It is with profound joy and sincere appreciation I inform you that the New York State Department of Transportation will not be expanding Hempstead Turnpike to nine lanes as planned. They will only be adding one left- hand turning lane in either direction. They will be retaining a median and increasing the amount of time pedestrians need to cross the Turnpike. Overhead signs and street markings are to be included in the project. No private property will be taken.

Our success against the over- expansion of Hempstead Turnpike would not have taken place without the swift actions of Senator Kemp Hannon and Assemblywoman Kathleen Murray. They questioned the scope and magnitude of this project. Their letters, meetings and conversations with me, let me rest assured that I was working with leaders of dignity and great strength, who had the communities' interests as their primary responsibility.

I urge you to show your appreciation to Senator Kemp Hannon and Assemblywoman Kathleen Murray by voting for them in the November 2000 elections. Our victory would not have come to fruition without their relentless efforts on this project, superb skill, and unyielding persistence to finding the correct solution. I commend them on their expeditious handling of this community dilemma.

With admiration and praise I commend you for your invaluable support, time and commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all the residents of Levittown and its surrounding neighbors. I applaud you for taking these concerns to heart so that all of our pedestrians, students, children, adults, senior citizens and the handicapped can safely cross the Turnpike.

The community of Levittown, as well as its neighboring communities united and took a stand as they were informed of the expansion and all of the ramifications that take place should this project prevail. I thank you for signing our petition against over- expansion. Pedestrian and environmental safety is of paramount importance and can never be compromised.