Often, letters to the editor are complaints about the way things happen in a community. I am writing this letter to let people know about something good that has happened in our community. Several years ago, Anthony Logoteta had a dream to rehabilitate a historic log cabin in West Hempstead, and make it into a kind of museum and antique store. After a few years, he was required to get a variance in order to continue in his endeavor. He needed help. He found an excellent attorney, Thomas Pantelis, and he came to our West Nassau Chapter of the Long Island Progressive Coalition. We are a new organization, but saw the importance of supporting people who want to help our community like Anthony and Sally Logoteta. We let a lot of community groups know about the situation and when the hearing finally took place on May 19 we had well over 50 people of all ages, and from all walks of life to support the log cabin. Many came as individuals and many came there representing a number of civic groups including: West Hempstead Civic, West Hempstead Historical Society, North Argo Civic, Locust/Gotham Civic, Long Island Progressive Coalition, American Legion Post 1014 and many others. I personally have never been at a Zoning Board hearing, but was highly impressed with the way the board took the time to hear both sides of every case before it. And when our case came before the board they let us know that our presence there was important and that they would give the Logotetas a fair evaluation. On June 11, the decision was reached that with certain provisions, the variance was granted. It has been empowering to realize that ordinary people can affect what happens in their community.

James Krivo MD

Coordinator of West Nassau Long Island Progressive Coalition