The Village of Williston Park board meeting on August 20 began with a moment of silence for former Mayor Roger Fay's wife, Nora Fay who recently passed away.

Deputy Mayor Raymond P. Masaitis filled in for Mayor Doreen R. Ehrbar who was out-of-town on business matters. He began the meeting by commenting on the opening 75th Anniversary Party, which was hit with a sudden thunderstorm. Masaitis thanked all those who helped make the Village "Night at the Pool" a success.

Trustee Maryann McDermott announced the arrival of the Mammography Van at the Village Hall on Oct. 10. To sign up please call Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell. Flu shots will also be held at the American Legion Hall on Oct. 31. Registration will begin at the Williston Day Street Fair on September 16.

Before the Board was open to comments from the audience, Deputy Mayor Masaitis expressed his view on the graffiti problem. "Mayor Ehrbar recently wrote a letter to and received a response from the Long Island Rail Road. And, as requested by Mayor Ehrbar the LIRR is looking into installing surveillance cameras and the local police have approved a shift switch at the train station as well."

One community member inquired about the use of computers at the Williston Park Library. He was upset over the fact that the library has prohibited the use of e-mail at the computers. Deputy Mayor Masaitis explained to him that the board would look into the matter.

Another member of the community presented the trustees with a petition from Henry Street for a change in the parking signs originally 7 a.m.-11 p.m. to a new time 7 a.m.to 2 a.m.

One member asked the board if a decision regarding the resolution to attach a frozen ice parlor to the laundromat on the corner of Fordham and Willis. Deputy Mayor Masaitis informed the resident that the request has been denied.

The highlight of the meeting was the discussion of an ongoing issue in Williston Park regarding graffiti on Pennsylvania Avenue. One resident of Pennsylvania Avenue who had been active at the last meeting gave his opinion on the situation at hand, "I'd like to enlighten everyone with a little information. Graffiti is vandalism and it's a crime." The resident then went on to thank an officer from the MTA police, who has helped in investigating and responding to the community's cry for help. Presently, there has been one arrest and two suspects, both from Queens.

One major concern for homeowners in Williston Park who have had their homes vandalized, is the cost and effort of consistent repairs because the village ordinance states that it is the homeowners responsibility to make all repairs to a vandalized home. The same member asked the board for an amendment to this ordinance, "I have here a petition signed by residents of Pennsylvania Avenue. We feel that this ordinance should be amended by inserting the word 'not' between 'shall' and 'be' - 'The homeowner shall not be responsible'. I understand the position of the village, however, from what I understand there are certain community funds available to the village and Nassau County through legislatures. After the vandals are apprehended, we will make them legally responsible to pay for their damages. We'll hit them where it hurts the most - in their pocketbooks."

The same resident spoke on behalf of his wife, who contacted North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Doreen Banks who in turn got in touch with the LIRR, and she, too was informed that the LIRR is working to get surveillance cameras on the platforms. The resident commented on the fact that the cameras would be much more effective if a wall was put up between the train platforms, and the backs of the houses on Pennsylvania Avenue. As this resident mentioned in the previous village meeting, he would also like to see school officials incorporate graffiti education within the school curriculum.

Another victim whose home was vandalized on Pennsylvania Avenue expressed her concern over the ordinance as well. "It's not fair to victimize the victim," she commented, "Why should I pay for damages done to my home, I'm already suffering - why should I be penalized?"

Members of the community living on Pennsylvania Avenue personally thanked MTA police officials as well as the 3rd Precinct police for their ongoing efforts to curtail the graffiti problem many members have experienced. They said, "Your continued endeavor to help the community is greatly appreciated by all."

The next Village of Williston Park meeting will be held on Sept. 17 the day after the Williston Park Fair that will be held on Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Hillside Avenue from Willis Avenue down to the block before the railroad tracks. The road will be closed off during the fair.