In the early hours of August 27, 2026, five individuals were observed opening a manhole at the intersection of Wantagh Avenue and Jerusalem Avenue in Wantagh, entering the underground system, and replacing the cover after descending.

Nassau County Police and the Wantagh Fire Department responded and searched the system. Police stated that the investigation was ongoing and that no motive had been established.

Our concern does not depend on speculation about motive.

Whatever the reason for the August 27 incident, unauthorized access to sewer, drainage, utility, or other underground public infrastructure raises legitimate concerns about public safety, infrastructure security, emergency response, and essential services.

The police and fire departments responded to the immediate incident. Now we are asking an equally important question:

What will be done to prevent unauthorized access from happening again?

What We Are Asking Nassau County to Do
We are calling on Nassau County and the appropriate agencies to:

1. Conduct a joint security assessment of the August 27 access point and nearby access points identified by professionals as vulnerable.
2. Determine which agency or entity has responsibility for the affected infrastructure and designate a lead agency for follow-up.
3. Install tamper-resistant, locking, bolted, or otherwise secured access covers where engineers determine they are safe and appropriate, while preserving necessary access for emergency and public works personnel.
4. Increase inspections and appropriate police attention while permanent measures are evaluated.
5. Evaluate cameras, alarms, tamper-detection systems, or other appropriate security measures where warranted.
6. Establish a clear method for residents to report suspected unauthorized access.
7. Work with residents through the Nassau County Police Department to establish or strengthen a police-coordinated Neighborhood Watch.
8. Coordinate with the appropriate school districts and school administrators to assess whether additional security measures are warranted at schools in the immediate vicinity of the August 27 access point.
9. Provide temporarily increased and visible police patrols in the affected area through September 11, based on the Nassau County Police Department's assessment and operational needs.
10. Provide the Wantagh community with a public response by September 9, 2026, explaining what has been inspected, which agencies are responsible, and what categories of preventive measures will be taken.

We are not asking officials to publicly release sewer maps, underground routes, security procedures, or other sensitive infrastructure information. We are asking the responsible professionals to identify vulnerabilities and address them.

Why This Matters Now
The approaching 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks understandably heightens public awareness of infrastructure security and emergency preparedness.

This petition does not allege that the August 27 incident was terrorism-related. No motive has been established.

Rather than speculate about the individuals involved, we believe the responsible course is to address the demonstrated access-control vulnerability before another unauthorized entry occurs.

Wantagh residents should not have to wait for a second incident before reasonable preventive measures are considered.

Please sign this petition and join us in asking Nassau County to act promptly, responsibly, and transparently to protect our community.