In a little over three years since its inception, the Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale (CCAF) has tackled a long list of community enhancement and awareness projects.

From parking to maintenance to quality of life issues this group has gone head on with local officials to bring about resolutions and drastic changes to the Farmingdale community. All of this is accomplished by the group's seven officers, in conjunction with 97 families that represent 327 members. Last Thursday's meeting updated members and visitors on the group's progress on various undertakings.

CCAF has long since been working to make the eastern portion of the Liberty Site redevelopment responsive to community concerns. President Mike Grello relayed some speculative dates in regard to progress on this matter.

"In March of 2004 the EPA approved a work plan to start the cleanup of the subsurface features of buildings in the eastern portion of the property," Grello said. "That is due for completion in February of 2005."

The start of soil cleanup in the western portion of the Liberty Site that borders Allen Park is planned for July 2006. This area, consisting of 14.3 acres, was condemned by the Town of Oyster Bay, to expand neighboring Ellsworth Allen Town Park. Completion of soil and subsurface feature cleanup is expected for July of 2007. Grello reminded the audience of the unreliability of these dates.

"Anything can happen to change the time, more than likely slow it down, rather than speed it up," Grello said. "When you are talking remedial designs and lining up contractors, anything can happen."

Other issues the group was working on, such as the construction of a Lowes department store and LIPA power plant on Spagnoli Road were either squashed or turned down by the town. There have also been talks about building a Stop & Shop near Main Street, on the western portion of the Liberty Site. The Town of Oyster Bay has recently made preliminary arrangements for an upcoming hearing on that issue for later this fall.

However, once again attention was turned toward the ongoing day laborer debate. An elderly Elizabeth Street couple vented their frustration about finding day laborers loitering near their property. Other residents mentioned seeing an increased number of day laborers on the streets. A Farmingdale resident and Nassau County police officer from the 8th precinct offered some insight on this topic.

"There is an increased number of day laborers because of the time of year it is," the police officer said. "The day laborer problem on Conklin Street has diminished, but then it also spread out to other areas. We have a zero tolerance policy and are doing the best we can with the resources we have."

Grello advised residents to write letters, call 911 and local representatives when they notice things that are wrong within the community.

"We have to make our voices heard," Grello said.

Other committees within this civic organization take a proactive approach to things. The Village Committee has been following town meetings and notifies members of upcoming meetings, planning and proposals. Grello thanked member Cheryl Longo [now recording secretary] for her time and work in this area.

"It is only with people like that that we can advance forward and cover more things," Grello said.

CCAF is also broadening its effort by forming two new committees in order to focus more attention on other areas of Farmingdale - the Republic Airport area and Farmingdale Schools.

CCAF also obtained records from Farmingdale schools in order to be able to compare with similar schools in the area. This action comes after the failure of the original 2004-2005 school budget, an effort to see if any money is being wasted or misused.

"We all need to be vigilant of our school board," Vice President Lisa Twomey said. "We need to tell them what we want to see. If we do not tell them, they cannot and won't do it."

An election was held mid-meeting for two uncontested positions. Lisa Twomey was re-elected vice president and Cheryl Longo was elected recording secretary. CCAF is breaking from meetings during the summer and will reconvene Thurs., Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ellsworth Allen Park Community Center.