Nov. 17: Public Hearing on Restaurant, Tax Cap Concerns, Park Clean-up and More

The busy week continues in Malverne and West Hempstead. The top story is a public hearing planned for tonight in Malverne at 7 p.m. to discuss whether the village should grant a parking exception to allow a new restaurant to open up on Hempstead Avenue.

Plus, we look at how the West Hempstead and Malverne school districts are addressing the 2 percent tax cap as they begin budget talks, urge residents to help with Saturday's park clean-up and hear from Nassau County's Acting Police Commissioner regarding local crime and other concerns.

Here are your top headlines for Nov. 17.

1. Restaurant Revisited: The Malverne village board will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. tonight to review a proposal to transform the now mostly vacant Tri-Color building on Hempstead Avenue into a combination restaurant-office space. The plan has been met by concerns regarding its effect on parking in the village. Learn more .
2. Park Clean-up: Volunteers are still needed to help clean-up the pollution at Hempstead Lake State Park in West Hempstead this Saturday. The Parks Department will supply the materials and give all helpers a certificate of recognition for their service. for details.
3. Tax Cap: Both the Malverne and West Hempstead school districts are beginning to grapple with the realities of the new NYS tax cap as it relates to the 2012-2013 budget. Malverne held a very informative presentation on Tuesday to explain the cap and its potential effects on the district. for the story and to view the presentation. West Hempstead also discussed the issue at its Nov. 15 meeting. Look for the article this morning.
4. Policing Lakeview: Burglaries, gangs, speeding and the possible closure of Nassau County Police precincts were all discussed at a meeting Wednesday night with Lakeview residents, Legis. Robert Troiano and Acting Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter. Get the story later today.
5. Food Drive: Today is the final day to contribute to the at Schwartz Family Chiropractic in Malverne. You can drop off any of these non-perishable items between 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Local New York State Assemblyman Ed Ra will also be kicking off a food drive today in Malverne and West Hempstead. Stay tuned for more details.