The Levittown Property Owners Association met on March 11, with Treasurer Joe Towell presiding in the absence of vacationing President Jim Morrow. We agreed to begin all future meetings with reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes put in an early and timely appearance to answer our questions about the recent decision of the Town of Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals which denied variances for parking in town-maintained fields at the North Village Green requested by the St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church. The board's intervention was sought by nearby homeowners, other residents, and members of the LPOA for safety reasons. Their decision provides that the board listened to and heard those who spoke at the Feb. 5 public hearing, wrote letters, or signed petitions asking them to deny variances for 73 parking spaces needed by the church.

While grateful for the board's decision, Levittown residents are still concerned about what happens next. At our Dec. 10 meeting the church architect stated a denial would result in an appeal to the state courts through an Article 78 proceeding. The Town of Hempstead must defend the board's decision in the courts. Hudes stated that the town has a "very good record" in defending board decisions.

Councilman Hudes was able to listen to the entire hearing electronically, and complimented the members on their presentation at the hearing. However, he noted that the intervention of a traffic expert would have supported objections advanced by many based on problems of traffic congestion and safety.

There is still considerable concern about conditions at the site. Hudes stated that the town's Building Department required the area be kept "secure." The 6 ft. metal fence surrounding the area meets those requirements, he said, but must be maintained and the gate locked. Some wondered about possible asbestos and its disposal since the owners were required to remove the unsafe roof and rotted materials. They asked whether or not the Building Department has contacted the DEC because hazardous materials required certified workers for their disposal. Hudes promised to check with the Building Department to determine if proper disposal was made and if asbestos or other contaminants were still a problem. With the approaching warm weather and more extensive use of the recreational facilities at the Green, some questioned whether a fence is sufficient to keep out kids. Hudes replied that the fence is "all that is required until the case is resolved."

Hudes then addressed the issue of potholes created throughout the town due to the winter's extreme weather. He collected addresses and specific locations from members, and promised to contact the town's Highway Department for repairs. He noted that since repairs are so numerous, the immediate response is to patch potholes until warmer weather when more permanent repairs can be made. He said calls could be made to his office directly, giving specific addresses or locations.

As for other complaints, if these are directed to him with a desire for anonymity expressed, he will honor this and keep the name in his office and the complaint will be sent to the Building Department.

Councilman Hudes' visit gave us an opportunity to ask many questions for which he gave prompt answers. Finally, the membership voted unanimously to invite Levittown Schools Superintendent Dr. Herman A. Sirois to speak about the budget at our next meeting.

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