It’s seldom that I have read complete facts when it comes to articles in The River Reporter about Luxton Lake. Neither I, nor my immediate neighbor whose parents of the first generation built our Lucky Lake summer homes in 1962, have ever been interviewed by your media press. That is important for accuracy. I know of no one who was ever “forced out” as written in your current issue. If anything, it would be more appropriate to say that the many of the second generation who elected not to continue their parents’ pathway for summer recreation, as well those who had no successors and have passed away, has resulted in a number of abandoned properties.

However, there are second-generation owners, now young seniors and even a third generation who have roots in Luxton Lake and continue to enjoy their home ownership. My family’s property ownership dates back to 1954, and my home is still in good shape. So let’s not be confused with the lingo “forced out;” this is not the problem as is really happening through re-gentrification in Harlem and Brooklyn.

Furthermore, I can’t quite understand why this pavilion is being built in memory of the Luxton Lake Property Owner’s Association’s (LLPOA) president’s late son, who passed in 2014, or in honor of Jim Smith, our local part-time resident and elder. The idea to build this was from the president of the LLPOA a few years ago, though not completely favored among some of us “originals.” The suggestion was for a needed replacement for the legendary clubhouse for anticipated functionality, nothing more. Many “pioneer originals” have passed on and hopefully, in due time, their names will be added and seen on the Rock of Recognition.

Afi Phoebe (the Roach Family)

Jamaica/Narrowsburg, NY