Well it's another 100-year storm. This is the fifth such storm since the turn of the millennium in the year 2000. Since the year 2000 we have had tornadoes, snowstorms and the occasional flood here on Woolsey Avenue. This storm which occurred on Aug. 12 was a blessing! Why you say? In the past we have had storms like this in the winter, flooding our basements and cutting off our heat and power. We have had up to four feet of water in our basement as the temperature outside fell below 28 degrees. In the summers we get off lightly as the flood only ruins our gardens and items that were left in low spots in the basement. I rue the day when we have that promised hurricane.

Why do I protest? My house is now assessed way above market value in the $500,000 range, the city of Glen Cove has increased my city tax bill by 28 percent and I doubt the County of Nassau will be reducing its taxes anytime soon. The drains in front of my house are inadequate for these large storms. I have pointed this out to the current Mayor of Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi, his predecessor Mayor Holzkamp, her predecessor Mayor Tom Suozzi and before that to the County of Nassau Department of Highways. With the amount of taxes of the five houses that are affected by these floods are paying, one would think that this matter would be resolved. Let's think: five houses x $6,000 tax = $30,000 x 5 storms = $150,000. Compounded by the devaluation of property due to the flooding + the downturn in the housing market + the money and time to fix up our homes once again ... the way I see it, the city owes us money!

A day after the storm as my beautiful pond side property breeds mosquitoes and dead worms I reflected on the second saving grace to this particular storm. I called Mayor Suozzi's office and asked him to see for himself the problem that we the residents of Woolsey Avenue face. Mr. Suozzi came and took pictures of the flooded street and came by later in the day to view my flooded backyard. He was sympathetic and said he would have the water department assess the problem. I appreciated the visit and it made me feel better, but what we need is action, and soon.

Jerry Ahern