Masses of people flocked to Manhasset Apple store located at 1900 Northern Blvd. last Friday causing residents in the area to become extremely uncomfortable with strangers roaming the streets of Strathmore Village, South Strathmore and Munsey Park while setting up lawn chairs and coolers waiting for the latest product of Apple technology to arrive —the iPhone 6.
With this latest offering, the traffic and congestion at The Gate grows. Andrew Schwenk, member of the Greater Council of Manhasset Civic Associations and President of South Strathmore Civic Association opened discussion with Bonnie Frankreich, the Apple Store Manager before the actual launch date of the new product. She indicated that Apple had hired 24 hour security and engaged two guards to patrol overnight. The guards were specifically trained in crowd control issues. Port-a-potties were in place at the west end of the parking lot with additional trash receptacles brought in.
Efforts were made to discourage people from forming a line overnight before the store opened by closing the parking lot when the store was closed. However, this did not dissuade people from camping out. The crowd migrated to the Congregational Church parking lot overnight to be first in line for the coveted device.
According to complaints by residents, garbage and debris were left behind to mark the occasion. Church workmen came in early to clean up the mess in the parking lot.
Richard Bentley President, Council of Greater Manhasset Civic Associations, spoke with the property owner, Kris Torkan of Villadom Corp., who assured him steps were being taken to control crowds, ease traffic and that the Nassau County Police Department would respond to any needed assistance at the site. Torkan assures the site is being constantly monitored for any needed change or additional response. The public should contact 911 if any public or health/safety issue is observed.
