As the seventh anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks approaches, thoughts will turn to the horror of that day and the courage and sacrifice shown by so many of the heroes of that fateful day. In Farmingdale, residents will recall the heroism of Kathy Mazza, a Port Authority Police Captain and area resident for many years, who valiantly stayed at the World Trade Center and is personally credited with helping hundreds escape while sacrificing her own life. Captain Mazza's valor was honored when the Town of Oyster Bay dedicated a park to her memory.

The park is located west of Staples Street, at the end of Elm Avenue. It was dedicated in honor of Captain Mazza in September 2003 and features a heart-shaped commemorative garden with a monument dedicated to Captain Mazza on the north side of the park. The names of Captain Mazza's fellow Port Authority officers who perished on September 11 are also engraved on the bricks of the walkway leading to the monument.

However, the maintenance of the park has become a source of concern for local residents. There are complaints that the park has been vandalized and that the upkeep of the park has been neglected. This has been particularly upsetting to Captain Mazza's parents.

"We're very disappointed that the park has not been taken care of," said Rose Mazza, Kathy's mother. "She was a 9/11 hero. She gave up her life for others."

According to Rose Mazza, beer cans and garbage can be found all over the park. The plants have died because the park has not been watered. Even more appalling, she said, is the damage done to the actual monument, which has been defaced by vandals.

Other residents have raised safety concerns about the park. Specifically, there are stones and pebbles that are supposed to protect children in case they fall off the slides on the playground on the other side of the park. However, these stones have been used as projectiles, according to those living near the park.

"My house has been hit numerous times by rocks," said Michael Dempsey, who lives near the park. "My sister's vehicle was hit on the windshield. My biggest concern is I don't want to see anyone get hurt. It's a real safety issue."

Fortunately, the Town of Oyster Bay has responded to the residents' pleas. According to a spokesperson for the Town of Oyster Bay, the public works department went into the park and cleaned it up. Some of the grass around the memorial needs to be replaced and that area will have new sod placed there as soon as weather permits. Furthermore, in response to the safety concerns, the town's public safety patrol will be doing additional patrols in the hope of stopping unlawful and dangerous behavior.