Members of the prestigious and exclusive Deepdale Golf Club in Manhasset are breathing easier after a new law thwarted a potential municipal takeover.

North Hills Village Mayor Marvin Natiss was considering condemning the property and seizing it through eminent domain to create a golf course exclusive to the 5,000 residents in North Hills. Deepdale and its membership responded with lawsuits claiming the government was misusing the true purpose of eminent domain.

Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli (D-Great Neck) and state Senator Michael Balboni (R-East Williston) sponsored a new law to protect environmentally sensitive property, saying the takeover project would possibly impact a groundwater protection area. Governor George Pataki (R-NY) signed the bill into law last week. A spokesman for Deepdale says the "new legislation will help safeguard the unique character and open spaces of this historic Long Island landmark."