How often does a municipality get to generate $32.5 million in unanticipated revenue? Not often in today’s tight economic times. Yet that’s exactly what’s happening in the Town of Oyster Bay. Town officials have put together a deal with a responsible development firm whereby the town would sell surplus public works property in Syosset for $32.5 million. In return, the firm pledges to support smart alternative development while ensuring community input and embracing environmentally friendly planning.
It all sounds good, yet a greedy developer who has been trying to build a mega-mall in the area for 17 years is trying to generate phony opposition to the plan. Woodbury/Syosset area residents have stood strong and tall against the mega-mall for years. Now it’s’ time for residents from throughout the town to join them.
The sale is the subject of a referendum on Tuesday, Aug. 20. I hope everyone, no matter where they may live, will get out and vote YES for the land sale. Let’s approve the deal while putting the mega-mall plan out of its misery.
Mark Avrutine
Plainview
