NOTE: As with most Internet polls, this poll is not balanced against a weighted sample. There is no statistical accuracy relating to any specific demographic of poll takers. Anyone can take this poll and the Northender collects no data about the respondents.
The measure of a well balanced community is one which promotes a vibrant economy while protecting the values and concerns of the local residents. A responsible mix of these criteria is essential to sustaining a cohesive community.
The proposed TR Museum was originally described as an 80,000-100,000 square foot building which would attract 500,000 visitors per year ( OB Enterprise Pilot 7/13/07, James Bruns: President TRA). Understandably, the local business community foresaw huge increases in foot traffic in the Hamlet. At an average daily rate of 1400 visitors, surely this would suggest some increase in commerce. The Main Street Association which had fought long and hard for a carousel to be erected in TR Park (which had a potential of attracting 50,000-75,000 visitors annually) quickly postponed their carousel plans and redirected their support behind the TR Museum.
The focus then switched to seeking the support of the balance of the residents. Realizing that 500,000 visitors would be of concern to the great majority of residents of Oyster Bay/East Norwich, The TRA revised its forecast to 100,000 visitors per year. Despite the 80% reduction, The TRA still maintains that it MUST build an 80,000-100,000 square foot building with an estimated 100,000 square foot, two- story parking garage, insisting it will not be considered a NATIONAL Museum if it is less than 80,000 square feet, although the actual exhibit area is only about one- third (approximately 30,000- 36,000 square feet) of the total structure. The remaining two -thirds are designated for a digitized research center and an auditorium believed to have 415 seats.
Based on these numbers, the proposed Museum is certainly the largest project to be proposed within the Hamlet in decades. A project this size (approximately 8 ½ times the size of the Oyster Bay Post Office plus the 2 tier approximately 100,000 square foot parking garage, making the total project approximately 17 times the size of the Oyster Bay Post Office) would certainly have a daunting effect on the lifestyle of our residents even if built in an obscure location. However, it is not being proposed in an obscure location, but on Firemen’s Field- across Shore Avenue from Memorial Field, directly behind Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School. Besides being a vital parking and staging area for the recreational use of residents, Firemen’s Field is also located adjacent to the main entrance to Theodore Roosevelt Park, an area already known for congestion during summer recreational activities; the exact season the Museum would reach its highest attendance numbers.
Rather than considering the reasonable concerns of residents, supporters of the Museum have responded by referring to them as “Nimby’s” and now “CAVE people” (in a recent anonymous letter). It is unfortunate that one segment of the community does not respect the concerns of another.
I don’t know anyone who is opposed to having an appropriate additional memorial to honor our 26th President, Colonel of the Rough Riders and former local resident. However the concerns of the current residents are that any proposal must conform to the size and scale of the Hamlet and cannot not overwhelm our small town atmosphere.
The Museum as proposed would not only increase traffic and congestion and potentially overwhelm our infrastructure, but will result in an additional loss to the resident’s of one our last and irreplaceable open recreational fields vital to our community’s balance. This attempt to force the residents to give up Firemen’s Field and to accept a proposal that is likely to benefit non-residents more than residents, is a far cry from maintaining balance.
The residents of Oyster Bay/East Norwich must speak out now to send the message that balance is not achieved with the proposal currently on the table. Responsible planning and respect for all will keep our community united and assure us of a wonderful environment to live, work and play together for many years to come. Irresponsible development will divide us.
