The Town of North Hempstead Community Development Agency, a local developer and a newly formed not-for-profit group have joined forces on a project that will address the current need for affordable access to basic and advanced computer-oriented training classes in the local area.

Two summers ago, Kevin D. Saunders, the acting director for the local CDA, introduced Dr. Rudolph Clark, chairman of the not-for-profit entity called the New Cassel Technical Learning Center, to Don Posillico of James D. Posillico Development Enterprises Inc. Shortly thereafter, Clark and Posillico collaborated to form a plan that involved The Empire State Development Corporation, along with Senator Michael Balboni and numerous other state and local organizations and officials.

The plan includes the construction of a "state of the art" computer center at the intersection of Brush Hollow Rd. and Prospect Ave., land that is currently vacant and neglected. The 30,000 square foot building will be constructed and owned by Posillico Development. The building will have 20,000 square feet above grade with a lower level cafeteria and meeting facility available to local community groups.

The building will house two primary components, a computer training center that will conduct on-site job training classes related to computer repair, networking, light programming and software training, and a "Business Incubator" to provide individuals who excel in the training center with on site employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The New Cassel Technical Learning Center will occupy 10,000 square feet of office training space on the upper level of the complex and be principally responsible for the primary training segments on site. In the future, Dr. Clark hopes to extend the use of the facility to high school drop-outs, elementary, junior and high school children in the local area, as well as people in the Westbury and New Cassel community in the 35 to 40 age group who are seeking a change of career.

The Learning Center recently received a $100,000 grant from the New York State Department of Economic Development in order to implement a three cycle computer training and repair pilot program that began Sept. 20 and will continue into April. Until construction of the computer center is completed, groups of 10-15 students between the ages of 18 and 35 are being trained at facilities in Valley Stream. As part of the class requirement, students will build a computer that they will take home upon completion of the program.

"When training is complete," Dr. Clark explained, "participants will have a variety of options available to them, including the potential for better paying jobs. We're not looking for free handouts or support for programs that are designed to fail. We are effectively trying to bridge the ever-widening gap between those who are proficient in the use of these machines and those who have been left behind in this computer revolution." He continued, "This project presents an opportunity to move more than just the entertainer, the baseball player, the basketball player--it is an effort to move an entire community out of poverty, failure, despair, and into an arena of success."

Posillico said he became aware of the need for this type of facility long ago when screening applicants for employment at his real estate company. "Too many applicants sent by employment agencies or the labor department sat behind our computer systems and were totally intimidated," he explained.

Posillico has a two-fold plan for the "Business Incubator." First, office space will be leased to computer-related companies who will provide qualified students with employment. Second, students who exhibit entrepreneurial skills will be offered the opportunity to start their own businesses on the ground floor of Posillico's new building, aided by support from local companies and government grants.

Additionally, Posillico is currently communicating with some of Long Island's most influential businesses with hopes that companies like Computer Associates and Symbol Technologies will participate in either the area of job placement or to provide necessary technical or financial support for the facility. "After all," Posillico said, "these are the companies that will eventually benefit from this effort."

Included in the New Cassel Technical Learning Center Board of Trustees are Dr. Rudolph H. Clark, acting chairman; Robert Johnson, board secretary; Professor Andrew F. Cooper, director of instruction and retired director of the Office of Management and Information Systems for the City of New York; retired Brigadier General George A. Jones, chairman of the Urban League of Long Island; Earnest Nousant, president of New Generations Computer Center; Professor Rodney C. Dash, instructor at the College of Aeronautics; Randolph Archbald, computer consultant and site training staff participant, Dr. Faroque Ahmed Khan, M.B., M.A.C.P. with the Department of Medicine at Nassau County Medical Center; Lorraine Neal; James D. Posillico; and Darryl Dodson.

Upon forming the group that comprises the Board of Trustees, Dr. Clark selected members of both sides of the political spectrum. He said, "Mr. Posillico and I agreed from the very start that this effort must be bi-partisan in nature and diverse in structure in order to be successful."

Two steps need to be taken before ground breaking. First, a special variance is needed to construct an underground parking facility that is not covered by the existing codes and ordinances. Second, the Town of North Hempstead must work together with the local CDA to complete the condemnation of Brook Street, an existing street that separates the front and rear portion of the property. "The Town of North Hempstead has assured us that they will provide their help and guidance in streamlining the process," said Posillico, adding that the Department of Public Works, CDA and Town Attorney's office are exploring the best way to achieve this result at present.

Financing for the project will be provided by the Municipal Division of Fleet Securities. Bonds will be offered in denominations of $5,000 to $10,000. The total offering for the project will be roughly $4,000,000. Property tax and utility incentives are currently being explored, as well.

Individuals interested in finding out more about the New Cassel Technical Learning Center can call Dr. Clark at 334-6067. Information about potential available office space or the bond offering is available by contacting Don Posillico at Posillico Development Enterprises, 659 Old Country Rd., Westbury, NY, 11590 or telephone 333-2020 or E-Mail Don at JDPOSILLICO@hotmail.com.