On July 16 I decided to take my 10-year-old daughter to the advertised (in this paper) public hearing at the Town Hall with regard to the proposed plan by the MPD to obtain a parcel of land near Macy's. Kelly had expressed interest in attending the hearing and possibly speaking to the board about using land for fields for the kids of Manhasset.

As director of girls softball in Manhasset for the MBL, I often experience on a daily basis the trials we have with regard to the lack of ball fields in our community. Kelly knows about this as well as my older daughter, who plays in the town league as well as on the MHS girls varsity team. Upon arriving at the hearing we were approached by a woman asking me if I was "for or against?" I asked her for or against what? She responded if I was against the MPD obtaining the land. I said I was for the proposal and then she said, "well then, you can't sign this petition." When I inquired as to the theme of the petition she dismissed me. I then asked her why she was against building ball fields for kids? Well, her response shook my daughter, "Screaming kids," and she walked away.

This same woman utilized her time in front of the board to threaten that the EPA was going to look into the matter. Then she sounded off about the "wildlife" that would be impacted in this land parcel. She said that egrets and owls would be forced from their land. It is my understanding that this woman and the two gentlemen who fired back about my comments are in the habit of trespassing on this land to view wildlife that probably doesn't exist there in the first place?

If the two gentlemen had in fact attended the advertised hearing they would have been able to hear exactly what I said, not what they understood I said. In an effort to clear the air I stated "I love owls, egrets and all forms of wildlife. But I get no greater pleasure out of seeing a boy or girl hitting a softball for the first time, or scoring a goal in lacrosse or soccer. The smiles on their faces are lasting memories." Oh, and yes my wife and I do work very hard to afford our children the privilege to belong to a country club. But, that comment was totally irrelevant to the business at hand. I would hope that the two gentlemen would show some class, not tackiness in their comments.

I applaud the MPD efforts in trying to make this happen. I have lived in Manhasset for 39 of my 44 years and I wouldn't think of living anywhere else. But our kids need places to play ball. And, based upon the presentation given that night by the MPD, I am convinced that they will respect the land and will be equally respectful to the residents of Terrace Manor.

Joe Janik