Dear Commissioners Stellato, Tamari, Cilluffo and Superintendent Marra:

I would like to extend my appreciation to the Kings Point Police Department and their new police commissioner for their outstanding work to control the chaotic traffic that invaded their peaceful village before and after the Great Neck Park District’s July 23 and Aug. 28 concerts. Not since many years ago when Steppingstone Park hosted “Persian Night” have our concerts been promoted outside the Park District and non-residents encouraged to attend. Due to the huge number of attendees, “Persian Night” was subsequently moved to North Hempstead Beach, which is more easily accessible and has adequate parking and facilities.

After the July 23 and Aug. 28 Park District concerts, it was sad to witness a sea of litter – food, bottles and cans – left behind when the crowd dispersed. A big thank you goes to our Park District employees who cleaned up the mess after an already long day. My question is as follows:

Why weren’t general attendees allowed to bring wine or a cool can of beer with their picnic on those same evenings while a mysterious woman named Chantel, whom our Park District superintendent recognized and thanked for doing a bang-up job with the VIP tent, served up unlimited liquor and food for a fee of $75.00 – $100.00?

Why were drinks allowed outside the VIP tent and distributed to potential “friends” who might not be of legal drinking age?

It is a fact that Chantel is not a Great Neck Park District employee, so how is she being reimbursed for her role in the evening’s activities?

Let’s talk money. How does the VIP tent justify the cost of food, drinks and catering staff? Should these activities be considered appropriate for next year’s calendar of events? I have taken the liberty of FOILing the actual expenses associated with the July 23 and Aug. 28 concerts (under the Freedom of Information Act), but the answer could take up to 25 days. Rumors have the costs set at upwards of $100,000 for each concert.

With respect to security, how does one feel safe at such crowded events? In the event of an emergency, it would be almost impossible to exit Steppingstone and the surrounding area. Judging by the last concert, when streets were blocked off, Steamboat Road, being the primary exit, was nearly impossible to traverse with cars parked along both sides

Additionally, Steamboat Road has many temples which hold functions on weekends – further impeding traffic. Let’s not forget we have an active firehouse requiring easy access at all times.

Steppingstone is a beautiful, serene oasis for our community. Residents have long appreciated and benefitted from our summer weekend concerts, which draw a sizable and manageable audience, but these new mega-events cannot be justified for their costs. There is security to be considered and environmental impact, as well as extensive cleanup. Clean-up costs money, too. Even more importantly, why this apparent “cover-up” with respect to the actual costs associated with these concerts? What is the Great Neck Park District hiding?

Jean Pierce

Great Neck