Can I please have $400 million? I need to know by August 1, because if you can't do it, I'll find someone else who will. Need more time to think about it? To figure out how you're going to finance the loan you'll need in order to show me the money? Tell you what. I'll make you a deal. If you can do the math, analyze the long-range implications, consult your advisors, and you decide in my favor, I'll reimburse you for any expenses you incur in the process. But if you decide against me, the costs are on your balance sheet, not mine.
What idiot would take that deal? Apparently, Charles Wang is hoping we will. We being the taxpayers of Nassau County.
The $400 million in question is the amount of the bond Nassau County will have to float in order to finance a new Coliseum and minor league baseball park at Mitchel Field. Wang projects that the new complex will throw off at least $14 million a year in sales, as well as additional tax revenues from those sales, which will largely offset the debt service.
Whether or not that is true, and whether or not the project is a good or bad deal for Nassau, incentivizing us to make sure the vote goes his way seems like a stacked deck to me. Wang should either cover the costs of the referendum, however it turns out, as an investment and a show of good faith, or the county should finance it on the merits of the proposal. Paying off financially strapped taxpayers to effect a particular outcome feels suspiciously like graft.
Don't we already have enough of that kind of problem in Nassau without entering into bondage to make that sort of thing official?
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Sugo: Don't Go
Sugar is a necessary if hidden ingredient in many pasta sauces. It cuts the acidity of the tomato and enhances the richness of the flavor. But when the sauce is sweet enough to substitute for dessert, or to provoke the onset of diabetes, someone has used a heavy hand. Such was the case at Sugo a few nights ago, where our disappointing meal was gamely delivered by a frazzled server working the crowded room solo. All in all, it was not a great experience, and although I've always enjoyed Sugo's electic dining room as well as it eclectic menu, we will not be returning any time soon without a clean bill of health from our dentist.A Pothole for Every Pot Roast
The potholes are back at the Waldbaum's parking lot. Driving there is like navigating a moonscape. For a store that is fighting for its life against the backdrop of a parent company in chapter 11, you would think local management would go out of its way to assure that the shopping experience at their location is as accommodating and enjoyable as possible. Not so in Long Beach. I wonder if the local auto body repair shops will honor Waldbaum's coupons?
Catching Up
Somehow, Memorial Day -- the moral equivalent of New Year's in Long Beach -- has come and gone without proper acknowledgement from me. The oversight is especially grievous since this year the momentous beginning of beach season arrived with uncharasterically magnificant weather -- a reason to shout out, if ever there was one. Nonetheless, I managed to let it pass without comment.
So, too, did I miss the opportunity to publicly observe the closing -- and subsequent reopening -- of the Long Beach Cinema, developments so significant that they made the news pages not only of the Long Beach Herald and Long Beach Patch, but also of Newsday. I am too late to share the photos I took of the shuttered theatre, the paint peeling from its facade and the poster cases emptied of coming attractions, or even the ones of workmen on ladders redressing these wounds as they prepared the theatre for its second debut, which has since come and gone. Shame on me.
I also failed to rail about the sudden renovation of the restrooms on National Blvd. beach.Not that the refurbishment is unwelcome or unneeded. To the contrary, we neighborhood residents who have frequented National Blvd. beach and suffered the filthy cement-block restrooms season after season, we taxpayers who have repeatedly requested modernization of the unsanitary facility year after year, are suddenly being treated to a makeover. Why? Because the Quik Silver Pro Surfing Championship is coming to town this Labor Day, and the substandard men's and ladies rooms to which we locals have been subjected since anyone can remember are apparently not sufficient for the out-of-towners who will flood our beach for 10 days in September. Adding injury to insult, the renovations are taking place as I write this, and will keep the facilities closed until at least July 4 weekend.
Leave it to our wise City Council to inconvenience the taxpayers, when the work could easily have been completed in the spring, well before the Memorial Day beach start. Only in LB would upgrades be undertaken for the comfort of visitors, the sheer number of whom are almost certain to trample the very improvements that will have been completed for their benefit, presumably on our tax dollars. Leaving local residents, once again, to make do with substandard accommodations for which we have paid one way or another (in dollars, inconvenience or both). In other words, it's business as usual here in Long Beach.
So, too, did I miss the opportunity to publicly observe the closing -- and subsequent reopening -- of the Long Beach Cinema, developments so significant that they made the news pages not only of the Long Beach Herald and Long Beach Patch, but also of Newsday. I am too late to share the photos I took of the shuttered theatre, the paint peeling from its facade and the poster cases emptied of coming attractions, or even the ones of workmen on ladders redressing these wounds as they prepared the theatre for its second debut, which has since come and gone. Shame on me.
I also failed to rail about the sudden renovation of the restrooms on National Blvd. beach.Not that the refurbishment is unwelcome or unneeded. To the contrary, we neighborhood residents who have frequented National Blvd. beach and suffered the filthy cement-block restrooms season after season, we taxpayers who have repeatedly requested modernization of the unsanitary facility year after year, are suddenly being treated to a makeover. Why? Because the Quik Silver Pro Surfing Championship is coming to town this Labor Day, and the substandard men's and ladies rooms to which we locals have been subjected since anyone can remember are apparently not sufficient for the out-of-towners who will flood our beach for 10 days in September. Adding injury to insult, the renovations are taking place as I write this, and will keep the facilities closed until at least July 4 weekend.
Leave it to our wise City Council to inconvenience the taxpayers, when the work could easily have been completed in the spring, well before the Memorial Day beach start. Only in LB would upgrades be undertaken for the comfort of visitors, the sheer number of whom are almost certain to trample the very improvements that will have been completed for their benefit, presumably on our tax dollars. Leaving local residents, once again, to make do with substandard accommodations for which we have paid one way or another (in dollars, inconvenience or both). In other words, it's business as usual here in Long Beach.
Monday, May 23, 2011
End of an Era
It's official.The Olivians have lost a branch. The Conners are leaving and setting up a new homestead in Tampa, FL.
Linda and Chuck and their 3 daughters arrived next door to the Gelfands 10 years ago. Their timing couldn't have been better. My babysitting travesties (plural) were in desperate need of a solution, and Jackie and Allyson Conner were the answer to my prayers.
All of the kids on the block were little then, and the families of West Olive Street bonded together in the best it takes a village tradition. If you came home from work and your kids were missing, it was a sure bet they were at one of the neighbor's, helping themselves to the refrigerator. We naturally gravitated to each other, on the beach and on the weekends. In the early days, we rotated hosting backyard parties, which served as our primary summer social life until the kids got old enough to maraude the neighborhood on their bikes. All the while the Olivians got closer and closer, and became a group fixture on National Blvd. beach, next to the lifeguard mountain. Even as the kids outgrew us, the families remained close, and we adults still occupy the same spot on the sand we have always staked out.
It was at Dermott's big birthday party at the Avenue Cafe this winter that we first learned the Conners were planning to jump ship. I felt the shock waves viscerally. It would truly mark the end of an era. Jackie and Allyson have long since graduated college. Kaley, the youngest Conner daughter, is graduating high school early, by special arrangement, as my older son, Jake, prepares to walk with his senior class. My younger son, Luke, is 6 feet tall and no longer needs babying (least of all from me).
The Conners are ready for a change.But I'm not so sure I am. I love our little group.I love that our families grew up together and I love the bond that we've shared. I'm a total sentimental fool.
Of course I wish the Conners everything wonderful at their new home. And naturally, we will carry on without them. But I'm secretly imagining the future reunion we might have. Either those of us left behind will descend on them en masse in Tampa, or they will return to the scene of the crime next to the lifeguard mountain where we will surely be sitting, passing the cantelope, sharing gossip and soaking up the rays.
Bon voyage, Conners. We will surely miss you!
Linda and Chuck and their 3 daughters arrived next door to the Gelfands 10 years ago. Their timing couldn't have been better. My babysitting travesties (plural) were in desperate need of a solution, and Jackie and Allyson Conner were the answer to my prayers.
It was at Dermott's big birthday party at the Avenue Cafe this winter that we first learned the Conners were planning to jump ship. I felt the shock waves viscerally. It would truly mark the end of an era. Jackie and Allyson have long since graduated college. Kaley, the youngest Conner daughter, is graduating high school early, by special arrangement, as my older son, Jake, prepares to walk with his senior class. My younger son, Luke, is 6 feet tall and no longer needs babying (least of all from me).
The Conners are ready for a change.But I'm not so sure I am. I love our little group.I love that our families grew up together and I love the bond that we've shared. I'm a total sentimental fool.
Of course I wish the Conners everything wonderful at their new home. And naturally, we will carry on without them. But I'm secretly imagining the future reunion we might have. Either those of us left behind will descend on them en masse in Tampa, or they will return to the scene of the crime next to the lifeguard mountain where we will surely be sitting, passing the cantelope, sharing gossip and soaking up the rays.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Surfing Saga: Chapter 2
This week's LB Herald offers more details about the pending onslaught otherwise known as the Quicksilver Pro surfing competition. Here's what we now know:
What he doesn't say -- and what the Herald does not report -- is how this monstrous event is going to benefit local taxpayers. What's in it for us?
Will Quiksilver be paying a stipend to the city to compensate us for the extraordinary inconvenience the event will create for local residents? A stipend that could be used for tax relief, or to repave winter-ravaged streets, or to upgrade the boardwalk, or to landscape the municipality? Or to create a reserve fund for homeowners and businesses who sustain damage as a result of the hoards converging on or grazing our property as they migrate towards the beach? Or blocking our driveways and intersections?
There has been no public referendum, no official communication arriving in our mailboxes, no emails from the city, no direct outreach from our elected or appointed leaders to inform us about any aspect of the event at all. In fact, if I didn't read the Herald or have my ear to my neighborhood grapevine, I might not have any inkling of what is about to come to town..
Imagine walking out of your home Labor Day weekend with cooler and beach chair in hand, only to confront an army of strangers overtaking your block on their way to your spot on the sand! In Long Beach, that would be heresy. And you know what happens to heretics: they get burned at the stake. That may be too extreme for the Quiksilver Pro collaborators, but if I were them, I'd be making sure that the largest event in our city's history turns out to be a sure-fire success.
- The top 16 NY surfers will compete in the Empire State Trials in Long Beach on Sept. 2 (the launch of Labor Day weekend).
- The winner will compete in the Quiksilver Pro Trials in Long Beach on Sept. 3.
- The winner of that will compete with 33 other world-class surfers in the Quiksilver Pro New York, taking place in Long Beach from Sept. 4 (Labor Day) through Sept. 15.
- It will be one of the largest surfing contests in the country.
- It will offer a $1 million prize purse - more than twice the pay out of any other event on the world tour.
- The event is expected to attract thousands of spectators to our shore.
What he doesn't say -- and what the Herald does not report -- is how this monstrous event is going to benefit local taxpayers. What's in it for us?
Will Quiksilver be paying a stipend to the city to compensate us for the extraordinary inconvenience the event will create for local residents? A stipend that could be used for tax relief, or to repave winter-ravaged streets, or to upgrade the boardwalk, or to landscape the municipality? Or to create a reserve fund for homeowners and businesses who sustain damage as a result of the hoards converging on or grazing our property as they migrate towards the beach? Or blocking our driveways and intersections?
There has been no public referendum, no official communication arriving in our mailboxes, no emails from the city, no direct outreach from our elected or appointed leaders to inform us about any aspect of the event at all. In fact, if I didn't read the Herald or have my ear to my neighborhood grapevine, I might not have any inkling of what is about to come to town..
Imagine walking out of your home Labor Day weekend with cooler and beach chair in hand, only to confront an army of strangers overtaking your block on their way to your spot on the sand! In Long Beach, that would be heresy. And you know what happens to heretics: they get burned at the stake. That may be too extreme for the Quiksilver Pro collaborators, but if I were them, I'd be making sure that the largest event in our city's history turns out to be a sure-fire success.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Reading Room Ruminations
A strong public library with well-stocked stacks, a diverse cultural calendar and an engaging program of activities is central to any vibrant community. So when the budget for these core offerings is cut in order to accommodate increases in personnel and related overhead costs, something is definitely rotten in Denmark.
The LB library budget put forth for 2011-2012 actually decreases expenditures for essential items including books, films, sound recordings, audio-visual rentals, and periodicals and other materials, while increasing the line items for personnel, insurance, retirement contributions, social security and health expenses. In fact, the proposed spend on basic media decreases 7%, while the personnel expense increases 1.5% and related expenses increase 11.9%!
The math just doesn't add up to the kind of library asset that we can or should fund without challenge. Something surely stinks right here in LB.
The LB library budget put forth for 2011-2012 actually decreases expenditures for essential items including books, films, sound recordings, audio-visual rentals, and periodicals and other materials, while increasing the line items for personnel, insurance, retirement contributions, social security and health expenses. In fact, the proposed spend on basic media decreases 7%, while the personnel expense increases 1.5% and related expenses increase 11.9%!
The math just doesn't add up to the kind of library asset that we can or should fund without challenge. Something surely stinks right here in LB.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
On the Avenue
There's a new place in town and we're loving it right from the get-go. The Avenue Cafe may just be the thing that finally puts the old Corbin & Reynolds/Monterey's space to fruitful use.
It's been open just about a month by now, and already we've experienced it every which way. We've been to a birthday party in the private party room, we've had dinner a couple of times, we've sat at the bar (the nicest in town, hands down) and we've had breakfast. Each of these was its own experience, with distinct plusses and minuses, but all in all, it's a definite keeper, and we're rooting for George and Chris (the owner-brothers) for the long-haul.
For those not in the know, these are the people who brought us Ocean Park Diner, just down the block. George and Chris have always had a loyal following, thanks to very decent diner fare, good prices and friendly service. Now they've taken that formula to the big time, and so far it's working out great.
For starters, they padded up the big room with sound absorbing decorator touches, so for the first time in memory, you can hear yourself think. Not only have they upgraded the decor, they've laid in a sound track worthy of an intimate lounge.Very impressive.
For another thing, they've staffed up with professional waiters and busboys -- no kids (I inquired for my 14 year old) -- so the service is good. With only one exception so far... breakfast this morning, a Saturday.
My theory is that the kitchen, which they took over from the previous owners, was not designed for short order. It was designed for dinner, which is a much more leisurely operation. Drinks and appetizers buy the chef time for meal preparation that breakfast just doesn't, but I have faith in George and Chris. They'll figure it out because they want to do it right and they're in it for the long haul.
As far as dinner goes, the Avenue Cafe is the first diner where I've ever ordered anything beyond a burger, turkey sandwich or eggs. On two Friday nights, I ordered first fish and veggies, and then chicken and veggies, and both times, was very happy. Not only that, but while you wait for your order, the fresh bread basket comes with a homemade trio of hummus, tapenade and garlic oil. Yum!
Upstairs in the party room, the catering was equally if not more enjoyable. Attractively presented and well served, a great time was had by all.
The only part of the Avenue experience that I still have to get comfortable with is the bar. I'm having trouble getting past the diner menu, served with my pinot grigio or my husband's Macallan's 12 neat. But where there's a will, there's a way, and it's just sure to be just a matter of time before I'm settled in on my bar stool.
In fact, the place is already starting to feel like home. This morning at breakfast, we had just been seated when two of our closest friends came in. And as soon as the four of us had resettled at another table, two more friends came in and joined us. What more could you want?
So cheers, George and Chris. Here's mud in your eye!
P.S. George and Chris plan to turn Ocean Park into a bakery - look out, Country Boy.
It's been open just about a month by now, and already we've experienced it every which way. We've been to a birthday party in the private party room, we've had dinner a couple of times, we've sat at the bar (the nicest in town, hands down) and we've had breakfast. Each of these was its own experience, with distinct plusses and minuses, but all in all, it's a definite keeper, and we're rooting for George and Chris (the owner-brothers) for the long-haul.
For those not in the know, these are the people who brought us Ocean Park Diner, just down the block. George and Chris have always had a loyal following, thanks to very decent diner fare, good prices and friendly service. Now they've taken that formula to the big time, and so far it's working out great.
For starters, they padded up the big room with sound absorbing decorator touches, so for the first time in memory, you can hear yourself think. Not only have they upgraded the decor, they've laid in a sound track worthy of an intimate lounge.Very impressive.
For another thing, they've staffed up with professional waiters and busboys -- no kids (I inquired for my 14 year old) -- so the service is good. With only one exception so far... breakfast this morning, a Saturday.
My theory is that the kitchen, which they took over from the previous owners, was not designed for short order. It was designed for dinner, which is a much more leisurely operation. Drinks and appetizers buy the chef time for meal preparation that breakfast just doesn't, but I have faith in George and Chris. They'll figure it out because they want to do it right and they're in it for the long haul.
As far as dinner goes, the Avenue Cafe is the first diner where I've ever ordered anything beyond a burger, turkey sandwich or eggs. On two Friday nights, I ordered first fish and veggies, and then chicken and veggies, and both times, was very happy. Not only that, but while you wait for your order, the fresh bread basket comes with a homemade trio of hummus, tapenade and garlic oil. Yum!
Upstairs in the party room, the catering was equally if not more enjoyable. Attractively presented and well served, a great time was had by all.
The only part of the Avenue experience that I still have to get comfortable with is the bar. I'm having trouble getting past the diner menu, served with my pinot grigio or my husband's Macallan's 12 neat. But where there's a will, there's a way, and it's just sure to be just a matter of time before I'm settled in on my bar stool.
In fact, the place is already starting to feel like home. This morning at breakfast, we had just been seated when two of our closest friends came in. And as soon as the four of us had resettled at another table, two more friends came in and joined us. What more could you want?
So cheers, George and Chris. Here's mud in your eye!
P.S. George and Chris plan to turn Ocean Park into a bakery - look out, Country Boy.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Sink, Swim or Surf
Disclaimer: My son is on the Long Beach High School surf team (the first in New York State), and that makes me a proud surf mom. By definition, it also makes me a surfing advocate. Go team!
Nonetheless, I have to admit that the sudden surfing craze in LB is making me very nervous. The $1 million Quiksilver Pro NY competition, which is contracted to take place in LB this September, is about to put our barrier island on the international surfing map. And that will only mean one thing: a deluge of surfers swarming our fragile beach, and not just during the competition, but forever after (Long Beach is a heck of lot closer than Montauk for people from the city and even for most Long Islanders). Residents: prepare for the onslaught!
Among the distinct possibilities:
As far as I'm concerned, the only reason to live in Long Beach at all, the only possible excuse for paying the exorbitant taxes that we endure, is the right and ability to stroll three leisurely blocks due south, to cross under the boardwalk, pass the lifeguard shack (Hi, Paul! Hi, Frank!) and plotz in "our spot," the one we've been gravitating to since our kids were small, along with our neighbors and friends. The one where anyone in town knows they'll find the Gelfands, the Cabasinos, the Conners, Egans and Akalskis, without even asking.
The prospect of losing that legacy is just too sad to contemplate, too unacceptable to even take seriously. So for now, I'll just keep my eye on the doings of the newly sprung Long Beach Surfer's Association and my ears open for hints of what's to come. Let's hope it's not a wipe out.
Nonetheless, I have to admit that the sudden surfing craze in LB is making me very nervous. The $1 million Quiksilver Pro NY competition, which is contracted to take place in LB this September, is about to put our barrier island on the international surfing map. And that will only mean one thing: a deluge of surfers swarming our fragile beach, and not just during the competition, but forever after (Long Beach is a heck of lot closer than Montauk for people from the city and even for most Long Islanders). Residents: prepare for the onslaught!
Among the distinct possibilities:
- Out-sized commuter crowds, especially on the Riverside to National stretch of beach.
- Litter - on the beach, on the streets and on private lawns.
- Parking wars.
- Traffic - coming, going and circling.
- Mayhem on the waves, resulting in injury and even (God forbid) fatality.
- Pedestrian armies blocking the intersections.
- Trampled lawns and trampled strangers perched on curbsides and property lines.
- Overflowing trash receptacles on street corners.
 |
| The Crew (sans Egans) |
 |
| The Final Trek: Labor Day 2010 |
The prospect of losing that legacy is just too sad to contemplate, too unacceptable to even take seriously. So for now, I'll just keep my eye on the doings of the newly sprung Long Beach Surfer's Association and my ears open for hints of what's to come. Let's hope it's not a wipe out.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Super Sunday
If there were an official holiday to celebrate Long Beach, Super Bowl Sunday would be it, and the annual Polar Bear Plunge would be the official celebration. No matter how many years I go to watch (yes, watch) this outstanding coming together of our community, my heart never fails to swell. The sheer number of people who strip to their skivvies -- no matter how bitterly cold -- to raise money for Make a Wish Foundation and to share in the community comraderie is mind-boggling. Standing on a bench just west of the ramp at Edwards Blvd., it appeared that literally thousands of bathers and their cheerleaders blanketed the beach clear down to Riverside Blvd. It was a truly awesome sight to behold!
No less enthralling was the parade of characters up on the boardwalk. There were four young athletes in black speedos (ahem) who turned heads coming and going. There was the polar bear in the bikini, topless Santa and legions of people in bathrobes, furry caps with paws and all manner of beachwear. And let's not forget the official Polar Bear uniform: Darryl and I were the ones in the sweatshirts, in case you saw us (LOL).
After walking the water line to oggle and admire the free and the brave, we strolled to the Allegria for post-plunge libations. Sitting by the lounge fireplace was something of a return to the scene of the crime, since we had been there the night before to attend the Polar Bear cocktail party. So it was a little bit of the hair of the dog, if you know what I mean.
Moving from there to our friends' annual Super Bowl party was the perfect end to a perfect day. Great food, great friends. Oh, did someone say football? Was that on the line up, too?
After walking the water line to oggle and admire the free and the brave, we strolled to the Allegria for post-plunge libations. Sitting by the lounge fireplace was something of a return to the scene of the crime, since we had been there the night before to attend the Polar Bear cocktail party. So it was a little bit of the hair of the dog, if you know what I mean.
Moving from there to our friends' annual Super Bowl party was the perfect end to a perfect day. Great food, great friends. Oh, did someone say football? Was that on the line up, too?
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Smell the Roses
Her current regimen is twice weekly baths with antifungal shampoo and an antifungal spray chaser. She also gets twice daily antifungal tablets and several additional doses of the spray. All of this I have been managing reasonably well until this week.
Cupcake has a scab at the tip of her left ear from scratching. Every time I shower her, the scab dissolves, and when she shakes off the water, blood sprays all over the walls. I mean ALL OVER. I literally had to scrub the walls in the bathroom, back hall and kitchen from top to bottom, and it was true sweat labor. That was the straw that broke the camel's back. I just can't go through that again. So I decided to spend the bucks and send her out to the doggy salon for her next bath.
Today was the day. I called ahead to Groomin' Tails Pet Salon in the West End and was invited to bring Cupcake in at noon. What a great place! There was cat lounging on a pedastal, next to a parrot clinging to the grate of its cage. There was a gorgeous white shepherd getting her nails trimmed and a miniature schnauzer being brushed. And everyone was happy! Not a howl in the place.
I warned them not be deceived by Cupcake's sweet face or misleading moniker. Let's just say that she is not known to be warm and fuzzy with strangers. They waved away the soft muzzle I brought with me and sent me packing.
When I returned to pick her up a couple of hours later, she was happily napping behind the counter (not in a cage) and was clean and sweet-smelling. A pink bandana was tied around her neck - and she wasn't even scatching at it!
The good news is I have a clean, happy dog and clean, happy walls. The bad news is I can't make this a regular thing - Cupcake needs bathing too frequently for my checkbook. So it's back to the showers for us. But thanks to Groomin' Tails, I have a new trick up my sleeve: styptic powder or baking flour. Apparently either will stem the bleeding from the scab.
That tip alone has earned Tammy and Karen a place in my heart. And the next time I just can't face the job myself, I'm headed straight back to Groomin' Tails.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Unchained
Is there anything uglier than a chain link fence? I think not. Especially in front of a period stucco. Or a historic brick. 
The lot on Edwards Blvd. behind Gino's has not been as fortunate - or should I say that we who live down that block and pass the lot nearly every day have not been as fortunate. The lot itself is perhaps the worst blight in all of Long Beach, especially since the garbage dumpsters from behind the Park Avenue restaurants have outgrown the alley and have migrated into the parking area. That atrocity has occurred on our city's main thoroughfare, the traverse that connects the train station with the beach. It is the garden spot that "welcomes" legions of visitors and affronts local residents daily. And the affront is thoroughly compounded by the chain link fence that finishes it off.
Talk about two steps forward, one step back!
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