The Levittown Property Owners Association met on October 9, 2007 with President Jim Morrow presiding. The minutes of Sept. 18 were read by President Morrow; members requested some corrections. First, the "reserve" funds in the Levittown School District's five-year plan are $23 million (not $20-22 million as reported) and second, Levittown-Island Trees resident Briann Kelty advised that the school administrator mentioned, Jon Segerdahl, was not a superintendent but was a principal at retirement from the district. In a third correction, Kelty stated that he wished to publicly debate the school board members on actions and policies of the district. He also pointed out "There is no state law that governs use of money in the bond which is soon to be voted on." Another Island Trees resident complained about larger kindergarten classes than in previous years.

President Morrow then introduced the new director of YOM (Yours, Our, Mine) community service center, Jim Melindez, who will replace former director Jim Edmondson. Mr. Melindez spoke briefly, saying that they are now cleaning and refurbishing the exterior of the building on Center Lane, and will continue its many programs which serve seniors, children (pre-K) and youths in the community. He would "appreciate our help," he stated. When a member suggested, "Our young people desperately need a skateboard area instead of the unsafe areas they now use," he said he would speak to the Town of Hempstead on the suggestion. Melindez stated that, "Every kid is good, but sometimes hanging out gets them into trouble."

The issue of changes at the Israel Community Center (ICC) on Hempstead Turnpike was brought up by President Morrow. The case requires zoning variances and was to go before the Town of Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) on Oct. 17. The LPOA Executive Board, after meeting with adjacent residents, the developer, members of he congregation and the lawyers representing them, wrote the BZA asking for an adjournment until a later date in order to discuss the situation further.

The three-acre site on the turnpike is zoned "Levittown Planned Residence District" (LPRD), and the plans call for the Temple to be located on 1.7 acres of the property and the remaining area to be used for retail or commercial development. This would require rezoning from "residential" to "commercial or business," as well a variances for insufficient off-street parking for the Temple (55 spaces required by law, 35 provided) and locating a dumpster on the site. We learned the congregation has about 45 families (about 80 people) and parking is not heavily used more than twice a year. Ellen Wasserman, president of ICC, and other members spoke on behalf of the plans. But President Morrow reminded us the LPOA has historically opposed variances and down-zoning of the LPRD. A motion was made for the LPOA to oppose variances for parking, with 64 approving, two disapproving and two abstentions. The issue will be discussed further at the Nov.13 meeting.

President Morrow informed those who use MAC Oil that owners Bill and Donna were unable to make the meeting, but will be writing a letter to all their customers advising them they will have a cap of $2.99 per gallon, although the price will vary as the market does per gallon. Also, they will not hold customers to a three-year service contract, but will permit a 1-year free service contract and will only charge for large jobs if customers leave after one year.

With winter months approaching, a request was made that we contact the Town of Hempstead for information on responsibility for snow removal in front of commercial properties.

A final item was the Dec. 11 dinner/dance planned for the regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The event will be held at the American Legion Hall at 7:30 p.m. We will discuss this at the next meeting on Nov. 13.