(Ed. Note: The following letter was sent to members of the North Hempstead Town Board and is printed here at the author's request.)

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the town board for the opportunity to speak at the hearing regarding the Kimco request for a change of zone. While I was pleased with the outcome of the vote, I was disappointed in the two votes in favor of the application.

Supervisor Newberger, in explaining her vote, noted this parking district zoning was established back in 1941, over 50 years ago, and that many things changed during that time period. While I appreciate the supervisor's comments, I do wish to note, however, that most of the houses in that area were built by 1941 and the reason for establishing the parking district those many years ago¬being the protection of the residential property owners in the immediate areas¬is as valid then as it are now.

Once again, thank you very much for the opportunity to address the town board.