Although I am not a village resident, I have worked in the village of Farmingdale for 28 years. As a former school librarian from Northside Elementary School, I was concerned when I heard that 150 Secatogue Avenue was under consideration for sale to a private company for redevelopment. At the October Installation Dinner of the Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society, Mayor Graf delivered an upbeat summary on village activities, including confirmation of the sale.

Over the years, Northside has registered dozens of children who reside in 150 Secatogue all of whom have been my students. Naturally, I am concerned. In response to my question about relocating these families, Mayor Graf indicated that some $40,000 was available in the village expenditures to assist in their relocation. $40,000 ... How can over 100 residents share $40,000 for new living accommodations or even a rental increase? This the proverbial "drop in the bucket." Has the village administration contacted HUD for relocation after redevelopment? Social Services? Anyone?

This building has long been in disrepair, yet the landlord, although cited many times, claims little responsibility.

I do not pretend to know the intricacies of legislation involved in this matter. What I do know is that the dozens of students I have come to know from 150 Secatogue deserve better than watching their families scramble for new homes.

When my own two children were young, each had their own dresser to house their clothing and personal belongings. I recall one third-grade girl telling me that she had one drawer for her clothes, books, and personal items. When the rents at 150 Secatogue are raised, or the eviction notices mailed out, I foresee many of these families forced to live with other relatives residing in the village. There will be many more children with "one drawer" to call their own.

It is time for the village administration to examine their consciences, contact HUD, meet with the tenants, and offer viable assistance for their futures.

I would be most happy to learn that I have misunderstood the above situation, that there are ongoing meetings between the village and tenants, and that arrangements are being made for relocation.

JoAnn Krapp