I would like to join the many Manhasset residents in voicing my concern over the rezoning of the Christ Church property so that a 61-unit residential building can be built. As a George Street homeowner and a Manhasset resident, I am deeply concerned about the impact such a large development will have on our community. First, I am very worried about the effect on traffic such housing will have on our already congested streets. In the morning, it is a struggle to drive down George Street to get to the high school in a timely manner. Forget about trying to make a left turn onto Plandome Road. Impatient drivers, racing to get to the train station, angrily honk at you as you attempt to safely make the turn. In the afternoons, the situation is reversed, as commuters hurry to get home after a long day's work. If this project passes, this already unsafe situation will only get worse.

A building of this size will have a negative environmental impact. If there are cesspools, what will be the effect on the town's drinking water? If there are sewers, who will bear the cost of the installation and maintenance? We also need to consider the impact on our schools. As we go to vote on the school budget this month we should ask ourselves, how would the 100+ residents of this adult community vote considering they do not have school-age children? Then there is the impact that approximately 100+ new residents will have on our town's facilities and services. Just as important, will be the aesthetic impact to the neighborhood. The building is expected to stand 50-feet tall. A massive structure of this size will block out the sun from all the surrounding homes and cause their property values to decrease tremendously.

Finally, there is the negative precedent that will be set. What will prevent other developers from pursuing similar variances for underground parking and sewers for other projects in the future? Taking into account all of the negative effects to the neighborhood and the unanimous opposition at the town meeting, we can only hope and pray that Christ Church will reconsider their plan to sell the property to Mr. Pontillo. There are other offers still on the table that the Christ Church should consider since they seem to be more agreeable and beneficial to the community. The Manhasset residents have spoken loud and clear and their concerns must be listened to.

Ronnie Kratsios