For the past month, we've been writing a great deal about the recently released study pertaining to the proposed future development of a massive parcel of real estate called 'The Nassau Hub."

A smaller, but highly significant parcel within the larger piece is also known as 'Nassau Central."

A number of the proposals set forth in that study, whether directly or indirectly, are pretty good. Others, seem not to be. But that's about what you'd expect from a report that was prepared by a committee without any public input.

What's important now though is that real live citizens of the area who will be effected - Elmont, West Hempstead, Floral Park, Mineola, Garden City, Westbury, Carle Place, East Meadow, Levittown, and Uniondale - begin to make their voices heard.

Now, we know well the restrictions placed on citizens attempting to address the county legislature, there are only so many specific times and places you are allowed to do so; what we suggest is that if you are concerned about what you may have read or heard about the Hub, or if you think you've got a worthwhile suggestion regarding the mitigation of traffic in central Nassau, that you write to one of the plethora people involved.

These include: County Executive Thomas S. Gulotta, your respective county legislator, and your town officials.

If you feel so inclined, you can even write to us. We'd love to print letters from responsible citizens regarding this massive proposed undertaking which will alter life in Nassau County forever.

In addition to trying to inspire you, our loyal readers, to write and express your opinion, we'd also like to ask the Long Island Regional Planning Board, the Nassau Veteran Memorial Coliseum, and the county executive's office to follow County Legislator Richard Nicolello's lead and begin holding public hearings on this matter before final decisions are made and potential mistakes are set in stone.

The Hub could be the greatest thing to ever happen to us here in Nassau County; it could also be the worst. Something with this much riding on it, however, shouldn't be an "either/or" proposition.

Let's get it right the first time, with everyone who has a stake in it getting to say their piece and shape the outcome.

Tom Gulotta has said time and time again that by the year 1999 he wants Nassau to be "The number one place to live in the greatest country in the world." Let's all help him make that happen by being participants rather than spectators.