Wantagh dot LI Survey Results, 2006

Wantagh dot LI Survey Results for 2006

2006 December: How do you rate the renovation of Jerusalem Avenue near the Seaford-Oyster Bay?

17% Excellent
29% Very Good
28% Good
16% Fair
10% Poor
(58 responses received)

2006 November: Should a permit be required to cut-down mature Wantagh Trees?

66% Yes
18% No
16% Undecided
(118 responses received)

Recently, controversy erupted over the removal of old-growth trees in the Wantagh area. While some nearby towns have tree ordinances, no jurisdiction over tree removal on private property exists in Wantagh, unless someone seeks to build within a year of clear-cutting their land. In recent press coverage, some expressed the opinion that on private property, an owner should be permitted to remove trees, while others expressed outrage over the clearing of old-growth trees, citing environmental and aesthetic issues. This survey illustrates that a strong majority believe that mature trees deserve some protection.

Why Did You Buy a Home on the South Shore? (Guest Editorial by Christine Marzigliano)

2006 October: Do you welcome "Trump on the Ocean" at Jones Beach?

27% Yes
57% No
16% Undecided
(123 responses received)

Donald Trump is planning on developing "Trump on the Ocean", an oceanfront restaurant and catering facility at Jones Beach. The new restaurant will offer indoor seasonal dining, outdoor beachfront dining and provide facilities for large-scale events. Governor Pataki exclaims that the project “will certainly add to the legendary visitor experience at the renowned Jones Beach State Park.” However, there is some controversy surrounding the restaurant including issues over tax exemptions. With all due respect to the Trump organization, based on this survey, it appears that a clear majority in our community do not support the project. For more information, please visit the following link:

Trump Restaurant at Jones Beach (The Citizen, 2006 September 21)

2006 September: How should the mansion at Wantagh Avenue and Woodward Avenue be used?

22% Doctor's Office
36% Housing
12% Educational Institution
15% Retail Store
15% Something Else
(119 responses received)

Formerly a religious bookstore known as "The Rock", the mansion on the corner of Wantagh and Woodward Avenues was purchased for an endodontics practice. At a recent Wantagh Seaford Homeowners meeting, residents expressed concerns over the impact such a use would have on the surrounding residential area. For more information, please visit the following link:

Red Flags for Woodward Avenue Mansion (The Citizen, 2006 August 24)

2006 August: Should there be more public trash receptacles in Wantagh?

95% Yes
5% No
(74 responses received)

2006 July: Are you concerned about Wantagh's drinking water quality?

65% Yes, very much so
30% Somewhat
6% No, not at all
(108 responses received - results do not add up to 100% due to round off)

2006 June: How do you feel about the Cherrywood parking renovations?

70% Parking is much better than before
20% Parking is a little better than before
5% Parking is about the same as before
0% Parking is a little worse than before
5% Parking is much worse than before
(105 responses received)

In the survey of September 2005, more than half (58%) graded the Cherrywood parking lot as poor and about one third (34%) only gave the lot a fair rating. A strong message was sent to the Town of Hempstead that improvements were desperately needed. Fortunately, the town heeded our concerns and responded promptly, and most in the community appear very pleased with the renovation.

2006 May: Should Wantagh-area marinas be preserved?

77% Yes, they're an important part of the community
1% No, they should be replaced by condos/homes
0% No, they should be replaced by industry
21% No, they should be returned to nature
1% Not sure
(131 responses received)

2006 April: Are you concerned about the problems at Cedar Creek Plant?

42% Yes, very much so
40% Yes, to some extent
11% No, not really
6% What problems?
(126 responses received - results do not add up to 100% due to round off)

News articles continue to emerge about the Cedar Creek Sewer Treatment Plant. A recent Wantagh-Seaford Citizen article cited maintenance problems which were blamed for accidents including oil and sewage spills. While some officials have indicated that these occurrences have not posed a risk to the public, many residents have growing concerns. Last October, when this question was presented, 68% of responses indicated either somewhat concerned or very concerned. In this latest survey, that portion grew to 82%. For more information, please visit the following links:

Maintenance Issues at Cedar Creek (The Citizen, 2006 April 04)
Cedar Creek Problems Addressed (The Citizen, 2005 October 20)
Cedar Creek Plant in Muck and Mire (The Citizen, 2005 October 06)

2006 March: What is your opinion on a variance request for 1929 Beech Street?

10% It should be granted for a 4-story building
32% It should be granted for a smaller building
44% No variance should be granted
15% Undecided
(114 responses received - results do not add up to 100% due to round off)

In early January 2006, a developer appeared before the Board of Zoning Appeals to ask for a variance to construct a four-story building at 1929 Beech Street. Many in the community are opposed to the idea, citing traffic and parking concerns. Others feel that the new building would provide a valuable service to the community. The property is located on the east side of Beech Street, across from the Wantagh Abbey, between Park Avenue and the Wantagh Train Station.

2006 February: Should more walkways be provided at Wantagh train station?

60% Yes, I strongly agree
33% Yes, I agree
6% Does not matter
1% No, I disagree
0% No, I strongly disagree
(99 responses received)

2006 January: How do you rate the Forest Lake Elementary School?

23% Excellent
47% Very Good
24% Good
1% Fair
5% Poor
(103 responses received)