I would like to respond to "Planters Along Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown Unkempt" which appeared in the June 1 Levittown Tribune Letters to the Editor.

Hempstead Turnpike is a New York State-owned and maintained roadway over which Hempstead Town has no jurisdiction. Any complaints about the median of that roadway should be directed to the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT).

Notwithstanding this fact, Hempstead Town is extremely proud of the beautification work that we completed alongside the marginal road on the south side of Hempstead Turnpike, which is our jurisdiction. Those improvements included new façades, decorative light poles, benches, brickwork and plantings.

In an effort to respond to resident concerns I have been in contact with the New York State DOT and the Levittown Chamber of Commerce with regard to complaints about the turnpike median. I am happy to report that the Levittown Chamber of Commerce has formed the Levittown Business Improvement Corridor Association to address the very concerns that Mr. Berke discussed in his letter. Additionally, New York Senator Kemp Hannon is working aggressively to improve the center median of Hempstead Turnpike. The Levittown Business Improvement Corridor Association has prepared a Request for Proposals, seeking a private contractor to remove weeds, replace dead plants and maintain plantings. Further, they are actively pursuing the establishment of an Adopt-A-Highway program to keep this area free of debris.

While Councilman Gary Hudes and I have worked tirelessly to effect building façade enhancements and beautification work along the marginal road in this area, it is important that jurisdictional distinctions be understood. Hempstead Turnpike is a state-owned, state-maintained roadway, which is completely outside Hempstead Town's purview.

Kate Murray

Hempstead Town Supervisor