Community watchdog:

For over a year, I and many residents have been trying to get the Town of Hempstead to fix our deteriorated streets. I have contacted town officials numerous times but nothing has been accomplished, even after an on-site review by a town engineer. The most serious problem that requires immediate attention is at the corner of John Street and Washington Avenue. The street is crossed frequently by residents of a nearby group home and members of two nearby churches. Many of the churchgoers are elderly. The road between the curb cuts is craggy and has sunken. The sewer drain is almost 8 inches above grade now, so the area floods when it rains (and ices in winter). The uneven surface hinders frail walkers and causes them to trip. The town has applied patching material around the manhole cover, which only lasts till the next heavy rain.

- Paul Spina, Seaford

After our call, the town highway department did a temporary hot patch fix to smooth out some of those areas that are difficult for challenged walkers to maneuver, town spokesman Michael Deery said.

The town's highway commissioner paid a visit to the site, and he and the engineering commissioner met to plan a long-term remedy, Deery said.

"They will be sending engineering crews out . . . to work in preparation for a permanent repair and fix, and an engineered solution this spring," Deery said Thursday. Stay tuned.

Residents with a town problem should call Supervisor Kate Murray's help line at 516-489-6000, weekdays. For emergencies after hours, call the Department of Public Safety at 516-538-1900.