Dear Editor:

The residents of Nassau County have been informed that a reassessment of real estate property is being performed in the county and we have seen people taking photographs of our houses. What does this mean to the average Massapequan? Will their real estate tax be lowered, will it be increased or will it remain status quo?

The old formula was based on the 1938 building cost. The new evaluation will evidently be based on a new criteria, possibly the present actual cash value of the property. It is obvious that the value of the homes in Massapequa has risen in recent years, sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars. The photographs will indicate any external accouterments such as new siding, new patios, new picture or bow windows, pools and air-conditioning units, these are just a few possibilities. That is not all, supposing the photos indicate to the assessors that an internal audit should be pursued. Will a refurbished bathroom, a new kitchen arrangement or a fireplace be subject to scrutiny? How will the assessors treat these changes? Depending on their decisions, these things could cost us money in increased evaluation.

The Carmen Road Civic Association, being cognizant of the concerns of the residents of Massapequa, has invited the assistant vice president of the Cole, Layer, Trumble Company, the private company doing the assessment, to speak and answer questions at their meeting, March 29, 8 p.m. It will be held in the community house at H. Garrick Williams Park on Ritter Avenue behind the Carman Plaza Shopping Plaza. All Massapequans should attend.

Charles C. Klassert

Massapequa