Roslyn Country Club Is Revenue Neutral?

I've been a resident of the since 1973. Many of us living in the Town are opposed to the Town’s prospective acquisition of the Roslyn Country Club complex by eminent domain. We already have our own pool clubs as a special district, the burden of which does not fall on those living outside the district. I am not tempted, nor do I desire nor can I afford to join another pool club outside of my district.

Is this acquisition going to be revenue neutral? “I’m from Missouri.” In order for the Town to acquire the Roslyn Country Club, it must float an interest-bearing multi-million dollar bond over the next 30 years, which will become part of my tax bill. Then, the Town has to hope that the Town residents outside of the Roslyn area will “bite” and join by paying a membership fee. In this economy, many, many of us in the Town – not just a few – are very doubtful.

No one denies that the Roslyn residents would like such a complex, but like ours, it should be created as a special district that Roslyn residents pay for, and not fall on the shoulders of the entire town. We are residents of the highest-taxed region in the nation.

Those who are in favor of the Roslyn Country Club acquisition by the Town say that opponents don’t have any of the figures on this. Neither do those in favor have any figures, as the Town board is negotiating behind closed doors and is not placing it before the Town’s people for a vote.

It has been said by those who are in favor, that the opposition is “playing politics” by speaking out. One definition of “politics” is: "of or relating to the citizens.” In that sense, ALL of these matters are political, no matter what opinion you hold.

Election Day, Nov. 8, is fast approaching. Our Town is sadly in need of a new Supervisor who will not ignore us.

Rosanne Spinner has been a resident of New Hyde Park for 39 years. She became an active volunteer in local government issues in 1988.