Farmingdale meeting focuses on rowdy teen reports
The Village of Farmingdale in the Town of Oyster Bay was officially incorporated in 1904 and the area became known for its aviation and aerospace technology. (July 5, 2011) Credit: Alexi Knock
Members of a committee formed in response to Farmingdale residents’ complaints that partying, sometimes violent teens run wild on the blocks between the high school and Massapequa Preserve said this week that they are hopeful that relief is in sight.
“I actually have seen improvement in the area, increased safety down the block,” resident Leigh-Mary Hoffmann, 38, said Wednesday.
Nassau County police and district security guards are more visible in the area, she said. “We’ll see where the year goes,” she said, adding that teens have thrown beer bottles at houses in the area.
Residents, district officials and police representatives met last week for the second time since neighbors spoke about the teens at a May board of education meeting.
The district has installed security cameras, lights and a new fence around a high school parking lot where residents say kids loiter, district assistant superintendent of business Paul Defendini said.
“A lot of the concerns with regard to the school district have been alleviated,” Defendini said. He commended police for their help.
A Nassau police spokeswoman Wednesday would not comment on the Second Precinct’s role and could not confirm increased patrols. Police had said previously they regularly receive calls about rowdy kids in the area, but clear them out of the woods without major incident.
A 64-year-old member of the committee, who did not want his name published for fear that teens would target him, said the district-hosted meetings have been productive.
“We’re not doing it to hurt anybody; we’re doing it to save a beautiful community,” he said.
Asked whether there had been less rowdiness since the spring, the resident said, “Not at all. ... Once they’re in the woods, it’s hard to catch them.”
Results may take time, he said. “We’re dealing with a whole different class of young people,” he said.
