The Incorporated Village of New Hyde Park has put a moratorium on subdivision of large lots into smaller ones. The standard size for a legal building lot has been 40 x 100. The village is looking at making a 60 x 100 as the new legal size.

If this is done the value of properties sized 80 x 100 or somewhat larger can be reduced by $100,000 or more! If you own a double lot and you want to sell the extra lot you must subdivide, if both lots are in the same name. It doesn't matter if you purchased it separately, if it's in one name they combine them.

After consulting legal consul we have found that to further complicate the situation, if they increase the size by any amount all 40 x 100 lots will be nonconforming. It would then become necessary to apply for a variance on any changes you want to do on your house. The cost can be $2,000 or more because of village fees, surveys, drawings, radius maps, etc. Also if your house should burn down you could not rebuild without a variance.

This is being done by the village without your input. Why?

The village says there are approximately 60 lots eligible that are large enough to be subdivided. To make the majority of the lots in village nonconforming because of these 60 lots makes no sense and is an overreaction. The village could not keep up with the variance hearings and it would burden the homeowners with added costs and delays on any new additions. It would reduce property values on all of these nonconforming lots. Who would buy a house in the village under these conditions?

The Village of New Hyde Park has already changed the size limits for expanding your home (to a smaller size, 1,880 square) feet than was previously allowed on dormers, extensions and new construction. What your neighbors have done you can no longer do. Now you have to go for a variance to add dormers and extensions that would exceed 1,880 square feet on a 40 x 100 lot. Now your neighbors and the village will decide if you can do what used to be your right to do!

While we agree that some of the new homes were quite large for a 40 x 100 lot (2,600 square feet) we feel that 2,100 square feet would be a good compromise. There are many older homes that are over that size.

New Hyde Park Village Trustee Lofaro stated, "I'm discouraged that people are moving because we can't provide them with parcels they want." We say that if someone wants a larger lot then just outbid the builders for it. The village lot size regulations have been the same since its inception. What's going on here?

Today people are looking for larger homes with family rooms, computer rooms and four bedrooms. Things have changed since the 1940s, when most of the building was done in the village. People want to expand their homes so each child can have their own room. They also like having all the bedrooms on the same floor. Why prevent our village from growing with the times.

Preventing additions and new construction will also result in higher taxes for everyone in the village because expenses continue to increase, and we will lose the additional revenue from any new construction.

Call Mayor Warren Tackenberg and the village officials and give them your input on this matter, 354-0022. Go to the village board meetings and voice your opinion. This is your village.

Peter M. Caputo and

Staff of ERA Caputo Realty

I was taking a walk with my family down Lakeville Rd. and made a right heading east on Hillside Ave. We were amazed by all of the trash in the parking lot and sidewalks around that area. As you travel through our community, many of the retail areas are full of litter.

Twenty five years ago, my dad had a real estate agency in Queens. Before the business day began he and every other merchant on that block swept up in front of their stores. My dad didn't sell anything that might end up blowing down the avenue, but he had respect for the community. He understood that a clean appearance reflected on him and promoted a good relationship with his neighbors.

It seems in many instances, local merchants don't have that same respect for my neighborhood. They show little effort in cleaning up their storefronts. God forbid sending one of their (future internet millionaire) employees out with a broom. People pass through here, see the mess and think nothing of adding their personal decorations.

I've lived in NHP for nine years. I love the people here. They are good, friendly and family oriented. They keep their modest homes neat and well maintained. Drive down the side streets and you will find them equally clean. I expect nothing less from the merchants who make a living here. It just takes some caring and a little effort.

Stuart Weiss

I am very pleased to say the Hillside Public Library's new Chess Club got off to an impressive start with its first meeting last week. There is still plenty of room, and I would especially like to extend the invitation to teenagers. Whatever your skill level, whether an advanced player or just interested in learning a great pastime, all are urged to come down and try it out.

As I extend this invitation, I wonder how many people are aware that the world championship is under way in London. It's little wonder few have, media coverage for the event is a far cry from when a young Brooklyn born protege named Bobby Fisher competed for the title almost 30 years ago. Ever since Bobby Fisher's media light faded, chess in the United States has rarely rated on the cultural radar screen.

The virtues of chess needs no apology, no dressing up or glitz. Above all else, chess is about self-worth and discipline, acumen, hard work and focus worthy of an Olympic sprinter.

On Nov. 1, stop by the next meeting of the Chess Club to find out why a board game can have the tension and excitement of a blockbuster movie thriller on TV. The Chess Club meets every other Wednesday in the Garden City Park School cafeteria from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Beginners through tournament level players are welcome to attend.

Stephen Cipot