letter from the chairman
Reinventing Hempstead Village: Progress Continues
W
hen I began my first term of office in 2005, a bold vision—a plan I have continued to foster since my re-election in 2009. Under my leadership, the Village has seen significant growth and improvement and I look to the future with confidence that Hempstead is on its way to returning to a vibrant center of attraction for residents and visitors alike. Among the enhancements that have already benefited the Village are; steppedup code enforcement and police programs aimed at preventing crime and increasing safety. Crime has continued to decrease each year. In 2011, overall crime in the Village went down 7 percent from 2010. Violent crimes decreased by 10 percent while property crimes dropped by 4 percent overall. Crime on Terrace Avenue Apartments has fallen precipitously by 87 percent over the past four years and the Police Department has credited this success to our commitment to new crime-fighting methods and their recent addition of 25 new officers. We have just announced the launch of a new online crime reporting tool that will facilitate community support with law enforcement. The Crime Reports service gives Hempstead residents constant access to an online crime map, while the accompanying TipSoft program allows them to provide anonymous tips to the police at a moment’s notice. Other successful initiatives include expanded affordable housing, rehabilitated roads (450 sidewalks repaired and 81 roads repaved), beautification projects, a revolving loan program to support small business growth, and youth mentoring programs. The financial picture for Hempstead Village has also brightened. In 2011 Standard and Poor’s assigned an “A-“ long-term rating with a stable outlook, reflecting the expectation that Village finances will continue to strengthen. The proposed downtown revitalization project will take these achievements even further. To date, the Village has been awarded $5 million in State aid to fund the development. In addition to new housing that will cater to all income groups, the plan calls for a hotel, shops, open spaces, parking and entertainment. For more information visit our official website, www.villageofhempstead.org or www.hempsteadcda.org or send your emails to mayor@villageofhempsteadny.gov. Sincerely, Wayne J. Hall, Sr. Mayor of the Incorporated Village of Hempstead
| spring 2012
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Hempstead Living |