Security concerns trim Hempstead meeting

Hempstead canceled the public comment period at its Town Board meeting Tuesday night, citing unspecified security concerns.

Town spokesman Mike Deery said it was the first time such a step had been taken in the town's history. He would not give details, but said the matter was under police investigation. Roughly 25 animal welfare advocates were at the meeting to protest what they regard as poor conditions at the Hempstead shelter. They've spoken regularly at town meetings since three animal rescuers were banned from the shelter in late October. Among them was Derek Donnelly of Merrick, who said the security concerns raised by the town were bogus and just a means to silence the advocates. He pointed out that backpacks were not being searched and nobody was being frisked.

Deery denied the charge, calling it "offensive." A group of Boy Scouts were to be honored before the meeting, and that event was canceled, too, he said. Asked why the entire meeting, which lasted all of 10 minutes, was not called off, Deery said the business of government had to proceed.

"We aren't going to be held hostage," he said. "At the same time, we are going to take all steps to protect the general public."