As an active and concerned citizen of our community, I must applaud Governor Pataki and our other state officials for setting new standards for Open Space Preservation. It is also obvious that Suffolk County officials are listening to their communities by putting forth outstanding open space preservation legislation. It would stand to reason that other elected officials such as the Massapequa Park Village Board would also have embarked on the courageous task of preserving desperately needed open space forour communities' future generations.

Unfortunately for both the village residents and non-village residents, the unique multiple acre waterfront open parcel along Whitewood Drive will disappear forever under the pretense of high priced private golden age housing. It should have been obvious, even to the unaware, unappreciative public officials that our "Massapequa suburban" quality of life is intricately dependent upon our preserving open-space. Perhaps the Village Board should have explored avenues for parkland preservation through many of the state sponsored land preservation and Environmental Bond Act programs.

We are led to believe that government is here to help. Conversely those who we place in office should not be afraid to seek help for the good of the community.