"Whatever Happened to...?"

A Year (or ten) In Review. . .

As 2010 comes to a close, our Long Island blanketed in snow, with winter's wrath coming early in the season, we look back and ask, "Whatever happened to...?"

• Whatever happened to resident-initiated referenda to dissolve local governments?
• Whatever happened to the rehab of Cedar Creek?
• Whatever happened to the revitalization of Grand Avenue in Baldwin?
• Whatever happened to the closure and demolition of the Courtesy Hotel in West Hempstead?
• Whatever happened to converting Elmont's Argo Theater into a much-needed supermarket?
• Whatever happened to the Lighthouse Project at the Coliseum, or Kate Murray's Lighthouse Lite?
• Whatever happened to the Tax Revolt Party's tax revolt? [Anyone's property tax bill lower this year than it was last?]
• Whatever happened to Nassau County's "Master Plan" (or any one of them)?
• Whatever happened to "outing" government secrets being a good thing?
• Whatever happened to face-to-face conversation?
• Whatever happened to Guest Bloggers?
• Whatever happened to "25 miles of ugly" along Hempstead Turnpike? [Wait. It is still there! Never mind.]
• Whatever happened to the other 75 cents of your tax dollar that went to Albany but never came back to Long Island?
• Whatever happened to transparency and accountability?
• Whatever happened to ending the dysfunction in Albany?
• Whatever happened to a Nassau County 311?
• Whatever happened to volunteerism? [True volunteerism, without remuneration, pension credits or tax breaks.]
• Whatever happened to building a better burb?
• Whatever happened to "Re-Evolution Island?" http://thecommunityalliance.blogspot.com/2010/09/somewhere-between-evolution-and.html
• Whatever happened to preserving open space, rejuvenating local parks, and all that Environmental Bond money?
• Whatever Happened to Harvey Levinson's lawn signs?
• Whatever happened to affordable housing, revitalized "downtowns," the rebirth of "Main Street"?
• Whatever happened to the New York Islanders? Charles Wang? The dollar hot dog?
• Whatever happened to the "War on Christmas?"
• Whatever happened to those Town goats? http://thecommunityalliance.blogspot.com/2009/03/foreigners-displace-american-workers-in.html
• And what were their names again? http://www.townofhempstead.org/content/home/news/namekids.html
• Whatever happened to the reason we got rid of LILCO?   Whatever happened to a "free" public education?  
• Whatever happened to all the issues we've blogged about over the years at The Community Alliance? http://thecommunityalliance.blogspot.com
• Whatever happened to those who read tweets, reply to tweets and retweet (other than @reidepstein)?
• Whatever happened to the outrage over that which never happened???
• Whatever happened to your Assessment challenge? Tax refund? STAR rebate? Tax cap? Tooth fairy?
• Whatever happened to that "kinder, gentler..." er, ah, um, whatever?
• Whatever happened to the Town of Hempstead's "Quality of Life Initiative?"
• Whatever happened to suburbia?

Tweet your "Whatever happened to...?" @CommunityAlli and add to our list. Be a community advocate, not a potted plant.
 
Happy New Year (whatever happened to that, too?) from The Community Alliance!
- - -
Follow The Community Alliance on Twitter @CommunityAlli.

License To Kill?

Or Was That To Merely Neglect And Abuse?

Another in our continuing coverage of alleged abuse and wrongful conduct at the Town of Hempstead's Animal Shelter.

Come now the great State of New York, offering its seal of approval of the conduct of business at the Town's shelter.

We find the State's nod to be somewhat less than reassuring, given a track record over the years of approving facilities and behavior less than becoming (i.e., the treatment of patients at State psychiatric hospitals. Anyone remember Willowbrook?).

Take these reports for what they may be worth and from whence they came. Also consider the Town's post-abuse allegation window-dressing, ala Red Cross visits to prisoner-of-war camps.

We report. You decide. [Or something like that.] Awaiting the findings of the ASPCA and the Nassau County District Attorney.

And thank you, Kate Murray, for reassuring the public of the Town's love for the dogs and cats in its care. Shame the same can't be said of the people under the Town's thumb!
- - -
From the Town of Hempstead:

Hempstead Town Animal Shelter Receives State's Approval, Shelter and Animal Control Officers Rate Top Scores on Inspection Reports


As Hempstead celebrates one of its most successful "Home for the Holidays" Pet Adoption Programs ever, town officials got even more reason for seasonal cheer in the form of top ratings in two New York State inspection reports on their municipal animal shelter.

"We're working hard to create the best environment for cats and dogs who come to the town's animal shelter," stated Murray. "I am pleased that New York State has given the town shelter positive reviews."

The two reports, both issued by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets on December 14, 2010, gave the town its top ratings (state ratings fall into two categories: "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory"). Furthermore, no deficiencies were noted in all 30 categories contained in the two reviews.

"I'm proud that the town's shelter passed the state's review with flying colors," announced Murray. "Not only did we get positive overall reviews, but the state found no deficiencies in 30 separate categories covered in the reports."

One of the reports, a "Municipal Shelter Report," covered the facilities and services at the town shelter. "Standards of Care" and "Records" categories contained in the Municipal Shelter Report found, among other things, that housing area and equipment were regularly sanitized, dogs were handled safely, veterinary care was provided when necessary and clean food and water were furnished in ample quantity.

The second report, a "Dog Control Officer Inspection Report," detailed practices, procedures and equipment as related to the performance of duties by the township's animal control officers. This report determined that equipment was available to capture and hold stray animals, dogs were safely held and transported, equipment was sanitized regularly and all dogs were licensed before release.

"These reports make it abundantly clear that animals are cared for professionally and responsibly," concluded Murray. "We have a clean shelter that provides proper care to cats and dogs. What's more, we have a staff that works hard and loves the dogs and cats in our care."

"Help, I need somebody, Help, not just anybody, Help, you know I need someone, help..."

Town of Hempstead Helpline Answers The Call

Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me, get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me.

For all the railing we do about the folks at Town Hall in America's most blighted township (that's Hempstead Town, for those who may have missed a blogpost or three), there's a bright spot out there in the darkness, and it is known as -- dare we say it -- Kate Murray's Helpline.

Okay. In reality, it's the Town of Hempstead Helpline, but, as we know, the Supervisor likes to put her name anywhere and everywhere (look for it the next time you lift up the toilet seat), from street signs to town vehicles. It's in your face, and, of course, in your mailbox.

But we digress...

Have a problem with any aspect of life in the Town [don't get us started...]? Simply call the Helpline at 516-489-6000, or log on to the online Helpline Form, and a friendly, courteous (they're even nice to us, believe it or not), knowledgable staff member will speak with you or call you back with information, guidance, and a good listen.

Got a pothole in your street? Streetlamp (Victorian or otherwise) out? Illegal basement apartment next door? [No. Not in Hempstead Town. Never!] Get on the Helpline and get help!

Even if your concern is one that comes under the jurisdiction of an entity other than the Town of Hempstead (i.e., Whose roadway is that, anyway?), the Helpline personnel -- the best workers the Town of Hempstead could possibly have, in our humble opinion) -- will not only point you in the right direction, they'll personally make the call.

And this is something we rarely see from a Town where "proactive" is a four-letter word. The folks at the Helpline will actually follow up. [No, your eyes do not deceive you. We said "Town" and "follow up" in the same paragraph.]

Of course, your communication with the Town through the good graces of the Helpline will be succeeded by a perfunctory, pro forma letter* from the Supervisor herself, advising that your matter is being looked into and/or forwarded to the attention of the appropriate party. Oh yeah. Kate will also ask you to contact her if there is "anything else" she can do. Not that she'll do it, but thank you for asking. [We have so many of these letters that we've wallpapered three rooms with 'em! *Make mention to the good people at the Helpline that you'd rather not get a letter from Ms. Murray, and, most times, they will oblige.]

By the way, if you have an environmental complaint (i.e., illegal dumping of waste), there's a form for that, too. Click HERE for Environmental Complaints. Not sure if it's Town, County or State? No matter. Put it in writing, and the Town Helpliners will take care of it.

We are often amazed, given the customary knee-jerk reaction of the Town, and the dilatory, obstreperous nature and behavior of Town Supervisor Kate Murray, at just how responsive the Town can be, from Highways to Engineering to Sanitation (even though the Town claims absolutely no control over the latter), once the Helpline comes into play. It is as if, almost by magic, the problem, from misplaced street signs to graffiti on a commercial building, is resolved, almost before you hang up the phone or hit the "send" button.

Of course, don't expect much in the way of resolution -- or movement -- best intentions of the Helpline employees notwithstanding, if you're calling to complain, for instance, about the Nassau Coliseum and environs, special district taxes, or the blight along "Main Street." Some grievances, as we have come to learn, take a little longer to redress.

For the moment, though, and in acknowledgment of the fantastic -- and most likely, thankless -- job they do, day in and day out, our hats come off and kudos go out to the ladies and gents on the front lines at the Town of Hempstead Helpline.

Take a bow!

Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me, get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me, help me, help me, oh.

P.S. When you call, tell 'em The Community Alliance sent you. . .
- - -
Follow The Community Alliance on Twitter @CommunityAlli.


                   

The Community Alliance

New Ideas for America's First Suburb

Heard On The Tweet

Things That Can No Longer Be Sustained On Long Island

With all the talk of "sustainability" these days, particularly as concerns our environment, our lifestyles, our "downtowns" and our suburban way of life (as we know it or as we'd like it to become), and with the holidays at hand, The Community Alliance thought it appropriate to make a list -- checking it twice -- of "Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island."

We posted some of our favorite unsustainable things on Twitter (www.twitter.com/CommunityAlli) over the course of two days, and now republish Tweets (to date) below.

We encourage readers of this blog to add to the list, by Tweeting @CommunityAlli, commenting on this blogpost, or e-mailing us at TheCommunityAlliance@yahoo.com.

Rather than to simply put coal in the proverbial community stocking, adding more "Bah. Humbug!" to the communal scene, it is our hope and desire, for the holidays and beyond, to create positives from the negative, taking that which is unsustainable on our Long Island, and recasting these pessimistic attributes into optimistic affirmations. A sustainable community, with a thriving quality of life for all, right here on our Long Island!
- - -
Here, now, the list as Tweeted @CommunityAlli:

• We're making a list and checking it twice. Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. We'll start you off. 124 school disticts.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Blighted downtowns. Add to the list. Tweet or e-mail TheCommunityAlliance@yahoo.com.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Nepotism/cronyism in local government. Your turn. . .
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Special Taxing Districts. For Everything. Tweet us to add to our list.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Blighted Main Streets.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. The flight of Generation Next.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. A 25 cent return on every tax dollar sent to Albany.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Silence and complacency. Is anyone out there?
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Artists' renderings. Endless visioning. Broken promises. Anything? Anybody?
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Talk of reform, renewal or revolt without corresponding action.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. The apathy of the electorate and the indifference of the elected.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Spending what we do not have and borrowing what we cannot repay.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island.The pillaging of the middle class. Chime in any time, folks!
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. The paucity of affordable housing. The scarcity of open space. The audacity of dopes.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Horizontal design sets. 1950s mindsets. Anything else?
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Erosion of the aquifers. Destruction of greenscapes. Proliferation of brownfields.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Smart Growth dumbed down.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Dysfunction in Albany.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. 124 School Superintendents @$250,000+ a pop.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. The Islanders (with or without a new Coliseum).
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Still further delay in redeveloping the Nassau Hub (with or without Kate Murray).
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Major media outlets all monopolized by the Dolans.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Crumbling infrastructure. Buckling roadways. Twenty miles of ugly along theTurnpike.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. LIPAsuction.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Mass transit that is too expensive and less expansive.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. The list continues. [Feel free to add to it @CommunityAlli.]
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. MTA fare hikes and cutbacks.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. NIMBYism.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Cablevision rate hikes and LIPA/National Grid surcharges.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. New taxes disguised as fees.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. The privatization of public parks. Thoughts? Anybody? Helllllllloooooooooooooo...
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Endless studies, surveys, polls and reports. Same findings. Little result.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Commissions. Blue-Ribbon Panels. Zoning Boards. Planning Councils.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. 5 Special Sanitary Districts, 14 Village Sanitary Districts. 1 Sanitation Department.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. ALL in a single Town!
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. 55 Fire Districts. 18 Water Districts. 2 Sewer Districts. ALL in a single Town!
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. 707 local government entities. ALL on a single Island!
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Property taxes. Income taxes. Sales taxes.
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Did we mention 124 separate and distinct school districts?
• Things that can no longer be sustained on Long Island. Sadly, the dearth of Tweets on the issue of "things that can no longer be sustained."
 

And the Tweet goes on (or does it?). . . Folks, a sustainable Long Island is up to all of us!

Don't just follow us @CommunityAlli. Join with us, as we work to take back our towns, revitalize our downtowns, reinvent "Main Street," reinvigorate community, and improve the quality of life of every Long Islander. 

The Community Alliance

New Ideas for America's First Suburb