A Coincidence?

To The Editor:

This is incredible! The last issue of the Garden City News had a spate of letters all proclaiming the greatness, the wonder of the “Lighthouse Project.”

What a remarkable coincidence.

It might seem that these disparate people suddenly were smitten with the “blessed” knowledge that we need the “Lighthouse” proposal.

They then “independently” wrote to the G.C. News proclaiming the wisdom of this plan. Wow!

The people of Garden City don’t wish to be involved with this monstrous Suozzi-Wang debacle.

We don’t need more congestion and pollution foisted on us by ambitious, unprincipled hustlers.

Some of the politicians have already rolled over.

We expect our politicians to fight this horror.

Angelo DiPippo

Picker’s Letter Inaccurate

To the Editor:

I was dismayed to read a letter in last weeks Garden City News submitted by Mr. Michael Picker, President of the Lighthouse Development Group. Mr. Picker stated that the Lighthouse group reached out to me on multiple occasions to present their views to the Eastern Property Owner’s Association (EPOA). Mr. Picker should not question other people’s views when none of his facts are accurate. NEVER did anyone ever, at any time, ask or call or write or e-mail me to request anything regarding the Lighthouse project. That includes Mr. Wang, Mr. Picker, any employee of the Lighthouse group, the Islanders, or any other subsidiary or public relations group representing any of the aforementioned groups.

I will, additionally, state that I have not been President of the EPOA since April, 2009 when I was privileged to be elected as a Garden City Village Trustee. I did check with Mr. Walter McKenna, the current EPOA President, who assured me no one contacted him either.

I attended a presentation hosted by Mr. Picker on May 28, 2009 at the Islander’s Plainview offices. Garden City Mayor, Robert Rothschild, Village Administrator, Robert Schoelle, Village Attorney, Gary Fishberg, and I listened to the Lighthouse group’s presentation and as a group, we raised our concerns regarding increased traffic, water quality issues, over-building of office and retail space and general concerns our village had with the project. That was the only contact I ever had with Mr. Picker. Since that meeting, the Lighthouse group has NEVER answered any of our questions at all.

As to the issue of Mr. Orosz stating that I was not interested in a presentation by the Lighthouse group, please see his Letter to the Editor in today’s issue of this paper.

Mr. Picker said it is “not ok if individuals disseminate information, do not have the facts, and already have their minds made up.” It would seem that Mr. Picker needs to verify his facts.

The Lighthouse group’s responses at the Town of Hempstead Zoning Hearing on September 22nd at Hofstra University were pitiful, at best. Mr. Picker should ask for a refund from his bevy of consultants who couldn’t even determine how many buildings were in the plan. If you were to listen to the Lighthouse group, it’s all or nothing.

Most reasonable people want to see the Coliseum rebuilt into a first class facility. If Mr. Wang wants to build another Hotel on the site-great, Minor League baseball-sure, some housing, some offices, some retail to support the housing-seems reasonable. But the Lighthouse group has stated, “it’s the plan or nothing.”

My concerns are only for Garden City. I will do whatever I can to protect our residents from devastating traffic increases, degradation of our water supply, commercial real estate blight and retail retrenchment.

So in closing, I think, Mr. Picker, the President of this $3.4 billion project, should check his facts, negotiate a reasonable plan and move forward with a project that everyone can live with-not my way or the highway ultimatums.

Dennis Donnelly

Rebuttal To Lighthouse Response

To The Editor:

In response to the October 23 “Lighthouse Response” by Mr. Michael J. Picket, President Lighthouse Development Group, I am afraid that the words I would like to say the newspaper would not print. In the past I have sent e-mails to the lighthouse project stating my concerns and the concerns of my community. At NO time have I received any answers from anyone related to this project. The letter in the Garden City News stated that I said that Mr. Donnelly was not interested in a presentation to the Association. I do not speak for Mr. Donnelly nor have I ever, for Mr. Donnelly is more than capable of speaking for himself.

It is quite apparent to me that Mr. Picker is trying to come up with some lame excuse as to why we never had an updated presentation or maybe he just did not want to enter into a heated debate by using me and Mr. Donnelly as some sort of scapegoat. Perhaps Mr. Picker took offense to my comments at the last EPOA meeting when I stated that the devil was in the details and that the lighthouse project was being built on a series of lies. People who know me in the community know me as a peron who doesn’t mince words and that I expect answers to legitimate questions. I would like to state that I've never had any communication with Mr. Picker relating to the answers pertaining to our concerns nor did I ever say that anyone connected with the EPOA was not interested in another presentation. This is just another lie.

Bob Orosz

Director, EPOA

Need Economic Catalyst

To the Editor:

Garden City is a community loved by those that live here, and my family is no exception. I want my children to grow up in Garden City, and maybe one day raise their families here. But we need an economic catalyst to bring Nassau County and Long Island back from these difficult economic times to make it a viable place for future generations.

The Lighthouse project will bring thousands of jobs, careers and tax revenues to Long Island and Garden City. We would be neighbors to a new destination that would bring many benefits to our community. It is an opportunity that not many other places on Long Island can say they have.

I have had the opportunity to hear the vision of this project directly from the developers. I would recommend that we extend an invitation to the developers to speak to our community. I believe that if residents of Garden City had the opportunity to hear the facts about the project directly from the developers it would go a long way in easing concerns.

I look forward to the Town of Hempstead’s approval of the zoning of the Lighthouse.

Mary Grippo

Lighthouse Team Disingenuous

To the Editor:

I attended all sessions of the 11-hour Hearing held on September 22 by the Hempstead Town Board. The proposed zoning changes for Mitchell Field would allow the Lighthouse Project, as proposed, to go forward in its entirety.

It was clear from the legitimate questions the Town Board posed to Mr. Wang, Mr. Rechler, and their consultants, that they had done their homework. It was clear from the responses that Mr. Wang and his team are disingenuous.

A number of letters in last week’s edition of the Garden City News wholeheartedly support without question, the Lighthouse as proposed. The writers are entitled to their opinion. However, I wonder if they are aware of the facts that came to light at the September 22 Hearing. For example:

When pressed, Mr. Wang’s traffic consultant admitted that the majority of the promised 19,000 new jobs generated by the Lighthouse will not necessarily be in Nassau County. This came after the Board questioned how, with 19,000 new jobs, he could project only 1,400 to 1,500 car trips to and from the Lighthouse each hour during rush hour. The consultant finally conceded that in reality, a large number of the 19,000 “new jobs” are merely associated with corporations that might move offices to the Lighthouse but which might also expand their operations elsewhere in Suffolk and Westchester Counties, and other states.

Mr. Wang objected to the Board’s questions and demanded that they provide him with “certainties” instead. Yet Mr. Wang would not provide the Board with any “certainties” of his own. When asked, he refused to say if he intends to hire local construction firms.

With regard to the promised “affordable housing” that would “keep young people and senior citizens in Nassau County,” it came out that rental units would start at $2,300 per month, and apartments for sale would bear price tags of upwards to $1M.

The list, which includes critical environmental and economic issues that affect all surrounding communities, goes on and on.

I have heard no one who questions Mr. Wang’s insistence that he must build his city, complete with 38-40 story skyscrapers, oppose a project that will boost Nassau’s economy. We support controlled development that will not desecrate the environment, destroy business districts in surrounding communities, and forever change the quality of the suburban life we have chosen. We are not in the minority.

The record of the September 22 Hearing shows that Kate Murray and the Town Board do not object to economic development and are concerned about the future of Nassau County for generations to come. They asked Team Wang critical questions but have not gotten serious answers. They tried to discuss compromise with Mr. Wang who has threatened “all or nothing.” In so doing, they have risked the outcome of the upcoming elections in an effort to do the right thing for all of us.

On November 3rd, I will vote for Kate Murray. I hope you will too.

Dorothy M. Episcopia

Lighthouse Supporter

To The Editor:

I have lived in Garden City for 11 years now since moving with my family from Franklin Square. To be honest, I was never too keen on the idea on moving to Garden City, but I’ve grown to like this village.

With living in Garden City comes a reputation. A reputation that you’re well-off, or to be simply put, “rich.” Now I’ve never liked that reputation. I’ve always considered it being quick to judge, as I like to consider myself a very down-to-earth kind of guy who doesn’t take anything for granted.

Unfortunately for the past few months, living in Garden City brings another reputation, “Lighthouse Project Opposer.” And that pains me to see it.

Whenever I attended a Lighthouse meeting or talked about the Lighthouse Project and it came out I was from Garden City, I’d get looks or groans from who I would be speaking with. I would always have to explain myself that I am not part of the vocal minority that are in opposition to the Project.

But I’m proud to say I’m from Garden City, and I SUPPORT the Lighthouse Project.

Now I’m not going to throw numbers around and try to sound like an expert claiming to know every little detail about the project, I leave that for those who do know more, but I am aware of what potential the Lighthouse could bring for Long Island and for me personally.

I’m 26 years old, and will probably soon be in search of affordable housing within the next few months to a year, and would love to stay on Long Island. Without the Lighthouse, I’ll probably have to relocate to Queens or the New York City area.

I am also a lifelong Islanders fan, and the Lighthouse project would bring a sorely needed facelift to the aging Nassau Coliseum. I walked around the Coliseum area just prior to the Islanders season opener, and was absolutely appalled at how much in disarray the area is. No franchise should deserve to play in an area that is in so much disrepair.

Long Island and its struggling economy needs the Lighthouse Project.

The youth of Long Island needs the Lighthouse Project, and I urge the citizens of Garden City to throw their support behind it.

I’m Tom Liodice, I’m from Garden City, and I support the Lighthouse Project.

Tom Liodice

Islanders - Yes Lighthouse - No

To the Editor:

After attending a number of POA and BOT meetings over the last few months, one thing seems abundantly clear: Garden City residents who have spoken out regarding the Lighthouse Development are staunchly opposed. It was with great curiosity that I read the letters to the editor in the October 23rd issue.

There were a few letters supporting the Lighthouse project from residents and while they are certainly entitled to their opinion, four (and perhaps more) of them either work for or represent Mr. Wang. These residents are all outstanding members of our community who love GC as much as the rest of us, however, we need to focus on what’s best for Garden City and our future... especially with regard to water usage.

Admittedly, I am not an Islander fan but I am a hockey fan. I am well aware that the Nassau Coliseum is a dreadful facility: the only NHL arena in the league built with county funds and it shows. I do support the Islanders getting a new arena - they desperately need it. It is foolish to hope a new arena will help them win games - they need good management and good players to win games. It concerns me that if Mr. Wang cannot produce and manage a successful sports franchise in a media market like New York, how will he manage and operate a small “city”?

I am in favor of a new hockey arena and a small-scale promenade with a few restaurants. What I am not in favor of is massive development that will further urbanize Nassau County. The obvious issues of traffic, overcrowding, environmental challenges and crime can’t be excused away by a couple of studies paid for by the developers and endorsed by politicians.

What short memories we have. The Village of Hempstead was a vibrant community which was later devastated by the construction of large apartment complexes, many of which were designed to be moderate-income housing. The flight of merchants to Roosevelt Field that once anchored the shopping district and supported the small mom & pop businesses further exacerbated the urban decay. The urban planner’s “solution” to revitalize the village was to construct a Home Depot/Stop & Shop shopping plaza that continues to be surrounded by a blighted downtown. The Village has never recovered.

The Wang/Rechler/Suozzi/ McElroy solution is to plop a concrete high-density monstrosity similar to Co-Op City with a sports arena in the middle of suburbia. They believe this will help Nassau residents in this economic downturn. I realize we are not going to return to the ‘good old days’ with the neighborhood hardware store but why should we help accelerate the urbanization process to benefit a few individuals?

I may have been born in GC but I choose to stay here because of the green space and quality of life. We must keep in mind that we need water to live and I don’t think any of us want to have to “import” water because we’ve exhausted the aquifer. We need to think about Long Island’s future, we need to stop bringing in more people, traffic, concrete, pollution, crime, density: it’s not good for our village, our county and Long Island.

Lastly, keep in mind that when Covanta builds the 4th burner (for which they have already been approved for an IDA tax exemption) they will be pumping millions of gallons of water per day out of our aquifer. The Lighthouse if built as planned would use massive amounts of water. We can live with a little concrete but we cannot live without WATER.

Betsy Andromidas

Inaccurate Letters

To the Editor:

That was an interesting series of letters in last week’s GC News from supporters of the proposed Lighthouse. But also inaccurate in their common assumptions and purported facts.

I don’t know anyone on either the Eastern Property Owners’ Association (EPOA) board or among my friends and neighbors who is opposed to renovation of the coliseum or modest development in that area. It is Charles Wang who has stood in the way of any compromise, insisting it be “all or nothing” his way. If-because of pressure from community groups and reluctance from the Town of Hempstead (TOH) to give a fast green light to a massive project with enormous environmental and economic ramifications, Mr. Wang has finally agreed to speak with Kate Murray about scaling back the project-perhaps some compromise can be reached.

Another common theme in the letters is that those of us opposed to the present Lighthouse project are a “vocal minority.” What evidence supports this view? The Joint Conference Committee (JCC) of the four Garden City property owners’ associations recently took out an ad posing a series of questions regarding the Lighthouse project. The ad pointed out that GC residents and TOH council members “were amazed at the lack of details shared by the developers regarding obvious concerns being raised relative to the massive size of the project” at the September 22nd zoning hearing. The JCC asked a series of questions and concluded that “the issues continue... and the answers are not forthcoming!”

Are we to believe that Lighthouse Development Group president Michael Picker, who “believes that the general population base” of GC supports the present Lighthouse project, is closer to the thoughts of Village residents than their four POAs?

“Change is difficult” was another theme that popped up in some letters. What does that mean in the context of this project? Could it be that 500,000 sq ft of new retail store space, 1 million sq ft of new office space, significant increased traffic through our local streets, another 2 million gallons a day of sewage, and the need for an additional 500 million gallons of water each year will bring change? Of course it will. Change that is bad for Garden City, Hempstead Village, Westbury and other nearby communities.

Which brings us to the always popular “NIMBY” charge. Do I have this right? Because a Newsday poll indicates that “Long Island” residents favor the current Lighthouse proposal, those of us living in communities that will be adversely affected by this project should smile and remain silent?

Finally, the public does not lack facts about what Charles Wang has proposed: 5 million sq ft of development that includes 42 towers, two reaching 450 feet, on 150 acres; “affordable” housing for seniors (2.5%) and students (2.5%) that starts at $2,300 per month; “Next Generation” housing beginning at $234,000 for a one bedroom for a family of four. This is the equivalent of a small, densely packed city.

What the public lacks are answers to very legitimate questions from a developer who has demonstrated no interest whatsoever in compromise.

Christine Mullaney

We Need Lighthouse

To the Editor:

I have lived on Long Island, in Garden City particularly, for the entirety of my life, so far. I have never involved myself in politics much, as I feel my vote has never made a drastic difference. However, today I felt compelled to write to you on behalf of the Lighthouse Development Project. Although I have heard this project has received ample support among community members, I understand the plans to reanimate the Coliseum, and surrounding area, has yet to be put into action. The lack of action our community leaders have taken when such a wonderful opportunity for our area has been presented to us, is astonishing to me.

My house is located in the part of Garden City that neighbors the Coliseum, Nassau Community College and Museum Row. This area has become a back yard to me... some of my very first memories literally take place at the Nassau Coliseum. Since my first circus, concerts and Islander games I have matured into a twenty three year old Molloy College Graduate, and many things in my life have changed. The first thing that changed is I have realized that no matter how hard I work, it may be impossible for me to afford living in Nassau County on my own. Since graduation I have also discovered just how difficult it is to start a successful career on Long Island due to the lack of expanding and new businesses. The lack of opportunity in Nassau County is exactly why so many of Long Island graduates are being forced to start their adult lives off of Long Island, and many even out of New York.

Of all the things that have changed in my life since I graduated college... one thing that HAS NOT changed is the Nassau Coliseum. This area remains as desolate and empty as it was over twenty years ago when I first walked through its circular corridors. On the right night, it may seem as though the Coliseum is bursting with life, but its really the poorly constructed parking lots and narrow hallways that creates this optical illusion. On any other day this area appears to be an abandoned parking lot. This is the same lonely eye-sore that I have known for the past twenty years.

When I first heard about the Lighthouse Development Project, I became very hopeful about the future development of Long Island. The prospect of new residences, new business (*more importantly - JOBS!), and a new community center for Nassau County, presented itself as bright light during a dark time. Instead of wasting this opportunity we need to capitalize on it for the sake of our community. The petty issues that have been brought up again and again by resistant board members and individual citizens DO NOT SPEAK FOR THE MAJORITY!!! I am confident that such a large scale plan would not take place without the necessary measures being taken care of first. What is important is that WE, as a town...as a county... recognize a rare opportunity to make an amazing growth on Long Island occur before it passes us by. Change is hard, and it can be scary, but the only way to make life work is to move FORWARD. This is the direction the Lighthouse Project will take us.

I hope that other members of Garden City and Nassau County as a whole can see this Project as insurance - a development that will keep people coming to Nassau County... a development that will keep our educated youth ON Long Island. I believe that we can make this happen together.

Danielle Holewa

LI Needs Lighthouse

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to express my support for the Lighthouse project. Nassau County and Long Island as a whole need this project to bring jobs and tax revenues that will help our economy grow. In our own community, it will be our businesses that will reap the benefits of new people in the area, as well as Garden City residents who will be able to benefit from the permanent jobs created by the project.

I am hopeful the Town of Hempstead will do what is right for all of Long Island and approve the Lighthouse project as soon as possible.

Haidi Dang

No Political Signs

To the Editor:

It is extremely disheartening to see village ordinances being disregarded with no one caring. Let’s not turn Garden City into Garbage City by allowing political signage all over the village. It must be embarrassing to the highest law enforcement officer in the county to note her illegal campaign signs in the village, flouting long-standing local ordinances. If fences in front of homes, named brokerage signs, etc., are forbidden and must be withdrawn, why are political signs now allowed to flourish and multiply, when in previous years this ordinance had been enforced. Let’s enforce ordinances equally across the board, not selectively.

C.D. Brown

Reconsider Company?

To The Editor:

Regarding ‘A Reasonable Alternative’ in October 23 rd issue, I read with interest the letter from Bernard Marson representing Eskar Ltd. of London U.K. His St. Pauls proposal which promises a lot!

His letter ends that he’would very much appreciate hearing from residents who are interested in this alternative proposal.

I’d like to see residents’ responses especially those who have first hand knowledge of the St. Pauls issue.

It would be nice to have an alternative to demolition

Can the village reconsider this company with its updated proposal?

Steve Brent

Street Fair Cancellation

To the Editor:

It was both disappointing and frustrating to once again find it necessary to cancel, due to the dire weather forecast, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce’s 30th Fall Festival Street Fair held in conjunction with the High School’s Homecoming Day Parade, also canceled on October 24.

Regrettably, when the prediction for heavy downpours and possible thunderstorms are predicted with great certainty, cancellations must be made the day before since many of the rides, musical entertainment and other activities come from out of town and it would be next to impossible to inform the many participants volunteers, bands, etc. early in the morning the day of the event. (We have experienced this situation in past “rainouts.”)

Why no rain dates? The Chamber looked into it, but was unable to secure the same activities and the musical entertainment for the following Saturday (Halloween). We were also unable to assure the availability of the 25-plus volunteers who had graciously agreed to assist in the production of the event for a future date.

This all-community day was also “rained out” last year as well as three years ago. Add to that the “rain out” of the Belmont Festival last June. Outdoor activities are always at the mercy of Mother Nature who has not looked kindly upon Garden City lately!

The Chamber is sincerely grateful to our sponsors, The Bank of Smithtown; Flushing Bank; the Men’s Association of Garden City (celebrating their 75th Anniversary); Verizon; and Denise L. Emma, DDS, the community organizations we invite to exhibit; the volunteers - particularly from the Kiwanis Club of Garden City; from our Chamber Board of Directors; Garden City Public Schools and all others who were directly involved in the production of the Fall Festival for 2009. Let us hope - and appeal to Mother Nature for a better day for Fall Festival 2010.

Althea Robinson,

Executive Director

Garden City

Chamber of Commerce

Veterans Day Service

To The Editor:

On Wednesday, November 11th shortly before 11 o’clock a.m., the William Bradford Turner American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit 265 will be gathering at the monument in front of the Garden City Library at 60 Seventh Street to honor our veterans. If you are a veteran, if you know a veteran, or if you just are a grateful citizen who wishes to pay tribute to our veterans, you are invited to join in this service. As is customary, this brief service will begin promptly at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month.

Take these few moments from your day to show your gratitude for the sacrifice of all veterans living and deceased. Poppies will be distributed to encourage awareness of the day.

Chorinda Burdi

Poppy Drive Chairlady

American Legion Post No. 265

Help Out On Thanksgiving

To the Editor:

On Thursday, November 26th, Thanksgiving Day, we will be preparing and delivering hot meals to homebound senior citizens, coordinating this program from our home.

We are in need of donations of desserts, individual non-carbonated beverages, mini loaves of bread or dinner rolls, turkeys, and cash in order to complete the meals. These items can be dropped off at our home at 35 Maxwell Road, Garden City. Please call us as soon as possible to coordinate a convenient drop off time.

All deliveries will begin at 12 noon on Thanksgiving Day. Each delivery is accompanied by a visit, if so welcomed by the recipient. We deliver to between 35 and 40 different towns within Nassau County; please call us if you are able to help with the delivery of the meals.

This project has become a special part of our family tradition for the past eleven years, and we invite you to make it part of yours, as well. Your generous donations of food, money, and time have made the deliveries a tremendous success each year. With your help, we can continue to bring a meal and a smile to those who are alone on the holiday.

Feel free to contact us at 746-8331 regarding any part of this program.

We thank you all for your continued support each year!

Melinda and John Alford