What a spectacular, impressive, and dynamic vision of sports and recreational facilities the 300 committee members presented for the Park at East Hills. The Park at East Hills would have been unparalleled, and would have made our community the envy of villages all across Long Island. Our real estate values were sure to boom. Everyone in East Hills would have benefited from the dramatic project. The presentation on the park was masterful.

I am glad the Koblenz administration showed leadership in presenting a picture of what could be achieved. Yet, in speaking to many of my friends, I realized the reluctance in certain circles to assume the costs during these turbulent economic times. My exuberance, too, was somewhat tempered by their fiscal concerns. Therefore, the decision to re-examine the scope of the project was altogether thoughtful and considerate. In my opinion, there was indeed, a majority of support for the proposed plans. While residents in every age group seemed to embrace the park, it was a compassionate approach to proceed more slowly and listen to the concerns raised over the economic environment. Kudos, Mayor Koblenz!

Judi Winters

Re: Jane Goldberg's letter in the last issue, "Park Plans May Be Costly," finally someone has noticed that the Emperor has no clothes. For weeks the East Hills Board of Trustees has been selling the park project, while understating the coming tax increases and overstating the impact the park will have on home values.

As currently conceived, it will only take a few years before each East Hills resident sees their yearly taxes increase close to $2,000. Add that to the fact that Nassau County is considering a 1 percent income tax on all "affluent" residents earning $100,000 annually and up, plus the county reassessment that will have a great impact on the North Shore communities and East Hills' residents will look back on today's tax rates as the "good old days."

Additionally, East Hills residents have been told that the park will add 5 percent to the resale value of their homes. With houses selling for $500,000 and up, does anyone really believe that new homebuyers are willing to spend $30,000 or $40,000 more just because East Hills has a park?

These projects always take longer to build and cost more than estimated. It is one thing to have a park, quite another to build and maintain the country club as envisioned by Mayor Koblenz and company. If this project is something that East Hills residents really want then fine, by all means vote for it. But do so with your eyes open.

Michael Kauffman

I was delighted to learn that Century 21 Laffey Associates believes that a new park in East Hills would increase the value of the homes in the community. Unfortunately, Jane Goldberg, who we understand works for Laffey Associates does not concur. Specifically, Mr. Emmett Laffey, chief executive officer of Laffey Associates opined: "If the Air Force land was to be developed into such a park I certainly believe that it would substantially help all the village residents in two of the most important factors when selling a home. 1) Achieve a higher selling price for their home and 2) Reduce the amount of time their home would stay on the market."

Other local realtors including Re/Max Fine Homes & Estates, Daniel Gale Associates, Sterling Division & Goodstein Realty Roslyn have also written letters predicting the values of the properties would rise from the development of a new park.

Michael R. Koblenz

Mayor of East Hills