For years the entire Town of North Hempstead and especially the Manhasset community has speculated about the future of the Whitney property, Greentree, 410 acres situated on Shelter Rock Road. Time was that the Whitneys owned even more property adjacent to that location, but they gave much of it away to North Shore University Hospital and sold other plots. When Betsey Cushing Whitney died a few years ago the speculation became more intense. The property is currently in the five-acre zone. On Wednesday, Sept. 12, at a regular town board meeting (date changed from Sept. 11 due to the primary elections) the board will consider a proposal for an amendment to the Town of North Hempstead Building Code that will affect the Whitney property. Presently the law regarding Residential Open Space provides for four permitted uses: one single-family detached dwelling per each 2.5 acres; the professional office of a doctor, dentist, lawyer, teacher, artist, architect, engineer, accountant, ophthalmic dispenser or musician, provided that the office is located in the dwelling in which said professional resides; Church of other building used exclusively for religious purposes; outdoor pool.

The proposed amendment would add a fifth permitted use: "Activities carried out by not-for-profit, charitable, eleemosynary, or educational entities, conducted primarily within enclosed buildings. Uses permitted under this paragraph shall be limited to conferences, retreats, and other such gatherings intended to bring about the improvement of the human condition and promote international cooperation."

We have been informed that the trustees of the Greentree Foundation plan to offer the property to the United Nations for its use. Whereas some people think this would be an excellent use of the largest parcel of open space in North Hempstead, others are concerned about additional strain on the Sixth Precinct police officers and still others about the possible misuse of diplomatic immunity. We urge our readers to attend the Aug. 12 meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. at North Hempstead Town Hall on Plandome Road in Manhasset to learn more about the details of this important decision.

E.F.B.