The Town of Oyster Bay's best-kept secret is out, no thanks to the town. They plan to build an AstroTurf athletic field on the present Tappen Beach park site. We already have a roller hockey rink there that is largely unused. We don't need another athletic facility that will take away parkland, move the children's playground, and disturb the view of the harbor. Aside from aesthetics, the use by a private athletic league takes from a facility used by many parents and children, and reserves it for a few.

No wonder the Town of Oyster Bay wants to keep this secret. Emails to John Venditto got this reply: in short, they plan to break ground this summer. Only when many area citizens bombard Venditto's office will we stand a chance of stopping them from steamrolling over our objections. Please call, write or email him.

Margie Malone