Opinion
On page three of today's Manhasset Press we discuss the upcoming referendum on transportation to the district's elementary schools. When we first heard that the district was considering busing all children to Munsey Park School we thought there must be some mistake. Children who live on Hunt Lane and can just about roll out of bed and into the schoolyard would now be given bus service. Absurd. But it's not a mistake and it's not the school district's fault. There is a New York State law that says that all elementary schools in a district must be treated equally. It's obvious that this was enacted with the best of intentions but good intentions don't always enable people to see into the future. When Shelter Rock School was built there was no one living within the half-mile distance required by state law to be given transportation. The school board in 1970 did the reasonable thing and voted to provide transportation for all the children. Now, with the construction of the condominium developments along Shelter Rock Road, there are a number of children living near the school and some of them, although they live less than a half-mile from the school, receive bus transportation. If the referendum fails these children will no longer be able to take a bus to school. As Dr. Josephine Jung points out in her letter to the editor in today's paper, this will result in the absurdity of a nearly empty school bus that has picked up children whose homes are more than one-half mile from the school having to bypass children whose homes are nearer the school. Overkill at one school. Underutilization of bus service at another. The school board is faced with a dilemma but it seems from where we sit that there must be a solution other than the two presented. Surely the pundits at the New York State Board of Education would be able to understand that there are circumstances which require that two schools be treated differently. The New York State Legislature spent many hours trying to resolve the thorny issue of the Joel Kiryas school district in upstate New York. Perhaps, given the correct approach, they would take a few minutes to look at the Manhasset School District and give us permission to use our common sense.
Hats off once again to Nina Calace-Mottola Kiess for a highly successful 15th reunion for MHS Class of 1982. Not only was there a tremendous turn-out but a number of classmates who missed the 10th were able to attend. As usual, Nina put in an extraordinary effort organizing the event held at Club Caprice in Port Washington from picture name badges to an amazingly thorough class directory. The class is quite fortunate indeed to have Nina at the helm. Christine Roberts
Now that the projected park where the Village Bath Club used to be has been initially rejected let's take another look at the continuing problem that exists with this property. Nobody wants it to remain as it is at present. Several years ago Charles Belanich bought the club for a purported figure in excess of $2 million. Mr. Belanich is not a stupid businessman. He knew that the continued operation of the club did not warrant such a price. Soon after he bought the property he presented a proposal to the community. This proposal was for four homes on the part of the property that was zoned as residential A. He proposed to build an office building on the other part which was zoned as parking. He said that the two parcels were owned by two separate entities and that he no longer had any connection with the parcel that was zoned as Residential A. It was interesting to see that he would visit the site of the homes being built very frequently. This by a man who had no financial interest in these houses. Ever since that time Mr. Belanich has tried to build some form of office building on the remaining property. Then he built the infamous wall in order to get the most profit from the parcel as Residential A which the town board had now designated this parcel. Actually he has made several efforts to get permission to build an office building against the interest of the nearby residents. It is interesting to note that about the time that Mr. Belanich bought the VBC there was a change of administration in town hall. Ben Zwirn became the supervisor of North Hempstead and in the next few years there was a complete change of administration in town hall. I personally wonder if there is a connection between this change of administration and the ensuing problems. Everyone is entitled to his own thoughts and opinions. The idea of the small park that was proposed was a good one, but the allocation of cost to a small area was a poor idea and did not fly. I would propose that the idea be brought up again, but with it owned by the Manhasset Park District. This way the cost would be spread over a much larger area and would be very slight on any one property. The use of the park by just the property owners of Strathmore Village and Strathmore South would be impossible to enforce. The Village Green is open to all, just as this park should be open to all. It should be paid for by all in the district. Now for how to pay for it. The claim has been made that a couple of years ago Mr. Belanich said that it was worth $350,000. If this is found to be true that is what he should be paid. If not true then the appraised price of $700,000 should be paid. Mr. Belanich created his own problem. It is not fair for the people to bail him out by allowing a change of zoning or a variance to be issued or to pay an excessive amount for the property. As I said before, he is not stupid. He made a poor business decision to buy the property just thinking that he could get a change of zoning or a variance. Having made this mistake he should admit it and get out. Eugene W. Garges Jr.
As a young man in Port Washington my path crossed that of Mike Adams. I was struck then as I am now, by Mike's willingness to lend a hand to friends and neighbors. In a week Manhasset Park voters will have an opportunity to re-elect Mike as park commissioner. I have been privileged to work with Mike on numerous community activities sponsored by the Park District, the annual tree lighting ceremony, the summer concerts, Plandome Road beautification. He has given the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce his enthusiastic support and can always be counted on to support those projects that have made Manhasset the beautiful community it is today. Mike is decisive, competent, forthright and insightful. He has the interests of this community as first priority and is worthy of our support. I plan to vote for Mike Adams on Tuesday, Dec. 9 and urge you to join me in voting for him. Brian P. Jennings
Commissioner
Manhasset-Lakeville Fire and Water District
I believe it is important that all Manhasset residents cast a vote on Dec. 9 for Park Commissioner. The Park Commissioner plays a vital role in addressing the continued decline of our downtown shopping area. Although there are a number of factors contributing to the decline, the lack of convenient shoppers' parking certainly is at the top of the list. Mike Adams has demonstrated initiative and innovation through the formation of the Plandome Road Commission and attempting to convert undeveloped land into centralized shoppers' parking. Mike has the skill set, experience and character to identify and pursue alternatives regardless of the objections raised by special interest groups. Currently it appears that the only growing commerce in town is renting parking spaces to out-of-town commuters. History is a thing of the past; with Mike's leadership Manhasset can prepare itself for the future. From a lifelong resident of Manhasset. Steve Hannan
It is not uncommon for a homeowner in our town to find a discarded can or bottle on his front lawn. Usually, one sees the familiar containers of Budweiser or Heineken among the bushes, glinting in the morning sun. Imagine our mild wonderment this morning, when we found next to the customary cans of Bud an empty bottle of Couvosier cognac. One must assume that some local affluent youngsters are enjoying easy access to their parents stores of spirits, and are upgrading their tastes. It brought to mind a conversation overheard a few years back. "I", said this person, "I stick pretty close to our liquor budget during the year, but it's a little harder to cut corners at holiday time." "Liquor budget" is a foreign term and it stuck in my mind. I know of thinly supported school and library budgets, and failed youth and senior center proposal budgets. I guess making expensive cognac brandy available to our youth is also part of these budgets. Happy Holidays. Bernard Klainberg
I want to respond to Ms. Despagni, former president of Parents for Special Education and Lucy Sullivan's statements in the Manhasset Press of Nov. 20. The interest of children/students has always been my first concern. My thoughts were honorable in my reaction to the newspaper quote of a harsh word used, even in reference. I've learned to be careful over a long period of time that remarks can be taken out of context and they can be very hurtful. We all have to know the facts and I received a letter from Mrs. Schanzer which explained the matter., I then immediately wrote back and appreciated her response and this issue is resolved. It was not a case of jumping the gun as this is why I have to hear the facts in any situation to come to an understanding. I was very involved in learning disabled children programs since 1960 and my heart cried inside of me all those years to protect these special children/students. I went to many school board and open meetings to assist parents that were just introduced to this in their lives. So I speak to you in a sincere way that my intentions are honorable. Harold "Whitey" Henrickson
I am writing this letter in support of Mike Adams and his bid to be re-elected park commissioner on Dec. 9. A previous letter to the editor suggested that most recently Mr. Adams had been on the wrong side of some issues. The most recent issues are the empty store fronts on Plandome Road, the lack of parking which does not help retail sales and a monument a community did not want. I found Mr. Adams on those issues, and others, on the side of the community of Manhasset, not on the side of special interest groups or those with a personal agenda. I urge members of our community who want to keep Manhasset a great place to live to vote on Dec. 9, between 5 and 9 p.m. at Firehouse Number One on Bayview Avenue for Mike Adams. Casey Ryan
As a resident of Manhasset for over 50 years I have seen many changes in our community. Much of this change has been to the benefit of our community and has usually occurred due to the determination, commitment and altruistic motivation of many of our neighbors involved in community support activities. I became associated with Michael Adams about 20 years ago through various community organizations that have worked tirelessly to improve the environment in Manhasset philosophically, morally, operationally and esthetically. I can think of very few individuals who have worked as hard for their community as Michael Adams. Michael has always been there when the organizations I have been involved with have needed support and assistance in their endeavors to protect our citizenry, provide for the needs of the less fortunate in our community, improve the esthetic atmosphere in Manhasset, and improve on and correct problems associated with daily operations within the town. I have seen many changes in Manhasset, but one thing has never changed is Mike Adams' dedication to Manhasset and any office he has held within our community. It would be a great loss to Manhasset and an even greater dis-service to one man's commitment to his community if Mike were not re-elected on Dec. 9. I would ask that all of my neighbors, especially those with whom I work hand in hand with in the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, the Manhasset Community Fund, St. Mary's Choir, the Terrace Manor Civic Association and others cast their ballots for a man who is always doing his best to make sure his community is the best, Mike Adams. Michael P. Ruggiero
A few of our community members were invited to a meeting regarding the referendum that is going to be put into vote on Jan. 13, 1998 for our school district. The referendum was about providing universal transportation for our elementary school students. Due to the location and the road conditions of Shelter Rock School, all students have been bused for the past 30 years. However, this policy was recently challenged by a community member and the school district has to have a referendum for the whole district to make this service legitimate. If this referendum is passed by the vote, there will be no change on the school budget or service provided to Shelter Rock School. However, 180 students from the Munsey Park School, including those who currently have to walk to school despite having to cross the busy Northern Boulevard, will have bus service. This additional service will transform into $126,000 a year to the school budget because three more buses will be provided. This increase will come down to .31 percent of our yearly budget and if we distribute this amount between all homes in Manhasset, it will be $15.5 per household per year. (Information quoted from the Office of Superintendent for Business). If this referendum is voted down, starting right on the next day, there will be no bus for most of Hamlet, Enclave, major part of Gracewood and part of Greens. Since part of the homes in these developments are still eligible for busing, the school buses cannot be eliminated and therefore no money will be saved. And because of the liability aspect, no children will be allowed on the school bus unless their name is on the transportation list. We will have empty school buses and walking children on Shelter Rock Road starting on Jan. 14, 1998. We are not really sure the community is ready for these changes yet. Shelter Rock Road has been notoriously dangerous for years, the speed limit has never been obeyed, there is no sidewalk or road crossing zone, and there are only three traffic lights on the whole length of the road. We will not get away easy. First, the road must be repainted and the traffic lights have to be timed differently to allow enough time for children to cross the road. Additional crossing guards have to be provided and more police patrol will be needed to enforce the speed limit. All these additional expenses will transform into our county tax and will not be eligible for the School Tax Relief Program for our senior citizens. Other than the financial impact of this change, there are many other opportunity costs to vote out this referendum. Shelter Rock Road is very congested as it is during rush hours already, what will happen if we have to interrupt the traffic for the children? And what will be our school district's liability if one child gets hit while crossing Shelter Rock Road? And what will be the impact of the traffic when the car pool line backs up onto Shelter Rock Road? I cannot think of any positive aspect that will come out in that situation. The most important in this matter is also a chance for us to tell everyone what kind of community we are, we care about our school and our children or we only care about saving $15 for ourselves. Manhasset has always been a prestigious community for our good school system and if we can now provide universal busing for all elementary students, I am sure it will be a major attractive point for families with two working parents to move in. This will surely boost our property value and make our area even more competitive to other markets. Please come out and vote for the referendum on Jan. 20, 1998. Please let us stay together as a community and tell our children that we care about their safety more than a number in our budget. Josephine Jung, MD
Mike Adams deserves re-election as a Manhasset Park District commissioner because of the excellent way he and his fellow commissioners have run the Park District. For instance, parking at the railroad station is superb. Mike has been a leader in both having an excellent snow plowing program, and in plowing out the ever-cunning and crafty nonresidents whose attempts to "beat the system," show the same level of imagination as we wish we could get our accountants to show at tax time. Well, thanks to Mike and company, the ever dreaded out-of-towners have a better chance of parking on the moon than they do in the Manhasset Park District railroad lot, at least until they literally get "the boot." Thus, it is very important to have at least one Park District commissioner be a railroad commuter. And neither Mike's opponent, nor the other two very able incumbents, are railroad commuters. Mike is. Vote for Michael Adams; railroad commuting and station parking is a very important component of the value of your home. And the rest of the Park District looks fine as well. James H. McGivney | 
