This is in response to the Letter to the Editor, titled The Future of Greentree, written by Greentree Foundation President Robert Curvin, and published in the Manhasset Press on Thursday, Oct. 11.

I was disappointed to see that Mr. Curvin would insult the intelligence of the residents in Manhasset with a letter filled with generalities, misleading statements and lip service, and complete avoidance of the real issues.

As the largest undeveloped parcel of land (well over 400 acres) in the Town of North Hempstead (TNH), the Whitney Estate is the key to the future of the quality of living for all of Manhasset. It sits on the huge fresh water aquifer that provides drinking water for Manhasset, parts of Great Neck, and many other towns, all the way to Main Street in Flushing.

If this property were developed, it would be the end of Manhasset as we now know it. Significantly increased traffic, potential for water purity problems (the property has vast areas of a type of soil that absorbs and holds contaminants easily) and school overcrowding would be the order of the day. If Mr. Curvin is assuring us that the land will go undeveloped, then why has the foundation brought in powerful attorneys to try and manipulate the Town of North Hempstead board for property status changes?

Mr. Curvin has stated that they will not develop the land. That's where the United Nations come in. Does this mean that Whitney Estate will become a sort of Camp David North, where the UN can negotiate with the terrorist de jour? In our backyard! Just what we need, Yasir Arafat in the main Whitney House discussing a new Palestinian state, which can be seen from the roofs of many Northern Boulevard stores and from the back of Filene's parking lot. Does this mean the secret service will be guarding the area from these roofs, looking for snipers? Does it mean that there will soon be a 10-foot high fence surrounding the property as a security precaution? Who will protect us?

Of course, this is a long shot, we hope. But I do not believe that Mr. Curvin is telling us the whole story, and that makes me suspicious. The real motive for all of this is money. The Greentree Foundation has been haunting the Nassau County Assessor's office for some time now, trying to get the property listed as a non-profit. This would immediately take it off the tax rolls of Nassau County and Town of North Hempstead to the tune of approximately $850,000 per year.

Why do we care in Manhasset? The Town of North Hempstead would lose significant revenue at a time when its finances are very shaky, and can ill-afford another setback. The police, fire, water, park and school districts would also all take a large hit.

In fact, why doesn't the foundation just donate the land to New York state as pristine parkland, thereby protecting the area from development, water problems and traffic, while providing a tremendous resource for the community? The reason is, we are hearing only a small part of the story. The UN is a smokescreen.

Clearly, The Greentree Foundation needs to get their story straight, because so far it is weak. If the intent is really to serve tea and crumpets to wives of diplomats discussing UNICEF allotments, just come to the community of Manhasset, lay it all out and negotiate. The Greentree Foundation needs an $850,000 tax break? Fine, in exchange Manhasset wants 40 acres of treeless land with access from Shelter Rock Road. We will build ballfields for the kids of Manhasset, and allocate some land for St. Mary's and the Manhasset School District. We'll even let the UN kids play! The ball is in your court, Mr. Curvin.

Jim Judge