North Hempstead district moves pondered

Up to three communities in North Hempstead might be shifted into new town council districts, under scenarios being considered.

The town's redistricting committee agreed Monday night to examine three different nonbinding proposals prepared by a Washington, D.C.-based consultant.

The nine-member committee has been analyzing council district boundaries following the 2010 census and may recommend changes by June 15 to the town board, which would have to approve new boundaries.

Committee chairman John Riordan said that since the maps were drawn in 2003, the population in the 4th Council District has grown, while that of the 2nd District has decreased.

The consultant, Andy Bechhoefer of Grassroots Solutions, said his proposals sought to keep incorporated villages together and make as little change as possible.

The first option would move the Village of Roslyn from the 4th District to the 2nd District. In both the second and third options, the Village of Plandome Heights would be moved from the 6th District to the 4th District, and the Village of Munsey Park would go from the 4th District to the 6th.

Under the second option, part of North New Hyde Park would be moved from the 5th to the 2nd District. The third option would shift one election district in Herricks from the 5th to the 2nd District.

Committee member Barbara Donno, the Plandome Manor mayor, objected to being handed final maps and said she wanted to work through possible alternatives with Bechhoefer. Donno said splitting the Village of Plandome Heights from the villages of Plandome and Plandome Manor does not make sense.

The committee plans to hold a public work session June 4 at Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park. Written comments will be accepted until June 1.