Long Beach Talks, City Listens
Council holds first in a series of community-wide meetings starting in the West End.
Photos
Long Beach residents voiced their concerns about city governance at the inaugural Long Beach Listens, a series of monthly meetings the City Council vows to hold throughout the city.
At Monday’s meeting at the West End Community Center, Council members Fran Adelson, Len Torres and Scott Mandel and City Manager Jack Schnirman listened to residents' talk about issues both universal to the city and specific to its most western neighborhood. These included everything from sanitation pick-up schedules to rebuilding the wall destroyed by Hurricane Irene at Magnolia playground to clogged sewers on Maryland Avenue. Most concerns, however, centered on enforcement issues, especially related to traffic.
Victoria Flynn, who lives on West Broadway in the shadows of the Allegria Hotel, is concerned about some people who patronize the establishment to drink on weekends. “They just get in their cars and drive off and no one really seems to care,” Flynn said. “... During the summer, it’s just outrageous, every Friday and Saturday night there are drunks just spilling out on the street, screaming and yelling.”
Acting Police Commissioner Michael Tangney was on hand to explain police enforcement of various laws, including bicyclists who ride on sidewalks, particularly children. “We have one inherent problem with bicycle enforcement,” said Tangney, who previously ran the city’s traffic enforcement division. “You can’t enforce it on anyone under 16, because under 16 you’re a child and can’t get a summons.”
Tangney noted that moving violations in the past year have increased more than 101 percent. “There were more than 700 violations this year, just in January,” said Tangney, who said that an average of more than 65,000 cars travel on Long Beach’s roads daily.
Torres said the City Council will propose a safety commission at Tuesday’s meeting to address motorists who speed, run red lights and stop signs, and other traffic issues such as the use of forthcoming bike lanes.
West End resident Richard Papetti wants the city to step up enforcement to address problems surrounding Irish Day, the parade and fair that attracts tens of thousands of revelers to West Beech Street each October.
“A major concern in the West End is the wild alcoholic celebration that comes with this,” said Papetti, who decried the public intoxication, urination, fornication and vandalism that he and other residents encounter during this event.
Rick Hoffman, president of West End Neighbors Civic Association, pointed out that repairs to storm-damaged West End beaches entrances are still pending, and he called a proposed bathroom at Georgia Street playground an “imperative” in the West End.
“It’s a necessity for the children and families,” Hoffman said of the people that use the playground in summer. “... It’s wrong to ask a merchant to let families use their bathrooms while they are conducting business.”
While Schnirman attempted to explain the city’s financial woes in simpler, more digestible language, after the council declared a fiscal emergency at Feb. 7 meeting, and talked about projects that the city expects will bring in more revenue, Torres addressed questions about grants for the city. He said these grants address issues such as playground upgrades, youth programs, environmental issues and boardwalk refurbishment.
Resident Gary Pollakusky suggested posting a list of the grants on the city’s website. “It would be very useful for folks to know what the city is working on,” he said.
Both councilmen John McLaughlin and Michael Fagen were absent at Tuesday’s meeting.
In This article
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Long Beach City Council
1 W Chester St, Long Beach, NY -
West End Community Center
91 Maryland Ave, Long Beach, NY -
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Allegria Hotel
80 W Broadway, Long Beach, NY -
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West End Neighbors Civic Association
248 W Park Ave, Long Beach, NY -
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rocco beldelli
2:49 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Why dont we talk about the issues surrounding us such as corruption(councilman) high taxes city officials using drugs just to name a few and as far as the irish day parade is concerned they should absuletely do away with it.For its only a reason for people to go and get drunk and do drugs.This town is one big joke
MeAgain
3:36 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
which city officials are using drugs?
Longbeacher
11:00 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Rocco ,the west end business make a lot of $ that helps pay there taxes when its 3 degrees in the winter west end ,we want to keep those guys in business.its one day ( i don't go to it ) great day for you to take a ride out of town ( dont mean that in a wise guy way )what is a joke is the amount of homes that are owned by the hassadic community that do not any school or local taxes
MeAgain
10:01 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
In response to your post, which city officials are using drugs?
anna
3:22 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
"This town is one big joke"
So leave
Glynn
7:56 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
....and on your way out ABSOLUTELY use spell check.......
Barbara DuBow Bernardino
10:45 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
I very much like the idea of small neighborhood town meetngs BUT not every neighborhood has a strong civic association. I hope that this is being addressed and that the town meetings travel to the many neighborhoods that make up our eclectic City. I would also encourage that after collecting targeted information from each respective neighborhood that the talking points are prioritized and that a "State of the City address" shares their decisions with the greater community.
ADNK
11:38 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
You're right, Barbara. Thank you for a well reasoned (and reasonable) suggestion.
Neal Monteko
8:48 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
I agree that this should be addressed. The West End has a wonderful civic association and a clear identity and geography. The City needs to define other neighborhoods in placing future meetings. Of course they would be open to all, but the focus could be on the issues that those neighbors want to bring to the attention of City officials.
joe
11:52 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Patch didn't seem to report on the gentleman who got up talking about the 2 taxi companies in LB... Does anyone know what the problem is?
Sue Ellen
12:33 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The taxi cab company 432-5200 has always tried to monopolize and not have any other taxi companies in Long Beach. Beech St taxi (431-4444) was hoping to continue the good service they have provided for the past 6 years but they are in jeapardy of losing their medallions. 5200 has always been a strong supporter of the democratic party and Beech St. taxi (431-4444) is hoping that even though there has been a change in power that it won't affect their status as a cab company. I, for one, hope this administration doesn't push this local business out for political reasons this year or next.
Ellen
7:59 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Please let this taxi company conduct their business. I believe in a fair balance of power. People need to make a living.
Marc Bochner
7:34 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
I for one have always used both taxis to give equal opportunity to both organizations. However, I'm supporting Beech Street Taxi exclusively till 5200 leaves the so called “Open Space”. Beech Street Taxi provides excellent service and should be allowed to function without these scare tactics. If you believe Beech Street should exists, than strike 5200 till they get the point…Thank You
Bobby
5:12 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
FIRING UPDATE! Last night, a woman named Ilene Heshion spoke out critically of the new city council. She had done so a few time over the past two months. Her sister, Mary Jambalvo, is a woman who has worked for the city for close to 10 years. Well, I guess the new council didn't like the fact that this employees sister was speaking out too loudly against them....she was FIRED today! So much for transparency!
awesome
10:13 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Mary Jambalvo was in charge of Public Relations and you thought she was fired for her sister speaking out? REALLY? I can't believe it too this long for the new admin to fire her!!!!!
jean
8:42 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
what a sad bunch of people running this town now.i remember when it felt good living here.we all tried to help each other and were so much more friendly.now there seems to be a real evil in the air.political out of towners running our town.people fired for there political preference.its really getting uncomfortable for many people.never saw it so bad.its a disgrace
Kimberly
9:34 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Why does this council want to support only 1 of the cab companies in Long Beach? That guy at 5200 is so nasty! I refuse to ever use them but now they are trying to block out both sides of the train station- I was trying to get into beech st taxi and it became dangerous how nasty the 5200 taxis were and trying to block people from even being let into the other cab companies cars.. What is it going to take, someone getting run over??
awesome
10:14 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
How are they supporting 1 cab company?
kyle
12:23 am on Friday, February 24, 2012
I called the police dept to find out what was going on because when I got off the train from work last week and this week, 5200 were not using their lot and came to the west side of the train station where Beech St taxi (4444) usually is. 5200 cabs were blocking out 4444 and when people were trying to get into Beech St taxi, the other cab company was being rude and were trying to lock out the other cabs. It became dangerous for the public. The police dept said too bad. Its clear that with the change of power and 5200 always being a huge dem supporter and contributer what is going on here. I just hope the council will stand up to this nonsense
steve
9:56 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
i hear its a power ploy by 5200.it seems like the dems are behind it.funny how the other night they hired a firm to promote buissnesses in long beach and helping push one out.i hear 5200 is a big dem supporter.guess its time to pay them back at the citys expense.i for one like 4444.lets see how this new city councel helps them
kyle
10:16 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
So because 5200 is a big dem supporter, the dems are going to run another business out of town? These are local people who have families to support and are providing a service to this town-- we should of course always have a choice and never have one business have a monopoly on the town... that guy at 5200 is so obnoxious, i won't get in a cab of thiers, i'd rather walk
janet
2:44 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
awesome mary was hired when the republicans were in office. she did such a great job and worked so hard that when the dems took control they kept her on.then the republicans won again and they also kept her on.then her sister asked a question that they did not like at the counsel meeting tues night and wham we dont need you anymore mary.thanks for all your hard work though.lol so much for freedom of speech.everyone should be very carefull.
MeAgain
4:39 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
at least she was allowed to speak without getting chastised by the council
jason
9:46 am on Friday, February 24, 2012
to fuuny she was allowed to speak thats nice of them then they fire her sister.how do you hear anything with your head up there butts.lol
Longbeacher
10:37 am on Friday, February 24, 2012
i have a question for the city ,they are using East School to teach Hebrew School ,i was wondering why ?,(church and state rules ) are we opening a door to other groups ,Muslims , skin heads .your not allowed to sing a song with the word Christmas .why is this not being taught in a Temple ?before any one starts the Bigot thing i am not just don't think it should be allowed in PUBLIC schools
MeAgain
11:27 am on Friday, February 24, 2012
that's a good call-in question to Fox News
Longbeacher
11:09 am on Saturday, February 25, 2012
Seems as if everyone's afraid to ask ,its like the Christmas word ,it cant be asked
Eddie
7:56 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
I criticize the schools as much as anyone here, but they have a policy on community use and access to their facilities. It's pretty conservative and pretty fair. I wouldn't worry too much about this one. And in Long Beach schools they still sing Christmas songs and say Merry Christmas. I like that a lot.
ADNK
8:18 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
When my kids were at East, they sang "Frosty the Snowman" - type songs.. not Christmas Carols.
Longbeacher
8:06 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
they do not sing Christmas songs at East School Eddie,so its ok to the religious instructions ? in a public school since when? i was always bused to the west end .where is the seperation of church and state is what i wanted to know any know the answer ?
Eddie
9:40 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
You might want to re-read the Constitution. "Separation of Church and State" isn't in it. Nothing prevents a religious group can use a public facility, as long as a common policy is followed regarding the costs involved.
Eddie
9:42 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
You might want to re-read the Bill of Rights. There is nothing there about "The Separation of Church and State". A religous group can use public facilities as long as there is a consistant policy regarding costs, etc.
Longbeacher
11:23 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012
so ok after i read the bill of rights and the constitution why is it we are not allowed to put up a christmes tree ? because they say it is not fair ?and is it ok for skin heads ,bloods or muslims to hold meeting in our public schools ?as long as they pay .
ADNK
6:23 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
The Law says that the religions have to be treated equally. (That is why there is both a Christmas tree AND a Menorah up at City Hall.) As far as I know, neither "skin heads" or "bloods" are religions.
MeAgain
7:45 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
I noticed that the Menorah was bigger than the Christmas tree at city hall this year
Longbeacher
8:54 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
skin heads are a religon ,only if your a skin head of coures lol . ,ADNK before you get all pissy with me i was just asking if anyone knew ,im not saying its right or wrong
Funigal Brown
8:18 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
A menorah is a RELIGIOUS symbol....................a christmas tree is some dumb German tradition.
If there is a menorah then there should be a manger scene with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as a baby along with Mary, The Mother Of God.
A Christmas tree is an insult to believers.
Funigal Brown
8:24 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
Irish Day: Last year there were 75 arrests or summons in lieu of arrest associated with the disgrace known as Irish Day. many more crimes were committed but ignored, of course.
It cost over $100,000 dollars in City overtime to put on this digusting insult to the great Irish people.
This year the parade should be held on the last Sunday in September.
The parade route should end at Riverside BLVD and the boardwalk where the vendors will set up, like they do for many other successful events.
No alcohol and the event ends at 6pm.
Plenty of parking there and no bars.
.......and while we are at it, make all bars in the West End have last call at 12am and close by 1am............365 days a year.
Funigal Brown
8:33 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
CLOSE WEST END BARS AT 1AM EVERY NIGHT:
No reason why these bars are open 20 hours a day, from 8am to 4am.
Make last call at 12 am.....and bar emptied out by 1am.
This will put an end to the crowds of drunken drivers from elsewehere roaring into Long Beach at late a night while they are already drunk and roaring out at 4-5am.......after they have trashed our town.
Changing the closing times is reasonable and quite doable. The residents need only demand it.
The West End property values would increase 20% because order will be restorerd and parking congestion will abate.
Why let a few bars destroy yoyur lifestyle...........in your own home?
Take action.
MeAgain
8:38 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
Yes! Preach Fungal Brown, preach!
Longbeacher
8:50 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
No more drinking at all .close all the bars ,there all bad ,God hating people anyway ,i did a study without the bars our taxes would go down 63 % due to no tax income . i dont go to the Irish prade ,but mom always said there are those who are Irish and those who wish they were Irish.take a road trip that day .and there is a reason bar open 20 hours ,to pay taxes and employees from our city that work there
laocoon
9:12 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
The bars funnel dollars to the corrupt. That's why they are protected and encouraged by the City. The former City Council President's wife is the owner of record of at least one of them -- she holds the liquor license. The police, individually and collectively make fortunes off the bars.
As long as Long Beach is Long Island's most corrupt place, it will have the most bars.
Funigal Brown
9:19 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
Many beach communities around the country close their bars at 12am and empty them out at 1am. That is especially concerning bars that are located in primarily residential areas.
It is quite surprising, in fact, that these bars are still open 20 hours a day in the West End. Most residents are almost certainly in favor of a more balanced and responsible serving schedule for alcohol near their schools and homes.
One need only look at the many serious accidents that happen up and down Long Beach Island and the surrounding highways after midnight to understand that closing the bars earlier is prudent and wise.
The residents of Long Beach run Long Beach..........not the bar owners.
Organize and demand that these out of control businesses conform to the best interests of the community.
There are many fine folks associated with these businesses and certainly they are good citizens as well.
Work with them to make The West End better. for all.
MeAgain
10:50 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
the residents should run Long Beach. The Bar Owner do run Long Beach.
chris d
11:11 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
that is all the acting police commish knows about is traffic. at least 3 more people are more qualified in the LBPD to be the new commish he should just be called puppet Tagney look how scared he is in those pics because the questions were not just about block parties
chris d
11:12 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
where was Mike Fagan for this meeting according to his profile he lives in the west end shouldnt he be there