Town of Hempstead Notebook: Seedy Hotel Sold, Animal Shelter Adds Two Vets to Staff

Courtesy Hotel Set To Be Demolished

West Hempstead residents and the Town of Hempstead rejoiced when the was officially announced late last week.

The longstanding hotel has been a bed of problems for more than a decade in the community. Mill Creek Residential, the company that now owns the property, will schedule a date for demolition soon in order to make way for an upscale, market rate 150-unit apartment complex.

"We at couldn't be happier for West Hempstead neighbors," Town Supervisor Kate Murray said. "Working closely with civic leaders in West Hempstead, we have shuttered the Courtesy Hotel and cleared the way for the purchase of the property by a top-notch developer. I can't wait to take a wrecking ball to that community eyesore and break ground on the beautiful new homes that will replace the hotel."

New Vets Hired for Animal Shelter

The Town of Hempstead has retained two new veterinarians for animal care and emergency animal medical services at the town’s facility in Wantagh. Dr. Martin Zipkin of the Hewlett Animal Hospital and Dr. Jeffrey Siegel, who currently operates a mobile vet clinic, will provide on-site care for the animals within the town’s shelter.

"I am pleased that Dr. Zipkin and Dr. Siegel are joining our team to enhance the medical services provided to Hempstead Town’s animal friends," Town Councilwoman Angie Cullin said.

Town to Honor Female Trailblazers

In honor of Women’s National History Month, the Town of Hempstead is hosting its annual Pathfinder Awards on Tuesday, March 8, at 3 p.m. in the Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion.

The Pathfinder Awards recognizes the talent and commitment women have shown in the fields of education, health services, business, the arts, community affairs, volunteerism and humanitarianism.  A high school senior of distinction will also be honored, as well as a dedicated Town of Hempstead employee.

Town Board to Meet Tuesday

The Hempstead Town Board has a meeting scheduled for Feb. 22 at 10:30 a.m. On the agenda are issues such as parking and sidewalk reconstruction, which pertain to several towns including Bellmore, Merrick, Levittown, East Meadow, Rockville Centre, Seaford, Wantagh, West Hempstead, Woodmere, Garden City and Lido Beach.