Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray was sworn in for another term as town supervisor on Thursday, Jan. 3 in front of dignitaries and elected officials at the Hempstead Town Hall Nathan L. H. Bennett Pavilion. Murray won her bid for re-election in November.

"We are committed to preserving the suburban character of our neighborhoods while we embrace balanced growth to accommodate young families and seniors who want to live here. Hempstead is also redeveloping downtowns to keep business districts vibrant and guard against urban decay," said Murray, who was granted a $10,000 raise last month.

In her acceptance speech, Murray spoke about the bright future for the Town of Hempstead. She said that the town, through "gimmick-free" budgeting has earned Hempstead Wall Street's highest credit ratings - "a full four grades above Nassau County's often heralded ratings."

But, she said, "The best credit ratings in the world are virtually meaningless; however, if government failed to enhance the quality of life enjoyed by its residents."

The supervisor also said that the town has answered the call for affordable housing, building over 200 single-family homes. "The town has just completed 11 homes with a selling price of $149,500. Eleven more homes are about to start construction," she said, adding that the town's industrial development agency has recently provided funding for the complete rehabilitation of 800 rental homes in the town.

Murray also spoke about Belmont Park in her speech, saying that the future of Belmont racetrack and a proposal to redevelop property surrounding the Nassau Coliseum will affect the township and have the potential to redefine the region. "We have requested that the governor give us a seat at the table when considering Belmont's future. The current management needs to become a genuine Elmont neighbor, evidencing a true stake in the community's future," she said.

While Murray was successful in her bid to remain supervisor of the Town of Hempstead, she doesn't have many supporters among those who have lobbied to have the town allow the sale of the Courtesy Hotel in West Hempstead to a real estate developer, who is proposing to build a 176-unit rental condominium complex on the 2.72 acre site the hotel sits on.

At a rally this past Mother's Day, Murray vowed to have the Courtesy Hotel closed. "Going from an intention to reality are two different things. The frustration level is incredible. The democracy is not listened to. How can you, as an elected official, ignore so many people in a small community?" asked West Hempstead Civic Association President Rosalie Norton.

Many factions of the West Hempstead community support the sale of the Courtesy Hotel to the Trammell Crow Company, which would build a four-story housing complex with a second-story loft built into the peak of the roof. The parking garage would be located beneath the complex.

However, town officials have been reluctant to rezone the area to allow for the complex. The town board is also considering an urban renewal plan for the area around the hotel. In addition to Trammell Crow, other developers that are interested in developing the area around the hotel are Breslin Reality Development, Sheldrake Organization and Benjamin Development.

Public hearings were held last month concerning the Trammell Crow condominium proposal and the urban renewal plan. The town has yet to make a decision on either.

Cathedra Garden Civic Association President Scott Jablow, who spoke at the hearing last month, reminded Murray that she said the Courtesy Hotel would be closed by the end of 2007. "She made a promise," he said. "It's very hard to figure out what she's trying to do but I feel she's turned a deaf ear to the community. She listens but she doesn't act on what we say."

Also being sworn in was Hempstead Town Councilman Ed Ambrosino, who represents the second district.

Murray also recognized Daniel Fuentes, an American serviceman from Levittown who was killed in Iraq on April 6, 2007. Murray presented Fuentes; parents, Armando and Nancy, with the Town of Hempstead Veterans Medal to honor their son.

Murray also recognized Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department Chief Anthony LoCicero and his wife Randi for their actions at a railroad grade crossing in Mineola where they pulled a disabled motorist to safety.

Town of Hempstead Department of Planning and Economic Development Commissioner Charles Theofan is leaving the town to return to his previous position as city manager for Long Beach.