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VOL. 34 NO. 48
A Thanksgiving dinner
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Controversial AT&T antenna proposal nixed absent. AT&T sought to install a canister-style tri-sector antenA proposal to install an na extending roughly 20 feet AT&T wireless antenna atop above the existing roofline, a the Glen Cove Shopping Center, total height of roughly 41 feet. on Forest Avenue, was denied U t i l i t i e s w o u l d h a v e r u n on Nov. 18, ending six months through existing conduits, with of contentious public hearings no ground disturbance. Accordand intensifying debate over ing to AT&T, the landlord, cell service needs and their Bruce Waller, deemed the potential impact on Northwest corner city neighborhood. of the shopping The application center roof the — a request for a only viable locaspecial-use permit tion. and site plan Attorney Anna approval — drew Mercado Clarke, dozens of residents representing AT&T, to Planning Board said the antenna meetings in Septem- BRUCE WALLER would be the “least ber and earlier this intrusive means” Landlord month. Many urged of addressing what the board to reject she described as an the project, citing “undisputed” gap health concerns, potential in the carrier’s wireless coverdeclines in property value and age. what they argued would be a “This facility consists of permanent change to the char- essentially a 16- by-2-inch triacter of the neighborhood s e c t o r c a n i s t e r a n t e n n a , ” behind the shopping center. Clarke explained, noting that B o a r d m e m b e r s P h i l i p the visible portion would be Pulaski, Andrew Kaufman, painted to blend in with the Michael Corigliano, Richard building and be minimally Maccarone and Ellen Pantaza- noticeable. “It is the least intrukos voted against the applica- sive means to meet this gap.” tion. Kenneth Weinstein and AT&T, Clarke said, had James M. Greenberg were
By ROKSANA AMID
ramid@liherald.com
Roksana Amid/ Herald
At a special City Council meeting on Nov. 18, council members and Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck congratulated Chris Ortiz, front center, on his new position as police chief. Former Chief William Whitton, front right, mentored Ortiz.
Ortiz sworn in as new police chief By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
The City of Glen Cove marked a historic transition this month as Police Chief William F. Whitton retired after 41 years of service, including 18 years as head of the department. His retirement is especially significant for a department that has had only nine chiefs since the city’s founding. Within hours of Whitton’s ceremonial walkout on Nov. 14, Deputy Chief Christopher Ortiz, a lifelong Glen Cove resident, was sworn in as the city’s 10th chief of police. At a special City Council meeting on Nov. 18, Ortiz was unanimously appointed and sworn in. Whitton addressed the council, reflecting on the rarity of the moment. “In the history of Glen Cove, there have only been 10 chiefs, and that’s something to be proud of,” he said. Whitton added that he and Ortiz spent more than a decade “traveling and training together,” time that revealed Ortiz’s character. “I know Chris to be highly intelligent, with a great moral
compass, loyal and logical, and he has the attributes needed to succeed in this job. I know he will take this place to greater heights.” Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck praised both men. “I never have to worry when it comes to our Police Department,” she said. “They handle every situation with expertise and calm, and when Chris says he’s taking care of something, he does. I’m grateful to serve as mayor during this moment, and we fully support you. Thank you for taking on this responsibility, and for keeping Glen Cove safe.” Panzenbeck added that the city “commends Chief Whitton for his years of extraordinary service, and proudly supports Chief Ortiz as he leads the department forward.” For Ortiz, 52, who grew up in Glen Cove, a future in law enforcement was not always a given. After graduating from Glen Cove High School, he attended John Jay College, unsure of his career path. A friend majoring in criminal justice spoke enthusiastically CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
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f I thought it was harmful to the neighbors I wouldn’t do it.
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