Letters to the Editor -- Sept. 10-16, 2009

What is the PPL waiting for?

To the Editor:

My position has been that it is inappropriate to negotiate on the potential sale of any village property in public. However, after reading recent editorials, letters to the editor from representatives of the Peninsula Public Library board and some rather one-sided reporting, I feel strongly that the issue begs for some clarification.

While the Herald called on the Lawrence trustees to stop stonewalling the library relocation project (“A simple yes or no would suffice,” Aug. 13-19), the Herald strangely does not ask the library board why they refuse to make a formal offer for the property. Let me reiterate that the PPL board that wants the property has never given any indication what they are willing to pay for it. How is the Lawrence Board of Trustees supposed to assess, let alone vote, on an offer that is at this point still hypothetical? I do not understand why the Lawrence Board of Trustees is expected to consider a sale without the PPL board taking this step.

Your paper also seems to ignore the process which our board must follow in order to divest the Village of Lawrence of public property. I would suggest that instead of accusing the Lawrence trustees of stonewalling, you call on the PPL board to make an offer for the property.

What exactly are they waiting for?

Michael Fragin
Trustee, Village of Lawrence

Christopher, we miss you

To the Editor:

On Monday evening, Aug. 24, along with Chris's lovely parents, we celebrated the life of a most fine young man, Christopher Keen (“Young cellist remembered with music,” Sept. 3-9). Everyone in attendance gathered for a musical tribute to once again feel Chris’s presence on stage and in the halls of Lawrence High School, where he shined as a gifted student and a very dear and close friend of so many. Teachers and classmates, as well as Principal Geoffrey Touretz, eloquently spoke of Chris’s unforgettable spirit.

I would like to greatly thank Principal Touretz and Mr. Gary Schall, Lawrence’s director of music, for making this night possible, which would have been Chris’s 20th birthday.

To Dr. and Mrs. Hubert Keen, thank you for your beautiful son. Chris made such a difference in all of our lives. We will never forget him, and will always keep him in our hearts.

A mentoring and scholarship fund has been established in Chris’s memory. All donations should be made out to: Christopher Keen Mentoring Corps Fund or Christopher Keen Scholarship Fund. Kindly please forward your donations to Lawrence High School, 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, N.Y. 11516

Paulette Djafari
Woodmere