Assemblyman Tom Alfano and State Senator Dean Skelos toured the fencing project they were able to attain for the West Hempstead community with Cathedral Garden Civic Association Scott Jablow and Seth Bykofsky of the West Hempstead Civic Association this past Friday. The tour took them up and down the West Hempstead train station facility where they inspected the new fence line installed as part of a project Skelos and Alfano were able to deliver for the community.

The project was developed due to the condition of the fence line up and down Hempstead Gardens Drive and Mulberry Lane. Safety concerns were cited by residents as areas of the fence were exposed. Garbage, broken glass and large garbage items were dumped because upkeep of the area had fallen behind. "The fence was held together with ties and bits and pieces of other fencing. It really was an accident waiting to happen," said Assemblyman Alfano adding, "I'm really pleased with the results. The partnership I have [with] Senator Dean Skelos and our local civics helped make this project a reality."

Seth Bykofsky, former president of the West Hempstead Civic Association and current state liaison noted, "this was an issue of safety for the people who live in the neighborhood. This is a great example of everyone working together for the West Hempstead community. I couldn't be happier with the results."

Alfano also pointed to the work that the civic associations did in getting the project on the drawing table. "There's no question that the advocacy of the West Hempstead Civic and Cathedral Gardens Civic Associations had on this process. They helped focus the project and help LIRR and all parties involved in the work get the job done with as much community input as possible."

Scott Jablow, president of the Cathedral Gardens Civic Association said, "I'm really glad that the fence is up because it will save lives and secure the neighborhood. The bottom line is that this is a quality of life issue."

The new fencing is a green eight-foot tall steal fence line. The fencing was chosen during a town meeting coordinated by Senator Skelos, Assemblyman Alfano and the WHCA. During that meeting LIRR President Ken Bauer helped develop a plan with residents to erect the new fence up and down the railroad tracks.