Representing solely myself as a resident of Manhasset since 1935, I offer the following comments regarding the library, park district and Greentree Foundation. They are all connected. The commissioners of the library and the park district contend they are in need of additional space and facilities. Greentree Foundation holds in trust several hundred vacant acres in the Manhasset area.

The Greentree Foundation has consistently rejected any sale or contribution of this vast and vacant land. It is claimed that the Foundation intends to develop some type of a "think tank" using the existing but improved buildings.

Although I have not seen any written application of the Foundation's proposals or its Corporate Charter, the Foundation Directory - 2000 identifies the Greentree Foundation as follows:

projects initiated by local community groups that provide clearly defined participating roles for schools, parents and children and community based organizations to reduce educational deficiencies and cultural tensions.

museums, arts/cultural programs, higher education, education, human services, children and youth services..."

The stated future needs of both the library and park district clearly fall within the Foundation Charter and would represent the stated wishes of the initial directors of Greentree.

The social and educational advantages in an appropriate library are well stated in the recent issue of the "Manhasset Public Library" by Seval LaRocca, as president of the library. It is worth reading.

A recent letter by Jim Judge to this paper outlines in part the ability to finance the acquisition of the necessary space through condemnation.

Will it cost money? Yes, it will. Will it increase the value of our respective homes? Yes, it will. Will it provide a facility long needed in Manhasset? Yes, it will.

John P. Dunne