At last Thursday’s meeting of the Garden City Board of Trustees, Mayor Rothschild noted that all four of the village’s property owners associations were united in voicing objections to the scope of the Lighthouse project. Even though the brunt of the traffic impact would be felt in the Eastern section, the economic damage this mega-development could do to the “Cool Downtown” (as Mr. Suozzi has termed it) would impact the entire village. We’re glad other POA leaders came to the same conclusion.

Another heartening fact: we have reports in two of our sister publications about village boards in other towns also voicing concerns over the Lighthouse project. In The Williston Times (to be published 10/16/09) Mayor Jack Martins of Mineola commented that he is very concerned about the impact that the construction of the Lighthouse will have on surrounding communities, as well as the environment. In the New Hyde Park Herald Courier (10/9/09), New Hyde Park Mayor Daniel Pettrucio said, “I don’t see this dramatic need for business that [Suozzi] demonstrates.”

Mayor Petruccio also commented that he is “not too sure that it’s not directly related to the recent legislation in the State that is allowing for the dissolution of villages” because local governments can stand in the way of large projects. “This is something that I’m sure irritates the master planners of the world who have a bigger picture for what they think is the best for us.”*

Mayor Petruccio may be on to something. We have seen nasty comments left on internet blogs suggesting that Garden City should be dissolved for having the temerity to object to aspects of the Lighthouse development.

Still, even though most of those who spoke against the Lighthouse at the public hearing were from Garden City, it is nice to know there is support from other quarters.

*Note: The comments by NHP Mayor Petruccio were reported by Geoffrey Walter; the comments of Mayor Martins were reported by Gary Simone.

Meg Morgan Norris

Publisher