The-Leader_2007-12-13

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Holiday cheer at the Rec Center
See pages 13 and 15
Another random act of violence
Michael Muniz, 19. of Freeport was murdered on W'ednesdav, December 5, he died from a gun shot wound to his chest.
Freeport police officers responded to a 911 call for a man who was having diffi­culty breaUiing. They found him lying in the street in front of 151 Harris Avenue, shortl}' after 5 p.m. He was transported to Nassau University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, at 5:42 p.m.
Police believe the young man may have been the victim of a carjacking that went a\\Ty. The murder is under inve.sti-gation. Anvone whith information should call 1-S00^244-T1PS.
Mr. Muniz was described as a j'oung man who touched many lives with his positive, loving and helpful nature. He is remembered as a sweet young man, who was hardworking and dedicated to his family and friends.
Mr. Muniz was a 2006 graduate of Freeport High School who "possessed a sweet spirit and a beautiful genuine smile," wTOte his guidance counselor, Natalie Ramos, in a statement to The Leader. "Michael was a hardworking young man that worked part-time jobs throughout high school to help his fami­ly.
Michael loved his siblings and his par­ents; he was a huge support at home with caring for his younger brothers and in even,- other way. He was a loving and protective big brother that treated his sib­ling's friends as his own. He adored his girlfriend and spent any free time he had with her and family.
"He was extremely loved and respect­ed by everyone he called a friend. .Although Michael presented to some as a quiet and shy young man, those who knew him knew that he was pla>'ful and always trying to make people laugh. He loved to play handball and listen to music. He Iov«i life.
"Michael ranked in the top 100 of the Class of 2006 and worked diligent­ly and challenged himself throughout his high school career by taking Honors and Advanced Placement classes." said Ms. Ramos.
"He followed his dreams and aspi­rations to go on to further his educa­tion in college. Michael had a passion for auto mechanics. He was one of the best students to have ever been in the auto fnechanics class. He pos­sessed excellent skills that he only (continued on page 11)
BALDWIN BUSINESS PLANS: Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray admires the Baldwin revitalization plans with town Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby.
Press conference on revitalization
By Joan Delaney
With each press conference, photo op, and hearing. Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray invests more political capital in Baldwin's proposed revitalization project and encourages resi­dents to think positively about the prom­ised improvements that have been long-awaited for almost seven acres at the cor­ner of Grand Avenue and Merrick Road.
On Tuesday, December 4, Ms. Murray, Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby and a host of civic leaders (Councilman Anthony Santino was in Albany) con­vened at Baldwin Fire Headquarters to hold an official press conference that would provide updates on the revitaliza­tion's progress.
Present were Jan Burman, Scott Bumian and Steven Kreiger fcom devel­oper Engel-Burman. Jan Burman indicat­ed that representatives fixjm co-developer Basser Kaufman were in Manhattan at that moment attending an intemational
Grant for Freeport schools
Home In^^sion in Baldwin
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shopping center convention and showing Baldwin's plans to potential retail tenants.
Although many of Ms. Murray's com­ments repeated details now familiar to Baldwinites through community meetings and residential mailings, some new infor­mation emerged. Jan Burman estimated that the cost of acquisition of property will be $6 to $8 million with another $10 mil­lion estimated for building costs.
All of these costs will be paid by the developer. An 18 month timeline is now estimated for the project's completion, with both the town and developers eager to begin the acquisitions. A hearing on the acquisition of property to be included in the project will occur early next year.
The town commissioner of planning and development, Charles Theofan, said that talks "have begun or will begin soon" with property ovmers although' it is not completely clear just when monies will change hands. Mr. Theofan said that the acquisitions will be "arms length ti-ansac-tions" as far as the town is concerned (continued on page 3)
Help on the way for the Western Bays
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