The application by the Kimco Company for changes of zone at the Filene Shopping Center will be heard by the North Hempstead Board of Zoning and Appeals on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. We hope Manhasset residents will attend. We also hope that they will reserve judgment on the proposal at least until they have heard what the changes requested are. Speaking to people around town we have noticed that a great many people have made up their minds in the absence of the facts. The facts are not really known--what stores are expected to be included in the new center in addition to King Kullen, the details of the parking proposal, the specifics of the location of the supermarket. The members of the BZA will, as they always do, listen to the members of the public, especially to the residents. There is no question about the fact that Northern Boulevard at this point is a heavily traveled road and that more traffic can create a problem. But the members of the board also know that this is a commercially zoned piece of property and that commerce means traffic. There is heavy traffic even with the present deplorable condition of the site in question. Whatever goes in there will bring more traffic. Perhaps there are other traffic solutions that have not been explored by New York State whose responsibility it is. There is another group in town who believes there is a need for a supermarket in Manhasset. To tell them that they can go to Soundview in Port Washington to shop seems to them to be ludicrous. Once again we urge people to attend the BZA hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 16 both to express their opinions and to listen to both sides of the story.

E.F.B.