Mayor Michael R. Koblenz and the board of trustees should be commended for acting swiftly and decisively at the village public hearing on Monday, Oct. 18.

The meeting was well attended by East Hills residents who expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposed new residential building zoning regulations. The main complaints were they were too restrictive especially with regard to floor area ratios.

Last year, the mayor and trustees responded to the nine civic associations' request to change the current building codes. Apparently, the civic associations do not represent the majority of East Hills residents who I believe do not want such drastic and restrictive changes in the building codes.

The mayor and trustees acted responsibly by lifting the current building moratorium at Monday's meeting. The voice of the people was loud and clear against these new zoning laws. Many residents stated that they may be forced to move out of Roslyn if the new zoning regulations were approved. The new codes certainly do not reflect the needs and concerns of the community. The overwhelming majority of residents present at the meeting were vehemently opposed to the proposed zoning regulations. Many young families have several children, two cars and would like to be able to live in a four bedroom, two car garage home. A minority of East Hills residents feel that these newer renovated or remodeled homes are destroying the "look" of Roslyn. Unfortunately, this is 1999 and not 1939. I believe that the majority of homes that have been remodeled or renovated have only enhanced the aesthetic beauty of Roslyn.

There needs to be more input from the residents of East Hills before considering changes to the existing zoning regulations. The consultant hired by the village should meet with all nine civic associations along with as many residents as possible so their needs and concerns can be considered.

The mayor and trustees did the right thing at Monday's village meeting by lifting the curent building moratorium. This matter should be further debated and studied among the citizens of East Hills before any new residential zoning codes are acted upon. Local residents turned out in force at the public hearing and their concerns were listened to by the mayor and trustees.

I applaud the mayor and trustees for listening to the majority of residents who attended the public hearing and heeding their wishes against the proposed building codes. The people of Roslyn (East Hills) spoke loud and clear and their voices were heard. The mayor and trustees have done a tremendous job working to maintain and improve our village. Their efforts often go unnoticed but are certainly appreciated.

I certainly hope a compromise can be reached in the future to satisfy the wants and needs of the majority of East Hills residents. More residents need to get involved in their civic association, attend the monthly village meetings and the village needs to disseminate more information to its residents. The flow of information should be a two-way street.

Richard S. Beaty, DDS