After reading Bernie Rolston's open letter to Manhasset there is no doubt that he deserves our full support. He asks a simple question: Wouldn't a much-needed community park and more playing fields make more sense than a UN facility? Bernie, you hit a home run for Manhasset. Let me add the following:

* Last year the Open Space Advisory Committee for the Town of North Hempstead's Environmental Legacy Fund unanimously approved the purchase of a portion of the Whitney Estate for the creation of a Nature Trail. North Hempstead has $1 million of cash reserve for immediate purchase, no referendum is required.

* The Manhasset Library has attempted for years to negotiate the purchase of a small parcel from Greentree to build a community library. Let the library spend our $14 million on this site instead. Preserve the Whitney Mansion by converting it into a breathtaking library complete with a recreational senior center, far away from the traffic jams on Northern Boulevard.

* Add an additional $5 million from the New York State Open Space Acquisition program, the Manhasset Parks District, the Manhasset Lakeville Water District and the Great Neck Water District.

* Additional state and federal funds could be made available. As an example the great Shelter Rock (originally called the Millstone Rock and used by the Matinecock Indians as shelter) might qualify as an Historic Native American landmark, worthy of public access.

The money is there, Greentree should take it and build a UN facility out East where land and security can easily be obtained. Bernie, we are with you, but don't forget the most important statistic ... (at time of writing) there are 0.0000 Manhasset residents on the town board for every 1,000 Manhasset residents.

Norman Nemec