Readers Write: Taxpayers should not be village watchdogs

The Island Now

Open letter to Mayor of Village of Great Neck and Board of Trustees:

For the second time in recent history, I must inform you that taxpayers will not stand for village government ordering short cuts and withholding basic services we are entitled to as taxpayers.

Following Tropical Storm Isaias, VGN government cut down a large, curbside Village tree.  That was clearly a positive action and win-win for public safety.  Today, it is one week later, and the significant pile of wood shavings remains in front of 35 Baker Hill Road spreading out to the surrounding area.  Why wasn’t a street cleaner immediately ordered to sweep the street clean of wood shavings debris?

Wood shavings are classified as a carcinogen.   As a physician, you are well aware of this fact.   The pile of wood shavings should have been immediately removed before being tracked into our carpeted homes or on the paws of our pets who lick their feet and then require the costly services of a veterinarian.

Two weeks ago, on Aug. 10, my conscience forced me to compose a similar letter to you, only this time it was concerning a significant pedestrian tripping hazard on much of Baker Hill Road – the worst offense located immediately outside Village Hall – following Tropical Storm Isaias.  Branches and leaves (from village trees) were littering the length of Baker Hill Road (street not sidewalk)  from Middle Neck Road to Station Road.  No resident wants to find themselves in the ER from a needless village tripping hazard.  And even one lawsuit is a lawsuit too many.

Taxpayers should not be in the business of being watchdogs for village government.  The public’s health and welfare should always stand tall as a top priority, even more so since you are a full-time physician and in the midst of undertaking substantial and aggressive new development on three main Great Neck thoroughfares.

Judy Shore Rosenthal

Great Neck

Share this Article