In response to Mayor John Walter's letter, I would like to thank him for his many years of tireless work on behalf of our village. I have lived in Flower Hill for over 20 years and before that I lived in North Strathmore.

As a child I had lived nearby, and it had been a dream of mine to live in Manhasset. It may sound silly, but I thought it looked like "small town America" combined with a slice of England. It was a dream come true when we were able to buy a home here and then have our children and raise them here.

I, too, am shocked and distressed by the changes in our communities. Every square inch is being developed, trees torn down to make room for oversized houses, beautiful homes removed and replaced, many totally out of character with neighboring houses. It is so sad and so disappointing. To me, we are losing what many of us chose Manhasset for--integrity of architecture and character, charm and, especially, an "old world feel," a small town atmosphere.

I truly appreciate all the people, our neighbors, who work so hard to maintain our neighborhoods. I'm sorry it has taken me so long to acknowledge you. Thank you all.

Diane D. White