April 21, 2001
The Three Village Times, posted on April 21,
2001 a reflection of problem, project and challenges that
Locustwood Boulevard presented itself. A link of the article can
be found
via Three Village Times. The opinion is shown below.
The Locustwood Boulevard and its interesting history
should be recounted. During several years being vice president of the
Locustwood/Gotham Civic Association, I have received numerous calls
from neighbors complaining about the non-appealing appearance of the
isle on Locustwood Boulevard and that nobody did anything to "clean
up" the problem. I tried to help, the most that I can, by talking to
the gardeners and the contractor that work on the isle, and neighbors
that live in the area. Until later the members of the Civic united on
October 2000, to help the neighbors in the area resolve the problem of
the isle on Locustwood Boulevard. On that meeting of the Locustwood/Gotham
Civic Association we had Councilman Joseph Kearney as our speaker. He
took charge of the problem, and from then on, the process of the
Beautification of Locustwood Boulevard came into effect.
Locustwood Boulevard is an important artery into the
residential area of Elmont. It's also by the entrance of Nassau
County. Fixing up the boulevard goes beyond the satisfaction of the
neighbors in the area, but as a landmark of suburban life. It took a
lot of work, dedication and time to bring the project into effect.
Passing out fliers, talking with neighbors, going to meetings to name
a few activities which people did for the better of the community. I'm
so satisfied and pleased that such effort existed, and even more
pleased by the dedication of the work that people placed into the
project. The Locustwood/Gotham Civic Association had a meeting with
the Town Hall, in which Town Supervisor Richard Guardino gave us a
warm welcome, and along with Mr. Kearney they gave us their word to
help resolve the problems that are affecting Elmont.
After that meeting, work on the isle started to go
into effect. At 8:30 in the morning, one neighbor on Locustwood
Boulevard, who was unaware of what was going on called me. Thus, I
informed the individual what transpired at the meeting and that the
beautification of the boulevard is underway. To be noted, from then
on, nobody else called. A couple days later the isle on Locustwood
Boulevard was completely renovated. From my view, the isle ended up
being a beautiful job and worth receiving attention. Even if it is the
band from Elmont Memorial coming and playing in its inauguration.
It'll be very nice if this is possible.
What I do like to ask the neighbors is to please put
water, especially in hot temperatures. In that way, the isle will
continue to stay beautiful and everybody can enjoy its beauty.
Additionally I would like to thank Supervisor
Richard Guardino and Councilman Joseph Kearney for keeping their word
to their constituents. We hope that we can continue to work together
for the good of everybody and also to serve as an example of unity.
Everybody who lives in Elmont should pass by
Locustwood Boulevard and see the beautiful job that was done.
Ruth Jakab
Vice President
Locustwood/Gotham Civic Association
