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Partly Cloudy O’side business gets surprise from National Grid
The owner of Rounds Elite Fitness, a new gym opening at 3199 Lawson Boulevard in Oceanside, got a surprise when National Grid billed them for thousands of dollars in gas they never used. Owners Rebecca Blue and Eloy Santos were told their gas would be shut off if they did not pay $4,023.88.
Santos, saying they had not opened the club yet, tried to get National Grid to look at the bill, but he says he is getting the run around. He said National Grid wants to settle with him for $500, but he refused because he believes the charges came from a previous tenant in the building, not the account he opened in March. He said he is willing to pay his fair bill, but not for someone else, and he is considering legal action.
In addition the parking is a “killer,” according to Blue. She said they contacted Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray about the lack of street parking in the morning. Blue said they are busiest in the hours when street parking is not allowed. They will be hiring at least 10 people, she said, and holding classes of 30 or more.
Santos said he understands that commuters need places to park, “But what about Oceanside people, shouldn’t a local business get some consideration?” Santos is moving his business from East Rockaway where he said he has been for 20 years.
Town representatives told him local home owners would have to write letters asking for a change in the parking rules, he said, but the town won’t do anything about it.
