Harbour Green Association, Inc. P.O. Box 57, Massapequa
Park, N.Y. 11762
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Harbour Green Association, Inc. P.O. Box 57, Massapequa
Park, N.Y. 11762
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Community Information for Summer 2008
President’s Message
Neighbors,
As I write this message, the weather is heating up with temperatures expected to be in the 90’s over the next few days, our children are in the final days of this school year and we’re all looking forward to another beautiful summer. In this last quarter, our volunteer efforts continued. Alex Minikes coordinated a successful food drive in our community to replenish the food pantry at St. Rose. Thanks to all of you who participated and special thanks to Alex for coming up with the thoughtful idea. As many of you know, one of the things that make Old Harbour Green so special is our trees, some of them dating back to the mid 1800’s. Our own tree expert Mrs. Zagaja, coordinated an effort to identify some of the older and unique trees in our community. We had (13) name plates made which identified the name of the tree and approximate age and Mrs. Zagaja had the honor and pleasure of placing each one on the tree. Thanks to Mrs. Zagaja for this effort and all you do for our community. As mentioned in our last newsletter, our beautiful gates leading into our community are in need of repair. Rob Salamack has reached out to several contractors to get bids for the repair. As we’re finding out, the extent of the damage is greater than previously thought. While the fence is in good shape, the stanchions have significant rot at the base. Stay tuned and thanks to Rob for doing the necessary due diligence to investigate our options. We’re looking for volunteers to assist with an upcoming effort to spruce up the front property with our $1,500 grant. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Mark Salamack (799-8243) – this effort will likely take place by the end of June. We have begun our planning to produce an updated Membership Directory for our community which will be provided to paid members. Our paid membership for ’08 is currently at 261 which is high for this time of the year, but still short of our target of 325. Please provide your updated contact information on the attached form, along with your $45 as soon as possible as the directory will come out by the end of the summer. As most of you know, members of our community take it upon themselves to do their best to maintain the 10 islands scattered throughout our neighborhood. I recently received a thoughtful letter from long time residents on Gloucester who shared some history about the maintenance (and lack there of) of the island on Gloucester and Adam. The island was recently cleaned with new soil added and plantings scattered about, all at the expense of Spate Family – Thanks to the Spate Family for spending the resources and effort to rejuvenate one of our precious, unique islands. If you have a child who is graduating High School and heading off to college, graduating from college or had a recent accomplishment, we would like to recognize their efforts in our Fall Newsletter. Please send your suggestions to Mark Snider (Editor) by the end of July. Did you know there is a new Tree Preservation Ordinance within the Town of Oyster Bay? Permits are now required under certain conditions and violations of this code come with fines that vary between $350 and $1,000. Learn more about this Ordinance at our next General Meeting where we’ve invited Rich Leary from the Parks Department to brief our community on what we should know. In closing, as stated in past newsletters, the board is here to represent the interests of our neighbors and our community. If anyone would like to discuss any of the above items or have thoughts to maintain and improve our community, please give me a call or send an email – I’m interested in hearing from you. Thanks to all of you who do send emails and call to express your thoughts and concerns. Stay cool this summer; See you at our next General Meeting, Wednesday, June 18th at 7:30pm in the Bar Harbour Library. Kevin Kobs
HGA General Meeting Minutes
Bar Harbour Library The Meeting was called to order at 7:25 p.m. Board Members: Kevin Kobs—President Stephanie Carter— VP Melissa Minikes Robert Salamack Mark Snider Terry Yard-Healy—Secretary
Kevin Kobs moved to dispense with the pledge of allegiance and he welcomed the members, guests speakers, Jack Lipert, Leslie Maccarone, James McCaffery and Association honoree, Alex Minikes. Massapequa High School sophomore and HGA resident, Alex Minikes, was honored by the Association for his leadership of the neighborhood food drive on the weekend of April 12-13. He wrote an article for the Spring HGA newsletter promoting the event and collected the food left at the drop off sites and delivered it to St. Rose Outreach. He plans to conduct the drive on a quarterly basis and donate the food to other pantries based on need. Kevin read the Treasurer’s Report. Paid membership was at 233 as of April 17, 2008. The Association is still in the process of assessing the response to the new practice of sending a membership dues invoice. Kevin reported that the Association will be working on the Membership Directory over the summer. The membership invoices contained a space for email addresses, which will be included in the new edition of the Directory. He also reported on the front property. The Association is to receive a tax refund for the years 2004 to 2008. After the payment of legal fees, the Association will net approximately $2,000 to $2,500. The new appraised value is $243,000, down from $400,000. The Association has asked the Town of Oyster Bay if its representatives would set up a meeting with Harvey Levinson so that the Association can make a case to have the appraised value of the front property further reduced. The Association received the $1,500 NYS Grant applied for by Stephanie Carter. Marlin of Neptune will be cutting the grass on the front property again this year for free. The Association is in the process of negotiating with Patrick Neary of Creative Landscaping to remove the rotten tree on the front property and is hopeful that he will do it for free. The Town of Oyster Bay passed a new tree ordinance. Permits are required to remove a tree that is 8 or more inches in diameter. Violations will be punished by a fine ranging from $200 to $1,000 per tree. It was suggested that the Association invite representatives from the landscaping companies to come to our next general meeting to hear representative of the Town discuss the ordinance. Kevin reported that the gates on the front property are in need of repair and that Rob Salamack is in the process of trying to negotiate a barter arrangement to have them fixed. In the future, the Association plans to have a painting and cleaning party for the front gates. Kevin reviewed the history of the oil spill at 120 Shoreham Road. He announced that the Town of Oyster Bay has put a lien on the property to pay for the Town’s cleanup of the property. He said that Jack Lipert would elaborate on this, and he introduced the guests from the Town of Oyster Bay, Jack Lipert, Leslie Maccarone and James McCaffery. Jack Lipert explained five zoning changes being made by the Town of Oyster Bay as a result of the Moratorium Study. Height limits will be changed to 26 feet and the method of measuring will be from the curb or the natural grade, whichever is lower. There will be a height/plain regulation which will require that the closer a structure is to the property line, the shorter is will have to be.
Leslie Maccarone explained
that the Town of Oyster Bay will hold its first hearing in June on the 5
proposed code changes. She said that David Portman conducted an analysis of
yards in Old Harbour Green and concluded that there is no potential for lots to
be subdivided. She said that the Town is still studying the height and FAR for
Old Harbour Green and hoped to have the proposed code changes ready for a
hearing in July so they could be adopted by Jack Lipert reported that the Town bid out the cleanup of 120 Shoreham Road and the winning bid was submitted by Action Remediation. The work is scheduled to begin on April 28, 2008 and be completed by May 2, 2008. Kevin Kobs asked if the DEC was going to make more borings to certify that there was no seepage or “brown fields”. Jack said that the Action Remediation has to do the borings but that the Town will see that the job is completed. Marge Snider asked if the Town of Oyster Bay would try to encourage the preservation of historic homes. Mr. Lipert said that homes 50 years old or more do qualify to apply for a historic designation and that Hofstra University and the Town are in the process of creating a design book with specific features. The Town is debating a reward system for those who voluntarily have their homes designated as historic. This could take the form of tax abatement or allowing the homeowner to add extra square footage to the home. He said that there are negatives and positives to historic designation (one negative—making homes less marketable) and that the Town is proceeding very slowly on this issue and considering all suggestions. He also said that it is unlikely that the Town will adopt a restriction on the use of building materials such as vinyl siding unless the house has a historic designation. Mark Snider asked James McCaffery how the Town Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will interpret the new code. Mr. McCaffery said that he expects the ZBA will follow the new code, but they will exercise some leeway, allowing small variations. He said that there has been an increase in the number of appeals denied by the Board. Article 78 proceedings are lawsuits used to challenge a decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Lipert, addressing the issue of Article 78 proceedings , noted that in the last two years, the courts have been backing off using the balancing test—does the harm of denying the variance to the homeowner outweigh the harm to the neighbors—and are requiring homeowners to prove that the variance will not harm the neighbors. Melissa Minikes asked what the time frame will be for getting a hearing before the Zoning Board. Leslie said that it will probably be about 5 months. In response to a question, Jack Lipert explained that the Town has a sign ordinance which allows temporary signs to be posted during construction. If signs remain after the work is completed, he said to contact the Town of Oyster Bay Code Enforcement Department to have the problem addressed. Marge Snider asked if the Town would adopt an ordinance that would protect against homes being torn down and the lots left vacant. Mr. Lipert explained that a leveled, clean lot can remain indefinitely. If there is a hole in the ground or debris, the Town of Oyster Bay will clean it up and assess the costs to the property owner. Mrs. Snider asked that the Town inspect the vacant lot at 149 Fairview Road to clean it up.
Respectfully Submitted Terry Yard-Healy—Secretary
SOS Update
Thanks to all those S.O.S. volunteers who helped shovel snow this winter for our seniors. Special thanks to our outgoing presidents Kelly Bartels and Kelsey Parham. We are always for volunteers to join our team, please call me if you are interested. If any of our seniors wish to contribute to our scholarship fund, please contact me at 541-1308 . Thanks and enjoy the nice weather! Joann Bedard
Neighborhood Helpers
Baby Sitters Rebecca Anderson 541-8235 Sarah Anderson 541-8235 Jenna Bedard 541-1308 Sara Dramer 797-2661 Christine Gein 509-5050* Elizabeth Sarant 799-9220 Paige Snider 797-4377 *summers only
Pet Sitters Thomas Sarant 799-9220 The Hoffman Family 526-4247
For additions, deletions or corrections please contact the newsletter editor.
On the Cover
Our newsletter cover art was created by 8 year-old Grace Browne who lives on Fairfax Road with her Dad and Mom (Co-Presidents of the Green Harbour Beach Club) and her older brother Carey. Grace will receive a $25 gift card from the HGA for her beautiful contribution to our Summer newsletter cover. Nice job Grace!
Massapequa Preserve to get much needed facelift
Legislator Peter J. Schmitt reports that the planning has finally been completed for the refurbishment of the Massapequa Creek Preserve and the contract to begin the work has been approved. Work is scheduled to begin shortly and includes the installation of a shallow well pumping system, dredging of several ponds, and the diversion of storm water run-off. This project will restore the continuous flow of the Creek in order to protect wetland plant species and wildlife, and potentially expand the fisheries within the lakes and ponds.
The 2007 Candlelight Tea Helpers
Dorothy Ferencik Joe Ferencik Jonathan Grant Pierce Salamack Matthew Strick Bridget Westerman
Thank you for volunteering your time and helping out at the Candlelight Tea. You all did a great job checking coats, clearing tables, serving guests and cleaning up post party. We could not have done it without you. Thanks!
Did You Know…?
A permit is now required to remove a tree from your property? (see p.8). The Town of Oyster Bay will plant a tree on your front property free of charge? (see p. 17) Contractor signs require a permit and must be removed immediately upon completion of your construction project? The TOB has a free summer concert schedule at John J. Burns Park and the library is showing free movies all summer long? (see p. 16) The Green Harbour Beach Club is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this summer? (see p. 13) Only one “For Sale” sign is permitted on a property that is on the market? It is illegal to hang signs and handbills on trees and utility poles and that it is completely legal for anyone to remove them? Residents of OHG can advertise in our newsletter for just $50 an issue? We also offer volume discounts. (see p. 19) Landscapers and contractors are prohibited by local law from working on Sundays or National holidays? (see p. 17) We have a handy list of local Babysitters and Petsitters? (see p. 11) The HGA already has over 260 paid members for 2008! (see p. 6 & 7 for the most up-to-date list of members; see p. 5 for the membership application). We need you! Our next General Meeting is Wednesday, June 18th @ 7:30pm. (see back page for details)
2008-2009 OHG Residents Directory
Later this year, the HGA will begin distribution of the 2008-2009 Residents Directory. Our Directory is made available to paid members of the Association and contains names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses as provided by our neighbors.
If you have paid your dues for 2008 you will automatically receive a copy. If you have not yet paid your dues for the year, simply fill out the form at the bottom of page five and mail it to the HGA. It’s that easy!
Architectural Preservation Committee (formerly the Architectural Review Board)
The mission of the Architectural Preservation Committee is to be an advocate for the neighbors of Old Harbour Green who wish to prevent the overdevelopment of land through new construction and renovation The committee, overseen by the HGA Board of Directors, also champions the preservation of the stately trees throughout our community.
The Architectural Preservation Committee, when asked by a member of the community, will provide building code guidance on new construction and renovation. The committee will also provide support to a member of the community who asks for help at a variance hearing with The Town of Oyster Bay Planning Board.
Green Harbour Beach Club
www.greenharbourbeachclub.com
The Green Harbour Beach Club commenced the 2008 season with our annual kickoff Memorial Day party. We’re off to a great start with exciting events scheduled as we celebrate our 50th year. Our biggest event of the season will be our 50th anniversary Fourth of July Party. This year’s event will be held on July 5. Members, past members and guests are encouraged to attend. We would love to get as many of our past members to attend as possible, so spread the word! We will be rolling out the red carpet for a grand celebration. The evening will begin with an elegant sunset dinner, top shelf beverages and the ever famous sounds of the Rat Pack. Next you'll be swept away to a glamorous evening in a "Las Vegas Casino". A tent will be filled with gaming tables for you to enjoy while being waited on by a professional staff. Our favorite D.J. will help us dance the night away. It’s an event not to be missed! Please call Suzanne Doherty (799-2533) to reserve your tickets! It’s still not too late to join for the 2008 season. The GHBC opens full time on June 27. Check out the club’s new website, greenharbourbeachclub.com. Please call us for membership information. Happy Summer! Mike and Liz Browne 2008 GHBC Co-Presidents 882-0051
Homeowners Cleanup programs for Oyster Bay Town residents
For many people, when the cleaning urge hits, they just want to get rid of the rubbish as soon as possible and not have to look at it until the next collection day. If you’re one of those people, a Homeowners Cleanup day might be just the catalyst you need to tackle that garage or basement cleanup you’ve been putting off.
Residents only (no businesses) may take unwanted rubbish to the Town’s Solid Waste Disposal Complex, Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road, Old Bethpage, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Bushes, tree limbs, fence posts and similar items will be accepted as is and need not be broken into smaller pieces. Used tires, large metal items in excess of four feet, yard waste, clean fill and clean broken concrete will also be accepted. Passenger cars, vans, pickup trucks and small trailers are admitted to the program. Six-wheel or larger vehicles are not permitted. Proof of residency must be shown.
Homeowners Cleanup dates are: Saturday, July 19; Saturday, August 9; Saturday, September 27; Sunday, October 26; and Saturday, November 8. Residents can call 677-5943 if they have any questions.
Street Signs: Update
Greg Bedard, HGA’s Head of Street Sign Maintenance reports that three street signs were replaced (Cabot on the corner of Bay, Lagoon on the corner of Gloucester and Exeter on the corner Gloucester).
If you notice any damaged or missing street signs, please contact Greg to have them fixed or replaced at 541-1308.
Front Property Gets a Spruce-up
At long last the efforts of HGA VP Stephanie Carter have been realized; The Harbour Green Civic Association has finally received $1,500.00 from New York State as the proceeds of a grant. Bids have been accepted and we are now in the position to actually purchase foliage to further enhance our front property. In the next few weeks we will need volunteers to begin the planting. Please contact me at the number below. I would like to complete the project by the end of June and believe that the job can be accomplished in a few hours. Even if you do not get a chance to call and you see us working, stop by and pitch in, people of all ages are encouraged to help. You will find it to be a rewarding experience. — Mark Salamack/Maintenance Committee 799-8243
And while we’re on the subject of the front property...
The front property is owned by the Harbour Green Civic Association which pays the taxes, maintenance and all expenses on the two lots. Therefore, the only “advertising” permitted on the property is that which serves the greater interest of the Old Harbour Green Community and the Harbour Green Civic Association. Listed below are a few examples of what signage the Association allows and that which is not allow on the front property:
Permitted Use: All HGA sponsored events: · Candlelight Tea · Easter Egg Hunt · General Meetings · Toy/Food Drives; etc. Any HGA endorsements as voted on by The Board of Directors
Not Permitted: Garage/Tag Sale announcements Professional Signage: · Landscapers · Contractors · Realtors (For Sale/Open House) · Local Organizations Fundraising events Political postings
Five Questions with a Neighborhood Insurance Expert
1. Since Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast a few years back, what changes in homeowners insurance should our neighbors be made aware of?
Flood
Insurance has always been covered by the Federal Government. The National Flood
Insurance Program is regulated by FEMA and Homeland Security. Some insurance
carriers offer flood coverage but it is all underwritten by the Federal
Government. The Maximum Coverage is $250,000 on the building and $100,000 on
contents. After that an insured would have to go to excess and surplus insurance
carriers for additional flood coverage.
Important note:
Flood coverage does not protect anything in your basement except for your boiler
and equipment. There is a greater chance that one of our neighbors would suffer
a loss due to flood than any other hazard.
The Warm Weather is Here... A Reminder from the Town of Oyster Bay
TOB Hours for Landscapers: Mon-Fri: 8am-7:30pm Saturday: 9am-7pm No landscaper shall perform work on Sunday or Holidays. Code of the Town of Oyster Bay Chapter 145-8A&B
TOB Hours for leaf blowers* Mon-Fri: 8am-7pm Sat, Sun & Holidays: 9am-5pm
*Note: leaf blower hours fall under the Town’s Noise Ordinance and apply to landscapers as well as individual homeowners.
TOB Hours for Contractors: Mon-Sat 7am-10pm No contractor shall perform work on Sunday or Holidays. Code of the Town of Oyster Bay Chapter 156-4-7A
Please be respectful of your neighbors by not permitting your landscaper and/or contractor to work on Sundays or a Holidays as it is prohibited in the Town of Oyster Bay.
Note: For immediate action, Old Harbour Green residents should call 911 in the event of a violation of the above Town codes.
Plant a tree...FREE!... from the TOB
Did you know the Town of Oyster Bay will plant a tree on your property free of charge? Many residents have taken advantage of this wonderful service offered by the Town. For more information contact the Free Tree hotline at 677-5888.
Sanitation Reminder
Items should be placed at the curb after 5:00 p.m. the night before collection. Please be respectful of your neighbors.
Commercial Vehicles
The Town has stringent laws governing the parking of commercial vehicles on residential property. Here’s what we received recently from the Code Enforcement Department: Commercial Vehicles: Must not exceed 20ft length, 8 ft height and not more than two axles.
Code Compliance
Remember, the Town of Oyster Bay Code Compliance Division does not enforce town codes unless they receive a complaint. To report any Town Code violations, please call 624-6498 or for immediate action dial 911. They take your confidentiality very seriously.
What’s Going On?
The Harbour Green newsletter is interested in publishing information about the residents in our community. We’d like to share news about the college your child was accepted to, military service being performed by a family member, local community achievements, wedding and birth announcements, etc. Please contact the newsletter editor with your story.
Are You a Good Neighbor? · Do you park your cars in your garage or driveway and not on the street? · Do you store your trash containers where your neighbors can’t see them? · Do you store your boat at a marina, not on your property? · Do you respect the TOB noise ordinances? · Do you support your Civic Association by attending meetings and paying dues?
Roofs will have to be more pitched. He also said that in calculating floor area ratio (“FAR”), garages will be counted, but unfinished basements will not be counted. Currently, the Town restricts homes to 20% of a lot, i.e. a house with a 2,000 square footprint can be built on a 10,000 square foot lot (resulting potentially in a 4,000 square foot “box”). The Town now wants to utilize a FAR restriction, which would result in 3,300 square foot house being allowed on a 10,000 foot lot. Mr. Lipert said that the Town is considering designating Old Harbour Green as a special District, which would result in the Town passing a specific code with different requirements for our neighborhood. The Town is still in the process of studying Harbour Green to determine the size and the qualities so that structures will not be excessive for the community. He also mentioned that the Town is implementing environmental subtractions for tidal wet lands and inland fresh water wetlands so that these will not count as part of a lots usable size. Leslie Maccarone said that the purpose of this is impact of potential subdivision of lots and that it will have more impact town wide.
Leslie Maccarone explained
that the Town of Oyster Bay will hold its first hearing in June on the 5
proposed code changes. She said that David Portman conducted an analysis of
yards in Old Harbour Green and concluded that there is no potential for lots to
be subdivided. She said that the Town is still studying the height and FAR for
Old Harbour Green and hoped to have the proposed code changes ready for a
hearing in July so they could be adopted by Jack Lipert reported that the Town bid out the cleanup of 120 Shoreham Road and the winning bid was submitted by Action Remediation. The work is scheduled to begin on April 28, 2008 and be completed by May 2, 2008. Kevin Kobs asked if the DEC was going to make more borings to certify that there was no seepage or “brown fields”. Jack said that the Action Remediation has to do the borings but that the Town will see that the job is completed. Marge Snider asked if the Town of Oyster Bay would try to encourage the preservation of historic homes. Mr. Lipert said that homes 50 years old or more do qualify to apply for a historic designation and that Hofstra University and the Town are in the process of creating a design book with specific features. The Town is debating a reward system for those who voluntarily have their homes designated as historic. This could take the form of tax abatement or allowing the homeowner to add extra square footage to the home. He said that there are negatives and positives to historic designation (one negative—making homes less marketable) and that the Town is proceeding very slowly on this issue and considering all suggestions. He also said that it is unlikely that the Town will adopt a restriction on the use of building materials such as vinyl siding unless the house has a historic designation. Mark Snider asked James McCaffery how the Town Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will interpret the new code. Mr. McCaffery said that he expects the ZBA will follow the new code, but they will exercise some leeway, allowing small variations. He said that there has been an increase in the number of appeals denied by the Board. Article 78 proceedings are lawsuits used to challenge a decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Lipert, addressing the issue of Article 78 proceedings , noted that in the last two years, the courts have been backing off using the balancing test—does the harm of denying the variance to the homeowner outweigh the harm to the neighbors—and are requiring homeowners to prove that the variance will not harm the
Free Summer Entertainment!
MUSIC UNDER THE STARS “2008” - Free Concert Series - John J. Burns Park 8PM
JULY 8 - TONY ORLANDO - “Tie A Yellow Ribbon,” “Candida,” “Knock Three Times JULY 12 - CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL - Free Food, Fun and Games (Special 3 PM start) & SAFETY AWARENESS DAY (special 2 PM start) THE DIRTY SOCK FUNTIME BAND (Show time 5 PM) - “For kids that really rock!” JULY 15 - EARTHA KITT- Ageless and still sultry (Special 7 PM start) JULY 19 - “SALUTE TO AMERICA” with DANIEL RODRIGUEZ and UNITED WE SING-USO Troop (special 7:45 PM start JULY 22 - LOU GRAMM- former lead singer of FOREIGNER - “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” “Urgent,” “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Waiting For A Girl.” JULY 26 - JACK JONES– The great interpreter of the American songbook (Special 7 PM start) - “The Impossible Dream,” “Wives and Lovers,” “Lady.” JULY
29 - AIR SUPPLY -
“All Out of Love,” “Lost in Love,” “The One That You Love,” AUGUST 2 - PATTY SMYTH & SCANDAL - “The Warrior,” “Good-Bye To You” AUGUST 5 - MAXINE NIGHTINGALE—“Right Back Where We Started From,” “Lead Me On” and GLORIA GAYNOR- “I Will Survive” For additional information call 797-7900 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com
SUMMER MOVIES at the BAR HARBOUR LIBRARY 1:30 & 7pm
7/3—Stage Door Canteen 7/10—Dan in Real Life (PG-13) 7/24—The Kite Runner (PG-13) 7/31—Lars and the Real Girl (PG-13) 8/7—Reservations Road (R) 8/14—Sons of the Desert 8/21—The Bucket List (PG-13)
THE LATE MOVIE at the CENTRAL AVE. LIBRARY 7:30pm
6/26—A Mighty Wind (PG-13) 7/29—Pieces of April (PG-13) 8/26—Girl With a Pearl Earring (PG-13)
MOVIES BY MOONLIGHT Marjorie R. Post Community Park 8:30 PM Friday, August 15 Horton Hears a Who
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