Members of the West Hempstead Civic Association are calling on citizens to attend the Town of Hempstead's Sept. 6 board meeting during which it is expected the town will pass as resolution to begin condemnation proceedings against the Courtesy Hotel.

"From every corner of West Hempstead, we have heard complaints about the Courtesy Hotel," said WH Civic President Rosalie Norton. She went on to say, "We are now in a position to show just how much we want the Courtesy Hotel to be condemned and the area redeveloped."

The Town of Hempstead has placed on their Agenda, for their Sept. 6, 2005 Board Meeting, a resolution to commence condemnation proceedings against the Courtesy Hotel and acquire the property under eminent domain.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Town Councilman Ed Ambrosino held a press conference earlier this summer to announce that the town would use a June 23 Supreme Court Decision to condemn the Courtesy Hotel.

Murray and Ambrosino announced they would use the court decision, which gives great rights to local governments to condemn property for private development, in concert with a blight study the town recently commissioned to turn the hotel over to the private sector for redevelopment. As of Monday, the results of the blight study did not come in.

Community members have been putting pressure on the town to close the hotel, which has become the locale of various criminal activity.

Norton added "It is now up to the residents of West Hempstead, to take action by attending the Town of Hempstead Board Meeting. We need to show our support and determination to rid West Hempstead of the Courtesy Hotel."

The board meeting will take place on Tuesday evening, Sept. 6, 2005 at 7 p.m. in the Bennett Pavilion, Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead.

Rosalie Norton went on to comment, "This is the only chance we will get, as a community, to demonstrate how many of us want this business out of West Hempstead. Don't depend on your neighbor, or someone else to attend this meeting, make it your responsibility. Poor attendance will just send the wrong message."

Contact Town of Hempstead, Supervisor Kate Murray and Councilman Ed Ambrosino, at 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550 and tell them you will be attending the meeting. If you need transportation or further information call the WH Civic voicemail at (516)733-0879.