Health & Fitness
Town of North Hempstead Considering Condemnation of Roslyn Country Club
Town of North Hempstead is considering condemnation as a means to purchase a private country club in Roslyn Heights.
I went to a special town hearing last night for the purpose of considering the condemnation of Roslyn Country Club in Roslyn Heights. The synopsis is below.
Synopsis: The public hearing is being held pursuant to Article 2 of the Eminent Domain Procedure Law to consider and take public comments in respect to the proposed acquisition by condemnation of real property known as the Roslyn Country Club and all interests therein (including easements owned by adjoining homeowners) for park and related public use and purposes, which is described in the Notice issued by the Town Board dated May 3, 2011.
The Roslyn Country Club is in an upscale neighborhood. Based on my understanding, the
residents (660 of them) who had exclusive use of the pool, tennis courts and catering facility feel they should only pay $125 per year for this benefit because of an easement agreement they were granted when their homes were originally built. These residents now want the to buy this property and maintain it for use by the Town residents. Condemnation means the town will be a hostile buyer without the permission of the owner.
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says it will be revenue neutral (won't cost the taxpayer any money)
but did say that if there were not enough members the taxpayers (you and me) would have to subsidize this project forever. One person suggested it become a special park district but that was rejected. I guess the residents who own the easements are afraid it might raise their taxes, and want us all to share in their burden.
The owner of the property, Mr. Maloken, spoke about how the residents refused to pay him $750 in the past for membership while Kaiman said the cost of membership was going to be between $1,000 and $2,000 annually. I wonder where he came up with this amount -- does he know how many people will be joining already?
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This whole deal will not benefit New Hyde Park ever. We will be left footing the bill while the elite Roslyn country club will be enjoying a brand new pool and refurbished year-round tennis courts and a catering hall. If anyone believes they would join this club please let me know - I would be curious to find out.
Next step will be another hearing I guess. Is anyone delighted with this deal? I would love to hear your thoughts.
