The Franklin Square United Neighborhood Association (FSUNA) is gearing up for the May 15 Town of Hempstead Board of Zoning and Appeals hearing for the proposal by T-Mobile to construct a 65-foot high communications tower at 340 Dogwood Avenue in Franklin Square.

The proposal calls for the tower to be disguised as a flag pole but members of the FSUNA are determined to fight the proposal since they believe the tower would be a detriment to the neighborhood.

The hearing began on Sept. 28, 2007, and after being scheduled to continue in December, T-Mobile asked for an adjournment. The hearing will continue on May 15.

"Our community is united and we refuse to lose," said Ron Lipsky, president of FSUNA, the organization that has spearheaded the "Refuse to Lose" drive against T-Mobile.

Lipsky is optimistic that the residents of the area will prevail in its fight to have a communications tower built in their neighborhood. However, he cautions that money is needed to pay for legal fees to continue the fight.

FSUNA has therefore organized another fundraiser on Wednesday, May 7. The fundraiser, a spring fashion gala, will be at Pompei Restaurant in West Hempstead from 7 to 11 p.m. The evening includes a three-course dinner, unlimited wine and soda, music by the Dave Mathews Tribe jazz quartet, art exhibit, dance performance, DJ music plus prizes and raffles. The fashions are being provided by Dress Barn of West Hempstead.

Tickets are $35 and may be purchased by contacting any of the following ticket representatives:

Val Russo (Polk Street) 358-7771

Pam Sink (Polk Street) 352-5059

Monica Molloy (Washington Street) 488-3273

Joann Jacobs (John Street) 486-6148

Kathy Clare (Willow Road) 485-2803

Debbie Nieves (Carey High School) 538-0180

Tickets are also available at the UPS Store in the Best Yet Shopping Center or online at www.fsuna.com. FSUNA is accepting donations for raffle prizes (home goods, toys, services, gift cards, etc.). Anyone interested should contact Alma Cohen at 538-2414 for drop-off information.