For 13 years, Arts Below Sunrise Music & S.T.E.A.M. Festival — hosted by Hewlett-Woodmere Public School’s Endowment Fund — has occupied a stretch of Broadway, from Franklin Avenue to Irving Place. Now, that is in jeopardy.
The school district alleged that Matthew Schiller, the commanding officer and inspector for Nassau County Police Department’s 4th Precinct, highlighted safety concerns as the reason for not permitting the fair to take place on Broadway, at a school district Board of Education meeting on March 18. If that decision holds, the fair would take place on opposite sides of the roadway, creating possible hazardous conditions for fair attendees.
“We fully respect the role of the Nassau County Police Department and prioritizing safety,” board President Debi Sheinin read from a letter the trustees plan on sending to other media. “However, in this instance, we are deeply concerned that the current decision places our community in a less controlled and more hazardous situation than the structured approach that has been implemented for more than a decade. “
Arts Below Sunrise attracts over 4,000 attendees and 150 student and adult volunteers annually. The community-wide event draws support from organizations such as the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association, Trinity-St John’s Church, the Hewlett Woodmere Public Library, Hewlett Fire Department and Woodmere Fire Department.
As of press time, the 4th Precinct declines to comment.
An expanded story will be in the March 26 Herald.
