The latest in the never ending saga of the theft of county parks by the county administration. The total number of parks being given to North Hempstead is now at 9. The County Executive deliberately bypassed both the Planning Board and the Open Space & Park Advisory Committee. The charters for both of these organizations give them the right to review all land transfers and issue a non-binding opinions. Thus all public discussion has been stifled in this "under the table" travesty.

In addition, the county legislature has yet to vote on this matter or even hold hearings. Meanwhile the county has already turned over the keys to Whitney Pond Park (2 days ago) and intends to turn over the keys to Hempstead Harbor Park & Beach tomorrow. I guess they believe the legislature is either a rubber stamp or not important.

The conveyance of these 9 parks to the town is a lose-lose situation for both county and town residents. County taxpayers will lose the right to influence the operation of these parks. Legally, they may be charged double fees for entrance to the beach or pools, use of ball fields, picnic reservations, etc. They will lose their investment of tax dollars that were used to acquire, develop and maintain these facilities. North Hempstead residents who always had equal access to the parks will continue to pay county taxes including park levies and must now bear the burden of maintaining 9 parks alone with a probable increase in their town taxes in the near future. So who wins? Only the county administration that has allows the park system to deteriorate faster in the past 3 years than they did in the prior 10 years. They have saved some money. Instead of investing in a viable recreational parks system critical to our suburban life style they have abused their public trust for momentary political and financial gain without regard to the public's needs and desires. Disgusting!

While this is not on the agenda for the full legislative meeting on Monday, April 4, 2005, 2:00 p.m. PARCnassau fully intends to be there to speak out against the transfers of these parks. We will also be there early enough to attend any committee meetings that might discuss or vote on this issue. Again we ask that you and your membership contact your county legislator and voice you opinion on the loss of 9 county parks.