September 20 Meeting Review

Date: Thursday, September 20, 2007
Time: 7:30 PM
Place: The New Elmont Memorial Public Library
Guest Speaker: Town of Hempstead Councilman,
Ed Ambrosino

Our September 20th meeting was a very informative and audience friendly meeting. Even though many of our members who are parents were unable to attend, due to Parent Teachers Night, we had a good showing.

After completing old business, the Civic presented photos that were published on the Newsday.com website, depicting negative images with the title: "Elmont Today". Most of the audience were shocked by the images. Some, were confused as to where in Elmont those images were taken. The consensus however was that, regardless of the truth behind the images, they do not in any way represent "Elmont Today." A representative from Newsday had told the civic, they would try to attend the meeting to clarify and apologize pertaining this web publication. However, no one from Newsday attended.

Town Councilman Edward Ambrosino, arrived after the meeting started and at the time in that the Newsday Pictures were discussed. He immediately took action, and stated that the pictures displayed businesses and locations that are out of code, and will be receiving summonses. Mr. Ambrosino insisted that people contact his office and report these issues. He hopes to rectify the area, and try to prevent the possibility of any future negative images.

Mr. Ambrosino, then opened to floor up to the audience, to present issues or concerns that the Town can handle or help to resolve. Issues included abandoned cars, street sweeping, graffiti, illegal rentals, garbage pick-up, and other issues. There was a brief discussion regarding the possibility of VLTs at Belmont Park Race Track. Consensus of the members present were oppose to the addition of the VLTs, due to its potential increase of traffic, crime and other deteriorating factors that casinos could and have brought to other communities.  Nevertheless, everyone was in agreement that if VLTs are placed at Belmont Park, a large and significant portion of the revenue must go to Elmont to off set taxes and to improve and beautify the surrounding areas.

After Mr. Ambrosino had to leave, the meeting continued with the committee reports on the School District, Sustainable Long Island and the Civic Coalition Council. Members were informed of correspondence that were received from State Senator Johnson and State Assemblyman Alfano pertaining to the issue of the Belmont Race Track, and in addition to the notification of opening of the Golden Age Facility.

Members were iinvited to visit the web-site to remain inform, and to e-mail any additional comments, questions or concerns that may arise.

The meeting concluded with the Board reminding the members that the next meeting will take place on October 18, and ask to invite a neighbor to come along.