Bethpage-Tribune_2008-02-08

              Volume 46 Number 6 329 Broadway., Bethpage, NY 11714 February 8-14, 2008 (516)681-0440 ext 21 FAX (516)681-9354 Email: Nuz2u@aol.com 50 Cents
17th Annual Bethpage St. Patrick's Parade
Sunday, March 2, 3008
Parade Committee President, John Joyce; 2008 Grand Marshal Connie Doolan;
2007 Grand Marshals Kevin McCabe and John Coumatos
The Bethpage St. Patrick's Parade Committee announces the selection of this
year's Grand Marshals:
Cornelius (Connie) Doolan and Matthew McGrorty
Connie Doolan, a longtime resident of Bethpage, is well-known in Irish-
American circles and here, in Bethpage, for his involvement in many communi­ty
activities. Connie emigrated from Cork, Ireland in 1955, settling in an Irish
conclave in the Bronx. After a tour in the United States Army, he went to work
in the restaurant and beverage industry - a natural for Connie given his warm
personality, his loyalty to family, friends and customers and his knowledge of
the food and beverage industries. He worked for Guinness Import Company for
thirty-eight years, rising to the positions of National Sales Manager and Director
of Trade Relations, North America at the time of his retirement in 2005.
Connie has been an outstanding friend to the Irish community. Visibly proud
of his Irish heritage, he has consistently contributed his time and efforts to all
things Irish. He is a founding member of the Emerald Society of the Licensed
Beverage Industry, a valued member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the
Emerald Societies of the NYC Police Department and the FBI.
His proudest moment was in 1992 when he served as the Grand Marshal for
the New York City St. Patrick's Parade, an event that inspired his friends in
Bethpage to organize the first Bethpage St. Patrick's Parade.
Connie and his wife, Anne, have two sons, Kevin who lives in Bethpage
with his wife Sheila and John who lives in Fairfield, Connecticut with his wife,
Mary, and two daughters, Cate and Elizabeth.
Matthew McGrorty is a very brave four-year old who has been diagnosed
with Hepatoblastoma (a form of liver cancer). Matt has shown uncommon
maturity during his many trips to doctors and the hospital, giving strength to his
family and the people in the medical profession who are ministering to this out­standing
young boy.
Matt's mom, Carol, is a longtime resident of Bethpage. His dad, John, is
originally from Bay Shore and is currently a police officer in New York City.
Matt's twin sister's name is Ashlynn and his brother's name is Sean. His proud
grandparents, Betty and Mike Croan, have been active in the Bethpage
Continued inside on page 8
Nassau County to Accept Former Navy Property
On Monday, February 11, 2008 the Nassau County Legislature will consid­er
an ordinance allowing Nassau County to accept a quit claim deed for 96 acres
and a local law to lease an additional approx 9 acres from the United States
Navy pursuant to special congressional legislation. In part the congressional leg­islation
provided for the property to be transferred to Nassau County for eco­nomic
development purposes after the completion of certain environmental
remediation by the Navy.
The transfer is a major federal action. Therefore, the United States Navy was
required to fulfill the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA). The findings culminate in a document known as a Record of Decision
(ROD). The US Navy was also required to certify the property is suitable for
transfer or lease to the County through a process known as a Finding of
Suitability to Transfer (FOST). The FOST is required by the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Pursuant to said requirements the US Department of Navy completed a series of
studies including a Phase 1 environmental assessment, a Phase II environmen­tal
baseline study and a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). In addi­tion,
numerous public meetings were held in Bethpage to inform the public of
the environmental conditions and illicit public input. On December 13, 2007 the
Nassau County Planning Commission unanimously adopted a resolution rec­ommending
the Nassau County Legislature accept the deed and lease . The US
Navy has indicated to the County Administration should the County refuse the
property, the US Navy will sell the property on its own.
Legislator Mangano reports the public input and environmental conditions
are reflected in covenant and restrictions recited in the deed. The Covenant and
restrictions include that the parcel will only be used for non residential purpos­es,
a vapor intrusion covenant, reservation of easement regarding groundwater
monitoring wells and notices and restrictions on use pursuant to CERCLA.
Mangano anticipated the County will accept the 96 acres of property and
lease the remaining 9 acres. The County will lease the 9 acres rather than taking
title to them because the US Navy has not remediated this property. In addition,
easements to benefit the US Navy will stay in place until such time as the Navy
completes its clean up. Practically, the 9 acres and easements are necessary to
both redevelop the 96 acres and to clean up the 9 acres.
Upon Acceptance of the deed and lease, the Nassau County Department of
Real Estate and Economic Development wiTl draft and solicit requests for pro­posals
from developers to purchase the property. This process will most likely
conclude with a recommendation from the County Administration to sell the
property to a developer late in 2008 or early 2009. Once the property is sold, the
new owner is subject to all of the Town of Oyster Bay laws, rules and regula­tions
with respect to property redevelopment. For example, should the owners
plans require a change of zone or special use permit or variance, such applica­tions
are subject to additional environmental reviews, environmental impact
consideration by the Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board and/or the Town Bv. *
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