Placing a strong emphasis on the importance of preserving undeveloped land, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto has written to New York State in an effort to protect state property located on the east and west sides of the Bethpage State Parkway.

"The area encompasses the northern traffic circle near the Bethpage Golf Course to the North Linden Street entrance of the preserve just south of Southern State Parkway," Venditto said. "If this area were to be designated as a state park, the entire Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt corridor would be protected under the jurisdiction of either the state or county.

"The section of land in question consists of beautiful trees and trails and has, for many years, remained a natural buffer to the parkway and nearby residences," the Supervisor continued. "Nonetheless, encroachments onto public lands are all too common, and this corridor needs to be officially protected by designating it as a state park. While I don't see this land ever being developed, it is, technically, considered a right of way and could conceivably be used for other purposes. It needs to be protected. Declaring it a state park would achieve that goal."

Venditto said local environmental groups have asked for his support on the issue. "It's my pleasure to add my voice to those seeking the official preservation of this land," Venditto said. "It's an important issue for all town residents, especially those who walk, jog or bike along the trail. To help further the cause, I have asked my colleagues on the Town Board, in a show of solidarity, to add their signatures to my letter."

According to Venditto, New York State Governor George Pataki's track record of protecting open space has been outstanding.

"Governor Pataki's administration has done the right thing for New York on many occasions, preserving land for all to enjoy for generations," Venditto said. "We hope he will consider adding this land along Bethpage State Parkway to the list of the areas in New York State he's already protected."