The board of education met on Dec. 5 to discuss the possible creation of new polling places for school elections and the renaming of Schreiber's gym to honor the memory of Dan Biro, a former Port teacher and coach. Board members expressed their desire to rename the Schreiber gym or some other facility to honor Mr. Biro. But the issue raised a larger set of questions: How should the district commemorate influential persons, both past and future? The board unanimously agreed that Mr. Biro's accomplishments lent themselves to recognition. Mr. Biro, a lifelong resident of Port Washington, a fixture at Schreiber High School and an acclaimed coach, died in 2006 after a brief retirement. Highly praised for his commitment to coaching, Mr. Biro is credited with the success of Schreiber's football team. In 1975, his commitment was honored with the Coach of the Year award. "This is an exceptional situation," said board vice president Mark Marcellus. "It is important to preserve the town's history." Mr. Biro's outstanding contribution to the district made a decision to honor him obvious. Board member Lawrence Greenstein stated, "If anyone deserves to be honored, it is Mr. Biro. "But," he added, "I am not sure how exactly we should go about doing it." FULL STORY

Controversy arose at the Dec. 12 Town of North Hempstead Board meeting over the creation of a left-turn lane onto Shore Road where it intersects with Main Street. The plan involves the Town of North Hempstead using its eminent domain powers to purchase the property at 310 Main Street, The Old Town Trading Post, and create 10 to 15 (or more if possible) new retail parking spots to service the lower Main Street area businesses. In order to create the left-hand turn, however, the businesses on the south side of the street will have to give up the four parking spaces directly in front of their establishments to create the drive through lane heading east up Main Street. FULL STORY