Letters to the Editor: Truck Beach 03.31.16

Of All People

East Hampton

March 28, 2016

Dear David,

Although I am not at all surprised, I am appalled by the audacity of Cindi Crain (the founder and mouthpiece for SAFE and also one of the plaintiffs in the well-publicized lawsuits re Napeague Beach), of all people, to point fingers at any who enjoy using four-wheel-drive vehicles for recreational purposes.

The website (virginbushsafaris.com) for Cindi Crain’s company, Virgin Bush Safaris, paints a vividly clear picture of just how integral four-wheel-drive vehicles are to Virgin Bush Safari’s African escapades. In the light of the fact that Ms. Crain has an interest in the safari industry, it is then also ludicrous for SAFE and Ms. Crain to accuse the local families who frequent Napeague Beach of being insensitive to the environment, as the damage that has in fact been caused by safari vehicles to the grasslands and wildlife of Africa is so very well documented.

If not for the fact that a longstanding stewardship of our natural resources has been provided for generations by the government and the people of East Hampton Town, that which remains would not exist. It should insult the intelligence of every person who has ever enjoyed all that this special place called East Hampton has to offer, that someone who has in fact made her fortune utilizing four-wheel-drive vehicles to exploit the environment in another country for profit, would attempt to suggest that she is more concerned about Napeague Beach than are those who live and work here year round. 

I would caution all who are interested in forming an intelligent opinion on the issues at hand to first take a closer look at the facts, rather than relying on the well-orchestrated grandstanding and sensationalism that is being presented by SAFE and Ms. Crain. In forming your opinion you might also take into consideration the fact that Ms. Crain also holds a seat on the board of directors of Crain Communications Inc., the well-established media giant that is owned by her family.

When all of these facts are taken into consideration, it may well become apparent that there may be an underlying agenda that goes well beyond the myth that health, safety, and environmental issues are the basis for SAFE’s cause celebre.

G.A. COBB

On Dolphin Drive

Springs

March 28, 2016

To The Editor:

There is a startling quote from Supervisor Larry Cantwell in the March 28 edition of the New York Post. He says that public access is a “paramount issue” in regard to Truck Beach. Yet he and his fellow Democrats on the town board have totally shut off parking on Dolphin Drive, the only adjacent readily available parking for the beach at South Flora.

Apparently the wishes of a few wealthy homeowners next door are of more “paramount” concern than the interests of the public that paid for the beach.

Sincerely, 

REG CORNELIA