We are writing about the issue involving the Town of North Hempstead’s take-over of the Roslyn Country Club. This is a letter filled with questions because we are very confused about the answers (non-answers) that have been given by Supervisor Kaiman, Councilman Dwyer, and the town board.
Whether one is reading about this issue in the newspapers, on fliers, or attending town hearings, the public is left wondering (wandering) more, not less, about what is happening with this property. Yet, according to a recent statement by Supervisor Kaiman, they are moving forward toward an agreement with the owners. So what does that mean? Is there a purchase or a lease in the making? What about easement rights? Does this involve eminent domain? And still, the underlying question remains, “Why is the town even involved in wanting anything to do with a private club’s property dispute?”
Could it be that the residents of North Hempstead are in need of additional leisure sites? Not that we are aware of. Almost 24 parks and recreation facilities are presently located in the North Hempstead area; several include pools (Michael J. Tully Park and Manorhaven). That does not include County pools (Christopher Morley, for one). This also does not take into account the large numbers of local village owned-and-operated pools. Are those village residents (Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Mineola, etc.) going to be happy paying more taxes to support someone else’s pool?
By the way, there will be an annual fee to join this Roslyn Country Club. The figures are fuzzy here too—between $1,000-$2,000. How inclusive is that? Oh, and by the way let us not forget to count the 80 privately owned resident pools that already exist in the Roslyn Country Club area.
Why do Supervisor Kaiman and Councilman Dwyer want to spend our taxpayer money on a facility that has been publicly described by a Roslyn Country Club resident as “unsightly,” “dangerous,” and “horrid conditions”? Clearly, the town will have to spend millions of dollars to replace, repair and rehabilitate the facilities on this property, according to the Roslyn Club petition:… “to create a town park with superior facilities including pool, tennis and other amenities.”
Sound like a good deal to you, yet?
So, again, why is the Town of North Hempstead involved in bailing out a private sector country club?
We should find out at the next Town of North Hempstead meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27.
Ken and Rita Botensten
Concerned Residents of the Town of North Hempstead
