Other links:
RNN TV Article: Affordable Living on Long Island
Fox 5 Article

Our Printed Articles:

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-lihous1129,0,333627.story

http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/longisland/ny-listay285479048nov28,0,3934670.story

http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpgen285478713nov28,0,429976.story

http://www.news12.com/LI/topstories/article?id=203544

http://www.individual.com/story.php?story=74211260

http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=1593&topicId=21355&docId=l:682137980

http://libizblog.wordpress.com/2007/10/09/these-brains-want-to-stay/

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/02/opinion/nyregionopinions/WE1-Housing.html?n=Top/Opinion/NYRegion%20Opinions

Rich Glanzer
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Today's article maybe the most important article I'll ever write. You see, I love Long Island. But just two years back, I was forced to move away because I couldn't afford to live here anymore. Fortunately for me, I now have a good paying job with great benefits, so I'll be able to stay on the Island. Stay, but not thrive.

That's because it simply costs way too much to live here. Currently, I'm renting an apartment in Mt. Sinai. I'm paying $900 bucks for a very nice one bedroom apartment. It's a great deal for Long Island. But just think about it. I'm giving $900 a month to a total stranger so I can help pay his mortgage. While I'm willing to pay this outrageous amount because I want to be close to my family and friends, plenty of people aren't. Simply put, we're sending life long Long Islanders packing.

Many elderly residents have to choose between pills or food. People my age are flocking elsewhere because they want to be financially stable elsewhere, rather then living paycheck to paycheck here. And the recent college graduates? Ha!! They don't even dream of staying here.

But instead of complaining, we need to help the cause! There is a great new group called Stay on Long Island that is trying to ensure that young Long Islanders stay home, instead of taking their talents elsewhere.

Just think about it. We paid school tax dollars to give these students an education. And now through no fault of their own, they're going to take that knowledge and help another area with their skills instead of staying home. It just doesn't make sense to me!

So that's why it's so important for us to help this organization out. Log onto http://www.stayonlongisland.com and ask how you can help. If you know of any affordable apartments, contact the group and let them know.

In each of my columns I talk about my favorite part of Long Island. And as much as I love the places, parks, food and entertainment aspects of Nassau and Suffolk counties, what I really love most is the people. We're passionate, fun, exciting, friendly, sarcastic and to quote Barney from How I Met Your Mother, wait for it…..AWESOME! But we're also leaving. So let's bring back our Awesomeness and support Stay On Long Island.