Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman recently proposed that the Town of North Hempstead take over, by eminent domain (condemn), a private country club with a pool, tennis courts and active catering hall. This property, which the town would condemn, is known as The Roslyn Country Club in Roslyn Heights.
Astonishingly, Supervisor Kaiman admitted to taxpayers that he has no real “numbers” for purchasing, rehabilitating or operating the facility. Kaiman suggested that even if he had numbers, there’s no guarantee this town-owned and -operated facility would be revenue neutral, and therefore, shortfalls would have to be passed on to all taxpayers in the Town of North Hempstead.
Even New Hyde Park, already taxed for its own pool as a special park district – would have to “pay up” for shortfalls. New Hyde Park would pay and receive no advantage whatsoever from this town-owned and operated “park”.
It was suggested to Supervisor Kaiman that the town board create a special park district comprised of the 668 upscale homes in Roslyn Heights. This would allow the Roslyn Heights community to support their own county club and their community – this equitable solution was flatly rejected by Supervisor Kaiman, without consideration.
We don’t understand Supervisor Kaiman’s reasoning for going forward with this plan.
However, the reality is he wants to create an upscale, exclusive country club-like park within the town with unrealistic fees that most of us would be unable and unwilling to pay. Additionally, it has the potential to result in future unknown tax increases when operation expenses exceed revenue. The annual membership fee is going to be between $1,000 to $2,000. In this economy who will be able to sign up?
Let’s make sure the Town of North Hempstead supervisor and our local council people hear us – we don’t want this “park” and don’t need it – write a letter to Supervisor Kaiman, send an e-mail to Supervisor Jon Kaiman Kaimanj@northhempsteadny.gov, Councilman Angelo Ferrara ferraraa@northhempsteadny.gov and Councilwoman Lee Seeman seemanl@northhempsteadny.gov, call the town at 311.
Time again New Hyde Park, let’s make sure they hear us loud and clear.”
Marietta DiCamillo
president,
North Lakeville Civic Association
Marianna Wohlgemuth
president,
Lakeville Estates Civic Association
