The Levittown Property Owners Association met on Sept. 10 with Treasurer Joe Towell presiding in the absence of President Jim Morrow. The topics discussed included plans for the memorial service scheduled for September 11 at the Levittown Public Library park on Hempstead Tpke., property reassessment, procedures of the Levittown Board of Education, problems at Progress House, and fences.

At the opening of the meeting, Vice President Gary Fisch asked that we observe a "moment of silence" in memory of those lost on September 11, 2001. LPOA member Andy Booth described the candlelight service arranged by his Levittown American Legion Post, to be held at 7:30 p.m. on this first year anniversary of the tragedy. Andy invited community civic leaders, town, county and state elected officials and residents to participate. A service of speeches, lit candles, community spirit would conclude with placing wreaths at the veterans' memorial site.

Vice President Gary Fisch then brought up the topic of reassessment which is creating problems as it barely gets off the ground. (Property is being reassessed at current market value.) Speaking from his personal observations, Gary stated that in his section of Levittown some houses have basements and some don't. Also, similar or identical adjacent houses are assessed with huge disparities in value, some from $35,000-50,000 or more. His next door neighbor's house, identical to his, is assessed at $19,000 less than his, and similar houses in the same block show a $35,000 difference. "Variances are so great as to make the whole process ludicrous," Gary stated. "Reassessments have been done improperly," he continued, "and they can be challenged, as they are not permanent." He supplied a website to learn about personal reassessment as well as evaluation of similar homes. This is the website of the company hired by Nassau County to administer the reassessment, the Cole Layer Trumble Co. (CLT): www.mynassauproperty.com, or their hotline at 516-873-9701. An appeal can be filed with the board of assessment beginning Jan. 1, 2003.

The next topic concerned the board of education. Several members of the board were present and responded to complaints indicating dissatisfaction with the procedures used in conducting the board meetings. "Questions put to the board from the public may not be answered until one to two hours later in the public-be-heard session, causing hardship especially for older people or working parents. They must sit through lengthy presentations from students first," was the complaint. Mr. Granger responded that "the kids show our taxes at work," but he was told "The board will have to make changes if you want us to participate." Other board members suggested there were ways to make changes, that board members could be called directly, that they represent the whole community. Some board members took exception to a remark that "the board rubber-stamps Superintendent Sirois," claiming that "they do their homework and work for the community, to keep taxes down and live here too." The unfortunate "name" incident was brought up, and regret was expressed by board members. For whatever reasons, most LPOA members rarely attend school board meetings (probably due to their excessive length), but member Andy Booth who frequently does attend school board meetings promised to relay contents of the meetings back and forth between the board and the LPOA.

The next topic concerned Progress House, where recently neighbors have noticed that the owner is moving fences to extend his property. As this constitutes improper use of residential property, Gary Fisch advised them to contact the Town of Hempstead Building Department, or the owner of the property for an amicable resolution.

Some LPOA members received a letter, others did not, about the legalizing of fences by the Town of Hempstead during the summer. It seems problems may develop in the application of the regulations, as we are hearing of six-foot fences down to the sidewalk. This presents a dangerous visibility situation at street intersections. These problems will be discussed at future meetings.

The next meeting of the LPOA will be on Oct. 8.