We in the Town of Oyster Bay take pride in the fact that for 350 years this town has been the best place in the country to live, work and play. We have always sought to achieve the right mix of residential, commercial and industrial development in a manner that broadens the tax base without compromising the health, safety, welfare or quality of life of our residents.

For over a decade, however, residents of Hicksville had to contend with noxious odors and emissions from two nearby asphalt plants. Despite numerous attempts by community leaders and the town to rectify the problem, the odors continue to permeate the community.

I recently spoke with the environmental division of the New York State Attorney General's office regarding the serious problem burdening your community. Based on those discussions I am implementing a new strategy to address the issue by establishing a central registry of all complaints. This registry will enable us to document all asphalt odor complaints and, if successful, establish to the court's satisfaction that the asphalt plant is indeed a public nuisance.

We will need your help to accomplish this goal. I am therefore urging all residents of Hicksville to call the hotline at any time, day or night, to report odors being emitted from the asphalt plants. In order to make this program most effective, we would appreciate if you would also leave your name and telephone number. The number to register your complaints is 624-6617.

By working together, I am hopeful that we will be able to ensure that the residents of Hicksville will breathe easier and enjoy the quality of life they deserve.

Bonnie Eisler

Oyster Bay Councilwoman