With today's soaring gas prices, it seems those of us in Levittown will consider not traveling as far, perhaps even staying home over the summer.

Believe it or not, your own town can help. Not only are we sponsoring a Green Levittown, but we can look to the Levittown of our past for a way to spend time, shop and cool off.

When Levitt & Sons built this town from 1947 through 1951, they equipped us with seven Village Greens. Each Green had a shopping area, a playground, a swimming pool, and two included a bowling alley. While many of these Greens do not resemble their looks of the past (such as the South Village Green has apartments instead of stores) the East Village Green still looks the most complete, and the swimming pool has lights for nighttime use.

We still have two great bowling alleys (Did you know Levitt wanted a bowling alley originally at each Green?) and all the parks and playgrounds for summer fun. There's great delis and pizza and Chinese food to satisfy anyone, plus many other easy-to-reach shopping places right near your home.

Due to the crowded malls, many Levittowners forget the local commerce that can be had so close by. The stores on Hempstead Turnpike, Center Lane, Jerusalem Avenue, Wantagh Avenue and Gardiners Avenue can all be within walking distance.

The Town of Hempstead recently placed commemorative signs at some of the Village Greens to remind us of Levitt's work. With the price of gas so high, let us remember history and re-visit Levitt's plan of commerce for our community.

Bob Koenig

Levittown Historical Society board member, 2nd Vice President Levittown Community Council and Levittown Chamber of Commerce member