Letters to the Franklin Square/Elmont Herald: May 3-9

Town should have delayed vote on Elmont rezone

To the Editor:

Regarding the story “Town adopts mixed-use plan for Elmont” (April 19-25), the Town of Hempstead’s decision to vote on the Elmont rezoning plan should have been put on hold.

Before the town’s vote, some residents received fliers titled, “Murray and Ambrosino Propose New Elmont Business-Friendly Building Zone,” and others received similar fliers titled, “Murray and Darcy Propose New Elmont Business-Friendly Zone.” What do these fliers have to do with the proposed Elmont rezone? Absolutely nothing. This mailing just communicates to the residents of Elmont the result of an informal decision already made by the town.

The town government, under Supervisor Kate Murray, spends more than $5 million on mailings to “communicate with residents,” with no intention of keeping them well-informed. Following a meeting on the proposal last July, no feedback was requested of the community -— the people who have to live with the decision — and residents’ requests for the plans of the new Elmont business zone went unanswered.

The original vision plan, developed by the community of Elmont over a five-year period, was modified by town officials in virtual secrecy.

Town Councilmen James Darcy and Ed Ambrosino should go back to their constituents and discuss exactly why government should pick the places where economic activity should occur. It has been nine months since the town initially removed residential housing from the Elmont business zone plan, and it has been four months since the Town released its plans to the public after residents FOILed them. It has been three and a half months since the only public hearing on the Elmont rezoning plan was held.

What difference would two more months have made to ensure that the rezoning plan was done right? And by right, I mean making sure all residents and business owners are aware of how decisions are being made in their community by their government.

Felix Procacci
Franklin Square

Fly your American flag on May 28

To the Editor:

On Monday, May 28, our nation will observe Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of freedom. Please show your patriotism by flying the American flag from your home.

If you don’t have a flag, you can easily purchase one, (about $10-$25) at local flag stores, garden centers, hardware stores or online. It’s worth the investment. You can fly it on at least 11 other U.S. holidays.

Larry Prendergast
Franklin Square