Estates POA Denounces Fake Letter to Landscaper

In an attempt to stop a local landscaper from performing work in the Estates Section of Garden City on weekends and holidays, it appears a local resident created a phony letter bearing the logo of the Estates Property Owners' Association.

The Garden City Estates POA issued a statement this week denouncing the fake letter, which was sent to a landscaper based in Hempstead, and warning the perpetrator that an investigation into possible mail fraud could take place if this happens again.

The letter, which displays the black-and-white logo for the Estates POA, including the motto," Working Together to Make Garden City a Better Place,"  at the top, discussed lawn rules for the area. It states:

"We would like to make you aware of new rules and regulations for the Estates Section in the Village of Garden City in which you service many homes.

We have recently made some changes in this area and will no longer allow lawn cutting or tree/shrub trimming services on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays due to the noise pollution and dangers these services cause. Please consult attached map to see the specific area.

On weekends and holidays there are many children playing in this area and playground. We are hoping to ensure the safety and well-being of the children to enjoy our park system.

The residents feel very strongly about this issue and ask that you and your company respect their wishes. We hope you have a wonderful spring and summer season."

The letter is signed, "Sincerely, The Garden City Estates Property Owners' Association," but the Estates POA wants to make it clear that they did not author it or sent it to the landscaper.

"It appears that some resident has decided to create their own official looking Estates POA stationery on their printer in order to give authority to their own personal grievances with a local landscaper," says Estates POA President Slattery. "It is really pathetic that someone would feel the need to go this length."

Slattery said the information contained in the letter regarding the Village's lawn maintenance rules is erroneous.

"The letter violated the trust and good name of the Estates POA," he stated. "We, as the Estates POA, take an exceptionally dim view of this activity [and] ask that this resident immediately cease and desist any furthur activity of this type."

He warns that any furthur evidence of future use of the Estates POA's name being used in this manner will result in a widening probe that will include an investigation by U.S. Postal Authorities into possible mail fraud.

"We are deadly serious about protecting the name and the goodwill of the Estates POA," he added. "We are here to assist residents in the Estates in protecting their interests and concerns, as well as serving as a strong voice with Village officials. This particular resident has undermined that effort needlessly."

Right now, the Estates POA is  working closely with Village Clerk Brian Ridgway to ensure that there are no further incidences along these lines.

Slattery is urging the disgruntled resident, as well as others, to get more involved with the Estates POA by attending its monthly meetings, held at the Stratford School, to understand what is happening in the Village and understand all the resources available to assist homeowners in addressing their issues.

The next Estates POA meeting will be held on Wednesday May 9th at 8 p.m.