Residents Demand Public Vote on Acquisition of Roslyn CC

Members of multiple civic associations have gathered 4,000 signatures to petition the Town of North Hempstead’s proposed takeover of the Roslyn Heights, N.Y., club, which would cost $7.5 million.

Residents are seeking a public vote on a proposed takeover of the Roslyn Country Club in Roslyn Heights, N.Y., by the Town of North Hempstead, New Hyde Park Patch reported.

Representatives of multiple civic associations have gathered over 4,000 signatures to vote on the proposed borrowing of $7.5 million to acquire and renovate the club property.

The town board voted to allow North Hempstead to acquire the property through eminent domain on June 19. Albertson Civic Association President Eddie Scott said his group asked the board to put the vote to the people but was refused, New Hyde Park Patch reported.

North Hempstead is looking to renovate the property’s pool and surrounding facilities. The town’s reported plan is to sell 1,000 memberships at $1,000 apiece to pay for the project, but if there is a shortfall in membership or cost overruns, taxpayers could be liable for the difference. Further, every taxpayer would have an equal share in the $7.5 million bond, but only those who pay the membership fees would be able to use the facilities, New Hyde Park Patch reported.

“I have nothing against the Roslyn Country Club, and people have a right to have their tennis court and pool, but I certainly can’t afford an additional $1,000 in this economy,” said Anthony Bulzonmi of the Westbury-Carle Place Civic Association. “The majority of the residents and my neighbors certainly wouldn’t be coming out here to use this.”

Bulzonmi said he was also skeptical of the $7.5 million price tag, adding that in construction, cost overruns are common.

“It hasn’t been successful, from what I understand, at $700 a year in membership,” Scott said. “What makes you think it’s going to be successful for $1,000 to $1,125? I have a very big problem with this and I think a lot of us have a very big problem with this.”

Since a special election would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for the town, Scott suggested the measure be put on the November ballot. A petition is required to have 3,343 valid names, or 5 percent of the number of residents who voted in the last gubernatorial election, New Hyde Park Patch reported.

Tags: Albertson civic association Anthony bulzonmi eddie scott new hyde park North Hempstead Roslyn Country Club Roslyn heights n.y. westbury-carle place civic association