After a long and at times frustrating battle, I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. In June of 2007, what I started as a public awareness campaign has now turned into much more. I brought the facts to the public of the then proposed E-2 Zoning district in Manorhaven along the waterfront on Manhasset Isle. The residents and the public at large voiced their concerns of developing the waters edge with big condos, blocking public access and views of the bay. Residents, also echoed concerns of losing our working marinas to the developers who would buy them out, because they can now put up condo complexes on the property. Many boat owners said, if this zoning were to be passed there would be a decrease in the amount of boat slips available to the public, which in turn would drive up fees for the remaining slips.

Well, as you already know this E-2 zone was passed by the former Capozzi administration, but what you may not know is that on July 17 at Manorhaven's regular monthly meeting, I offered a resolution, which was accepted by the new board, to conduct a public hearing on Thursday, July 31 commencing at 7 p.m., at 33 Manorhaven Boulevard,. to consider the enactment of local law E - 2008, a local law to repeal the E-2 zoning district of the village. If this local law is passed, there will be no building of condos on the waterfront in this area.

If you've been following my letters and/or you've attended the previous meetings on this topic, then I ask that you attend this public hearing and voice your opinion one-way or the other. This meeting is open to everybody and anybody who is interested in the future of our waterfront. The bigger the voice, the brighter the light!

Trustee John M. Di Leo Jr.

Village of Manorhaven