Letter: Keep Development From Schools

Anton Community Newspapers • 132 East 2nd Street • Mineola, NY 11501 • Phone: 516-747-8282 • FAX: 516-742-5867

Letter: Keep Development From Schools

Friday, 01 March 2013 00:00

As I read the last issue of the Syosset-Jericho Tribune, I looked at each article searching for the familiar names of former students here in Jericho or the accomplishments of the professional staff I had the pleasure of working with for many years. It always brings me a sense of pride in community as I read these articles. I finished the paper reading about softball sign-up for SYAC girls softball and knew that it was a sure sign of spring; more reliable than the groundhog.

However, there is definitely an elephant in the room that has not been addressed that affects our community directly, and that is the zone change petition from residential to commercial on Old Cedar Swamp Road to accommodate the development of an assisted living facility on 3.38 acres next to Jericho High School and Middle School.

The Jericho School buildings and grounds have always provided a safe environment for our students. The quiet, set back campus allows for a small, country-like setting, for a district big on accomplishments. To see this balance disrupted by an environmental change to commercial zoning from the present historical setting where Cider Mills, Quaker Meeting houses and stories of the Underground Railroad abound, would not only be a shame, but a threat to our school district.

Our schools have been in residential areas since the inception of Jericho School District. I personally am fearful that a zone change will encourage commercial interests to push into other parts adjacent to the school, and the historical significance of the area will be lost. To all, Jericho will be recognized as a parking lot adjacent to Whole Foods and not a community with a rich history and outstanding school system.

We are a part of the rich history of the early settlers of the region. In the shadow of the greatest city in the world, our children learn (and learn well) in country settings surrounded by nature and history. Go to an after-school sporting event and enjoy watching our young people compete in this setting; then imagine a Burger King, or worse, on the school perimeter.

Help keep the character of the neighborhood and school for future generations and say no to zoning changes. Jericho and its neighboring communities have succumbed to “progress” enough. Let our schools do what they do best without being infringed upon by outside interests, and locate commercial projects in areas that have been designated as commercial property.

Robin P. Halleran

News

BCA Votes on Budgets, Candidates

Wednesday, 15 May 2013 00:00

During its April and May meetings, the Birchwood Civic Association welcomed Board of Education members and candidates from the Syosset School District, as well as Board of Education members and administrators from the Jericho School District to discuss budget proposals and issues facing the districts. The BCA voted to endorse both the Syosset and Jericho budgets, as well as the Jericho Library budget, acknowledging that all made a strong effort to retain programs while staying below the state tax levy cap. In addition, the BCA voted in support of Jericho's Proposition 2 regarding the establishment of a capital reserve fund. The Syosset Library budget was not reviewed.

Sports

Syosset Boys Lacrosse Defeats Plainview

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

Enters Playoffs As Second Seed

The Syosset Braves varsity boys lacrosse team (7-1) were victorious over the Plainview JFK Hawks (5-3) last Friday afternoon, 12-5 in Conference I play. The Braves are the number two seed going into the playoffs, and the Hawks are the number six seed.

Ending the first two periods with a 6-2 lead, the Braves’ defense reduced Plainview’s potential comeback to only one goal, while Syosset scored four.