Security is high for Presidential Debate at Hofstra

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Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter held a news conference on Sept. 21 to review security for the upcoming 2016 Presidential Debate, which will take place Sept. 26 at Hofstra University. Recent terror attacks in New York and New Jersey have police officials on heightened alert. To that end, there will be many road closures and prohibited items for the debate.

“Large-scale events such as this Presidential Debate require significant police resources,” Mangano said. "I thank our partners in law enforcement and call on the public to help serve as our eyes and ears. If you see something out of the ordinary –– a suspicious individual, backpack or bag –– dial 911. Additionally, if you read something on social media that raises concern, Text-Tip via the Nassau County CrimeStoppers mobile app.”

Below is a list of “prohibited items” for anyone entering secure zones around Hofstra University. Note that pedestrians entering these secure zones are subject to search.

1. Aerosols

2. Ammunition

3. Animals other than service/guide dogs

4. Backpacks

5. Bags and signs exceeding size restrictions

6. Balloons

7. Bicycles

8. Coolers

9. Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems

10. Explosives

11. Firearms

12. Glass, thermal or metal containers

13. Laser pointers

14. Mace/Pepper spray

15. Packages

16. Selfie sticks

17. Structures

18. Supports for signs and placards

19. Toy guns

20. Weapons of any kind

21. Any other item determined to be a potential hazard

22. In addition, the Nassau County Police Department reserves the right to prohibit any other items that are determined to be a potential public safety hazard.

Traffic surrounding Hofstra University will be severely impacted. There will be some road closures.

Sept 26

• 5 a.m.–midnight: Charles Lindbergh and Earl Ovington boulevards will be closed.

• Noon—midnight: Hempstead Turnpike will be closed to all traffic between Oak Street and Merrick Avenue by Eisenhower Park.

• Oak Street will be closed from Hempstead Turnpike north to Westbury Boulevard.

• Eastbound and westbound traffic in this area should use alternate routes such as Front Street, Old Country Road or Stewart Avenue.

• Lawrence Street in Uniondale will be one way northbound only from Hempstead Turnpike to Westbury Boulevard.

• Courtenay Road in Hempstead will be one way southbound from Hempstead Turnpike to Front Street.

• No on-street parking will be permitted on both Lawrence Street and Courtenay Road on Monday September 26.

• There will be no access to Hempstead Turnpike from Front Street. Residents and other local traffic only will be permitted.

• The following streets will be one way southbound for one block South of Hempstead Turnpike:

o Manor Parkway

o Marvin Avenue

o Walton Avenue

o Gilroy Avenue

o Cunningham Avenue

The Nassau County Police Department is advising that drivers take alternate routes and should avoid travel in the area of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Hofstra University on the day of the debate.