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Vol. 25 No. 6
FEBRUARY 2 - 8, 2023
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Town to revamp senior housing complex in F.S. bedroom apartments, with each unit being enlarged from about 100 to 677 square feet. To avoid flooding from the small creek nearby, the entire Dogwood Terrace — an affordable senior apart- building would be raised, town officials added. ment complex at 1178 Martha Place in Franklin In addition, elevators would be installed to Square — is getting a much-needed improve accessibility, and parking on facelift. the property would be doubled from The Town of Hempstead Housing roughly 50 to 88 spots. The site’s senior Authority plans to modernize the lowrecreational center — which hosts cost housing development, comprising activities such as shuffleboard, physi104 units accommodating town resical fitness classes and holiday-themed dents who are 55 years and older. The parties — would also undergo renovaexisting two-story building sits behind tions. the Stop & Shop on Franklin Avenue. During construction, those who live “The senior housing at Dogwood at the facility could move to another Terrace has reached the point where senior center of their choice or live repairs are not enough, and instead a with family members while they wait completely new building must be con- MElISSA MIllER for the project to be completed. Tenants structed,” Town of Hempstead officials would not be responsible for moving Councilwoman said in a statement. “The new building expenses and labor, since housing is an upgrade in more ways than one.” authority officials said they would take Construction is slated to begin later this year care of all that. and could take up to 18 months to complete, offiSeveral elected officials and community leaders cials said. The complex would retain 104 units, but the studio apartments would be converted into oneContinued on page 10
By ANA BoRRUTo aborruto@liherald.com
I
look forward to getting shovels in the ground later this year.
Courtesy Elmont Union Free School District
Giving peace a chance Gotham Avenue School held its first Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace March on Jan. 13. Students gathered in the school’s gymnasium, sporting signs promoting peace and unity. Story, page 5.
Civic Association welcomes new year with swearing-in By ANA BoRRUTo aborruto@liherald.com
It was a celebratory night for the Franklin Square Civic Association, as new and returning members took their oaths of service in front of family, friends and community members. The association held its swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 25 at Polk Street School, where members reflected on the successes of the past year and teased their plans for 2023. “I’m very proud to be part of this new board of wonderful dedicated volunteers who all keep pitching in to help,” said President Frank Culmone.
This year’s slate of officers includes Culmone, Vice President Phil Malloy, Corresponding Secretary Phyllis-Ann O’Connell, Recording Secretary MaryAnne Grey and Treasurer Katherine Tarascio. Jonathan Israel, Glenn Jersey III, Adrienne McKenna, Roseann Randazzo, Maryann Scatamacchia and Kristen Spielberg were sworn in as executive directors. Spielberg is the newest member of the board, filling the position formerly occupied by Frank Miale. The association noted that it now comprises 129 paid members. “It’s a great organization,” Spielberg said, “and I’m excited to just keep making Franklin
F
ranklin Square is a great place to live; together we can make it even better.
FRANk CUlMoNE President, FSCA
Square a great place to be.” Culmone spoke about the success of the Winter Festival at Rath Park Gazebo, held on Dec. 3. This was the first time the civic association was able to bring back the event in two years, and dozens showed up to
celebrate the holidays. The Franklin Square Historical Society brought back its 35-yearold tree-lighting tradition as well. The executive directors and officers are already looking to the future with their events for this year. Looking ahead, the 2023 Winter Festival is set for Dec. 2, and a committee is meeting at the historical society on
Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m., to discuss ideas. The organization’s Hometown Heroes and Honored Heroes banner program is right around the corner as well. Officers said they are going to open applications for the program soon. Since the organization was formed in 2016, it has launched Continued on page 4