Dear Editor,

I just read the article in your August 7 issue regarding the huge amount of public funding being allocated for an aquatics facility to be built in Arverne East – with (2) pools no less (1 for public use) and an “expansive deck overlooking the ocean.” What gets me is the “whopping”, as you put it, amount of public funding becoming available. I would say “unbelievable,” but I’m no longer surprised. I agree a public pool for Rockaway would be great. Other communities have them, why not us? But $46M total in public funds for a facility seems a little over the top, to me anyway.

Interesting though, in the past money has been “allocated” but not delivered. As a former Vollie, what mainly comes to mind is our local State representative presented a check to The Broad Channel Vol. Fire Dept. earlier this year for $1M so they can finally build their new firehouse, after waiting about 30 years, only to be told a short time later the amount was drastically reduced due to a clerical error. Again, the Vollies’ dreams were dashed by another unkept promise.

I do hope the vacant land that Arverne East is to develop is filled with many facilities everyone can utilize like a movie theatre, bowling alley, shopping mall and such. We have more than enough housing. Oh, don’t forget more than adequate parking.

Living in Rockaway all my life (except in the service) I’ve seen waste and areas neglected, especially our infrastructure. Let’s be fair about what is done with our tax dollars moving forward.

Blu-Lite