West Hempstead Echo

30/07/2025

This Week In West Hempstead: Week Of July 30th
Halls Pond Cleanup Meeting Recap

The West Hempstead Community Support Association (WHCSA) held a meeting on 7/29 at Veterans Hall to address the condition of Halls Pond. Over 50 residents attended along with Legislators John Giuffre and Bill Gaylor, Parks Commissioner Darcy Belyea, and Public Works Assistant Commissioner Connie Petrucci.

Library:
Free Mammogram Screenings – August 8, 8–11:30 a.m. (Register: 516-444-8752)

Libby App: WHPL cardholders can access magazines like Bon Appétit, plus e-books and audiobooks, for free.

Schools:
Starting September 2025, new device rules:

Elementary: No personal internet-enabled devices allowed.
Secondary: Devices must be silenced and stored in lockers or caddies.
Exceptions apply for IEPs, 504 plans, health, or family care needs.

Around Town:
Block Pizza is offering an all-you-can-eat special today for $24.99.
Who are the best mechanics in town? Share your recommendations.

Visit us at: www.westhempsteadecho.com
https://youtu.be/eCepzk9HV1Q?si=nwCy9uRdIP19fV7h

Lots of discussion of Hall's Pond this week as Norm attended the community meeting at American Legion Hall and a lot went on. The dredging project is tempora...

30/07/2025

Halls Pond Cleanup – Community Update
West Hempstead Community Support Association Meeting Recap (7/29/25)

Last night, over 50 residents joined the WHCSA at Veterans Hall to get answers about the long-neglected state of Halls Pond. Hosted by WHCSA President Maureen Mahoney, the meeting brought together County Legislators John Giuffre & Bill Gaylor, Parks Commissioner Darcy Belyea, and Public Works Assistant Commissioner Connie Petrucci.

What We Learned About Halls Pond:
The Pond’s Purpose: Halls Pond is a man-made retention pond with a rubber liner that captures runoff from Hempstead Turnpike and nearby highways. Debris and silt build up here before flowing downstream to Hempstead Lake and Reynolds Channel.

Trash Filter Issues: A steel filter box designed to trap debris is only emptied quarterly. Residents pushed for monthly cleanouts to stop overflow trash from entering the pond.

Silt Removal Efforts: Parks began dredging with a Harvester machine (removing multiple dump truck loads!) but the project was halted by the DEC after wildlife concerns. Parks is working to secure the needed permits and replacement parts to resume work.

Wildlife Concerns:
The pond’s wildlife is mostly unwanted fish and turtles released by citizens—not a natural habitat.

Feeding the birds, ducks, and geese is harmful, contributes to pollution, and worsens the mess. Animal rescue groups can help remove unwanted pets.

Reports of rabid raccoons were confirmed.

If you see a sick raccoon: Call Nassau County Health Dept. at 516-227-9663 (daytime) or 516-574-6154 (after hours).

Playground & Park Upgrades:
Residents requested stop signs or a traffic light on Nassau Blvd for safer crossing near the playground.

Calls for more benches and an expanded playground—Legislator Gaylor has applied for capital improvement funds.

Playground flooring (currently in rough shape) will be replaced this fall with a durable new surface. The playground will temporarily close during installation.

Who to Call for Park Concerns:
For any issues on Parks Department property, call 516-573-0200.

Still Unresolved:
Who owns and maintains the creeks feeding the pond?

Who’s responsible for the land around the hockey rink?

The WHCSA will continue pushing for answers and improvements. Let’s keep the momentum going to make Halls Pond a clean, safe, and enjoyable community space again!
Share your thoughts.

Visit us at www.westhempsteadecho.com

25/07/2025

This Week In West Hempstead: Week Of July 25th. July 25 News Rundown
Halls Pond Cleanup
Crews continue dredging debris, silt, and plastics. Progress is visible, but more work lies ahead to restore the pond.
Community Meeting – July 29, 7:30 PM
At the American Legion Hall, 233 Woodlawn Rd., West Hempstead. Legislators Gaylor and Giuffré, Parks Commissioner Belyea, and DPW Commissioner Kwaschyn will answer community questions about Halls Pond improvements.
Rabies Alert in Nassau County
Health officials report 25 confirmed rabies cases over the past year, with four more under investigation. West Hempstead is among the affected towns.
Bias Incident – Woodmere
Police investigating graffiti at Young Israel of Woodmere. The suspect, wearing a mask and dark clothing, spray-painted messages in Hebrew and scripture references on the parking lot. Investigation ongoing.
Commercial
Library Update
Testing the library app: does it work Also, discounted Adventure Park and Long Island Aquarium tickets available to West Hempstead cardholders
Secondary School Construction
Oil tank replacement and art gallery renovation underway at West Hempstead Secondary School. Projects funded through grants from former Legislator Darling and Senator Thomas.
Valley Caterers Closing
After nearly 60 years in Franklin Square, Valley Caterers will close next month as owners Steven Dawideit and Hank Martensen retire. The building has been sold, and a new business is expected to move in.
New Business Hearing – Aug 6
Hearing scheduled for 2 PM regarding a new Chipotle at Hempstead Turnpike and Nassau Blvd.
Obituary
Alvin Pearl, founding member of Congregation Anshei Shalom and father of Rabbi Emeritus Yehuda Pearl, passed away. Funeral held Thursday.
Community Highlights
Town of Hempstead hosting a free Midsummer Dance Party at Point Lookout on Saturday, July 26.
Visit us at: www.westhemspteadecho.com

https://youtu.be/Hu1U8xY_li4?si=hWy7ZhzP21vh3r3k

Busy week in West Hempstead, the biggest news is the major cleanup going on at Hall's Pond over the last week or two. Heavy equipment has come in to dredge t...

24/07/2025

Halls Pond Cleanup Update!
A mountain of muck greeted us today as heavy equipment continued dredging Halls Pond, hauling out years‑worth of silt, plastic, and debris. There’s still plenty of work ahead before the pond is fully reclaimed, but the progress so far is a great sign—and the difference is already noticeable!
Big thanks to the crews on site and to everyone who’s been pushing for this cleanup.

Visit us at www.westhempsteadecho.com

21/07/2025

Halls Pond Clean Up!
Great news, neighbors! After long months of trash, silt, and way too much bird p**p turning our favorite pond into an eyesore, the community finally said “enough.” One fed‑up resident’s viral post lit the spark, our awesome WH Community Support Association fanned the flames, and local officials (plus a few election‑season hopefuls 😉) brought in the heavy equipment TODAY to start the cleanup. Crews are skimming garbage, vacuuming built‑up silt, and methodically creating a clear path for the water to run through the pond.
This is what happens when residents and community leaders team up for the same goal. There’s still a long road ahead to make Halls Pond pristine again, but wow—what a first step!

Visit us at: www.westhempsteadecho.com

16/07/2025

This Week In West Hempstead: Week Of July 16th

Weather Update
The heat is sticking around through Thursday, but relief is on the way heading into the weekend. Stay cool and hydrated!

Accident on Hempstead Avenue
Monday evening saw a car overturn on Hempstead Avenue near Carvel. While the cause remains unknown, some residents are wondering: Would speed bumps help prevent future accidents?

Verizon Outage
Several neighbors, including David, experienced a Verizon outage last night. Trucks were spotted on multiple streets this morning. Still down in your area?

For Juice Sake — NOW OPEN!
Congratulations to Rita Brown on the grand opening of For Juice Sake!
Sold out on day one!
453 Hempstead Avenue
Hours: 8am–6pm
Wishing Rita and the team much success!

School News: New Weight Room
Talk about a transformation! Students now have access to a state-of-the-art weight room, thanks to:
The Board of Education
Mr. Phillips, Assistant Superintendent for Business
Mr. Gill, Director of PE, Health & Athletics
And a special thanks to former NY State Senator Thomas for helping secure the funding!

Library Highlights
Monday night was a celebration at the library as we welcomed new trustee Alvin Lloyd with a full house!
Got a question or suggestion? Reach out to: [email protected]
Still wondering: When will online payments be available?
Coming Up at the Library:
Stained Glass Suncatcher Workshop
Monday, July 21 | 7:00–8:30 PM
Community Room 1 & 2
15 seats left
$10 (check payable to WHPL)
Create something beautiful with Michelle!
Visit Us at: www.westhempsteadecho.com
https://youtu.be/0S-8wbefQn4?si=br7yYHKNmtbQNPFZ

The hits keep coming with another accident on Hempstead Avenue with a car overturned on Monday. The street was affected into the next day, and Dave may be ri...