"Way to go" to the Town of Oyster Bay, the State of New York, Nassau County, The Society to Preserve Underhill and the many organizations who have supported the society and the property owner for striking a long-awaited preservation deal on the Underhill property in Jericho.

The fate of this property, although the number one site for state preservation, has been under debate for three decades. This weekend it was announced that 50 of the remaining 81 acres would be preserved. This acreage is contiguous with the 25 acres currently owned by the Town of Oyster Bay. In addition, the neighboring property owner has generously donated the development rights for 19 acres of their own property abutting the Underhill property.

We have all advocated for the preservation of this property; if possible in its entirety. However, we do not consider this deal any less a victory and are thrilled, as this partnership has resulted in 94 acres of majestic undeveloped open space. Had all the parties not come to agreement, this tract of environmentally sensitive land could have been lost to development. At long last it shall reside in the public domain for all residents to finally enjoy and reap the benefits of its beauty.

The final step to see this plan to fruition is the passage of a vote by the Oyster Bay Town Board. So, please take a moment to contact the town board on 624-6300 and give them your vote of confidence.

Most importantly, we would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Joe Lorintz, executive director of the LI Drinking Water Coalition and past president of the Society to Preserve Underhill, to see this dream become a reality. This really proves nothing is impossible!

Carol Meschkow, president

Concerned Citizens of the

Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Inc.