Residents press Hempstead board for Baldwin Park court repairs and animal-shelter staffing solutions

An extended public-comment period after the Hempstead Town Board—s formal business on June 23 drew repeated appeals from residents for facilities repairs and animal-shelter changes.

Paul Kaplan urged the board to repair Baldwin Harbor Park—s tennis courts that have been converted for heavy pickleball use, describing cracks "an inch wide" and temporary nets that confuse players; he said a recent foam-and-tar interim fix created sticky patches that affect play. Supervisor Ferretti acknowledged the problem and estimated a full resurfacing would cost in the neighborhood of $700,000, saying a complete redo is not likely this summer but the town would pursue inclusion in the capital plan and interim repairs to keep courts safe.

Several volunteers and longtime shelter supporters said the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter is understaffed, particularly at kennel and trainer roles. Melinda Peck told the board that long-term staff numbers have fallen since 2019 and described serious animal cases and volunteer injuries; she said volunteers are being asked to shoulder duties that require trained staff. Francesca Sarah and Lisa Gasparini raised the prolonged confinement of specific dogs, "Lance" and "Ziggy," questioned the pace of rescue placement and urged clarity about options such as behavioral consultation or, where appropriate, humane euthanasia. Sarah said Lance has been on bite hold for about a year and expressed distress at the dog's condition.

The town attorney and shelter leadership said they are in regular contact with shelter staff, are vetting rescues, and had recently provided veterinary records to rescue partners; the town attorney said he hopes Lance and Ziggy can be transferred to an appropriate facility within weeks and possibly by the next meeting. Town officials emphasized safety protocols and said some dogs are not being walked because supervisors have judged it unsafe. The town also defended ongoing communication with shelter staff and volunteers while acknowledging more work is required.

Other residents urged better maintenance of neighborhood fields (John Street in South Merrick), repairs to nets and fences, restocking first-aid supplies at parks, and interim fixes for sewer odor and insect problems near courts. Commissioner Harkins (in the audience) and staff were asked to follow up on specific, smaller repairs while the town plans larger capital work.

What to watch next: Board members asked staff to meet petitioners and staff in the audience to identify items that can be remedied quickly and to pursue capital planning for larger projects; the town attorney and shelter leaders said they will continue rescue vetting and aim to report back at an upcoming board meeting.