Local voters approved the Town of Oyster Bay "SEA Fund", a $30 million environmental bond proposition that was on this year's election ballot, Town Supervisor John Venditto announced at press time. The proposition passed with over 68 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results from the Nassau County Board of Elections. Residents of the Town of Oyster Bay voted 43,464 yes against 19,782 no on proposal number three.

Now that the Save Environmental Assets Fund (SEA), has been approved by the majority of town voters, an environmental bond fund will be established exclusively for the acquisition, preservation and protection of environmentally sensitive land, as well as the enhancement of park and recreational facilities, according to Venditto.

"This just proves that the public does approve environmental initiatives," said environmentalist and local civic leader Joseph Lorintz. "I have been saying for many years to put it before the public and let them do what our local elected officials had not done and I think that the response gives our elected officials their marching orders."

Although Lorintz was confident in the voters approving this proposal, he was overwhelmed at the margin in which it was passed. Lorintz believes that this proposal gives Oyster Bay an opportunity to preserve open space and to really enhance local parks and recreation. "For an example of preserving open space - it just enables us to participate in many programs and funds that are on the state and federal level," he said. "I think it is time for all of our elected officials to step up to the plate and stop considering the desires of our developers... I think that the town recognizes it and now it is up to our state, federal and county officials to pitch in and make some progress as no progress has occurred."

Venditto stated that a wide variety of environmental efforts could be undertaken as part of the SEA Fund. "They include acquiring open space corridors, groundwater protection areas, woodlands, natural areas of environmental significance, waterfront and shoreline areas, and land for larger and improved recreational facilities or new parks," he said.

"Approval of the SEA Fund is solid proof that the residents of the Town of Oyster Bay are strongly committed to continued environmental preservation efforts by the town and willing to pay a slight tax increase to ensure the preservation and enhancement of our environmental assets for generations to come," Venditto said.

He added that the fund will be divided into two categories, with $20 million to be allocated to the acquisition of environmentally sensitive land and $10 million to fund improvements to park and recreation facilities. Clear selection criteria is expected to be developed by an Environmental Bond Fund advisory committee, which will include environmental and civic representatives, as well as town staff.