March 24, 2008

For his 250th community meeting, Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick), invited the Lighthouse Development Group to participate in a discussion about the Lighthouse project with residents and community organizations from the 19th District at the Merrick Public Library.

Community groups represented at the meeting included: the League of Women Voters, Merrick Gables Homeowners Association, Merrick Park Homeowners Association, North Bellmore Civic Association, South Merrick Community Civic Association, Plumbers Union Local 200 and the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 137.

Legislator Denenberg’s brief opening statements focused on issues relating to the local community and the County on property taxes, school costs, reduced financial support from the state and federal government, and job creation. Matthew Frank, Managing Director of the Lighthouse Development Group followed with a presentation on the Lighthouse at Long Island; the redesigned Conceptual Master Plan, the status of the environmental studies underway, the preliminary economic benefits of the project, proposed transportation initiatives, and the proposals approach to sustainable or “green” design.

“We continue to get very positive feedback from the community on the new design,” said Frank. “While people are happy to hear about how the project will expand the tax base and bring more jobs to Nassau County to boost the economy, they are more excited about the kind of place we are creating.”

Among the topics discussed that were of concern to the community were Next Generation housing, traffic solutions, taxes, energy conservation, green building development and Nassau County’s future transportation initiatives and the Lighthouse’s role in it.

Berta Weinstein, the Secretary of the South Merrick Community Civic Association, was among the 30 community leaders in attendance and is concerned about bringing jobs to the area. “If [the Lighthouse] lights the way, light it up,” said Weinstien.

“This was another great opportunity to meet residents from Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead to update them on the project as well as take their input, answer their questions and ask some of our own,” said Paul Lancey, Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communication of the LDG. “We look forward to meeting again with the individual groups that were here tonight.”

Said Legislator Denenberg: “I think the people who came to the meeting today got a great introduction to what the project will be. I look forward to our community meeting with the Lighthouse team again as the project progresses.”

Legislator Dave Denenberg addresses members of the community.

Matthew Frank presents Lighthouse at Long Island.