On Nov. 4, the Farmingdale Observer printed the Mayor's Column. Mayor Graf refers to the Secatogue area and says he wishes to return it to the way it was 15 years ago. Aesthetically, it wasn't much different. However, then, the area was not as solidly Latino as it is today. So, what is Mayor Graf saying?

Mayor Graf is popping his buttons because "one by one our residential streets are being rid of the density that accompanies multiple families living in single family homes." The verb "rid" is used twice in his message. "Rid" becomes subliminally connected with the improvement of the "quality of life." How is quality of life defined? For some, it means having the extras, the luxuries, the best. For others it is being able to provide for the basic human needs.

Village leaders have maintained that the gentrification of the Secatogue and Conklin area is all about economically sound strategies that will increase village revenue. They are offended when it is suggested that it is racially motivated. The collateral damage (resident displacement) that is certain to result is considered merely a by-product of change and of no significant consequence in the general scheme of things. The cavalier attitude is unsettling. Can you abide the thought that a developer's financial gain or a village's need to increase its tax base is just reason for destroying the ability of others to provide the basic human needs for themselves and their families? Even if you are uncomfortable associating the gentrification plan with racial prejudice, consider it from the standpoint of equality. All human beings are created equal! There are no conditionals in that declaration. So, why is the welfare of one expected to be sacrificed for the financial gain of another?

Fair and consistent enforcement of housing codes is necessary for the health and public safety of the entire community. No one would argue that. However, the Village code enforcement appears very selective. The village's position that the gentrification plan is not racially motivated is wearing thin; people are seeing through it. Unfortunately, they are not speaking out because they believe, it does not directly affect them. However, allowing just one act of injustice to occur in any neighborhood is a blight on the entire community.

Janet Liotta

President, Farmingdale Citizens For Viable Solutions, Inc.