The Town of Hempstead town board met on Tuesday, Nov. 13 during which the town was expected to adopt the controversial West Hempstead Urban Renewal Plan for the area around and including the Courtesy Hotel and propose the adoption of a blight study of the Argo Theater area in Elmont declaring the area appropriate for urban renewal. However, both of the hearings were canceled.

In the case of the blight study for the Argo Theater area, the hearing was canceled due to Sandra Smith, the co-chair of the Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development, having an unavoidable conflict. Smith has been a central figure in the efforts to revitalize Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont. That hearing has been rescheduled for Jan. 22, 2008.

In the case of the West Hempstead Urban Renewal Plan, the hearing was postponed until Dec. 11. Because the Nassau County Planning Commission didn't comment on the Urban Renewal Plan, the town would need a supermajority to adopt the plan and Councilwoman Angie Cullin and Councilman Ed Ambrosino were not in attendance. A supermajority would mean five of the seven board members voting in favor of adopting the plan. With four members and the supervisor present, there would have to be a unanimous vote on Nov. 13. Therefore the hearing was rescheduled.

Members of the West Hempstead Civic Association have been critical of Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the Urban Renewal Plan preferring the town to instead allow the hotel to be sold to Trammell Crowe Residential. However, the town fears the developer's plan to be residential condominiums is too dense and would set a dangerous precedent.

Still, some West Hempstead residents such as former West Hempstead Civic Association President Seth Bykofsky are frustrated with what is perceived as the town's unwillingness to listen to the will of the people. "Democracy and, it would appear, all reason have been hijacked," he said.

- Joe Rizza