After almost three years of toying with the idea, the greater Westbury Community Coalition of Civic Associations is now a reality.

The suggestion was first made by Westbury Village Trustee Alphonse Campbell, who noted that it would make sense for the various civic association presidents to collaborate on issues that are common to the communities instead of tackling such problems as separate entities. He said that this could be achieved through the formation of a council of civic association presidents, meeting regularly as a group while still maintaining their individual identity.

On Wednesday, Dec. 4, the first step in this direction was made when the civic association presidents, along with Village of Westbury trustees and Nassau County's Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin, met at Westbury Village Hall to further examine the question of illegal housing in the area and explore possible solutions.

The need for this meeting was raised by Village Trustee Peter Cavallaro following a community meeting with Town of North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger on Aug. 19 at Westbury Public Library. At this time, the dominant issue surrounded the question of illegal housing and enforcement. Cavallaro got things in motion that culminated at the Dec. 4 meeting.

Following discussions on the above-mentioned issues, it was unanimously agreed to form the coalition. Also, by unanimous consent, I will chair the coalition. Follow-up meetings will be scheduled as part of ongoing discussions and search for solutions on these and other issues.

In addition to Legislator Corbin, Village Trustee Cavallaro and myself, the following people were in attendance: Village of Westbury Deputy Mayor Paul Echausse, Village of Westbury Trustee Joan Boes, Village Clerk/Treasurer Thomas Savino, Mannie Sweat, president of the Central Westbury Civic Association; Beaumont Jefferson, president of the Sherwood Civic Association; Harold Neil, president of the Unified Civic Association; Dr. Rudolph Clark, a representative for the Westbury Hills Civic Association; concerned citizens Wendell Clement and Frank Marrone and myself, Chester McGibbon, president of the Birchwood Knolls Association, Inc. In addition, representatives from Senator Michael Balboni's office and Assemblywoman Donna Ferrara's office were also present. Lindra Troncoso, president of the Hedges Civic Association, was unavoidably absent due to a previous engagement and Mayor Ernest Strada and Trustee Alphonse Campbell were both absent due to illness.

Chester McGibbon, President,

Birchwood Knolls Association Inc.