Serving Roslyn, East Hills, Roslyn Estates, Roslyn Harbor, Roslyn Heights, Harbor Hills, Greenvale, Old Westbury and North Hills
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Friday, September 13, 2019
Vol. 7, No. 37
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GUIDE TO STREET FAIRS
F.P. GOES TO COURT TO CHECK BELMONT ARENA
SCHNIRMAN GIVES BACK MONEY
PAGES 33-56
PAGE 22
PAGE 6
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Town to renovate Laurel Homes BY R O S E W E L D ON The North Hempstead Town Board voted unanimously last Thursday to approve plans to expand and renovate the Laurel Homes apartment complex in Roslyn Heights, much to the disapproval of some residents. The plans include the demolishing and rebuilding of all on-site buildings, upgrading or replacing sewer, electric and plumbing lines, increasing the number of units in the affordable housing complex from 66 to 74, and adding 22 parking spots.
Sean Rainey, North Hempstead Housing Authority executive director, said at the meeting that he had spoken either on the phone or in person to nearly all the residents in Laurel Homes who were concerned about being relocated during the renovations. “It’s a very difficult time when people have to be relocated,” Rainey said. “Some people have been living in that housing for 30 years, so I understand their concern and their stress, but I see it as exciting. These developments have been redone in
the past, and maybe they haven’t been done the way we’d all like them to be, but we’re going to do them the right way.” The meeting included a public hearing on the proposed renovation, and residents of Laurel Homes stood to speak about the plans. Resident Deirdre Price claimed that some residents hadn’t been told that they would return after relocation. “Don’t sugarcoat anything, tell them the truth,” Price said. “If they’re going to be moved to another location, let them know you’re not coming back. Don’t
give them false hope and say OK, when everything’s done you’re going to come back.” In response, Rainey said, “Every single person who lives at Laurel Homes right now that has to relocate, that qualifies, will be able to move back.” Shortly after the meeting, Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said: “Affordable housing is vital to our community and providing safe, modern and pleasant homes is so important to me and my administration. The North Hempstead Housing Authority did a wonderful job on renovat-
ing the Pond View Homes in Manhasset two years ago, and I am sure that the renovation of Laurel Homes will result in a contemporary and fresh look for this community.” Jericho-based affordable housing developer Georgica Green Ventures LLC will carry out the plans. Renovations to Laurel Homes will begin in the winter, according to a Town of North Hempstead news release, and will consist of three separate sixto-eight month phases, or 18 to 24 months in total.
School scandal film debuts in Toronto BY R O S E W E L D ON “Bad Education,” the film based on the Roslyn school district’s 2004 corruption scandal, premiered on Sunday at the Toronto International Film Festival. Written and co-produced by Roslyn High School alumnus Mike Makowsky, the film had been selected for the festival in July. It premiered on the festival’s fourth day, at an evening showing at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theater for select ticket holders, and had a second showing the next day. “Bad Education” is scheduled to play the festival twice more, on Friday and Saturday. The film is based on former
Roslyn Superintendent Frank Tassone, who during his 12year term spent $11.2 million of the district’s money with his colleagues. Tassone pleaded guilty to first- and second-degree grand larceny, was sentenced in 2006 to 4 to 12 years in prison, and was given an early release in 2010. As recently as last year, he received a six-figure pension, as he did in prison. “X-Men” star Hugh Jackman plays Tassone in the film, which also features Oscar winner Allison Janney as Pamela Gluckin, an assistant superintendent for business and bookmaker in the scandal who was the first district official to be caught. Gluckin obContinued on Page 75 PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
“Bad Education,” the film based on the 2004 embezzlement scandal in the Roslyn school district, premiered on Sept. 8 in Toronto. Written by a Roslyn alumnus, the film stars Hugh Jackman, Allison Janney and Ray Romano. For the latest news visit us at www.theislandnow.com D on’t forget to follow us on Twitter @Theislandnow and Facebook at facebo ok.com/theislandnow