Letter: Noise Pollution Is a Formidable Negative Force

Studies show definitively that noise pollution is a formidable negative force. It is the cause of emotional distress and often depression. Am I the only person in town who is fed up with the constant din of professional gardening equipment? I am currently on vacation, but cannot enjoy my yard because of it. In the last three days I have calculated approximately 15 hours of ridiculously loud power gardening equipment in neighboring yards. If there is anyone out there who shares my concern, indeed my disgust, please contact Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman about the possibility of legislation requiring noise control devises on the machines, or rotational scheduling ordinances that would afford every neighborhood at least some time free of this pollution. I did so, and he did get back to me indicating that he would follow up on it. Manicured lawns are not worth this price.

Lois Hayn

Letter: Faticones Thank Community

On June 5 we were honored as Citizens of the Year, by the Community Chest. That evening was overwhelming and very special to us and our family. To see so many of our friends, members of the local organizations, town and county officials who came to honor us. Thank you, to the many people who have donated to the beautiful journal in our name and for the many touching letters and cards of congratulations that we received.

To the Community Chest, thank you, for the beautiful plaque, the picture presentation and reception. We will never forget this special evening.

It has been a honor to have lived in this community that we love.

Barbara and Tom Faticone

Letter: ‘Different Location, Same Symptoms’

I am really confused. Last year, there was a tremendous community uproar when the Town of North Hempstead decided to remove trees along Main Street in order to facilitate replacing a sidewalk. In fact, because of that, the town passed a tree ordinance.

Letter: Dolphin Sighting Best Day of Summer … So Far

On Saturday, June 27, I heard there were hundreds of dolphins in the Long Island Sound in Hempstead Harbor. My mom told me we could go see the dolphins by boat. My mom, brother and my mom’s friend and I left Capri marina at 3:30 p.m. to go search for them. When we arrived at Hempstead Harbor, I did not see anything and was very disappointed.

Letter: Save the Teen Center

The Port Washington Teen Center at the Landmark Community Center on Main Street needs your help to keep the center from being shut down. For years the teens of Port Washington have had a place to go to enjoy evenings of bands and other recreational activities. We must stand together to keep the doors open for a place for our teens to go. There is no other place for them. Please support our efforts to save the Teen Center. Make your voice heard. Call or write to your local and town governments—Save our Port Washington Teen Center.

Howard Roth and Sherri Hurwitz

Letter: Proposed Parking Garage Is Eco-Friendly Solution to Parking Crisis

The proposed parking garage is the eco-friendly solution for Port Washington’s current parking crisis. Please note that as it stands now, the majority of commuters in our town cannot park at the train station, and must either rent private parking spaces in town or rely on family members to drop them off in the morning and pick them up again in the evening. It is unnecessary, and frankly ridiculous, that many, if not most, of our residents who commute often find themselves stranded without a parking space at 7:15 in the morning.

Letter: In Response to ‘Why Can’t Port Washington Be More Like Port Jefferson?’

For many years Port Washington had successful thriving shops. The shops were supported by the local residents, many times run by a resident or family that had run it for years. You could walk down Main Street and know every shopkeeper. The hardware stores were busy; there was a line to get into the delis and the Italian store. There were six or seven liquor stores. The “fine” restaurants were always full. As I said, a successful, busy town. There was no “tier” parking or hotel. Then came the large mall, Internet shopping and the biggest cause of all, real estate taxes. The little shopkeeper can not keep up with the competition and pay tremendous rent caused by very high taxes.

Letter: Port BOE Takes State Senate to Task for Wasting Time on Power Struggle

(Editor’s note: The following was sent to State Senators Skelos and Samson and printed here at the writers’ request.)

We write on behalf of the students, taxpayers and voters of the community of Port Washington, New York, in consternation about the deep dysfunction we see demonstrated in the state senate. As leaders of your respective Senate parties, and as instigators of this situation, we hold you, personally, responsible. We do not hold the entirety of the Senate culpable; in fact, we have been well and honorably served by our Senator, who has passed legislation restoring funding to our district, and who has been very proactive in supporting public education in the Senate.

Letter: ‘Shop Locally’

I write this letter on behalf of all the retailers in Port. We supply not only our merchandise for sale, but service and dedication to our customers. We take pride in our shops, try to keep our property clean, and supply endless donations to the many events in the community.

Patti, at Dolphin Bookshop, spoke for all of us when she urged people to shop locally. Please don’t let the lesson learned in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life become a reality, to appreciate the shopkeepers. Please patronize your local merchants. Speaking personally, where would you buy your dyeable shoes? I’ve been in business 30 years and there’s no place I’d rather be. Please support us.

Brenda Garfield, After Five

Letter: ‘Hooray’ for Port School District

In response to “A Tale of Two School Districts,” letters to the editor June 11.

I say “hooray” to the Port Washington School District for hiring young, enthusiastic new teachers and not firing them the next year.