Mayor Donno wrote this - are you reassured?

Please come tonight at 8 PM at the Village of Plandome Manor Office at 55 Manhasset Ave in Manhasset and ask about stewardship and your other questions.

Dear Residents,

I am writing to address a matter of utmost importance that has recently been brought to our attention. It appears that inaccurate and misleading information is being disseminated to the residents of Plandome Manor  and the Town of North Hempstead by an anonymous village resident through a flyer and petition titled "Save Leeds Pond." I would like to take this opportunity to dispel any misconceptions surrounding the matter at hand. 

The flyer and petition mention a Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) application that allegedly affects Leeds Pond. I want to assure you that the information presented in the flyer is entirely incorrect. The BZA application pertains solely to the amount of fill placed on a piece of property. There is no work being proposed that affects Leeds Pond whatsoever.

Furthermore, it is essential to note that the building project in progress has received full approval from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The DEC, being an authoritative regulatory body on wetlands like Leeds Pond, has evaluated and granted their consent for the project, ensuring compliance with all relevant state and village codes. All necessary precautions and measures have been taken to adhere to the guidelines and regulations set forth by the DEC, ensuring the environmental sustainability and integrity of the area.

To provide you with some background information, the Town of North Hempstead owns Leeds Pond. The Town Board has approved the dredging of the pond which is expected to take place in the near future.  Leeds Pond is also bordered by the Science Museum of Long Island who is invested in extensive volunteer work of ecosystem restoration and removing obnoxious invasive plants such as kudzu and replacing them with native species.

We understand the concerns that may arise from hearing such information, especially when it pertains to our cherished ecosystems. However, it is our duty to provide you with accurate and reliable information, dispelling any misconceptions that may cause unnecessary anxiety or worry among village residents and environmentalists.

Should you have any further questions or concerns regarding the BZA application, the building project, or any other matter related to the village codes and regulations, we encourage you to reach out to our Village office. 

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the flyer and petition circulating within our community contains misleading and inaccurate information. I urge you to disregard these documents and trust the expertise of the relevant authorities who have ensured that all appropriate protocols are followed.

Thank you for your attention and understanding in this matter.  We remain committed to transparency, accurate communication, and the well-being of our beloved Village. Together, we can continue to preserve the beauty of Plandome Manor while adhering to the highest standards of environmental stewardship.

Warmest regards,

Barbara C. Donno