RSS 2.0 FeedAugust 5, 2010, Merrick Life
SMCCA's summer meeting
Civics discuss the discovery of drug use on school grounds; absurdity of water bills.
At a relaxed, informal July meeting of the South Merrick Community Civic Association, President Joe Baker invited questions and comments from the audience. County Legislator Dave Denenberg could not attend the meeting, but sent his representative, aide Daniel Yngstrom, instead.
When an audience member questioned the progress of the appointment of a board to study the feasibility of making Aqua a public water company, Mr. Yngstrom said the Town of Hempstead had not yet made appointments to the board. Mr. Yngstrom said he had asked Supervisor Kate Murray when the appointments would be made and he received a response that it would be soon. “It's going to take time to do the study,” said Mr. Yngstrom as he warned that even if there were a takeover, it would take a few years of paying off the bond used to purchase the company before savings could be realized. Mr. Yngstrom also noted that U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is calling for an investigation of Aqua.
Speaking of a recent water bill, Mr. Baker called the Aqua rates “absurd.” Many in the audience agreed with Mr. Baker. A discussion began about the proposed Lighthouse plans, or lack thereof, at the site of the Nassau Coliseum. Many people expressed disgust with the NIMBYism that seemed to play a part in the lack of progress at the site. Mr. Baker asked if residents thought a casino on the site would present any problems. Only one lone voice said that it would. Mr. Baker thought the revenues would be extremely helpful in this economy.
School grounds
Mr. Baker said the state of school grounds was discussed with the Merricks School District's assistant superintendent, Dr. Christine Grucci, at the June SMCCA meeting. On a recent walk by the Norman J. Levy-Lakeside School, Mr. Baker said he saw “evidence of drug paraphernalia,” and empty alcohol bottles.
The SMCCA president called Dr. Grucci the next day to report the problems. “This has got to be resolved,” said Mr. Baker. The president added that Dr. Grucci will investigate the matter and he hopes that she will attend the September meeting of the civic association to discuss whatever steps were being taken to discourage loitering. Two of the Auxiliary Police in the audience said they often patrol school grounds in Merrick and the surrounding school districts. The police suggested that signs be erected prohibiting anyone on school grounds after dusk.
Mr. Yngstrom advised anyone living near the schools to call the police if any untoward behavior is observed. “Let’s get a community center,” suggested Gary Barnofsky. Mr. Barnofsky said that a youth center would give teens a place to go. He also thought that a donation by a wealthy individual to bring the dream to fruition would provide a fine legacy for a philanthropist.
Mr. Baker's 12-year-old granddaughter, Amanda Jorquera, commented on the conditions of the playground at the Levy-Lakeside School. She said there were curses written on the playground and bottles strewn around the property. “It’s just gross,” said the young student.
Mr. Barnofsky urged her to form a youth group that could work with adults to remedy the problems. Mr. Barnofsky's own daughter helped to found the not-for-profit group, One is Greater than None, to raise $150,000, proving that every effort can help. Attendees were urged to visit the website at Oneisgreater thannone.org to learn more about their endeavors and accomplishments.
The next meeting of the SMCCA is scheduled for Tuesday, August 31, at the Merrick Road Park Golf Clubhouse.
