Our cherished community is at risk of losing an iconic landmark that houses the restaurant Asahi and once was the Scranton Inn (formerly the Combes Residence -  a prominent 19th century Lynbrook family). The proposed housing project threatens not only to displace Asahi but also to erase the local character and history embodied by the landmark building. This development will directly impact residents, small businesses, and visitors who have come to appreciate the charm and history of our neighborhood.

Allowing the housing project to move forward will not only result in the loss of the iconic building that houses Asahi but will also set a dangerous precedent for further development in our neighborhood. As the developer's lawyer has stated, these attached houses are aimed at providing "housing alternatives to single-family residences" and will be priced significantly lower than the median home price in our area. This influx of affordable housing may change the demographic of our community and, consequently, its unique identity. The integrity and character of our neighborhood are at stake, and without intervention, we may see our community slowly transform into yet another generic, overdeveloped urban area devoid of its distinctive history and charm.

The time to act is now, as the village board is poised to make a decision on the approval of this housing project. By coming together and raising our voices in unison, we can demonstrate the strong opposition to this development and the unwavering support for the preservation of our community's heritage. Let's stand up for our neighborhood and demand that the village board reject the proposed affordable housing project, thereby saving the iconic building that houses Asahi and protecting the unique character of our community for generations to come.

The results of this positions will be used to both demonstrate our opposition to the construction of affordable housing in our neighborhood, and to officially form the Lynbrook and East Rockaway Residents Party, a grassroots political organization representing the residents of Lynbrook and East Rockaway villages, dedicated to preserving our community's unique character, rich heritage, and exceptional quality of life.