Dear Signers and Supporters,

Prior to last night's meeting news spread that you had signed our Petition and the detrimental environmental effects to Leeds Pond of landfill located at 1362 Plandome Rd.  As mentioned in our last Update, your vigilant efforts raised awareness and created an impact.  Mayor Donno sent a blast email to Village Residents containing many unsupported and inaccurate assertions… but did not address any of the issues and harms to Leeds Pond! 
 
At last night’s BZA meeting, brave community members showed up and spoke up for Leeds Pond.  They were joined by a team of experts, including Frank Piccininni of SMPIL Consulting, Prof. Christopher Gobler of SUNY-Stonybrook, Professor Bret Bennington of Hofstra, Trustee Peggy Maslow of the Science Museum of Long Island (on Leeds Pond) who is also both Special Projects and Education Director of the North Shore Audubon Society, Advisor Amelia Amon of the Science Museum of Long Island (on Leeds Pond) also of Transition Town - Port Washington and complemented by Chris Murray of Rivkin Radler.

As a result of your support and these efforts, last night the BZA did NOT approve the 500 cubic yard dirt plateau/mesa at 1362 Plandome Rd. that still threatens Leeds Pond.  Instead, there is now an alternate problematic proposal for 300 cubic yards. 

While the reduction to 300 cubic yards is encouraging, it will still adversely impact Leeds Pond as the experts explained at last night's BZA meeting.  There is NO legitimate reason for landfill at at 1362 Plandome Road.  The best solution for Leeds Pond ecosystem is to remove 100% of the fill.

The BZA is limiting Public Comment about Leeds Pond and voted to halt any Public Comment at the next BZA hearing July 20 2023.  Instead, Public Comment to the BZA regarding these important Leeds Pond concerns is now limited to ONLY written comments sent by email to clerk@plandomemanorny.gov until June 29th! 

We only have 13 Days!!  Please let your voices be heard!!!  Please email the BZA now and let them know:

1) That the BZA should be doing everything environmentally necessary to Save Leeds Pond. That 100% of fill must be removed, eliminate sources of silt and toxic runoff. Restore Leeds Pond to its natural splendor; and 

2) Community voices should not be quashed. Public Comment should be OPEN at the next July 20th BZA meeting!!  And if the BZA refuses, to publicly explain why it is depriving the public! 

Send your emails to clerk@plandomemanorny.gov and contact@saveleedspond.org to Save Leeds Pond today!

Thanks for your continued support and keep sharing this petition!!!