Legislator Gonsalves is very proud to inform you that the County has finally closed on the purchase of the Friendly Farm property in East Meadow. The farmland is located on Merrick Avenue and was owned by the Mark family. The farm dates back to the early 1930’s and is one of five remaining farms in Nassau County.

The purchase was made possible as part of the County’s 2006 $100 million Environmental Bond Act. The County will make significant improvements to the property including painting the historic house, replacing fencing, clearing debris, preparing soil for planting, and much more. All improvements to the property are planned to enhance the historic integrity of the farm.

Cornell University Cooperative Extension will also play a role in organizing and supervising the farm. Growing and raising crops, as well as flower gardens, will be the basic uses of the land.

The purchase of the farm is significant in preserving and protecting the little open space remaining for future generations to enjoy.

The Nassau Health Care Corporation (NHCC) is developing a Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the Medical Center campus in East Meadow to create the “Wellness Village at East Meadow”. The goals of the plan are to create a true medical campus with upgrades to existing housing; improve dilapidated facilities for appropriate medical uses that enhance NHCC’s mission as a community healthcare provider; facilitate traffic and pedestrian flow throughout the East Meadow campus as well as the campus’ perimeter; create community spaces for the East Meadow population to enjoy; resolve the East Meadow campus’ parking issues; and to create a user-friendly campus that is accessible to the surrounding community.

The plan will lay out a medical campus to complement NHCC’s mission as a healthcare provider. It will include approximately 200 new housing units for medical residents, medical office buildings, open and community space, upgraded parking, and flow. Among other services, NHCC will be seeking a joint venture partner or partners for a new ambulatory surgery center with associated medical offices, as well as medical office buildings for local practitioners in oncology, cardiology and pediatrics.

“It is NHCC’s intention to involve the East Meadow community to the fullest extent possible in the development of this Land Use Plan,” says Legislator Gonsalves. A Land Use Plan Forum will be held on Monday, March 2, 2009 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the auditorium at Nassau University Medical Center. Further information on the Forum will be forthcoming.

Pictured (l-r): Nassau Health Care Corporation President and CEO Arthur Gianelli, Robert A. Benrubi, counsel to the president and CEO discussing the plans with Legislator Gonsalves.

Legislator Gonsalves was recently invited to speak with fifth graders in each of the East Meadow Elementary Schools about county government.

Legislator Gonsalves presented a brief overview of her role as county legislator as well as the origin and composition of the legislature.

A question and answer period followed her presentation. “The response on the part of the students was remarkable. They demonstrated an interest and knowledge of government that would make their teachers proud as they made me proud,” said Gonsalves.

Legislator Gonsalves looks forward to meeting with other fifth graders in the North Bellmore and North Merrick school districts.