20 minutes or so. Candles will be provided. Please forward this email to everyone you know who lives in West Hempstead or neighboring communities.

Thank you!

Nikki Stamatas Thaw
West Hempstead Kiwanis

9/11 Memorial - September 11, 2009

9/11 Memorial
~ September 11, 2009 ~

Starting at 7:30 PM in Hall's Pond Park by the Gazebo the West
Hempstead Kiwanis will hold a candle light ceremony for the
West Hempstead victims who died in the World Trade Center attacks.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS 9/23/2009

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Click here to view the schedule for:

September 23rd, 2009

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS 9/30/2009

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS


Click here to view the schedule for:

September 30th 2009

Nassau County Anonymous Drug Disposal Program September 12, 2009 10am-2pm

Sept. 12, 2009
Nassau County Anonymous Drug Disposal Program
from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
at locations listed below

Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey are happy to announce an upcoming Anonymous Drug Disposal Program that will be held on Saturday, September 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the following locations:

NCPD First Precinct: 900 Merrick Road, Baldwin NY 11510
NCPD Second Precinct: 7700 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797
NCPD Third Precinct: 214 Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY 11596
NCPD Fourth Precinct: 1699 Broadway, Hewlett, NY 11557
NCPD Fifth Precinct: 1655 Dutch Broadway, Elmont, NY 11003
NCPD Sixth Precinct:100 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030
NCPD Seventh Precinct: 3636 Merrick Road, Seaford, NY 11783
NCPD Eighth Precinct: 286 Wantagh Avenue, Levittown, NY
Town of North Hempstead Residents: Senator Michael J. Tully, Jr. Park,
1801 Evergreen Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040

As many of you already know, our youth begin their unfortunate journey to heroin addiction by first sharing pharmaceuticals stolen from the medicine cabinets of their home or the home of others.

"Although we have been lucky enough to live in one of the safest counties in the nation we have seen a large increase in the number of people using and overdosing from heroin especially amongst our young people here in Nassau County," said Commissioner Mulvey. "To that end, we are urging all residents to go through their home medicine cabinets and take advantage of this opportunity to safely dispose of their unwanted, unused, expired and/or illicit drugs at any of our drop off locations."

Studies by the Partnership for a Drug Free America indicated that "1 in 5 teenagers abused a prescription pain medication; 1 in 10 report abusing prescription stimulants, and 1 in 10 abused cough medicines.

In addition to being a public safety concern, the improper disposal of unused, unwanted and expired pharmaceuticals has emerged as one of the most complex and troubling environmental issues of the day. In the past, flushing expired and leftover prescription and over the counter medications down the toilet or washing them down sinks was considered the norm for disposing of these drugs. Routinely, they were also dumped in the trash that goes to the landfill. Now, studies have indicated that those means of disposal pose troublesome potential harm to the environment.

Accepted medications include pain killers, tranquilizers, anti-depressants, antibiotics, over-the-counter medications, pet medications, vitamins, supplements, inhalers and more. Drugs should be in their original containers if possible, and if not placed in zip loc bags that are labeled. ALL DROP OFFS WILL REMAIN ANONYMOUS. Items/Drugs that will not be accepted include: sharps (e.g. needles and syringes), IV bags, infectious waste, pharmaceutical waste not generated by households (e.g., clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, doctors, etc.), radioactive pharmaceuticals and vaccines.

West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce Meeting September 8, 2009 @ 6:30pm

West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce

is having a dinner meeting on Sept. 8, 2009 at 6:30 PM

@ the Venus Restaurant on Hempstead Ave.

If you are a business owner and would like to find out more about the West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce, please attend this meeting. The cost for dinner is $20. Please call 733-0879 to let me know if you plan to attend.

Door-to-Door Census- St. Thomas the Apostle Parish June 22-August 7

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish

To

Conduct Door-to-Door Census

From June 22 through August 7, five (5) census-takers (all from Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington, NY) will be conducting a door to door census of St. Thomas the Apostle parish visiting neighborhoods to identify households where Catholics live, and to make contact with Catholics who may not be registered in the parish. The visits will take place Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. and from 5:30 PM to 8 PM Tuesday and Thursday.

The census takers are: Kevin Thompson, John Ryan, Frank Zero, Michael Duffy and Brandon O’Brien, all will carry identity cards. For further information, please contact Parish Growth Director Cindy Sobiesiak at (516) 489-8585

WH COMMUNITY SUPPORT ASSOCIATION FREE MUSIC IN THE PARK July 16, 26, August 9 2009

WH COMMUNITY SUPPORT ASSOCIATION

FREE MUSIC IN THE PARK

July 16, 2009 – 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Featuring the band “the Switch”

July 26 – 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

The “North Shore Pops Concert Band”

August 9, 2009 – 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Featuring the band “The New York Connection”

All performances will be at Hall’s Pond Park

Nassau Blvd. & Hempstead Ave.

West Hempstead

Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating

Please – no alcohol and we ask that you please leave pets at home

For further information and in case of inclement weather call (516) 733-0879

WEST HEMPSTEAD CIVIC ATTEND, January 21 2009

WEST HEMPSTEAD CIVIC ATTEND

MTA HEARING VOICE OPPOSITION TO

REDUCING SERVICE ON WH BRANCH OF LIRRR

Scores of West Hempstead residents attended the MTA’s Public Hearing on January 21, 2009 at the Garden City Hotel. Many of them registered to speak and voice their opposition to the proposal made by the MTA to eliminate weekend service on the West Hempstead Branch of the LIRR.

West Hempstead Community Support and West Hempstead Civic Association president Rosalie Norton addressed the MTA and LIRR Boards on behalf of thousands of community residents and business owners.

A summary of the statement made by Mrs. Norton, which became part of the record, is printed below.

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January 21, 2009

Thank you for the opportunity to be able to come before you tonight. As president of the West Hempstead Civic and the West Hempstead Community Support Associations, I am here on behalf of thousands of resident to ask that you do not eliminate weekend service on the West Hempstead Branch of the LIRR.

Eliminating weekend service will negatively impact our residents and severely effect businesses situated near the train stations. In these difficult economic times, eliminating weekend services will create hardships for both workers and customers. Entirely eliminating all trains on the weekend is unrealistic and ignores the needs of the public.

You should be exploring ways to increase ridership, improve service, and make every effort to keep fares reasonable. Every time there is a deficit, the same type of recommendations are made…increase fares and eliminate service. Perhaps a different approach or ideas should be considered.

You applaud “Transit Oriented Development”. The best example of a TOD will soon be built at the first station on the West Hempstead Branch of the LIRR. Our community has worked for many years to have the property adjacent to this station redeveloped. Now a highly regarded builder, Trammell Crow Residential is in contract to purchase the property and plan to build, on the site, an apartment complex which will be called the “Alexan at West Hempstead Station.” Eliminating weekend service at this time sends the wrong signal to the builder, to the community and to the Town of Hempstead. Continuing weekend service is crucial to the success of this development.

The MTA has to show that it is serious in its desire to encourage TOD’s. If you want to increase ridership and reverse declining revenues, a different approach should be considered. The one you are proposing pulls the proverbial rug out from under the concept of “Transit Oriented Developments.”

I urge you to recognize that weekend service on the WH Branch is necessary and vital to the riding public and to a TOD.

The MTA should do all it can to encourage increased ridership, to maintain services, and to keep fares reasonable. Resorting to past practices of providing less services and asking for more money seems to result in a perpetual loop of failure and deficits. You have to ask how residership can be increased. Transit Oriented Developments is one method and must be encouraged, where possible, and every effort made to make them succeed.

Recently an official commented that housing for young people was sorely needed on Long Island. That official further noted that the location of the Trammell Crow apartment project couldn’t be better and that sometimes in government you get unique opportunities where you see that something can really work. I hope that you will also recognize the value of what is being proposed adjacent to the first station on the West Hempstead Branch and make a decision to do all you can to work towards helping this project succeed.

In conclusion, I again ask that you make a commitment to provide weekend service on the H Branch of the LIRR. It is the right thing to do for the communities, the riders and the MTA.

Respectfully,

Rosalie Norton

President

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ALFANO: GOVERNOR PATERSON’S 137 TAX AND FEE INCREASES WILL COST THE AVERAGE NEW YORK FAMILY $3,875.48, COULD LEAD TO THE LOSS OF 1-IN-10 JOBS Says the 137 tax and fee increases in Governor Paterson’s budget are like “declaring war” on New York’s middle class families

Characterizing it as a “gut punch” to Long Island’s middle class already hurting from a terrible economy, home foreclosures and loss of real wages, Assemblyman Tom Alfano today warned that the 137 tax and fee increases within Governor Paterson’s 2009-10 Executive Budget will cost the average New York family an extra $3,875.48 annually.


Click here to read more about the tax and fee increases.

Click here to see Spreadsheet with proposed taxes and fees