Government Briefs 07.26.18

Suffolk County

Oyster Farm Decision

At the Suffolk County Legislature’s July 17 meeting, Legislator Bridget Fleming secured authorization to include 52 underwater parcels in Gardiner’s Bay in certified agricultural districts for lease to oyster farmers under the county’s aquaculture program. The inclusion of the parcels is a compromise arrived at after the Legislature’s environment, planning, and agriculture committee heard from recreational boaters and oyster farmers. 

The 52 parcels were among 390 originally proposed for leases, totaling approximately 26,000 acres, that are already in existing and certified Agricultural Districts 1, 5, and 7. 

Inclusion within a certified agricultural district allows the property to receive benefits and protections under the state’s Agriculture and Markets Law. The measure will not affect a 10-year review of the county’s aquaculture program, which is about to commence.

“After many weeks of meetings and conversations with different groups, I am glad to have been able to find a common-sense compromise to this challenging issue,” Ms. Fleming said in a statement. “With the battle against nitrogen pollution and brown tide a top priority, it’s critically important that we encourage oyster cultivation, as oysters are filter feeders and reduce nitrogen in our bays, creeks, and harbors. In addition, the restoration of our once-booming shellfish industry is an important economic goal. At the same time, millions of recreational boaters enjoy our stunning waterways, helping to drive the economy and to make the East End the special place it is. Their concerns regarding safe navigation must be considered.”

Members of the Devon Yacht Club in Amagansett and residents who live along Gardiner’s Bay had complained that the seascape would be changed by the appearance of 10-acre oyster farms offshore. Early this year, an attorney for the club filed a lawsuit in State Supreme Court seeking to bar leaseholders of underwater parcels near the club from undertaking or continuing any action related to oyster farming or engaging in any other activity that would interfere with sailing. 

Septic Awareness

The Suffolk County Legislature’s septic nitrogen awareness outreach campaign is planning to initiate a program to educate property owners about septic discharge and how it affects surface waters and aquifers. 

Concerned Citizens of Montauk, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and Group for the East End will work collaboratively with the Legislature. C.C.O.M. has agreed to match the county’s $112,000 for the project, which will begin within the next year and is to be completed within three years. In a statement, Laura Tooman, C.C.O.M.’s president, said: “C.C.O.M. looks forward to working with Suffolk County.” In the same statement, Legislator Bridget Fleming said, “Partnering with local not-for-profits on common goals like we are here is just another example of good government in action.”

Tick Contest 

The winners of Suffolk County’s 2018 tick safety poster contest were honored on July 17 at a meeting of the Legislature. The grand prizewinner, Annika Pasquale, received a joint proclamation from Legislators Bridget Fleming and Al Krupski, and the third division winner, Berlin Pasquale, received a certificate from Ms. Fleming. In addition, April Nil-Boitano, from Tick-Wise Education, who helped organize the contest, accepted a certificate for East End Tick and Mosquito Control, one of the contest’s sponsors. 

“Prevention is key in avoiding tick-borne illnesses,” Ms. Fleming said in a statement. “That’s what makes prevention, and education about prevention techniques, so important.” 

New York State

To Improve Roads and Crosswalks

Several East End crosswalks will receive improvements as part of a $62 million state program to enhance pedestrian safety, according to a recent announcement from State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. The initiative involves engineering work as well as education and law enforcement campaigns.

A $7.5 million project is underway to improve safety at 236 locations on Long Island, including 23 uncontrolled crosswalks in the Towns of East Hampton and Southampton and 7 in Sag Harbor Village and North Haven Village. The Sag Harbor Village locations include three intersections with Division Street, at Love Lane, Burke Street, and Bay Street. On North Haven a section of Ferry Road in front of Village Hall will also be improved. The work is expected to be completed next summer. 

Several segments of Montauk Highway in East Hampton, Bridgehampton, and Water Mill are slated for safety enhancements as well. 

Earlier this month, Mr. Thiele announced that the state has allocated $2.6 million to repair more than 54 miles of state roads on the East End, including sections of Montauk Highway extending from County Road 39 in Southampton to Stephen Hand’s Path in East Hampton, and from Buell Lane in East Hampton Village to South Etna Avenue in Montauk. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2019.

Federal

Gershon Opens Southampton Office

Perry Gershon, the Democratic Party’s nominee to challenge Representative Lee Zeldin in New York’s First Congressional District, will open a campaign field office in Southampton on Sunday.

The campaign has invited the public to the opening of the office, at 71 Hill Street, at 10 a.m. that day. Mr. Gershon will attend the opening, as will local elected officials and community leaders, according to the campaign. “Help us send the message that we have a grassroots team ready to defeat Lee Zeldin in November and flip the 1st Congressional District,” the campaign said in an email on Tuesday.