For the past weeks the East Hills Board of Trustees has been inviting local residents to visit the site of the East Hills Park to see a rendering of their proposed plans. As a 37-year resident of East Hills, I attended. I applaud them for purchasing the property to enhance the area and protect the water table. But I think the project is a bit ambitious.

It will cost the local residents between $1,100 and $2,000 yearly, after they float the $25 million bond, to their already high taxes. In the packet, they gave you a clipping, as published in Newsday, stating the range would be between $300-375 per household. Nassau County is already in the process of reassessing your property and the cost will be added. The school and library budget goes up yearly, which is more important.

We are in tough times economically where people are losing their jobs and downsizing. Divorced, widow/widowers and senior citizens on fixed incomes have lived their lives here and want to remain. As a real estate broker, I know that high taxes do not make it easier on the resale of a home. They say there are 2,400 homes and 8,000 residents in East Hills. How about head of household vote for the one who is paying?

As a resident, I feel that the board should reconsider the size of the project, perhaps by eliminating the indoor swimming pool. An optional membership should be considered for those who are interested. A senior citizen's discount for those residences should be made available. Try to understand all the community's pocketbooks. What you see on the outside is not necessarily what is in their bankbooks. Mayor Kolenz' answer to questions is that it's a tax deductible item. You have to make the income to deduct it.

Jane Goldberg