The Levittown Property Owners Association (LPOA) met on May 13 with Town of Hempstead Kate Murray as a guest speaker. She was accompanied and assisted by Deputy Town Attorney Tom McKevitt. Kate, as she asked us to address her, felt as though this visit with the LPOA was sort of a "homecoming" as she grew up in Levittown, attended its schools and recently purchased a home here. Her parents are longtime residents and are active in the community.

Supervisor Murray reminded us that the last visit she had with the LPOA was as our Assembly representative in the New York State Legislature. In that position, she contributed valuable help to Levittown in many areas, notably, the beautification of Hempstead Turnpike with stonework and planted landscaping on the medians, installation of new lighting, sidewalk replacements, renovation and remodeling of storefronts, elegant and beautiful additions at Veterans' Memorial Park in front of the Levittown Library. She also obtained grants to the community for other purposes, one of which is a yearly subsidy of several thousand dollars to the Levittown Historical Society. (This has been continued by our State Senator Kemp Hannon.)

With Kate as town supervisor, Levittown will continue to benefit from her love of her hometown, as she stated "Levittown will always hold a special place in my heart." The town will continue "upgrading the infrastructure, refurbishing pools, ball fields, N. Bellmore Road, etc. as the Town of Hempstead is doing very well and is stable financially." She noted that "former Supervisor Joe Mondello, who also lived in Levittown, had an open door policy with the LPOA and I plan to continue it, especially as the LPOA is probably the oldest organization in Levittown." (Note: since 1949). One of the latest benefits to Levittown happened at the town board meeting that morning when construction of 30 senior housing units on Gardiners Avenue was approved, she reported.

Members then asked about specific issues, the most urgent one being the situation at the North Village Green. Murray said that the appeal now being entered by the Malankara Church under an Article 78 proceeding can take a "significant period of time due to crowded court calendars." Jean Towell asked if the area could be designated "historic" by the town as it is the first of the village greens. President Morrow expanded on this, saying "The greens are an integral part of the community to be used by the community residents, built for the people of Levittown. This church is not a Levittown group and excludes 99 percent of the people in Levittown. This use by outsiders is against the wishes and intentions of the builder." Another person remarked that a large structure with a 60' steeple is inappropriate for the residential area. Murray replied that "Great deference is given by courts for religious or educational usage. These are often given preference."

Other speakers noted that the present skeleton of the building "looks like a war zone and should be taken down." McKevitt said the owners can legally get a demolition permit and the Department of Labor will be monitoring asbestos removal." Others complained about standing water in deep holes in the basement, with summer and mosquitoes breeding, and thought the roofless walls should be demolished. "It's not fair for people who live nearby to have to look at this eyesore for months or possibly years." Murray said the Sanitation Department can clean up the area and bill the owners. She added that she will put "North Village Green under a microscope, that Councilman Hudes will keep a close tab on the situation." McKevitt said the property is not off the tax rolls until the church is built and in use. A nearby resident informed the LPOA that on a recent Sunday, about 50 members of the church assembled in the parking lot and "chased away kids riding their bikes in the area, that police wouldn't let kids into the play areas." Murray responded that this "was not sanctioned by anyone."

As for the turnpike area, Murray said that Senator Kemp Hannon plans to contact landscapers to maintain the area and wire garbage retainers will be installed.

With the development of the two Old Motor Parkway parcels (ongoing since 1984) by Terra Homes/Josato, the case is still in the courts. It has been remanded back to the town's board of zoning. The company continues to alter its plans, but McKevitt said the town cannot accept the undersized road. (To accommodate a state-mandated sized road - 50', as well as other streets in Levittown - home lots would be only 85' in depth instead of the LPRD-zoned 100' depth). A new hearing is imminent, according to McKevitt.

Fences were again mentioned, with reference to corner lots. These require individual considerations at a BZA hearing as they differ from the heights permitted (4' from front of houses to sidewalk, 6' side and rear yards), with 2 1/2' permitted at street corners at intersections for motorists' visibility. Higher corner fences require a variance.

The issue of illegal rentals was on the agenda at Murray's first town board meeting at which she presided, she informed us. The town board no longer requires building inspectors to enter a suspected multiple-family dwelling to issue a summons on a complaint. Visual indicators are sufficient (two or more mailboxes or meters, outside stairways, entrances, excessive cars, newspapers, etc). The fine for a first-time offense became $500 (from $350). Advertisement for single family home apartments became "actionable." There were 15 civic associations at this meeting as the illegal rental problems are pervasive. Complaints can be directed anonymously through civic associations.

Supervisor Murray's first visit to the LPOA as town supervisor (former town clerk) indicated her concern for our mutual Levittown community. Members found "our neighbor" to be knowledgeable, personable, understanding and approachable, and look forward to working with her on Levittown issues.

Treasurer Joe Towell reminded us that the dinner date for our annual "social" evening is at 7 p.m., Friday, June 27 at La Focaccia Restaurant in the East Village Green on Jerusalem Avenue in Levittown. The price is $25 per person.

The next meeting of the LPOA will be on June 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Levittown Public Library. We do not meet during the months of July and August.