Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) vows to remain ever watchful on behalf of the residents of Plainview following a tentative agreement to sell the entire 144 acres of county-owned property located on Round Swamp Road and Old Country Road for $23.05 million. The Plainview land has been tagged for sale for seven years.

The property will be acquired by Charles Wang, chief executive officer of Computer Associates, for investment purposes. A letter of intent confirming the purchase was signed by Mr. Wang's representative, under the condition that the property is sold in "as is" condition, subject to all existing leases, zoning, restrictions, and covenants.

"The letter of intent from Charles Wang of Computer Associates concerning the 144 acres of Plainview land certainly holds promise for both the county and the Plainview-Old Bethpage community," Legislator Jacobs said. "However, I have many questions, that include:

What guarantees will be written into the contract requiring that the recreation/forever green open space (approximately 40 acres) will always remain as such?

Why would Mr. Wang want to purchase the full 144 acres knowing that 40 of them must remain as open space, per convenants running with the land?

Who, once the county is out of the picture, will maintain this open recreational space?

With regard to the 31 acres of land which houses numerous important county facilities, what would the rental costs be once the rent-free grace period of 3-5 years ends?

What are Mr. Wang's plans for the property if, in fact, he is purchasing it in his own name and not in the name of Computer Associates? This is extremely important to the surrounding residents.

What guarantees would the community have that any present restrictions regarding open space on the property would apply to subsequent purchasers if Mr. Wang's future plans involve selling the property?

Are any clauses in this contract going to render the land tax exempt for any period of time? If so, will this be for all taxes or just the county portion of taxes?

"I have also submitted this list of questions to various Nassau County officials and will be keeping a watchful eye on this situation," Legislator Jacobs said.

If the tentative sale proceeds to a contract signing, Legislator Jacobs said she will hold a town meeting with representatives of Mr. Wang and Plainview residents so that everyone's questions can be answered.