(Ed. Note: The following letter was sent to County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and is printed here at the author's request.)

I am writing to you regarding the impending sale of county-owned property in East Massapequa (Section 53, Full Blocks 31, 35, 39 and 44).

The sale of this property has been an issue of contention for several years. The local civic associations have consistently opposed the sale and development of this site. Many sound, practical and rational arguments have been made on behalf of this site, ranging from the protection of the fresh water streams, increased traffic congestion and water usage, extensive and costly infrastructure improvements and the fact that the bulk of the taxes generated would go to the adjoining Suffolk County school district.

Since the last time our opinions were heard, another significant reason not to develop this site has arisen. Within very close proximity to the county property is the impending sale of over 60 acres currently in private ownership. It is our understanding that a significant amount of S-2 housing units are posed for construction on this site. Add this proposed development site to the approximately 250 units that are already in existence within one mile of the East Massapequa property and I think that you can agree that this area already supports more than its proportionate share.

While the premise of the sale of the East Massapequa property is commendable I, along with other community members, hope that this area can be left as open space. Or, at the very least, we ask that you wait until the final development plans for the neighboring properties occur. If the sale of this property is inevitable, then please let us, the community, assist you and your designees in developing the best use for this land.

Phil Healey, Director

Biltmore Shores Civic Association