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But soldiering on won't be easy. Todd Fabricant, head of the Cerro Wire Coalition, which claims support of 40,000 homeowners and small businesses, promised: "As long as they keep coming at us, we're going to steamroll them right back."

4/30/09: Town Approves Land Acquisition for State of the Art Sports Field

After extensive efforts by the BCA and meetings with the Town, the Town of Oyster Bay approved the purchase of 3.5 acres of land near Robbins Lane to build a state of the art sports field.  Priority will be given to Jericho sports teams to use these fields, and the complex will have concession areas and playgrounds.  More details to come about our new “field of dreams.”   BCA Board members Lowell Citron, and Howard Avrutine, and BCA President Craig Snyder were instrumental in accomplishing this for our community. 

The Appellate Division has rejected Taubman’s effort to re-argue the Court’s January 2009 decision – which found that Taubman had to resubmit a revised environmental plan for the proposed mall --  or for permission to bring an appeal to New York’s highest court, the Court of Appeals.    Lawyers for the coalition of civic associations who oppose the mall have renewed their invitation to Taubman to discuss alternative development at the Cerro site.  For more information, go to nomallhere.net. 

1/24/09: Level Three Sex Offenders Removed from Meadowbrook Motel

After tireless advocacy and consultation by the BCA with Town and Nassau County officials, two Level Three sex offenders have been removed from the Meadowbrook Motel.  Based on the BCA’s efforts, the Motel has been declared to be off limits for the placement of sex offenders.  The BCA is very grateful for the strong support we received from Supervisor Venditto of the Town of Oyster Bay and County Legislator Judy Jacobs.  The BCA is continuing to consult with local officials to make sure that all governmental agencies are aware that sex offenders may not reside at the Meadowbrook. 

1/21/09: Assemblyman Charles Lavine to Speak at Temple Or Elohim

On Sunday, January 25, 2009, New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine will be speaking at a complimentary bagel breakfast at Temple Or Elohim.  Assemblyman Lavine will be speaking on events in Albany and will take questions from the audience. 

The breakfast begins at 10 a.m.   This will be a great opportunity to make sure that your concerns are heard in Albany.   Temple Or Elohim is located at 18 Tobie Lane in East Birchwood.   Any questions should be directed to the Temple at 516-433-9888, Extension 10 or by email to office@templeorelohim.com

Your BCA board of directors has been busy working with Meenan as well as exploring all alternatives with regard to the present oil situation.  We hope that this email will serve to update you and answer any questions that you might have .
 
Initially, the oil market continues to defy prediction with unprecedented daily swings exceeding five dollars a barrel.

Despite our contracted and fixed oil price of $3.689, our deal with Meenan has a never-before-used float down provision that keeps our price 6 cents below Meenan's daily posted retail price charged to those without a contract. 
 
Therefore BCA Meenan customers receiving an oil delivery today will be charged $3.239 per gallon, a significant reduction off of our locked in fixed rate of $3.689  This price changes on a daily basis.  If you are ever unsure of whether you were charged properly, please email us.  We will send out periodic pricing updates to keep you informed.
 
While we understand and have reviewed alternative proposals that our members have been receiving from other oil providers, it is our association's position that when fully evaluating the varying proposals and when factoring in the value of our comprehensive service and warranty provision, the quality of Meenan's service, and the 2 hour emergency service window, are all benefits which serve to neutralize any potential cost savings which might be available to our members from other oil service providers.
 
If you are contemplating leaving Meenan, again  we certainly hope that you will continue to support the BCA as a member.  Notably, If you choose to leave Meenan, there is no cancellation fee.  This is part of the deal we have negotiated with them, as most other companies do charge a substantial termination fee.  However, before leaving Meenan, you should be aware of a few  key points:

1.  A Meenan/BCA customer has by far the most comprehensive service and warranty agreement available on Long Island.  The value of this contract alone is more than $300; this is an important consideration, given that our homes are all 50+ years old, many with original boilers, and thus the possibility certainly exists that problems may arise that require major repairs (many of which are NOT covered by other companies' best contracts).  

2. Moreover, we as an association certainly enjoy the benefits of a long term and favored customer relationship with Meenan which assists in the prompt and fair resolution of any oil related issues which should arise.

3. Finally, please be aware that if you leave Meenan and choose to come back to Meenan in the future, there will be a one-time charge of $200 for the first year that you are back on the BCA/Meenan service agreement.  In addition, your heating system will need to pass a Meenan inspection (with repairs made if necessary) before you regain coverage.  Further, each returning customer will be required to submit to a new customer credit check.
 
We will continue to keep our members apprised of any oil related updates.  Thank you for bearing with us through difficult financial times; we appreciate the kind words of those who have written to express their understanding of the  fact that we got the best deal we could at the time that the contract was signed.  No one could have anticipated this change in markets - not even Meenan, who purchased oil futures at the time of the contract signing, believing that oil prices were at a low point.
 

The Cerro Wire Coalition's fight continues against Taubman's efforts to build a mega mall on Robbins Lane.  The latest step in this courtroom saga involves an appeal of the trial court's  ruling earlier this year, which would have had the effect of stripping the Town of Oyster Bay of its discretion to review Taubman's revised site plan.  The Town and the coalition of Civic Associations have pressed their appeal before the appellate court in Brooklyn, which is likely to hear oral argument later this year.

This appeal was not without some drama.  After Taubman repeatedly claimed that it wanted to build a revised and smaller mall, Taubman has now reversed course, stating in its appellate briefs that it actually intends to increase the overall footprint of the mall.  Regardless of the size of the mall, the Town and the Civics are fighting so that the Town has the right to direct further studies of the effects of the project. For more details, please see the website of Cerro Wire Coalition, http://nomallhere.com.
 

Dear Neighbors,

As everyone is aware, unprecedented and unforseen economic conditions have resulted in precipitous declines in virtually all financial markets - including both the day to day oil market as well as the oil futures market.
 
By way of history, six weeks ago the BCA locked in to a fixed rate with Meenan of $3.689;  at that time this price was heralded as the lowest and best price available on Long Island.  And, as you are well aware, since that point in time virtually all world financial conditions have changed significantly.

While the BCA has enjoyed an exceptional long term mutually beneficial relationship with Meenan for the past 13 years, many of our members have asked why Meenan will simply not adjust their price to match the current wholesale oil pricing. The straight forward answer is that Meenan at the time of our lock-in went into the futures market and actually purchased contracts for the oil needs of our community for the coming twelve months.  This oil was purchased at a price that would reflect BCA’s locked in and agreed to fixed pricing. So, Meenan in fact now "owns" East Birchwood’s oil – purchased at a price reflective of the $3.689 pricing that we locked in.  In past years, Meenan did exactly the same thing in terms of purchasing in the futures market . . .  and, when (as usually is/was the case) the cost of oil rose, they kept to their part of the agreement and delivered oil to our membership at the lower agreed upon price.
 
However, we are currently exploring several alternatives - which, should they work out, may help to defray the burden of the current fixed pricing of $3.689 per gallon has upon our membership.

For more immediate relief, we have invoked a protection component of the BCA/Meenan agreement that has never before come into play, which states that Meenan will provide oil to our membership at a price six cents below their regular retail price, i.e., the price they are charging on any given day to customers who are NOT on a fixed plan. That regular retail price, at the moment, is $3.549 -- hence, today's deliveries to East Birchwood will be invoiced at approximately $3.489 (which can change downward or upward on a daily basis).

While as a community we still enjoy the significant benefits of Meenan’s heightened service and warranty protections, we are aware that some of our members are presently entertaining signing with other companies for a lower lock-in.  While we understand these economically based decisions, we caution everyone to please read the fine print and closely scrutinize other companies' service contracts – when you do we are sure you will notice that the BCA/Meenan servicing agreement (including a guarantee of service within two hours of your call) is FAR more comprehensive than any other agreement available . . . and, at the nominal cost to every Birchwood homeowner of only $36 per year.  However, should you decide to move on to another company, we certainly hope that you will continue to be members and supportive of your BCA.
 
Again, we appreciate your continued support and would like to emphasize that we are working on all possible solutions to this pressing issue, and can only ask our members' patience as alternatives unfold.
 
As always, please feel free to contact us via E-mail with any questions or thoughts, and we invite everyone to stay informed and be involved by attending our monthly meetings.  (Next meeting November 18th, 8:30pm, at the Jackson School)
 

9/24/08: Jericho Jayhawk Booster Association Is Formed

Several local community members whose children attend Jericho schools have formed the Jericho Jayhawks Booster Association (“JJBA”) as a non-profit organization.  It mission is to promote school spirit and pride in our athletic programs and recognize the athletic achievements of the student body, coaches, and staff.    The JJBA has embarked on an ambitious fund-raising effort to modernize and beautify the high school stadium field to use for football, lacrosse, soccer, etc.  The JJBA has already raised several hundred thousands of dollars towards this project.   The JJBA also has awarded scholarships to male and female athletes at Jericho High School. 

The JJBA is currently conducting a membership drive.  For more information, please see its website as www.jerichojayhawkboosterassoc.org or email sbrett@optonline.net for more information.

9/24/08: Coming Soon… Birchwood Civic Association v. West Birchwood Civic Association Charity Softball

On Columbus Day weekend, the BCA will take on the West Birchwood Civic Association in a charity softball game.  Look here for more details about this fun, family event, including the game time and the charity which will benefit. 

For more information about the project and interim parking arrangements, see the Town of Oyster Bay's website.

The Jericho and Syosset school district and library budgets were approved by voters. In Jericho, the school budget passed by a margin of 652 to 453 votes. Incumbent school board members Barbara Krieger and Claire Hochheiser were reelected. Syosset voters approved the school budget by a margin of 2186 to 1441. The budgets for both libraries were also approved by voters. The BCA thanks its members for their interest in the elections, and reminds members of the community that the BCA provides updates about matters before both school boards at its meetings.

The BCA has contacted the homeowners and asked how it may provide assistance to these families.

5/08: BCA Planning for Exciting New Year, Officers and Board members have been nominated
 
Although this year isn’t over yet, the Birchwood Civic Association is well into planning for next year.  Officers and Board members have been nominated, new projects have been proposed, and committees are making plans.  At the same time, this year’s ventures are still in progress.
 
The nominating committee has proposed the following slate of officers for 2008/2009: President Craig Snyder, Vice President Lowell Citron, Recording Secretary Roy Pam, Financial Secretary Marion Henken, and Treasurer Saundra Gumerove Bernstein.  The following BCA members were nominated to serve a two-year term on the BCA Board of Directors: Todd Fabricant, Jeff Fried, Michael Heller, Dottie Miller, Ita Pam, Ruth Sholemson, Richard Staller, Peggy Weiss, and Robin Weissbratten.  Additional Directors may be nominated by a petition signed by twenty-five BCA members, as per the BCA bylaws.  A vote will be taken at the BCA meeting on Monday, May 12th.  Additional Director slots may be filled throughout the year.  Anyone who may be interested should introduce him- or herself at any BCA meeting or event.
 
The Birchwood Civic Association always takes an interest in local elections, as they have a direct impact on our community.  Board of Education members and candidates, and district administration members from both Jericho and Syosset have been invited to the BCA’s May 12th meeting to discuss proposed budgets and answer questions.  In addition, a committee has been formed to interview Jericho Library Board candidates and make a recommendation regarding endorsements.
 
Robbins Lane development proposals remain a focus of BCA attention.  Board members have been ngotiating with representatives of the Blumenfeld Group regarding a development plan for a fitness center proposed for Robbins Lane.  In addition, BCA members continue to be involved in fighting the mega-mall development on the Cerro Wire site.  Status reports are provided at each BCA meeting.
 
This year’s most visible BCA project was the renovation of the East Birchwood entrances, including beautiful new signage and plantings.  Community response to this improvement has been extremely favorable.  The one exception is a suspected group of vandals who have damaged the Robbins Lane/Birchwood Park Drive entrance sign.  Thankfully, our local police officers took quick action to question suspects and witnesses and to save some of the lettering so that it can be re-attached.  The Second Precinct has asked that the BCA Board of Directors discuss whether to press charges. 

Other projects the BCA has been involved with include a very successful membership drive, plans for a community celebration and neighborhood watch program, and a traffic study aimed at improving safety for the Jericho Turnpike/Merry Lane intersection.  Community members are encouraged to participate in all meetings and events, or to email the organization with any comments or concerns at BCA11753Jericho@aol.com.  As noted above, the next BCA meeting will be held on Monday May 12, 2008, at 8:30pm, in the faculty room of the George A. Jackson Elementary School on Maytime Drive.
 

2/6/08: BIRCHWOOD CIVIC ASSOCIATION ADDRESSES NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC SAFETY ISSUES 

This past fall, residents of the East Birchwood neighborhood forwarded complaints to the Birchwood Civic Association regarding traffic safety issues within the community.   

Specifically, residents were complaining of cars and trucks traveling at excessive speeds on Birchwood Park Drive, the major thoroughfare which transverses the East Birchwood Community. 

In response, the Birchwood Civic Association has taken action, and in cooperation with the Nassau County Police Department Second Precinct, has arranged for the deployment of a traffic speed trailer on Birchwood Park Drive.  The trailer utilizes radar and posts vehicle speeds as they pass by.   The BCA has also worked with the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Public Works to see that trees which were obstructing stop sign visibility were pruned.

In addition to the trailer, the Nassau County Police Department will be heightening their presence along the Birchwood Park Drive Corridor corridor in an effort to enforce compliance with the posted speed limits of 30 mph.

“The trailer serves the dual purpose of alerting all individuals traveling through the neighborhood of the posted 30mph speed limit as well as  bringing a heightened awareness to drivers of how fast they are actually traveling”, stated BCA Traffic and Safety Chairperson Roy Chipkin who has worked closely with the Town and Police Department on this initiative. 

Significantly, “Birchwood Park Drive is populated by many families and is heavily trafficked by residents as well as children playing within the neighborhood.  This project is an important step toward building awareness of the safety issue, and has had the net effect of lowering the speed of driver’s once they see how fast they are actually driving”, stated Craig Snyder, President of the Birchwood Civic Association.  “This is one of many new community initiatives the BCA plans on addressing this year”, said Snyder.

The BCA would like to remind everyone that the speed limit in our neighborhood is 30 mph and to please drive safely for everyone’s safety and well being.

The BCA plans to have the trailer moved to different locations throughout the neighborhood and to work with the Nassau County Police Department on this and other safety and security issues effecting the East Birchwood Community.

All are invited to the next BCA Board of Director’s meeting on February 12, 2008 at the Jackson Elementary School Faculty Room to discuss this and other important issues confronting the community.

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