Citizen Group Forms to Sue Riverstone -- If Need Be

A new non-profit, Citizens Against Runaway Development (CARD), has been organized to oppose the proposed Riverstone condominium project on behalf of Nassau County residents. CARD said it would begin fundraising efforts to pay for legal representation.

Lyn Pannone, one of CARD's organizers, provided the Observer with a press release titled "Riverstone Development: a plan for Community Action" announcing the formation of the group and its goals.

"This entity is intended to coordinate and represent the actions of concerned citizens," the release stated.

The announcement listed five activities for CARD.

--Soliciting the views of people concerned about the Riverstone development.

--Retaining experienced land use and litigation counsel to provide objective advice regarding possible actions to be taken.

--Initiating legal action, as necessary and appropriate.

--Keeping the citizens of Nassau County informed of developments as they occur.

--Working with the county and Riverstone toward a resolution satisfactory to the citizens.

The CARD founders said that in anticipation of legal action that may be needed to halt Riverstone's condo tower development, the group projects roughly $125,000 will be needed for attorney costs. The group said it has already received pledges of $60,000.

Last Monday, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners by a 4-1 vote approved a settlement agreement with Riverstone for the development. But later, some commissioners explained the action was taken to resolve legal actions and so the county could begin negotiations to purchase the $50 million parcel from Riverstone.

"Riverstone has been granted everything it requested, plus $250,000 of taxpayer money. Today Riverstone is free to submit its plans for clearing the land and building towers on the south end of our island. It has all the green lights necessary to proceed rapidly with development," the CARD announcement stated.

CARD has a website at www.CARDAmelia.org

Any funds that are not expended by CARD will be donated for land conservation, tree replacement and conservation efforts primarily in Nassau County.

Other founding members of CARD include Creighton 'Corky' Hoffman, Cameron Moss and Tony Smeraglinolo.