URGENT COMMUNITY ALERT

April, 2003

 The Udalls Cove Ravine – part of the Udalls Cove Park – is threatened by major housing developments.  In the 30 years since the park was established, the City has acquired nearly a third of the Ravine, but the balance remains in private hands.  Today, at least one owner is planning a development of 18 or more houses.  We believe that other owners are also planning to develop their parcels.   

In January, NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe promised that the City would buy eight parcels in the Ravine threatened with imminent development.  On April 2 we learned that the money for this acquisition, which had been in the Department's FY-03 budget, has been cut, and the City will not honor its promise. 

We know the City is facing serious financial constraints.  But to allow these parcels to be developed would jeopardize the entire natural ecosystem of the Udalls Cove Park and Preserve, and undermine the work – and the significant expenditure – of  more than three decades.  We cannot always choose the time when decisive action is required; we must act now to protect this natural jewel or it will be lost forever.  

This is a crisis. Our elected representatives and appointed government officials need to hear from us, and loudly.  Please write to one or more of the officials listed below.  The local media near to hear from us as well.  Write to the Editor at the Little Neck/Douglaston Ledger, Newsday, or any of the other news publications that serve our area. 

Here are some important addresses:

Hon. George Pataki Governor State of New York The Capitol Albany, New York 12224	Hon. Michael R. Bloomberg Mayor of the City of New York City Hall New York, NY 10007	Hon. Frank Padavan New York State Senate 89-37 Gettysburg Bellerose, N.Y. 11426
Hon. Erin Crotty Commissioner New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233	Hon. Adrian Benepe Commissioner New York City Department of Parks & Recreation The Arsenal , 1234 Fifth Avenue New York, N.Y. 10021	Hon. Ann-Margaret Carrozza New York State Assembly 33-17 Francis Lewis Blvd. Bayside, New York 11361
Hon. Mary Ellen Kris, Regional Director New York State Dep’t. of Environmental Conservation Region 2 47-40 21st St. Long Island City, NY 11101-5407	Hon. Helen Marshall Queens Borough President 120-55 Queens Blvd. Kew Gardens, N.Y. 11424	Hon. Tony Avella New York City Council 38-50 Bell Blvd., Suite C Bayside, NY 11361
	Editor The Little Neck/Douglaston Ledger 41-02 Bell Blvd. Bayside, N.Y. 11361