Grace DAy Cemetery Proposal

ATTENTION ALL HARBOUR GREEN RESIDENTS – WE NEED TO STAND TOGETHER!

There is an HGA meeting this Thursday evening at the library. I strongly believe this meeting should be open to ALL Harbour Green residents, regardless of whether they are current on their association dues. However, if attendance is limited to members who are up to date, I believe the annual dues are approximately $75, not that I think they will let you join by Thursday.

This issue affects every homeowner in Harbour Green, and everyone should have an opportunity to be heard.

The majority of residents are deeply concerned about the proposed new 723-plot cemetery at 23 Cedar Shore Drive. We intend to do everything within our rights to oppose this proposal and protect our neighborhood.

We recognize that challenging projects involving religious institutions can be difficult because of the additional legal protections afforded to them. However, that does not mean that zoning requirements, special permit standards, environmental regulations, and the legitimate concerns of neighboring residents should be overlooked.

There are serious issues that must be carefully reviewed by the Town of Oyster Bay, its Zoning Board, and Planning Advisory Board, including:

• Whether the required special permits and zoning approvals can legally be granted.
• The requested reduction of the required 60-foot setback to 20 feet.
• Environmental impacts, drainage, and stormwater management.
• The character, appearance, and residential nature of Harbour Green.
• Increased traffic and congestion on our neighborhood streets.
• Potential delays in emergency vehicle responses.
• The impact on nearby homes, property values, and the overall quality of life for residents.

These are legitimate concerns that deserve serious consideration. We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking that the same rules, standards, and protections that apply to our community be respected.

This is not simply an issue affecting the homes closest to the proposed cemetery. It affects ALL of Harbour Green.

I encourage every resident to attend Thursday's meeting, get involved, ask questions, and make your concerns known. We need a united neighborhood, an organized effort, and as many residents as possible participating in this process.

Our homes, our neighborhood, and our quality of life are worth protecting.

LET'S STAND TOGETHER. OUR VOICES MATTER!

Jay Valentine
36 Cedar Shore Drive