I would like to commend the Roslyn News for covering two issues of great importance to the residents of Roslyn Heights, the designation of a new historical district and the ongoing battle by residents to prevent the destruction of the special character of the rest of our community. In fact, the two issues are closely connected as Mr. Scotchie made clear in his article in the Feb. 18 issue of your paper.

Mr. Scotchie correctly notes that the subdivision of old houses in our neighborhood galvanized residents to create an historic district in an area of the Heights. It also galvanized residents to examine what was happening in other areas of our old community. Many of us did not realize how many of our old homes on ample lots were being demolished to subdivide into lots too small for the size of houses being constructed. In many cases the builder needed a variance or variances to the zoning codes of the Town of North Hempstead. At the Jan. 26 meeting of the Roslyn Heights Civic Association the members unanimously voted to strongly oppose any variance to the zoning codes of the TONH, codes which had worked for everyone for decades. The sentiment was simple: we make laws to apply equally to all and we establish codes to be applied equally to all. Since January 1999, the Roslyn Heights Civic Association has vigorously opposed three separate petitions for the granting of various types of variances or permits that we feel would impact negatively on the neighbors.

The neighbors on Donaldson Place are not fighting alone in their effort to persuade the Board of Zoning and Appeals to deny a variance so that Peachtree, Inc. can demolish one house and subdivide the property for two larger homes on that small dead-end street. The BZA has received scores of letters from Heights residents supporting their neighbors and at the original hearing of the petition on Jan. 13, the hearing room was filled with residents willing to speak against granting of the variance.

To us the question to the BZA is simple. Does a builder have the unlimited right to profit even if it devalues the neighbor's property and diminishes greatly their quality of life?

Delphine McLean

President, Roslyn Heights Civic Association