Re: Has Long Island New York Lost It's Charm?

Dear fellow Long Islanders and friends,

Please accept my sincere apologies for any misinterpretation about our beautiful “paradise” not being a choice place to live. In fact, I moved back after being away (once for work, and once after marriage)

In my humble opinion, it IS among one of the BEST places to live and raise a family. Being a short distance from “The City” and from both boroughs, replete with a fascinating multitude of culture, heritage and history, we are the scenic and serene suburban relative just a short distance to the east.

What I “fear” is that while that we are slowly but surely losing our “favored” reputation. With “unjustified” outrageous home rates and the boroughs creeping into what used to be a suburban solitude replete with a culture and history of its own, what I see is a gradual loss or should I say relinquishment of our uniqueness and autonomy.

Nassau county has become ever more popular (to the masses) and cluttered with homes virtually on top of one another, many of which (due to time) are seriously suffering in their aesthetic appearance and appeal. Yet their value (at least monetarily) continues to increase, as do the taxes. And, while Suffolk can boast about slightly better rates, the difference is often “negligible” and new homes are barely affordable, especially by newlyweds and/or “young” couples and families.

My biggest point of contention however, which may have (also) been misunderstood or overlooked, deals with the increasing congestion and lack of maintenance. With multiple mega shopping centers, malls, etc, we are losing our suburban appeal. And, many of our more “historic” (and/or nostalgic” sites and building are falling apart and in dire need of refurbishment. Furthermore our streets, highways, roadways and parking lots are inundated with trash and lots of it. Garbage is everywhere and is polluting our scenery as well as our environment and our noted appeal.

Perhaps our neighbors to the north “do” face some monetary challenges, but the dollar is slowly, but surely catching up (as far as I know) and most of the folks I know made comparable salaries and “blue collar” or trade workers warranted a salary of $20-something to $30 something dollars an hour.

Homes, including new ones (while sorely lacking in property) were constructed of ALL stucco or brick exteriors and interiors featured top-of-the-line amenities mostly for under $800,000 and certainly under $1 million, which is becoming the norm for a “starter” home in need of some TLC here on Long Island. And, though that may be a bit of an exaggeration, it’s not by much.

Besides, as I mentioned, my greatest concern is the deterioration of our communities, and the inundation with graffiti and garbage and with the seemingly overwhelming “disrespect” for this (once) “elite” community.

I am one of Long Island’s biggest fans and would LOVE to see it prosper and grow and remain a main attraction for many (tourists, couples, and families alike). My plea is to come together to ensure that we do what we must to help preserve and improve it (including the quality and affordability of life).

------------
A Concern Resident and Long Island Native Mia Bolaris-Forget