At the last North Hempstead Town Board meeting there was a resolution on the calendar to declare the town as lead agency for a SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) for the Lockheed Martin property which is bordered by Lakeville Road on the west, Marcus Avenue on the north and Union Turnpike on the south, in New Hyde Park.

Before the vote by the board on this proposal, Supervisor May Newburger called on Commissioner of Planning for the town, Michael Levine. He explained that the Town of North Hempstead received an application from Lockheed Martin requesting the rezoning of the property in question from Industrial A to Planned Community Development District B.

He explained that it is recommended that the town declare itself the lead agency for the purpose of a joint SEQRA since 50 acres of the property is in the town's area of New Hyde Park and the remaining portion in the Village of Lake Success and this will have an impact on both communities. There will be a public session to discuss this, Commissioner Levine said, as soon as they are ready to have what is called a "scoping" session.

However, before the vote was taken Marietta DiCamillo, of New Hyde Park, who is on the task force for the site cleanup said, "My purpose is to alert you to two issues concerning the cleanup of the Lockheed site. Many residents have contacted me and other civic leaders to express their concern over the recharge basins and the fact that they are not going to be cleaned up. The second item is that the water from one side of the site is to be moved. First, it was discussed it would go into Denton Avenue and then it was suggested it be moved into the recharge basins."

DiCamillo continued, "We have been in touch with a number of Lockheed Martin employees who have advised us that those were never water run-off basins, but were in fact test sites for submersibles. Additionally, there is a potential of mercury having been dropped into those sites. The community of New Hyde Park deserves to know what, in fact, is in those recharge basins; we deserve to have clean water. There are wells all over that area that pump into the Western Water Authority wells."

She went on, "The good citizens of the Village of Lake Success have a village that works for them. New Hyde Park does not have a village but rather the Town of North Hempstead. I am here asking that this town board become the 'lead agency' for the cleanup and force whoever is responsible to clean those recharge basins and to make sure the people of New Hyde Park have clean drinking water, which is what they are entitled to. I would, therefore, like a commitment from this town board that you will give your all to protect the residents of New Hyde Park, because we don't have a village government; we have you as our government."

Supervisor Newburger then called Commissioner Levine back to the podium and said, "Commissioner Levine has been spearheading this whole project. He has put together a task force, of which I believe you are a member. At no time has he abrogated his responsibility to the citizens of New Hyde Park. We are keenly aware that this area is our (the town's) responsibility. The Village of Lake Success will deal with their portion. The implication that I am concerned about is that the commissioner who is representing the town portion of the site is not going to be zealous or careful in watching for the protection of the town and certainly New Hyde Park which is most directly affected."

The supervisor went on, "The suggestion that you need a commitment from the board implies that he (Levine) is not capable and is not looking out for this. I am fully confident that Commissioner Levine will analyze and will protect every aspect of what is needed and come back to the town board and let us know if there is any action which we might take."

DiCamillo countered, "I certainly did not mean to indicate that Commissioner Levine is being remiss in any of his functions. He is capable and competent to perform the phase of his responsibility, which is the redevelopment. What I am speaking to has nothing to do with the redevelopment. It has to do with the cleanup of the recharge basins which the DEC is refusing to clean at this point. What they have suggested (DEC), in the initial phase operation of the cleanup of the site, is to hang hazardous site signs on fences surrounding those recharge basins. We, the community, do not want those signs posted in our area."

She continued, "Getting the point to the DEC and getting those recharge basins cleaned and getting the water coming out of the ground cleaned and getting those two elements taken care of is beyond Commissioner Levine's scope."

Supervisor Newburger said, "Commissioner Levine could you tell me at what point are we with the situation on the recharge basins? And, what is your reaction as to what has been done by the DEC and what do you see as any failure to act on their part? And, what do you think really needs to be done?"

Commissioner Levine said, "The plan of the DEC is to basically put a fence around the ponds on the southwest corner of the property and put signs up that state: 'Warning: Contaminated Area.'"

He continued, "The feeling, of the DEC, as I can best condense it, is that they truly don't believe there is any danger although they are not confident enough to allow public access. To me that is almost a contradiction."

Supervisor Newburger said, "If they (DEC) are doing something wrong then you have to say that straight out."

Levine answered, "We are not fully satisfied with their answers. And, as to the disposition of the basins, that issue is not closed yet. As far as the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) on the redevelopment, there will be some overlap to analyze all of this and we have to continue our discussion with all of the parties. We came away not accusing DEC of ignoring the problem..."

Newburger interrupted saying, "Commissioner, will you consult with Commissioner of Solid Waste Department Paul Roth and his assistant Matt Miner on these issues because we need a real analysis of what is going on with the water and Commissioner Roth works very closely with the DEC."

North Hempstead Town Councilman James O'Connor wanted to know if the water issue would be included in the EIS. Commissioner Levine said that normally it is not, but he would like it to be in this case and O'Conner said that in this case it has to be.

Supervisior Newburger said, "I would more than ask, but direct, and I hate that word, you to talk to Commissioner Roth so that we can clearly understand what needs to be done to protect the water source of New Hyde Park and other areas that could be affected. And, what is their feeling of how they (DEC) are dealing with these particular issues."

Councilman D'Urso addressed DiCamillo for a "clarification" of the commitment she asked for from the board.

DiCamillo answered, "I think what I am asking for is that there is a commitment from this board that there will be pressure put on the DEC or to whatever area needs to have pressure so that the proper thing is done for New Hyde Park."

Newburger replied, "The commissioner is committed to do that with Commissioner Roth."

DiCamillio said, "I understand that, but one step better would be to have a letter from the town board to request of the DEC that they reconsider their position, or a phone call to Senator Michael Balboni or Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli."

Newburger said, "That's not the answer; Commissioner Roth has probably the best connection with the DEC of anybody and Commissioner Levine is going to consult with him."

DiCamillo concluded, "We would like to ask the DEC to reconsider their decision not to clean up the basins."

Newburger said, "Either that, or they will have to give us superb reasons why they will not."

At the end of the discussion the board voted to approve the resolution to be the lead agency for the project.