The Wantagh-Seaford Citizen, 2008 May 22, New Guard Booth at Cedar Creek

New Guard Booth at Cedar Creek
by Laura Schofer

Originally published in the 2008 May 22 edition of The Wantagh-Seaford Citizen.
Published online with kind permission from our friends at The Citizen.

A security gate will be installed near the Cedar Creek aerodrome as an additional security measure in the park, said Ray Ribeiro, commissioner of the Department of Public Works (DPW). At the May 6 public meeting at the Cedar Creek Water Treatment Plant, Mr. Ribeiro went over the status of the guard booth and the county Department of Parks and Recreation's plans to install additional security.

The Existing Guard Booth at Cedar Creek

"There will be a new guard booth on DPW property", said Mr. Ribeiro. "We cannot compromise security of this facility. Sewage treatment plants are targets according to Homeland Security. Imagine what would happen if you couldn't treat 60 million gallons of sewage."

Residents have repeatedly objected to the county's plans. The county has in turn promised to keep the old guard booth as a place for the Nassau County Police Officers from the Seventh Precinct to change shifts, thereby ensuring that some police presence will be in the park.

Mr. Ribeiro told residents that the aerodrome and tether car track will also be secured by a security gate. "There was a meeting between representatives from the Flying Club, Legislator [Diane] Yaturo and Ian Siegel [deputy county executive] and they all agreed that DPW needs to install a new booth," said Mr. Ribeiro. "Everyone agreed to a [security] gate and camera. The Parks Department issues permits, and they are talking about some kind of keyed entry back there."

	My job is to have a secure and efficient plant. But I believe securing the perimeter will put us in a better position.
	Ray Ribeiro Chairperson Commissioner of the Department of Public Works

The security gate will be at the end of the paved roadway, just beyond the water treatment plant. Mr. Ribeiro said the Department of Emergency Management would fund the building of the gate. He added that DPW will staff the existing guard booth until the security gate is in place "as long as it doesn't take too long," he said. "Ultimately this is a responsibility of the parks department."

"We want this in writing," said county Legislator Dennis Dunne, who has held several public meetings on this issue. Mr. Ribeiro said he would do so. Nevertheless, several residents still voiced their concerns about the plan. "There was once a gate here and it didn't serve the purpose," said resident Ralph Spagnolo, a member of the Wantagh school board. "How can this be safer with a plastic card? I'm not impressed by state-of-the-art technology. I'm impressed by humans," said resident Carol Ludwig.

"What if this security doesn't work?" asked Mr. Dunne, referring to the DPW's plans for a new guard booth and security system. "Would you consider going back to the other booth?"

"Of course," replied Mr. Ribeiro. "My job is to have a secure and efficient plant. But I believe securing the perimeter will put us in a better position."