July 10, 2007 - Senator Flanagan Contacts Dec Commissioner Grannis

LEGISLATIVE OFT||CE BUILDING

SENATOR IOHN J. FLANACAN

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Mr. Pete Grannis Office of the Commissioner NYS Departmgflt of Environmental Conservation 625 Broadway' / ,

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is to respectfully ask for your imrnediate assistance in designating a parcel of land presently owned by the Society of St. Johnland as a priority project for acquisition under New York State's Open Space Preservation Plan.

The S0-acre, undeveloped, environmentally sensitive parcel sits along the North Shore of Long Island in the hamlet of Kings Park. The property is bounded by Sunken Meadow Road to the north, Old Dock Road/newly designated state parklands to the south, and a residential neighborhood to the west. The Society of St. Johnland, a not-for profit organizalion, has submitted a rezoning application for the purpose of developing the property as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). lnstead of constructing such a facility on pristine open space - ,rnhicf, is disappearing at an alarming rate on Long Island - I believe the general public and environment would be best served by having this project pursued in a more suitable location nearby.

An aerial photo of the undisturbed property owned by the Society of St. Johnland shows images of lush wooded areas sulrounding what appears to be a natural freshwater pond. The parcel has important environmental significance because of its placement between two designated state parks and within the Lone Island North Shore Heritage Area. I am confident that a thorough analysis by agency staff will produce sufficient findings to support my request for including this property in the State's Open Space Preservation Plan.

I greatly appreciate your assistance in initiating the administrative steps needed for pursuing this important designation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you for your consi Lon and attention to this matter. Sincerely,

John J. Flanasan

Carol Ash. Commission OPRHP Ron Foley, LI Reg. Dir. S OPRHP Peter Scully, LI Reg. Dir. - NYS DEC

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