Residents divided on Nassau precinct plan

To Shawnett Foster of Roosevelt, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano's proposal to convert her local police precinct into a community policing center is a "big mistake."

"I think it is better to have people in the precinct -- God forbid anything happens," said Foster, 32, whose community is served by the First Precinct in Baldwin.

But Elmont resident Jack Lancaster supports the restructuring, saying technology has reduced the need for physical precincts. "The days when you need all these precincts are over," Lancaster, 67, said. "We don't need all the extra administrative personnel."

A day after Mangano proposed to realign four precincts, residents, business owners and elected officials Tuesday expressed some concerns about the idea, but understood the need to reduce costs.

Under Mangano's plan, the First Precinct in Baldwin, the Fifth in Elmont, the Sixth in Manhasset and the Eighth in Levittown would be staffed by two officers at all times. But they would not handle administrative paperwork or criminal processing. Residents could pick up accident reports there and the buildings would have community meeting rooms.

The Second Precinct in Woodbury, the Third in Williston Park, the Fourth in Hewlett and the Seventh in Seaford (which would be renamed the First) would continue as full-fledged precincts.

Amanda Lucas, 32, a hairdresser at Hot Cuts Salon in Baldwin, said using the precincts as community meeting rooms is a great idea. "I just hope it doesn't affect the patrolling," she said.

Mangano said the plan would save $20 million a year by cutting 108 administrative jobs, including 95 held by police officers.

Hempstead Town Councilwoman Dorothy L. Goosby, a Democrat who represents many of the communities patrolled by the First and Fifth precincts, said she understands the need to cut costs. But she said she worries that the revamping could impact police coverage in high-crime areas.

"I am very concerned about the planned cuts," Goosby said.

Hempstead Town Board Member James Darcy, a Republican from Valley Stream, questioned Mangano's plan for the Fifth.

"Why are we looking to close one of the busiest precincts?," Darcy said.

County officials said the choices were made through a scientific approach based on caseload and geography, and that there would be no service reduction.

"As long as the police services and response time stay the same or improves, I could be OK with it," said Valley Stream Mayor Edwin Fare, whose area is served by the Fifth Precinct.

Nilesh Desai, owner of It's in the Cards grocery a block away from the Fifth Precinct in Elmont, said he considers the precinct a community symbol of safety.

With Celeste Hadrick