(The following letter was sent to Dr. Robert Curvin, Greentree Foundation, and is printed here at the writer's request.)

I am writing to seek clarification of certain issues regarding the plans for Greentree Foundation. In your letter to Manhasset residents published in the Manhasset Press on Oct. 11, 2001 you stated that before the founding of the foundation, the Whitneys gave serious consideration to the future of their estate. You wrote: "They felt very strongly that Greentree should be preserved and remain intact. And they also frequently expressed the hope that Greentree would be used for important charitable purposes, perhaps to further understanding among people of different nations."

Since these recollections must have preceded the formation of the foundation in 1983, the first question that occurs is whether they changed their mind at the time that they founded Greentree Foundation. According to the most recent tax return for the foundation, the statement of purpose of the foundation is as follows: "Greentree Foundation supports focused projects initiated by local community groups that provide clearly defined participatory roles for schools, parents, children, and community based organizations."

Clearly, what is now being contemplated is not a project initiated by any local community groups in Manhasset and is a project, as proposed, that ignores the needs of Manhasset based community organizations. It is of course up to the trustees of the foundation to determine whether utilization of the property for your United Nations related activities falls within the purpose of the foundation. Please don't do it "on our behalf."

I do have several questions. First, you wrote in October that "the property will not be divided and there will be no new construction or development other than upgrading existing facilities, primarily to make them safe and accommodating for small meetings." You can restrict your application for the modification of the uses for residential open space to that portion of the 440 acres that are going to be directly affected by this purpose. Will you do so? And since the property will not be divided (your letter of Oct. 11) will the foundation agree to accept an appropriately drafted legal covenant to ensure that there is no change of heart down the road? If the answer to either question is no, why?

According to the articles in the Press, it appears Greentree Foundation is seeking to take the property off the tax rolls and have it listed as a "non-profit." This change will necessarily have an impact on the people in Manhasset. Is the foundation prepared to do something positive for Manhasset in return? The Manhasset community has elected various people to represent its interests as the most local level. Before presenting your proposal for an amendment to the Town of North Hempstead Building Code to the town board (which is not composed of Manhasset residents), is there any reason why open dialogue cannot be held with representatives of Manhasset itself, including its park district officials so that the residents in Manhasset can fully understand your plans for the Whitney Property and so that they have an opportunity to convey to you the needs of the Manhasset community that could be addressed by the Whitney Foundation without impacting its plans for the Estate, including the need for open space and the need to protect our water?

It would be most unfortunate and truly ironic if a foundation that wanted to "further understanding among people of different nations" (your letter of Oct. 11) became embroiled in a dispute because it did not take the time to understand the needs and concerns of the residents in the community which they have selected as the next incubator for "international understanding and well-being of the world." (your letter Oct. 11, 2001.

Neighbors should talk to and listen to each other. Please meet with the residents of Manhasset in an open forum to discuss your plans and our concerns.

Edward J. Boyle