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Community Corner

Destroying the Courtesy and Re-Branding West Hempstead Discussed at Civic Meeting

A recap of the December meeting of the West Hemptead Community Support and Civic Association.

West Hempstead is on the cusp of a transformation. The West Hempstead Community Support and Civic Association (WHCSCA) is working to rid the neighborhood of the Courtesy Hotel, revitalize the downtown and even rebrand West Hempstead itself. Residents and outsiders may soon be referring to the community as the "Hamlet of West Hempstead."

Instead of seeing signs proclaiming"Welcome to West Hempstead" as you enter the community, residents and visitors will soon be greeted by ones that say "'Entering Hamlet of West Hempstead." Some feel this better captures the charm of the community.

"I would like to see two decorative signs prominently placed on both ends of Hempstead Turnpike," said Rosalie Norton, president of WHCSCA, at the association's monthly meeting on Dec. 1 at the West Hempstead Public Library. 

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Norton said she met with Councilman Ed Ambrosino to discuss the signage on Hempstead Turnpike and he suggested getting together with some of the town's marketing people to formulate ideas.Town of Hempstead Traffic Control Director Gary Sauer has also been made aware of the situation through a letter.

The members of the civic association in attendance, Ed Miller, Marshall Myers, Cathy Walsh, Yossi Azose and Kathleen Dunne, also discussed other business at the meeting, including an update on the potential demolition of the Courtesy Hotel, holiday plans and finances.

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They discussed how a letter had been mailed in mid-November from the Town of Hempstead approving demolition and construction permits for the prospective developer of the Courtesy Hotel site. (For the full story on this, click .) All that remains is the final paperwork of approval from the banks.

With Chanukah beginning that night and the rest of the holidays approaching, they also discussed how the local Knights of Columbus placed a Menorah outside the fence surrounding Hall's Pond Park that afternoon, which will be lit on Sunday, Dec. 5. Also, on this day, the association is sponsoring its annual Children's Holiday Party at the West Hempstead Middle School. The festivities will begin at 2pm. There will be games, music, caroler's and Santa will arrive promptly at 3:30pm to greet the children. The community lighting ceremony will take place after the event at Hall's Pond Park at 5:30pm

The treasurer's report stated that the association's opening balance was $22,928, and its closed balance was $30,376.43. The membership report listed 943 members as of Jan. 10, and the Norton announced the finally tally for funds raised through the street fair that was held in October -approximately $1700.00 In old business the HARP (Hempstead Avenue Revitalization Project) had deposited a check for $5000. It was used to purchase two new outside benches along with planters adorned with holiday bows at various locations in the community, including the entranceway of the  the front of the West Hempstead Post Office and outside 's Nursery.

The next Executive Board meetings are as scheduled: Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 2, and April 5,  and a Community Meeting will be held on March 10.

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