Just look across the city line to New York City for the 800-pound gorilla of “Awesome power of zoning boards” (Editorial — August 17) to see the incredible damage they can cause.
The New York City Department of Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden has an ongoing campaign to remake New York City in her “politically correct” image. Her agency along with the New York City Economic Development Corporation and other quasi private municipal agencies clearly illustrate that government may be the problem, not the solution when it comes to economic development, revitalization of old neighborhoods and the creation of jobs.
New York City’s Urban Land Use Review Process (ULURP) including excessive zoning, land use, environmental reviews and historic preservation rules and regulations have stifled financial investments from the neighborhood homeowner or small business person up to major developers. These would support economic development, the creation of jobs and expansion of the local tax that is essential to fund municipal services. It has generated a cottage industry of highly compensated lawyers, lobbyists and public relations people who know how to navigate this maze of rules and regulations. Even a Ph.D. would have difficulty understanding these.
Neighborhoods, boroughs and the city along with suburban communities such as Great Neck, New Hyde Park, Herricks, Williston Park and Garden City grew and prospered prior to the “politically correct.” Since the 1960’s, these individuals have expanded the role of government rules and regulations. The result has been a decline in economic growth and prosperity.
There has also been a relationship between Pay for Play campaign contributions from developers to elected officials looking for favorable legislation, private property condemnation under eminent domain, building permits along with direct and hidden subsidies from economic development corporations in exchange for zoning variances.
Don’t forget the conflict of interest for senior staff and board members from the NYC Department of City Planning as well as other NYC municipal agencies and boards just like Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County and New York State counterparts. Many leave in the twilight of any Mayoral, Town, County or State administration after having written the very same rules and regulations that their new employers will want to get around.
Excessive zoning is a hindrance which needs to be seriously scaled back. If today’s ancestors of past generations naysayers had their way — we would be a neighborhood of farmers and estates like the “good old days” a century ago.
Our New York City neighbors will be jealous with envy as we down large “Big Gulps” at our newest entrepreneur, 7-Eleven The insane policies of NYC Mayor Bloomberg and his “health food police” regulating consumer choice will continue driving more people across the city line. They will join us in tasting the flavor of freedom and liberty still alive and well in Nassau County.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
