By Larry Maier
Residents question future of undeveloped land
Rumors of possible development, ranging from soccer fields to affordable housing, have many residents concerned about the status of 32 acres of county-owned property near Coes Neck Park in northern Baldwin. At a recent meeting, locals asked for a voice in any decision-making process regarding the land.
The land, just south of the Southern State Parkway along Woodside Avenue, was once a privately-owned sand mine. Eventually, the large "borrow pits" created in the mining process were filled with materials, including construction debris and hazardous wastes. In the early 1980s, the Nassau County Health Department began condemnation proceedings on the property and eventually acquired the land for the county. It has remained untouched ever since.
According to Jacqueline Bell, president of the Baldwin Oaks Civics' Association, residents have long been concerned about Nassau County's plans for the land and are now particularly troubled given the county's financial woes. "We are concerned that, because of Nassau County's fiscal problems, Mr. Gulotta will sell the land to a developer, who will turn it into some form of 'affordable housing,'" Ms. Bell said.
Local residents are wary of the potential problems that could result from additional housing in the area, including overcrowding, increased traffic, and excessive noise. "This area cannot tolerate any more congestion," Ms. Bell added.
Vanessa Allen, who co-chairs the Coes Neck property development committee, formed to encourage community involvement with this issue, believes there is a consensus among local residents as to what forms of development would and would not be acceptable. Her assertions are based on community feedback at recent Association meetings and door-to-door survey responses.
"If the land is going to be developed, the community is leaning towards something low-key, quiet, and revenue-producing, like a golf course," said Ms. Allen. "And there is no way we will accept housing. We are a strong community and we will do whatever it takes to stop it."
October 2, about twenty members of the community joined Nassau County Legislator Joseph Scannell, and Brian Schneider and Mike Flaherty, hydrogeologists from the Department of Public Works, for a tour of the lot. Concerns about the possibility of a housing development were partially allayed by Mr. Flaherty, who, while not denying that the land could be made suitable for residential construction, did indicate that the required excavation for such a project would be "monumental."
Mr. Scannell expressed his support of the community's position regarding housing and indicated that this issue is more than just a local concern. "We absolutely do not want to see housing here," Mr. Scannell said. "The rest of Baldwin is very interested in this issue, because what happens here impacts all of Baldwin."
Mr. Scannell also told community members that, to his knowledge, the land is not for sale at this time.
While the recent efforts of local politicians to keep the community apprised have encouraged many residents, others still have concerns. Frank Fraser, who moved to his home on Woodpark Drive five years ago, expressed doubts about the role residents will be allowed to play in determining the future usage of the Cos Neck property.
"I'm sure we haven't gotten the full story about this yet," Mr. Fraser said. "I hope we can be involved in the process, but we can't trust anyone. At the end of the day, it's what the politicians want that matters."
Many in the community would prefer that the property remain vacant, fearful of noise, traffic and loitering problems if athletic fields were constructed. Mr. Scannell thinks a compromise may be needed.
"There needs to be a balance," Mr. Scannell said. "Ultimately the county may try to sell the land, so we want to try to have some influence on that. If it comes down to housing or soccer fields, I think [the neighborhood] might like soccer fields a little bit better."
The Baldwin Oaks Civics' Association will hold its next meeting at 7:30 P.M. October 17, at the Fire House on May Street. Concerned Baldwin residents are encouraged to attend. According to Ms. Bell, community involvement with this issue will continue.
"We have put our legislators and town government on notice," Ms. Bell said. "They know that we are very concerned about this issue."
