(This letter was originally sent to Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and is being printed here at the author's request.)

I had attended the home show at Suffolk Community College and had a chance to talk with LIPA representatives about their incentive program for solar energy. It would be really great if Levittown could be the first suburban community in the United States to set the example of converting to new environmentally friendly forms of energy for electricity and heating. As the public becomes more aware of the effects of global warming, who would not want to make improvements to their own homes that would reduce their energy costs and help the environment. I am probably one individual amongst many that would like to see our leadership set policies and laws to encourage clean energy and green building design.

Can an entire community qualify for federal assistance to help pay for the conversions? The price for installation of a solar system is still high for the average person struggling to keep up with bills, mortgage and taxes. I am aware that tax incentive plans have been formed for business districts, so why not one for a residential community to convert to clean energy. There was the toilet rebate program in NYC which is a simpler example.

It would be an awesome example to our neighbors across America for Levittown to take leadership in addressing the reality of global warming in a proactive and tangible way. It would also set an example of how our suburban community is evolving progressively and would be a nice additional exhibit to our museum. My education and professional experience is in architecture and city planning. I have worked in NYC government and the private sector since 1984. I would be happy to assist in any way that I can.

Deanna Samuels