The Levittown Property Owners Association met on Nov. 11, 2003 with President Jim Morrow presiding. Two announcements were first on the agenda: the annual fire department Thanksgiving dinner honoring Levittown's seniors on Nov. 21, 6 p.m., at Levittown Memorial School, and the Dec. 9 election for fire commissioner, at 4 to 9 p.m. at the Gardiners Avenue fire house. This election is between LPOA member Andy Booth (with 25 years of service in the fire department) and the current chief, John Rottkamp (with 20 years of service). Both are eminently qualified.

The North Village Green situation continues to hold our attention as we receive more information requested from Councilman Gary Hudes. The councilman sent copies of the zoning board's decisions on two private schools which operate at the green. These are a Montessori elementary school, grades 1 to 8 with no more than 160 students, and a nursery school for children under 5 years, not to exceed 108 students. Both schools were given waivers for off-street parking requirements in the town parking fields. We were asked by our members to inquire from the Town of Hempstead as to the specific number of allocated parking spaces designated for the schools. The proposed church is also requesting waivers for parking spaces.

Other questions include uses of the play areas and swimming pools. How many guests can use the pools, or are students and church members entitled to use of these facilities? How does the LSA (Levittown Swimming Associaiton) feel about non-resident users as they conduct meets and practices at the North Green pool?

Councilman Hudes informed us (by phone) that the recent activity at the North Green was to cap the water supply or mains, required before the remaining walls can be demolished. He said the church is in the process of requesting permission for the demolition. He also informed us that the town attorney, in checking the county treasurer's records, learned that the property is not tax exempt yet and is in arrears for 2002 taxes. This is a county issue, not in the jurisdiction of the Town of Hempstead. The property has liens against it, half owned by Nassau County, and the other by a bank. This information is on public record in Mineola, according to Hudes.

President Morrow, in response to concern over the new assessment figures, will try to bring an attorney to the December of January meeting to discuss procedures for challenging tax increases. The dates for review are Jan. 2 to March 1.

Deputy Town Attorney Tom McKevitt informed us by phone that the proposal to run underground cables through sections of Levittown near the Newbridge Road sub-station to increase electric power to the area is on hold as the PSC (New York State Public Service Commission) requires more input from the public. President Morrow has made phone calls to Richard Kessell, head of LIPA, and will continue to call him and the PSC to arrange to have an official meet with the LPOA on the issue as decisions on the state level will be made early in the year.

There seems to be confusion as to "permitted uses" of property within the Levittown Planned Residence District (the "LPRD" - the special zoning that applies to Levittown). Article XV, Sections 177 - Permitted Uses, and Section 178 - Accessory Uses, in the LPRD, is included in the Building Zone Ordinance of the Town of Hempstead. President Morrow read the specific sections from our copy of the ordinance. Member Joe Towell, seconded by George Gibson, requested we write to the town on "accessory uses" as there is confusion about hair dressing or other uses.

It was suggested by a neighbor that the Montessori school should try to "beautify its ugly building" as a good neighbor. Also, we were requested to set up a meeting with the county treasurer on the North Village Green situation.

The next meeting of the LPOA will be on Dec. 9, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the Levittown Public Library, the same date as the election for fire commissioner.