In her ongoing safety awareness campaign, Katie Miller addressed the June 13 monthly meeting of the Council of the Greater Manhasset Civic Associations. Can one person make a difference in a community for positive change? Katie Miller, wife, mother, grandmother, and long-term Manhasset resident, had no idea how her letter to the Manhasset Press complaining about dangers to pedestrians on Plandome Road would snowball into a community grassroots movement, Coalition For a Safer Manhasset or CSM. The organization is able to focus on the kind of issues that bother us individually but which we often feel powerless to change. In addition to local individuals, the coalition enjoys the support of many community groups and businesses.

Miller has followed the pattern of serious accidents and near misses since 2005, and based on this, remains extremely concerned for the ongoing potential for loss of life and serious injuries on Plandome Road. Of great concern, she mentioned, is the political "three steps forward, and two steps back syndrome" where change is allowed to lapse back into its former state due to the amount of time and vigilance needed to enforce new laws. She feels extraordinary progress has been made towards creating a safer environment, but that something further must be done, and in addition, these steps forward need to be preserved.

Miller expressed the need for more people to get involved, citing the success of 800 letters that were sent to town hall protesting the 2-bay drive through proposed by Wachovia Bank near the intersection of Bayview Avenue and Plandome Road, already a highly trafficked area. The petition was withdrawn by the bank.

Miller also advised that individuals write letters to the editor of the Manhasset Press and submit pictures to the CSM column "What's Wrong With This Picture?" Her organization has, in addition, launched a column in the Manhassest Press, "Ask The Officer" with the NCPD answering residents' questions.

The stated goal of CSM is to make Plandome Road a safer "pedestrian- friendly" thoroughfare throughout the business district from Northern Boulevard to Webster Avenue covering a distance of .6 mile." Restating the problems caused by motorists, Miller cited illegal U - turns, hand held cell phones, double parking, parking that obstructs crosswalks, yielding to pedestrians even when turning, and following the law, i.e. yielding to pedestrians at all times. A civic association member expressed concern that parents are setting a bad example to teenage passengers who will shortly be drivers by sitting at the wheel of an SUV while holding a cell phone to their ear and reaching for their coffee. Another member saw a man driving with an open laptop between him and the wheel.

On Sept. 10 an important event will take place creating a window of opportunity for change - the transfer of Plandome Road from Nassau County to the Town of North Hempstead. CSM plans to present suggestions at the town meeting for the first phase of improvements. CSM has also instituted Safety Day, on Oct. 27, to coincide with the MHS Homecoming Parade.

Miller concluded by saying, "Our mission is to save a life." In her own quiet way she is a fearless advocate for change, as she pursues co- operative interaction with the 6th Precinct Police, and raising community awareness.

A member mentioned the quick response of Kitty Poons who ordered the trimming of hedges near Wedgewood court that were blocking visibility and foot traffic. Another strongly suggested putting any requests to the town in writing. It was pointed out that an illegal U-turn carries a $150 fine, but no points on a license.

Reports were then given by each civic association representative and a topic put on the table by Munsey Park was that the public in general seems confused about how the village works out a proposed contract with the Verizon telephone company, and with Cablevision who is renegotiating an expired franchise. It was said after these contracts are settled the rival companies will be competing for the business of homeowners in all villages. Members were puzzled as to how cable is being distributed in Manhasset.

A Public Hearing was held on May 30 at the village hall by Verizon, in order to negotiate a franchise agreement, it was said, but it was adjourned due to lack of conformity. Cablevision is also in the middle of negotiating with all local villages for a new franchise agreement because the old one has expired. There is a copy of the proposed Verizon contract at the village hall. It was thought that both companies can operate in Munsey Park once they sign an agreement with the consortium of the local villages. As a point of interest, unincorporated areas will get a different deal from incorporated areas.

D' Antonio said that traffic at Munsey Park School remains a problem creating ongoing safety concerns. A general discussion then ensued about the problem of students at all levels not using school district busing, which has created traffic and safety issues, as many parents transport their children to school.

A particularly problematic area is the street adjacent to the high school where student drivers must move their cars every hour and a half, and there is no on - street parking then available for residents during school hours. An idea was suggested of a student drop off on Plandome Road that would relieve congestion.

Phyllis Clark, Terrace Manor, reiterated the value of a recent Manhasset Press article, "When Do I Need a Building Permit?" She suggested that the Town of North Hempstead publish a more comprehensive listing of property changes requiring permits, and in addition to publishing it in the Manhasset Press, mailing it to all town residents along with the tax bill.

According to John Gibson, North Strathmore, an estimate was recently completed to replace the roof of the Onderdonk House which enjoys an historic classification. In one year the cost to the state of replacing the roof rose from $102,000 to $147,000. Gibson also reported on the possible placement of a "Stop" sign at Number 1 Strathmore Road, going into the circle. A problem may be that in the winter the steep hill approaching the circle can be very icy, making it difficult to stop there.

On another matter, when Pat Samela, Strathmore Village, was curious about police helicopters circling above her area she called the 6th Precinct and was concerned it took her numerous phone calls to get a correct answer and there did not seem to be any individual to whom she could go to to get an easy, accurate answer. Further, based on her conversations with the police there was no central database of criminal activity. Samela commented, "This leads me to question what are the crime statistics for our community and who is keeping them,"

Lastly Rich Bentley, Bayview Civic Association and Greater Council vice - president, addressed a still unresolved long - term problem on the shoreline of Manhasset Bay. He pinpointed the present lack of action to be due to the transferring of the area from Nassau County to Town of North Hempstead jurisdiction, with neither at present seeming to accept responsibility.

The part of the road on Bayview Avenue that runs beside the end point of the waters of Manhasset Bay near the train trestle has completely crumbled away in a few locations at the road's edge. In one place the waters of the bay are only six feet away, and the sloping soil next to the road is quite damp. Bentley is concerned that although he first brought up this issue 10 years ago, nothing has yet been done, and that in addition to the danger of a car falling into the bay, having just rounded a very sharp corner at the base of a steep hill, the cost of repairs will continue to escalate, with a necessity that engineering studies be done in that area. Supervisor Jon Kaiman recently was in Washington, DC and it was said while there he discussed the waterfront and therefore should be asked to weigh in on the problem.

Bentley pointed out that if this problem area is not soon addressed, the expense will fall to local rather than county taxpayers. He estimated this to be an expensive repair, possibly requiring the installation of piles to prevent further water damage. The water, which is tidal, he pointed out, continues to erode the area next to the road.

An interesting fact was added by Jim Pelzer, Norgate, who mentioned that historically that area of shoreline was part of an underwater grant by the Colonial Governors of North Hempstead, and so it was, according to old laws, owned by the state, and so possibly remains their responsibility even after the transfer.

In addition Bayview Avenue is the site of a hazardous sharp corner where Bentley is concerned about six recent accidents. Ms. Clark feels that the area should also be better signposted as a danger area due to the erosion combined with the curve.

All associations present reported on recent spring plantings in their respective areas that have contributed to the beautification of Manhasset.