The Levittown Property Owners Association met on Oct. 8 with President Jim Morrow presiding. The first item discussed was the change in the Levittown Planned Residence District (LPRD), Article XV, Sec. 191 of the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance on fences. The previous section forbade fences without permits and variances, but the change as stated below was approved unanimously on June 18 by the Hempstead Town Board:

"A fence, not exceeding six feet in height shall be permitted on the rear lot line and those linear portions of the side lot lines enclosing a rear yard; provided however, that the 6-foot fencing and its relationship to the street fronting upon the premises shall not exceed a greater distance frontward to the street than the front building line of the dwelling; provided that any fencing frontward of the front building line shall be no greater than four feet in height, and of a type which does not substantially obstruct line of sight, and provided that there shall be compliance with Section 311 of Article XXXI of this ordinance, with respect to clear sight triangles..."

Vice President Gary Fisch noted that although the LPOA had included the word "original" house frontline for the 6-ft. fence to end and the 4-ft. fence to begin, this word was not included in the changed law as submitted. This omission does not take into account that some houses are expanded frontward to the street. We agreed that the specified frontline of the house should be from the original house frontline.

Town Councilman Hudes further expanded, clarifying the new law at corner lots as "Technically a corner house has two front yards (side and front), so it is necessary to get a variance for a 6-ft. side yard fence." Hudes promised to discuss other features of the new law at a future meeting, as there is confusion about the permits (with fees) that are still required. The change eliminates the need for a variance with a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals.

President Morrow mentioned the success realized by contacting the NY State Registry about undesirable phone calls (usually advertising) particularly during dinner and evening hours. Councilman Hudes remarked that asking for names with addresses from callers, to be sent to Senator Hannon's office, brings results. President Morrow suggested forming a committee on the issue.

The subject of development at North Village Green was brought up by adjacent residents. Councilman Hudes invited the secretary of the board of zoning appeals, Joseph Pellegrini, to describe the plans for the area. Mr. Pellegrini displayed plans for the site and explained that the owners have a permit to demolish the existing condemned building. The owners plan to construct a church, St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, in the area. (This is a church group called, Christians of St. Thomas, established in India around 53 AD by St. Thomas the Apostle.)

The church would be used for services, fellowship and social functions. The church site requires 73 off-street parking spaces in the municipal lots and provides none now. The North Village Green, besides other commercial buildings, is the location of two private schools, a pre-kindergarten or nursery school and a Montessori School. These require buses as well as individual cars. Residents in the area are concerned about congestion or over-use of the public parking area as it is also the location of a swimming pool, playground, and nearby bowling alley. The four-strip parking lots contain 290 spots; the church needs 73 of these.

The traditionally-styled church will have a peak of 48 feet, with a cross of 54 feet. There will be a public hearing on the application for variances on parking required by the church at the board of zoning appeals on Feb. 5. Representatives of the church may try to meet with the community before then to hear input from residents.

Councilman Hudes updated information on the beautification of Hempstead Turnpike. The greenery maintenance was worked out with the state's Department of Transportation (DOT) and Senator Hannon. Two contractors are now working on the median sites to remove trash and weeds, but there are problems to work out as lanes must be closed for this. New "Welcome to Levittown" signs will be placed and exit ramps off Wantagh Parkway into Levittown will be repaired, Hudes reported. He noted the recent improvement at the East Village Green where new lighting, pavements and curbs were installed. Also, work is progressing to improve the exterior of the flea market. Hudes added that graffitti is a concern and the town is working with businesses on this, possibly using Eagle Scouts to assist; however, in residential areas, the problem persists.

The next meeting of the LPOA scheduled for Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. will have Nassau County Assessor Charles O'Shea as speaker to discuss assessment changes.