What issues, projects, or concerns were on the agendas of the villages, civic associations and Manhasset organizations during 2005? Were the groups grappling with the same issues town wide or were the issues village specific? Following is a recap of 2005 provided by each of the individual organizations. More to follow next week.

- PG

During 2005 the Strathmore Village Civic Association (SVCA):

1. Worked with the town to develop a plan for improved traffic flow at The Gate. The plan developed is scheduled to be implemented in March of 2006.

2. Petitioned the town to clean up the site of the Old Village Bath Club and coordinated a community meeting with the town to review development plans. Plans for a commercial building on the site were rejected overwhelmingly by the community and new plans for four single-family homes are scheduled to be reviewed with the current developer in February.

3. SVCA representatives attended a meeting of the Nassau County Planning Commission to hear a plan for a proposed subdivision in the community and voice our opposition. The proposed plan was not approved.

4. Met with town officials to review the status of several building sites in the community to ensure compliance with existing zoning regulations.

5. Enforcement of current tree code legislation was also discussed with an eye to greater enforcement of existing laws particularly on new building sites.

6. Zoning and maintaining the character of the community will continue to be high priorities for 2006.

7. The SVCA also organized the annual meeting in November at which Councilman Wayne Wink responded to residents concerns and representatives from the 6th Precinct Police Department addressed the recent burglaries in the area.

8. The "visioning" process for Plandome Road was also discussed and SVCA representatives will be participating in this process during 2006.

9. Continue to work to improve the appearance of the community through plantings, and maintenance of the islands within the community

1. Membership and dues remain a high priority. Increased use of BCA e-mail list has replaced hard copy newsletters. Internet use growth will likely require re-establishing a BCA website with associated links through other Manhasset related sites (sports organizations, chamber of commerce, etc.).

Explore further: Re-establish PO Box for BCA- standardize membership envelope with application form to allow printing in bulk; used over number of years.

2. Zoning Issues top the list of resident concerns. Increasing purchase of single homes being subdivided into two homes continues. Greater protection through building restrictions was one impetus behind previous discussion of incorporating the currently non-incorporated areas of Manhasset. Working with the town to plan and implement zoning changes throughout BCA hopefully will accomplish that goal without a need to incorporate. Some type of architectural review process was suggested as a potential process to improve building structures consistent with the quality of Manhasset.

Continue zoning update on planning efforts with the town building commissioner's office and promote increased pressure from all groups within the Greater Council of Manhasset Civic Associations to keep town active on this important item.

3. LIRR Issues include ongoing construction along Virginia Drive: LIRR's electrical substation construction was finally completed, although no definitive test results have been made public regarding the hazardous material clean-up program around the structure.

LIRR fence along Thompson Shore Road and Virginia Drive is in deplorable condition. LIRR has advised residents that upon completion of electrical substation work, they will be installing tall plantings along Virginia Drive to improve the area, but no details are known of what and when.

At many points along this entire strip, the fence allows entrance/egress since the bottom of the fence does not meet the ground. This is a danger to the children since the site is adjacent to the school, as well as a growing eyesore for the neighborhood. LIRR needs to be contacted about installation of a new, secure and aesthetically pleasing fence along Thomspon/Virginia Drive, between the Manhasset Avenue overpass to the Bay trestle.

4. BCA donated one of the teak benches for the Manhasset Park District's War Memorial.

5. Upgrade/enhance roadway "triangles" around Bayview. Generally no problem with the town, provided notification is given and the plantings in no way obstruct vision of drivers. First year is most critical until evergreen shrubs take root. Evergreens more practical since they require less maintenance than floral plantings.

Maura Brothers continue to maintain triangle next to firehouse on Bayview Avenue/Locust Place at their own expense. Ask residents for specific locations for upgrades, then develop plans and cost estimate with interested residents. Project requires surrounding residents to maintain and water. If residents are not interested in being involved, do not pursue.

6. BCA established entrance welcome sign along Bayview Ave near Thompson Shore Road. Explore additional locations for BCA sponsored welcome signs. Develop plan, establish cost estimate.

7. Efforts were initiated several years ago about improving Bayview's view of the bay along lower Bayview Avenue. Several meetings held with town and county officials to determine what long range planning efforts are underway.

8. Work with local real estate broker/owners to increase awareness of BCA.

9. BCA was successful in getting centerlines (yellow lines) painted throughout Plandome Road and Bayview roadways, especially the Bayview Avenue curve at the waterfront. Efforts continue through the newly organized Coalition for a Safer Manhasset (CSM).

10. Need to pursue the middle/high school development plan as it relates to additional parking. Without it, neighborhood parking could get worse.

11. The overwhelming success of the Halloween Parade last fall shows we must continue and promote children events. Plans for an Easter Egg Hunt for children are in progress.

12. BCA will continue at least one, possibly more Ladies Nite Out events and Men's Nite Out continues to be organized at least once per year by John Minogue.

13. BCA Summer Picnic has been coordinated by Jolie Marsicano who has moved out of the area. Need a new coordinator to plan the 2006 event.

14. Annual Kids Holiday Show held mid-December at Clearview Movie Theater will continue with John Minogue as event coordinator.